Colorados population has surpassed 6 million for the first time, according to the governors office, signaling robust growth amid national trends. Governor Jared Polis hailed the milestone as proof that the state excels for living, working, and raising families, crediting investments in housing, workforce development, and schools that have stabilized rents and home prices while curbing crime significantly in 2025 compared to 2024.

In politics, lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 26-004 with a 3-2 party-line vote in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, expanding the states red flag law to let health care facilities, behavioral health centers, K-12 schools, and universities petition for extreme risk protection orders to temporarily remove firearms from at-risk individuals, Denver7 reports. Sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, whose son died in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, the measure faced heated debate over potential misuse but heads to the full Senate amid a $850 million budget shortfall. The legislature has introduced 139 bills so far this session.

Economically, Colorado added 187,163 new businesses in 2025 per the secretary of states report from the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business, though formations slowed later in the year amid uncertainty. In Colorado Springs, the Chamber and EDC touted nine projects creating 1,115 jobs and $499.4 million in investment, including Swire Coca-Colas $475 million facility and aerospace expansions. The University of Denver completed Colorados first off-site virtual net metering solar project in Johnstown, generating 3.28 MWdc to cut emissions and costs.

Community efforts shine in education and infrastructure: CSU Pueblo partners with the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority on retail, housing, hotels, and restaurants west of campus to draw students and families, funded partly by property taxes, KOAA reports. Climate workforce grants from the Colorado Energy Office fund heat pump training at Colorado Mesa University and Red Rocks Community College.

A recent weekend brought light snow of 1 to 2 inches to the Front Range with sub-zero chills, per BoulderCAST, but dry warmth persists, leaving snowpack at record lows and reservoirs critically low. Water officials forecast grim drought conditions for the Colorado River Basin, with expired interstate agreements heightening tensions, the Colorado Sun states.

Looking Ahead: Watch for SB26-004s Senate floor vote, potential Friday Arctic front with mountain snow, and Colorado River negotiations in Washington as states address expiring pacts.

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Colorado's 2026 legislative session kicked off last week with heated debates over gun violence prevention and economic incentives. The Colorado Ceasefire organization supports SB26-004, which expands petitioners for Extreme Risk Protection Orders to include schools and health facilities, inspired by the Evergreen shooting, while strongly opposing HB26-1021 that seeks to repeal years of gun laws. Meanwhile, lawmakers grapple with an $850 million structural deficit, partly blamed on spending one-time federal pandemic funds on ongoing programs like Medicaid and preschool, according to nonpartisan Joint Budget Committee staff reported by the Colorado Sun.

In business news, Colorado added 187,163 new businesses in 2025, though filings slowed in the second half, per the secretary of state's report. A major flashpoint is dueling bills on data centers amid the AI boom. Pro-industry legislation backed by Democrats like Rep. Alex Valdez offers 20-year tax exemptions for developers investing $250 million and creating high-wage jobs, aiming to boost utilities like Xcel Energy, as detailed by CPR News. Environmentalists counter with demands for developers to fully fund grid upgrades and report water use.

Community efforts shine in education and infrastructure. CSU Pueblo partners with the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority on a project west of campus to add hotels, retail, housing, and restaurants, funded partly by local property taxes, to attract students, KOAA reports. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston targets filling half of downtown's vacant office space, delivering 2,500 affordable housing units, and installing 5,000 clean energy systems this year. Quantum tech advances, with CU Boulder's initiative highlighting Colorado's leadership and new seed grants.

Public safety faces risks from weather, as the Colorado Avalanche Information Center tallied 67 backcountry avalanches from January 23 to 26 amid fresh snow, warning of persistent slab setups that could grow larger.

Looking Ahead: Watch for Ceasefire's Lobby Day on February 26, quantum events like Taylor Hartley's post-quantum cryptography talk today in Boulder, and data center bill clashes.

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Colorado's 2026 legislative session kicked off last week with Democrats pledging to shield residents from potential federal policy shifts while advancing housing, health care, and climate goals, according to Colorado Newsline. Republicans, led by Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, emphasized parental choice in education, gun rights, and pragmatic environmental approaches. Key early bills include SB26-004, expanding Extreme Risk Protection Order petitioners to include schools and health facilities, supported by Colorado Ceasefire after the Evergreen shooting, and the opposed HB26-1021 aiming to repeal years of gun laws. Sunset reviews of 16 government functions are also underway.

In business news, Colorado added 187,163 new entities in 2025, a 4.5% rise year-over-year per the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School report, though renewals dipped 3.4% amid economic uncertainty and slowing job growth. Unemployment eased after peaking in May 2025, with GDP up 4.3% in late quarters. Xcel Energy warned of natural gas bill spikes from this weekend's cold snap, atop proposed 9% electricity and 11.4% gas rate hikes for infrastructure. Metro Denver apartment vacancies hit 16-year highs, easing rents to an effective $1,585 monthly with incentives.

