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May 19 Council update:
Letter to Governor requesting safe and rapid reopening of businesses approved; formal Town opposition to Pine Canyon development proposal to be finalized; height increase request for existing cell tower to be explored A letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis urging the need to safely reopen local businesses as soon as possible; a request for a height increase to an existing wireless cellular facility northeast of Downtown; and a discussion on a proposed rezoning plan submitted to Douglas County for the
State seeks input on draft restaurant guidelines
DENVER, May 19, 2020: Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released draft proposed guidelines for restaurants to stakeholders. Stakeholders can submit comments to this draft through Friday, May 22 using this online form. Once final, these guidelines will be used when it is safe to start easing COVID-19 related safety restrictions for restaurants. On May 25, the state will decide if restaurants can begin reopening and at what level. This date does not reflect when restaurants may
Massive Fraud Against State Unemployment Insurance Programs
The United States Secret Service has received reporting of a well-organized Nigerian fraud ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit large-scale fraud against state unemployment insurance programs. The primary state targeted so far is Washington, while there is also evidence of attacks in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Florida. It is extremely likely every state is vulnerable to this scheme and will be targeted if they have not been already. In the state of
DCBA, Day 62 of the Legislative Recess
In a piece of good news, it was announced on Friday that the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs would be the home to US Space Command for at least the next 6 years. Governor Polis welcomed this news, saying that the state is a natural fit for US Space Command with a strong military community and aerospace community. This week Joint Budget Committee members continued to wrestle with setting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. On Tuesday, economists from Legislative Council Staff (LCS)
Restaurant Guidance
In case you missed it, here is some of the information that the Governor shared today regarding when restaurants can open to dine in customers. Guidance is expected to be released on Friday. https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/some-restaurants-could-open-to-dine-in-customers-next-week-colorado-restaurant-association-says/ Working with the Town, County, School District, Library and several private property owners we have received permission to market the locations shown with red stars below as
Virtual Meeting with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce invites you to a virtual meeting with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner. Senator Gardner wants your feedback on how the CARES Act is working for your business. You are invited to participate in a virtual meeting with the Senator this Friday at 10:30 a.m. MDT to discuss federal COVID relief and its impact on the business community. Sen. Gardner will provide an update on the federal response to the pandemic and will then take your questions and ideas about what more
Gov. Polis to Meet With President
On Wednesday, Governor Polis will travel to the White House to meet with President Trump to discuss the state’s response to coronavirus and advocate for more federal resources to help Colorado deal with the public health and economic consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enforcement of Public Health Orders________________________________________Coloradans and local businesses did a fantastic job of obeying the Stay-at-Home order. Widespread compliance with the Stay-at-Home order allowed us to
Town Hall-Wed @ 5:30 | Safely Reopening our Economy: Your Weekly Update
The County Commissioners and representatives from Tri-County Health will provide updates and take your questions about the safer-at-home order and progress on safely reopening the County’s economy on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. At the time of the event, watch on this web page, on our Facebook page, or listen in by calling 833-380-0668. Questions will be taken by phone (press *3 after calling) and on this web page (question feature appears once the event starts). Listen or view previous Town
General Assembly Will Extend Temporary Adjournment 1 Week
DENVER, CO– Democratic Leadership in the General Assembly today announced that the temporary suspension of the legislature will continue until the week of May 25 to give additional time for preparations including safety protocols, to work through appropriate legislation, and to seek greater clarity on potential Congressional action that could significantly impact our state budget. “When we set out a tentative timeline to reconvene the General Assembly, we did so with the recognition that we faced a lot of
DCBA, Day 55 of the Legislative Recess
The Joint Budget Committee met this week to balance the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020-21. It has been an emotional week for members and staff as they discuss potential cuts to programs. Each day was filled with tough decisions and more bad news. Members have had to defund many programs that they helped create through legislation passed in prior sessions. Throughout the meetings, other legislators hopped on the webinar line and advocated for not defunding items that they cared about. In many
Colorado Health Care Option Dropped For This Year But Effort Continues
Full Article Text Guest Commentary: Colorado Health Care Option Dropped For This Year But Effort ContinuesKerry Donovan, Dylan Roberts and Chris Kennedy | Denver Post | May 4, 2020 When a community faces a difficult problem, it can illuminate society’s challenges and gaps. One of those challenges is that far too many Coloradans lack access to affordable health care. Talking about the gaps and challenges of our healthcare system is not new territory for us – our constituents have some of the highest
