Colorado has earned itself a reputation as one of the country’s most business-friendly and innovative states, driven by a diverse economy, competitive tax structure, entrepreneurial growth, and high quality of life.
However, new data trends have suggested that the state’s business climate is facing growing challenges. Business leaders have raised strong concerns about the ever-increasing red tape, costs, and policies viewed as less favorable to employers, while more companies are choosing to relocate or expand elsewhere.
Recent indicators highlight the growing strain on Colorado’s economy:
– 6th most regulated state in the nation
– Ranked 38th for cost of doing business
– 3rd most expensive state to live in
– Worst state in the country per capita for net employment loss
Unfortunately, these rankings are reflections of increasing regulations, rising compliance and legal costs, and affordability pressures that are impacting employers, workers, and overall economic competitiveness. These challenges have contributed to business relocations, heavy job losses, and declining performance in national business rankings. This report examines the trends shaping Colorado’s business climate and economy, and deep-dives into how recent policy and economic changes are impacting the state’s competitiveness and long-term growth.
Elizabeth serves as the Outreach Director and Policy Analyst at Advance Colorado. She previously worked for the Colorado House of Representatives for nearly three years as a legislative aide, where she assisted in policy work across a range of issue areas for the caucus. Elizabeth earned dual undergraduate degrees in Politics and Philosophy from Colorado Christian University. While at CCU, she served as President of the Philosophy Club, participated in First Liberty’s D.C. Fellowship Program, and worked with the Centennial Institute. She and her husband, Jason, live in Littleton.
At Advance Colorado, we believe in an education system that puts Colorado parents and students first through a system that emphasizes:
At the heart of Colorado’s school system is school choice, in which our state has been a national trailblazer for decades. – a system that has enjoyed deep, bipartisan support.
We craft cutting edge policies that empower parents, taxpayers, and teachers and push back on the status quo interests that resist reform.
Our 2024 Policy Agenda includes several important education reform priorities. Read it HERE
This year, we are leading the charge to protect the school choice rights we currently have – rights that are annually under siege from the education establishment groups that want to eliminate your right to choose the best school for your children. We can secure our rights into the future through a school choice amendment to the Colorado Constitution.
Read our policy brief on this important issue HERE.
We help citizens become advocates and leaders.
Whether you are a concerned parent, grandparent or taxpayer, Advance Colorado can equip you with the knowledge and tools to be an effective advocate for high quality, accountable schools. Learn more about our ambassador program.
And if you are interested in running to become a member of your local school board, you can apply to participate in the Advance Colorado Academy New Leader program. LINK If you are a current school board member, you can enroll in our “You’ve Won, Now What?” program. Learn more about our “You’ve Won, Now What?” program.
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We’re grateful for your continued support and have big plans for 2026. Help spread the word and stay engaged as we work to return Colorado to the special place we know it to be and love.
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