CHAMPIONING THE POLICIES THAT BEST SERVE YOU

As we emerge from the grip of the pandemic and navigate sky-high inflation rates, businesses in Boulder are firing on all cylinders to stay afloat — and they’re up against additional local challenges, too. If you’re a business leader, you might be experiencing supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages. Or maybe, you want to start a new business in Boulder, but are waiting for the permits you need to get off the ground.

“Coming out of Covid, many people are struggling financially. When you put your entire financial future into your business, there’s no backstop and no one else to pay your packcheck,” says Jonathan Singer, Senior Director of Policy Programs at the Boulder Chamber. “It’s a scary place to be, and when all these new regulations are coming down — and you’re not a lawyer, but someone who started out on a dream — it is a lot of stress to bear.”

“At the Boulder Chamber, our role is to be a connector, an educator, and an advocate,” shares Jonathan. We’re here to bridge the gap between you and the government leaders who create these regulations and policies that affect your business — and our promise is to champion

the ones that best serve you.

Advocating for More Efficiency in Permitting and Regulations

After hearing about the difficulties of getting the right business permits in a timely manner, we brought the issue to City regulators and are advocating for staffing and administrative improvements that will create a more efficient permitting process. Business owners need swift and decisive action from our local government for a runway towards success.

If you have a question on permitting or regulations, reach out to us. Whether it’s an inquiry regarding sales and use tax, or what relocating your business to Boulder might look like, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

Brainstorming Solutions to the Homelessness Issue

A growing issue of concern for community members and businesses is homelessness. An estimated

700 individuals in Boulder are experiencing homelessness (Source: MDHI). At the Boulder Chamber, we initiated a four-part series called “Solutions to Homelessness,” which brought together our members, law enforcement officials, homeless service providers, and long-time advocates for homeless rights to discuss all sides of the issue. In the next few months, we’re planning to release a solutions-based framework that is designed to support policies and programs that meet the needs of our unhoused population, while taking action to address the intolerable impacts of homelessness on our business and residents.

Standing Up for the Issues That Affect Our Economy and Workforce

Your voice needs to be heard at every level of government. At the local level, we advocate to City Council on your behalf about topics such as revamping Boulder’s development planning process and how to build more affordable housing. And at the federal level, we speak up about areas including Boulder’s advanced industries program and tax credits to promote growth, innovation, and the creation of jobs. These are the policies that directly impact your business and the workforce talent available to you.

Recently, we went to the state legislature to discuss Zero Fare for Better Air, a remarkably successful transportation initiative that provided free fares on all RTD public transit services last August. It’s being improved in a bill this year, and we hope that this benefit will be offered to residents once again. We’re teaming up with the Colorado Springs Chamber, public health advocates, environmentalists, and community commissioners to stand up for commuting. “It’s an environmental issue, business issue, and a health issue,” says Jonathan.

Celebrating Ballot Initiative Wins for Boulder

During the 2022 election cycle, the Boulder Chamber took positions on 11 issues — and saw some massive successes for Boulder County! We were part of the coalition that helped pass Proposition 123, the first statewide dedicated housing fund for affordable housing that will build between 10,000 and 20,000 homes each year. It will promote housing solutions for the full diversity of our workforce, and as a result, support an environment where all businesses (small and large) can thrive.

Three county ballot issues focused on sustainable and affordable transportation options for our community, all of which passed (and one of which was the most popular ballot initiative in Boulder County). “An exciting win at the state legislature was advocating for a new tax credit for employers who provide transportation options for their employees, whether that’s a bus pass or rebates for e-bikes,” explains Jonathan. It’s a way to promote more alternatives to driving solo in a car, in effort to reduce traffic and air pollution. If you’re interested in accessing this 50% tax credit for your organization, reach out to Boulder

Transportation Connections to get started.

At the workforce development level, we supported the BVSD bond initiative with its new GradPlus initiative. GradPlus will ensure that our schools are preparing the next generation for our 21st-century economy not just through lectures, but through skills-based learning opportunities, too. “For example, we want young people to get the skills they need to either become a skilled manufacturing technician, or take those technician skills and become an aerospace engineer,” explains Jonathan. Rather than students selecting one track or the other, the new GradPlus program will offer individuals a spectrum of skills development options, and where they land is up to them.

Our Promise Setting Ambitious Goals for the Year Ahead

At the Boulder Chamber, we have ambitious goals to stand up for policies that support your business success, sustain a vibrant economy, and that we can all be proud of as a community. “We are only as strong as our membership and community,” concludes Jonathan. “Your involvement and knowledge on the frontlines of what’s happening today gives us the power and authority to speak the truth to our decisionmakers at every level of government.” Let us know what’s happening in your world today. We stand ready to support you — and to fulfill our mission of building community through business.