DCBA, Under the Dome, Day 48 of the Legislative Recess
Under The Dome, Week 17The Joint Budget Committee begins work on Monday in a two week sprint to rewrite the state budget ahead of the full General Assembly returning on May 18. The Executive Committee of Legislative Council will also meet ahead of the full reconvening. Joint Rule 44 gives leadership the power to set the agenda for the remaining session. At this point, leadership has indicated that a bill needs to be “fast, friendly, and free” or directly related to the COVID-19 crisis. Before the
FAMLI Bill Dead - Sponsors Jump on Ballot Initiative & Blame Biz Community
Here's the latest regarding the proposed state mandated family & medical leave program. The bill sponsors announced that they will not pursue legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes in May [see attached press release]. Instead, they are putting their support behind a ballot initiative that has been approved for the 2020 Election: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2019-2020/283Final.pdf Background:Starting in January 2020, the bill sponsors and proponents
DCBA, Under the Dome, Day 41 of the Legislative Recess
Under The Dome, Week 16On Monday, April 27, a week before the Joint Budget Committee is set to return to work, staff budget balancing recommendations will be released to the public. The coronavirus pandemic has brought much of the state and nation’s economy to a standstill. The slowdown presented challenges to businesses ordered to close and left an unprecedented number of people without work. State and local government budgets will feel the economic cliff in a significant way, and elected officials are now
FRAUD ALERT: Consumer Fraud Protection - 18th Judicial District - Bitcoin Blackmail Scam
Recently, the Consumer Fraud Protection Division of the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has fielded increasing numbers of complaints from concerned citizens. Several members of our community have received emails on their personal accounts from unknown sources stating that their computer has been hacked, their webcam is being monitored, and their contact list has been seized. In addition, the scammers state that they have recorded the complainant visiting adult websites and threaten to distribute
New Exec Orders on Safer at Home, 4-26
Attached the newest Executive Orders. New Norrmal Advisory BoardSafer at HomeElective Surgeries PLEASE NOTE – This is the Statewide standard, cities and counties can have stricter standards. Please see below for more in lower standards and guidelines. Changes happening during Safer at Home will be phased in, with different changes going into effect April 27, May 1, and May 4. Safer at Home Order Elective Surgery and ProceduresGovernor’s New Normal Advisory Board The Safer at Home Executive
Colorado & Nevada Join California, Oregon & Washington in Western States Pact
Western States Governors: Health outcomes and science – not politics – will guide decisions to modify stay at home orders DENVER – Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak today announced their respective states are joining California, Oregon and Washington in the Western States Pact -- a working group of Western state governors with a shared vision for modifying stay at home and fighting COVID-19.“Coloradans are working together to slow the spread of COVID-19 and have important
Governor Polis Press Conference - Update, Next Phase - Safer at Home
Yesterday Governor Polis shared an approach for the month of May, after the statewide stay at home order expires Monday, April 27. In the next phase, Coloradans will have to continue to move to a sustainable way of social distancing, and still keeping social interactions at a minimum. Non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen under some restrictions to limit person to person contact. Official guidance on the restrictions is yet to come – we will send as soon as released. Here is a Denver
COventure Forward: helping entrepreneurs and small businesses through the crisis
The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship in CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business is making resources available to help entrepreneurs and small businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. They’re creating ways to support businesses by connecting them with mentors, providing insights from our faculty, and eventually through student support on projects. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can gain access to the collective strength and assets of Colorado-based universities, mentors and faculty to help
DCBA, Under the Dome, Day 34 of the Legislative Recess
Under The Dome, Week 15 Officially, the state legislature is in a holding pattern until the JBC is planned to start in a few weeks. It was announced this week that when the legislature does return, Representative McCluskie will serve as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Rep. Esgar will be vice-chair. Rep. Esgar will have her hands full serving as Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, which has nearly $3 billion in reductions to accomplish in a short time frame. Many legislators are
Under the Dome, Day 27 of the Legislative Recess
Seven states—Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Vermont—are still in legislative session. Twenty six states, including Colorado, have suspended legislative sessions due to COVID and thirteen states have wrapped up their 2020 legislative session. This week a tentative timeline for passing the state budget crystalized. Updated figure setting documents will be available to the public on April 27. The Joint Budget Committee is expected to meet again beginning on Monday,
Gov. Polis Takes Further Action To Address COVID-19