Community efforts shine in education and infrastructure: CSU Pueblo partners with the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority on hotels, retail, and housing west of campus to attract students, targeting a May plan. Thornton advances its Anythink Library and trail projects for 2026 completion, while Aims Community College welcomes 3D homebuilder Alquist to its new workforce center. School District 49 faces layoffs from budget woes, and a new system reports ICE misconduct.

Snowpack lags at 59% of normal, the lowest since 1987, per Denver Gazette forecasts, with only 4-7 inches expected this week and scant accumulation through January's end. Colorado Parks and Wildlife paused wolf reintroductions after federal halts on Canadian imports.

Looking Ahead: Watch February 26 Ceasefire Lobby Day, Q2 business filings, Thornton's trail openings, and Xcel rate decisions amid the 120-day session.

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Colorado's 2026 legislative session opened last week amid a challenging budget shortfall of about 850 million dollars, driven by federal cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and rising Medicaid costs, according to the Colorado Sun. Lawmakers face tough cuts while prioritizing housing affordability, with Governor Jared Polis and Democrats introducing three bills to reduce costs and expand supply, as reported by Colorado House Democrats. Top headlines include this fiscal crunch, dueling proposals on data centers offering tax breaks for job growth versus environmental safeguards against energy demands, per CPR News, bleak snowpack at a record low 59 percent of normal, and gun violence prevention measures like expanding Extreme Risk Protection Order petitioners, supported by Colorado Ceasefire.

In politics, the General Assembly convened January 14, with Democrats pledging to shield residents from Trump-era policies on health care and climate, while Republicans push back on regulations and emphasize gun rights and parental choice in education, Rocky Mountain PBS reports. Capital construction funding advances, including 7.5 million dollars for Community College of Denver's Boulder Creek remodel and one million for Colorado Mesa University's Performing Arts Center upgrades, per state leg documents. Economic efforts spotlight workforce boosts via supplemental Opportunity Now funding, announced by the Governor's Office.

Community fronts see infrastructure progress amid debates, but public safety and education funding strain under budget pressures. Employment ties to data center battles, balancing revenue against water and power risks in this water-constrained state.

Weather dominates concerns, with snowpack the worst since 1987 records began, per the Denver Gazette and Colorado Sun. Resorts expect 4 to 7 inches this weekend, but little more through January's end, threatening summer water supplies and ski operations.

Looking Ahead, watch February 26's Ceasefire Lobby Day, data center bill clashes, and IRS tax return openings January 26 amid potential refunds from federal changes. Sunset reviews and housing votes loom large.

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Colorado's 2026 legislative session launched this week amid a tight $850 million budget shortfall, with Democrats prioritizing housing, labor rights, mental health, and protections against federal immigration policies. According to Colorado Newsline, early bills target shielding residents from Trump-era enforcement, while the Colorado Sun reports major proposals like the HOME Act, which would let schools, universities, and developers bypass local zoning for affordable units on underused land—a priority backed by Governor Jared Polis in his final State of the State address. Polis also pushed for property subdivisions to boost density in areas like Denver and Grand Junction, building on prior accessory dwelling unit laws.

Economically, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved nearly $6 million in tax incentives for three firms, potentially creating 400 jobs, Colorado Politics notes. These include a quantum tech project eyeing Boulder County for 150 positions and an aerospace expansion near Colorado Springs bases. A new $5 million Child Care Capital and Infrastructure Fund, launched by Gary Community Ventures and First Southwest Bank, offers low-rate loans to expand rural child care facilities, partnering first with La Plata County's early childhood council.

Community efforts highlight education and infrastructure, with Polis calling for a unified workforce department to link students to high-paying jobs and fully funding schools. Local tensions simmer over ICE actions, as Denver and Aurora councils oppose federal overreach following a Colorado Springs shooting, per Colorado Inside Out discussions. No major weather events dominate, though northern lights may appear again soon from solar activity, the Colorado Sun forecasts.

Business groups like the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC advocate pro-business regulations and housing partnerships to stay competitive.

Looking Ahead: Watch for AI regulation tweaks, union bills, and budget battles through the 120-day session, plus data center incentives and rural child care expansions.

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Colorado's 2026 legislative session kicked off this week amid a tight $850 million state budget shortfall, with Governor Jared Polis delivering his final State of the State address on January 15, emphasizing a strong, resilient economy and commitments to fully fund schools while streamlining workforce services into a unified department. According to the Colorado Sun, lawmakers are prioritizing affordable housing, health care costs, public safety, and artificial intelligence regulations, including bills to ease property sales for casitas in dense areas like Denver and Grand Junction, and revisions to AI discrimination laws delayed from last year. PBS12 reports early tensions at the Capitol over immigration enforcement and funding, with Denver City Council proposing limits on ICE cooperation following a Colorado Springs woman's shooting death by an ICE agent, though seen as symbolic amid federal pushback.

