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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)
TREASURY & SBA RELEASE PPP FORGIVENESS APPLICATION
Urgent Alert: SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application On May 15, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including: · Options for borrowers to
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
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
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
Colorado Employment Declines in March
VIEW SUMMARY OF MARCH INFO AND THE BEGINNING OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT SPIKESThe Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its Colorado employment data for March. The data shows that seasonally adjusted employment declined by 3,900. As expected, U.S. retail and auto sales and most leading indicators have declined. The Conference Board has provided four scenarios for the economy - pick your poison. Unfortunately, they all indicate that Q2 is going to be tough. Until the volatility subsides, the weekly
OPENING UP AMERICA AGAIN
President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives. View Opening Up America Again Guidelines
Town Council approves new small business grant, loan programs
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented small business impacts. Accordingly, Town Council is offering never-before-seen local business support programs, to help the many outlets that contribute to our community’s economy and character continue to succeed. Council approved the latest of these initiatives Tuesday – a program offering one-time grants of up to $5,000 per business, and another offering firms no-interest, no-fee loans of up to $25,000. Together, these new programs represent
Instructions for Critical Business Self-Certification for Essential Business Travel
In order to help essential businesses that require travel, the State of Colorado, has offered the attached voluntary document as a way for individuals to certify that that they are part of an essential business. Please note that this is NOT required but could help workers in certain situations.https://www.manufacturersedge.com/wp-content/uploads/Critical-Business-Self-Certification.pdf
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
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
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
COVID 19 Update from Castle Rock EDC/Downtown Alliance
View Castle Rock EDC's COVID 19 Update from Castle Rock EDC/Downtown Alliance
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
How the Colorado Legislature's coronavirus-related break could impact transportation funding, family
Few articles here:Click Here
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
I-25 & Plum Creek/Meadows Parkway
CDOT completes roadway and traffic signal improvements on I-25 & Plum Creek/Meadows Parkway DOUGLAS COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is pleased to announce the completion of the roadway and traffic signal improvement project on Interstate 25 at Plum Creek Parkway and Meadows Parkway. The contractor selected for the $1.25M project was Interface Communications. As part of CDOT’s Whole System Whole Safety initiative, this project improved safety by removing the deteriorating signal
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
Schomp Automotive Group provides $250K gift and sponsorship to ACC's Sturm Collaboration Campus
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (Feb. 20, 2020) – Schomp Automotive Group is providing a $250,000 gift and sponsorship to Arapahoe Community College’s (ACC) Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock. This gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the Sturm Family Foundation, which will provide $500,000 for future program innovation initiatives at the campus and student scholarships. The state of the art boardroom at the campus will be named the ‘Schomp Automotive Innovation Center’. This investment supports the ACC
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
Encore groundbreaking
Confluence Companies held a ground breaking ceremony last week to kick off the Encore project. Encore, formerly known as Festival Park Commons, is a proposed redevelopment of three lots Downtown, just south of Town Hall. The proposed project is a result of a request for proposals the Town distributed in 2017, specifically for a new parking structure. Construction began in fall 2019 and will likely continue through 2021. The seven-story building that includes 124 condominiums, 17,881 sq. ft. for retail,
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
Innovative educational delivery draws panel to Sturm Collaboration Campus
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (Jan. 21, 2020) – Sturm Collaboration Campus hosted a panel discussion and facility tour with education, industry, government and community leaders on Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, to showcase Arapahoe Community College’s dynamic work-based learning programs and postsecondary certificates connecting industry and education. Apprenticeships in the fields of healthcare, manufacturing and automotive service technology were highlighted, and several current and former ACC students were on
Colorado Business Review -- 2020 Outlook Forum Highlights
This issue highlights the 55th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum held on December 9, 2019 in Denver. Colorado’s employment growth is expected to slow this year compared to 2019, although the state will still be among the top 10 for job growth nationally. Read/Download the Colorado Business Review, Issue 1, 2020
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
Pre-Apprenticeship Offers Students View into Careers in Healthcare
CASTLE ROCK – In December 2019, 16 Douglas County School District (DCSD) students completed the inaugural pre-apprenticeship course offered at the newly-opened Arapahoe Community College (ACC) Sturm Collaboration Campus.Officially titled “HPR 123: Allied Health Pre-Apprenticeship,” the course is a collaboration between ACC, DCSD, and Centura Health to help students learn about opportunities in the healthcare field through a combination of academic lectures and hands-on experience. Students shadow
What Is the 2020 Census?
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short
“Remarkable response” to Douglas County’s $10 million commitment to schools
Commissioners confirm requests represent the majority of neighborhood, charter and private schools in the County. Published on September 18, 2019 in 2019 & Breaking NewsDouglas County Commissioners Roger Partridge, Lora Thomas and Abe Laydon Less than five months after the May 7 STEM School shooting in Highlands Ranch, the majority of schools in Douglas County are one step closer to receiving a portion of the $10 million commitment from Douglas County Government for physical school security and mental
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