Information courtesy of the Governor's Office Published on April 7, 2020 in 2020 & Breaking News Gov. Polis signed Executive Orders today taking further action to address COVID-19 in Colorado. Gov. Polis signed an Executive Order amending and extending D 2020 017 to extend the state-wide stay at home order until April 26, 2020. View here. The Governor also rescinded Executive Order D 2020 013 requiring all Colorado employers to reduce their in-person workforce by 50%. This is being rescinded because it
DCBA, Under the Dome, Day 20 of Legislative Recess
State Legislative Update Governor Polis signed HB20-1158 into law on Wednesday, which expands access to fertility treatments and in vitro fertilization by making changes to insurance carrier requirements. In signing the bill, the Governor released an accompanying letter explaining that while he signed HB20-1158, he would not sign any other insurance mandates this legislative session unless they are related to COVID-19. And in future years, he asked that bills proposing insurance mandates receive an
General Assembly Extends Recess until April 2
On Monday, the House and Senate of the Colorado General Assembly met very briefly and adjourned until 10:00am Thursday April 2. 9 members of the Colorado House of Representatives were present for the morning proceedings. Since there was not a quorum, House Majority Leader Alec Garnett moved to adjourn until 10am on Thursday, April 2nd invoking Article 5, Section 11 of the Colorado Constitution. This section of the Constitution states: A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
Please find attached and at this link the U.S. Chamber’s Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist. This is the first of a number of resources we are developing to help you connect your members with the resources recently approved by Congress to respond to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. As many of you are aware, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic
Under The Dome, Week 12 Session, Week 2 Recess
COVID-19 Updates In Colorado 1,734 people have tested positive for COVID-19, over 239 people have been hospitalized, and 31 people have died due to the virus, it is present in 42 counties, 11,676 people have been tested, and there have been 9 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities. In the past two weeks public officials ordered the closure of many parts of public life, culminating this week with a growing number of local Stay at Home orders until Governor Polis issued a
County Assessor offers no penalty, 2-month grace period for Business Personal Property Declaration
Good news for businesses owners in Douglas County who face an upcoming deadline to file their business personal property declarations. Douglas County Assessor Lisa Frizell has extended the deadline to June 15 with no late penalties imposed. “Considering the public health crisis impacting us all, this is the right action to take,” said Frizell. There are several options for filing a declaration:File Online - Once a property record has been established, businesses have the option to view and file their
Three Metro Denver Public Health Departments Issue Stay-At-Home Orders to Stop the Spread of COVID-1
Jefferson County, Colo. — Three public health departments serving more than 2 million residents across the Metro Denver region joined together to issue Stay-At-Home Public Health Orders in their counties today, effective March 26 at 8:00 a.m. until April 17 at 11:59 p.m. unless officials determine it is in the interest of public health to expire at an earlier date and time. The departments include Boulder County Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health and TriCounty Health Department (which serves
Gov. Polis: Colorado is Leading by Example and Taking Action to Address COVID-19
CENTENNIAL - Gov. Polis provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19. Today he signed an executive order directing all of Colorado’s non-critical employers to reduce their in-person workforce by 50 percent. In accordance with the executive order, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is also issuing a public health order. “As long as I am in a position to lead Colorado’s response, I will continue to take bold steps and do everything in my power to protect our medical
JBC Action Postponed Until April 7 at Earliest
While the legislature is set to return on March 30, the outbreak is showing no signs of slowing down and there is the potential that the chambers will gavel in only to extend the recess. The state capitol, initially only closed Monday through Wednesday this week to the public, is now closed to the public indefinitely. The Joint Budget Committee, initially set to meet on March 23rd, will now meet as early as April 7th. We will keep you posted as we learn more! DENVER, CO -- JBC Chair Representative
Gov. Polis: Highlights, Landlords, Alcohol Sales, SBA Loans, Tax Day Deadline
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to COVID-19 and announced a number of actions the state is taking to support Colorado’s economy. “This virus has significantly impacted our economy here at home and across the world. We know this has been challenging for our local businesses and workers, and we are working to provide relief including deferral of taxes and suspension of evictions to Colorado families and individuals. These times are difficult, but they are
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 11, Week 1 COVID 19 Recess
Coronavirus in Colorado People all across the state are adjusting to life during the coronavirus pandemic, working from home, learning online, and making fewer trips outside of the house. Perhaps more shocking than the announcements from public leaders of measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus is the pace at which many aspects of everyday life have ground to a halt. As of today, in Colorado there are 277 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 4 deaths from the virus, and roughly 3,000 tests have been
New Funding Options through KIVA Partnership with Colorado Lending Source!
Supporting Small Business with KIVA Hub Partnership Colorado Lending Source cares about small business and being a resource to the community. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we are already seeing the negative economic impacts on small businesses. To continue supporting our community we have partnered with Kiva to become their newest hub and offer an innovative new micro-loan product! We want to make access to affordable capital as simple and impactful as possible during these challenging
Colorado Continues to Take Action in Response to COVID-19
DENVER - Today Governor Polis announced a number of state actions to address the impact of COVID-19. Actions include a special enrollment period for uninsured Coloradans, executive orders temporarily suspending elective surgeries and reducing in-person contact related to election requirements, and an updated public health order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “As a state, we are looking at all possible solutions to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of
Gov. Polis Pushes for Federal Funding for Small Businesses
DENVER - Governor Jared Polis sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for federal funding in order to provide relief for Colorado’s small businesses dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Governor and the Polis administration are proactively working with Colorado’s federal delegation to ensure Colorado has the resources available to address this pandemic. “Colorado’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and are woven into the fabric of our way of
Historic, Under The Dome, Week 10
Highlights of the Week This week was marked by headlines of the escalating outbreak of coronavirus cases and disruptions, closures, and cancellations. The landscape changed quickly since March 5 when the first case of coronavirus was announced in Colorado to the end of this week when the legislature met on Saturday to pass a resolution to go in to a unprecedented two week recess. On Saturday, the House and Senate passed two relevant resolutions: HJR20-1006 asks the Colorado Supreme Court to issue an
How the Colorado Legislature's coronavirus-related break could impact transportation funding, family
Few articles here:Click Here
Small businesses in Colorado eye paid family leave warily, but is it justified?
Small businesses in Colorado eye paid family leave warily, but is it justified?https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/15/small-businesses-colorado-paid-family-leave/
Open Message To Our Members, COVID-19
Like all of you, the Chamber is sensitive to how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts both business and community. Without doubt, we are in uncharted waters. It is critical we work together to communicate a clear message - Castle Rock is OPEN for Business! The way we deliver may look differently, yet our doors are OPEN. The best way to navigate the rocky waters is through communication and facts, not fear and panic. As such, we plan to do our part to keep an open line of communication to you about the
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 9
Highlights of the Week On Thursday this week, a bill to implement a public option for health insurance was introduced. The bill was long expected after a final report on the public option was released in late 2019 by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Division of Insurance (DOI). As expected, HB 20-1349 contains much of the proposal from the executive branch agencies with a few differences. The bill requires health insurance companies to offer a plan, the details of
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 8
Under the Dome, Week 8 Highlights of the Week It was a week of long nights at the capitol, including one night that stretched into morning. The House of Representative debated the Death Penalty Repeal, SB20-100, from Monday midafternoon until 4:00am on Tuesday. The House ultimately passed the bill by a vote of 38-27. The bill heads to Governor Polis, who has indicated that he will sign the bill. The House Energy and Environment Committee previously heard testimony on HB20-1025, Sales Tax
Update to the Population & Development Report 2020
The Douglas County Demographic Summary has been updated and is available online. This summary highlights the demographic changes in 2019. https://www.douglas.co.us/documents/douglas-county-demographics-summary.pdf The link to the entire Population & Development Report is: http://www.douglas.co.us/about-us/demographics/population-and-development-report/
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 7
Highlights of the Week This week Representative Cathy Kipp, a Democrat from Fort Collins, was appointed to House Education Committee, replacing Representative Julie McCluskie who now sits on the Joint Budget Committee. Representative Kipp served on the Poudre School District Board of Education from 2011-2017 and was appointed to the state legislature in 2018. SB20-093, Consumer And Employee Dispute Resolution Fairness, which proposes changes to arbitration procedures, was laid over daily this
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 6
Highlights of the Week This week Representative Richard Champion was sworn in to represent HD 38, a southern metro district that includes Littleton. Former Representative Susan Beckman resigned in January. Representative Champion previously served as Mayor of Columbine Valley and is the founder of a small oil and gas company. He will sit on the House Finance Committee as well as the House Health & Insurance Committee. SB20-093, Consumer and Employee Resolution Dispute Fairness, was laid over
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 5
DCBA Bill Tracker: https://statebillinfo.com/SBI/index.cfm?fuseaction=Public.Dossier&id=27133&pk=619&style=pinstripe Under the Dome, Week 5 Highlights of the Week The vacancy for House District 6, a Denver district seat left vacant after now-Senator Chris Hansen moved from the House to the Senate, was filled this week when new member Steven Woodrow was chosen for the position by a vacancy committee. Representative Woodrow is a consumer rights attorney. In another change this week,
Dream BIG Douglas County!
Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce held a kick off celebration lunch today to launch the Dream BIG Douglas County campaign. The Dream BIG Douglas County campaign will provide the Douglas County area with a properly funded chamber of commerce capable of accomplishing key initiatives. The Chamber is dedicated to improving community infrastructure, sound public policy, economic growth, helping our local employers with their workforce needs and building strong local leaders, all of which lead to a more successful
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 4
Highlights of the Week On Monday, a bill to repeal the death penalty in Colorado was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill passed Committee and on Thursday an emotional debate by the full Senate lasted well into the afternoon. Democrat Senator Rhonda Fields and Republican Senator Bob Gardner led much of the opposition. They argued that Colorado’s death penalty law differs from other states and how little the punishment is used, citing that there are only 3 people currently on death row
Chamber's DCBA takes position on 7 bills
The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Douglas County Business Alliance have taken a position on the following 7 bills. HB 1002 College Credit for Work Experience SupportHB 1025 Sales Tax Exemption Industrial and Manufacturing Energy Use OpposeHB 1089 Employee Protection Lawful Off-duty Activities OpposeHB 1093 County Authority License and Regulate
Under the Dome, Week 3 (2020)
Under The Dome, Week 3 Highlights of the Week On Tuesday this week, advocates from Colorado Families First filed two ballot proposals that would create a paid family and medical leave program. This is the first step in the citizen-initiated ballot measure process and these proposals will still need to go through the State Title Board and gather enough signatures to be placed on the November 2020 ballot. This move both puts pressure on lawmakers to pass their own version of a paid family leave program
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 2
DCBA Legislative Bill Link: https://statebillinfo.com/SBI/index.cfm?fuseaction=Public.Dossier&id=27133&pk=619&style=pinstripe Highlight of the Week This week there were two changes to the House of Representatives, one expected and one unexpected. The vacancy committee to replace Senator Court’s vacant Senate seat chose Representative Chris Hansen as the new Senator for the Denver district. Senator Court’s resignation also left an open leadership position, the Speaker Pro Tem, who leads the
DCBA Under the Dome - Week 1 and DCBA Legislative Bill Tracking link
DCBA Legislative Bill Link: https://statebillinfo.com/SBI/index.cfm?fuseaction=Public.Dossier&id=27133&pk=619&style=pinstripe Highlights of the Week The 2020 legislative session kicked off this week with a 164 bills introduced, opening day speeches by legislative leadership, and the Governor’s State of the State Address. Leading up to the first day of the legislative session, there are several changes in the legislature due to Representative Kimmi Lewis passing away after a battle with
County Commissioners Adopt 2020 Budget
Budget dedicates $214.4 million of the $463.2 million budget to Transportation and $127.4 million to Public Safety Published on January 9, 2020 in 2020, Breaking News, Multimodal Transportation & Personal and Public Safety “Our Board’s spending priorities are once again informed by citizen input, specifically the priority placed on transportation and public safety,” said Board Chair Roger Partridge, during the Board’s public hearing on December 13, 2019, at which the County’s 2020 Budget was
Opening Day of the 2020 Legislative Session
Legislator Changes Under The Golden Dome House Committee Schedule: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/houseschedule2020.pdf Senate Committee Schedule: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/senateschedule2020.pdf House Committee Assignments: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2020_house_committee_membership.pdf Senate Committee Assignments: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2020_senate_committee_membership.pdf Leading up to the first day of the
Growing Forward Population & Economic Trends in Colorado, Douglas County, and Castle Rock
Castle Rock Economic Partnership proudly welcomed Elizabeth Garner, State Demography Office on August 1st at Town Hall for a discussion on Colorado population projections & preparing for Census 2020.View presentationElizabeth Garner | State Demography Office, Department of Local Affairs Demography.dola.colorado.gov