In business news, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved nearly $6 million in tax incentives for three companies, including over $2.76 million for a quantum tech firm eyeing Boulder County that could add 150 jobs and $40 million in investment, as detailed by Colorado Politics. Housing advances continue, with Silverton becoming the first jurisdiction a year ahead of schedule to meet Proposition 123 fast-track requirements, unlocking funds for 10 affordable homes, per the Governor's office and Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The House introduced its first 20 bills, led by the HOME Act to build affordable units on underused community land, according to Colorado Politics.

Community efforts shine in education and infrastructure, as Gary Community Ventures launched a $5 million low-interest loan fund for rural child care facility expansions, partnering with councils like La Plata County's. Public safety and roads see progress too, with the second phase of South Academy Boulevard improvements underway in Colorado Springs, reports the Gazette. No major recent weather events have disrupted the state.

Looking Ahead: Watch for debates on the Worker Protection Act, data center regulations, and utility reforms for low-income energy access, plus Polis's housing and AI task force outcomes as the 120-day session unfolds.

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Colorado's 2026 legislative session kicked off this week amid a strained $850 million state budget shortfall, driven by federal policy shifts and rising Medicaid costs, according to Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and the Colorado Sun. Lawmakers introduced nearly 100 bills on day one, targeting affordability in housing, health care, and childcare, with House Speaker Julie McCluskie highlighting priorities to reduce costs and boost mental health access, as reported by The Sum and Substance.

Top headlines include proposals to expand price gouging bans to airports and events, incentivize data centers while mandating their renewable energy use, and allow local taxes on vacant homes to fund workforce housing, per TSS Colorado. The Senate advanced early bills on school funding, tougher child trafficking penalties, and competency law reforms, Colorado Politics notes. Businesses pushed a ballot initiative to privatize Pinnacol Assurance by 2027, channeling proceeds into a Skilled Workers and Trades Fund for training plumbers, electricians, and nurses, Colorado Succeeds CEO Scott LaBand told Colorado Politics.

Economically, Democrats aim to shield families from Trump administration cuts to childcare and food aid, promising low-income utility rates without profit markups from Xcel Energy, while Governor Jared Polis eyes Medicaid trims like capping caregiver hours. Education saw a record 71,504 free college applications, the Governor's Office announced. Infrastructure advanced with CU Boulder's chilled water line groundbreaking for sustainability and Colorado Mesa University's $412,558 grant for secure Colorado River water management via the RAPIDS pilot.

No major recent weather events were reported.

Looking Ahead, watch for AI regulation tweaks, union election reforms, and Proposition 123 housing milestones like Silverton's early completion of 10 affordable units. Debates on emissions grants and regulatory relief loom large.

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Colorado enters 2026 facing budget shortfalls and policy debates as Governor Jared Polis outlines his final agenda amid tensions with the incoming Trump administration. According to Colorado Politics, Polis prioritizes housing reforms like lot-splitting for accessory dwelling units, energy adjustments to the 2040 carbon-neutral goal, and fixes to competency laws preventing dangerous releases from jails. The legislature convenes January 14 to tackle an $800 million deficit after prior cuts, driven by Medicaid and education costs, per Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck analysis.

Business leaders express cautious optimism, with the Leeds Business Confidence Index improving but staying negative due to tariff and political worries, reports Colorado Business. ALDI announces a major expansion, planning over 50 stores in Denver and Colorado Springs by 2026, plus an Aurora distribution center by 2029, creating hundreds of jobs, as stated by company CEO Atty McGrath via ALDI announcements covered by Colorado Business and Denver Gazette.

In education, student scores show gains in English and math per Colorado Department of Education reports cited by Polis, crediting universal half-day preschool and full-day kindergarten. Yet, Riverstone Academy, billing itself as the state's first public Christian school, faces closure orders from Pueblo County over zoning and safety violations, according to Chalkbeat Colorado. Public safety advances include new $75 civil penalties for speed violations on Highway 119, per the Colorado Department of Transportation, while Silverton fulfills its Proposition 123 housing commitment early, praised by Polis via state news releases. Unions push pro-organizing bills amid a national jobs slowdown noted by OnLabor.

No major recent weather events dominate headlines.

Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session through May for budget resolutions, AI regulations, wolf reintroduction fallout, and Colorado River basin talks expiring soon. Polis eyes higher education reforms and clean energy wins.

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Colorado is entering 2026 facing both headwinds and momentum across politics, the economy, and community life. As Colorado Public Radio reports, lawmakers are preparing for a new legislative session shaped by another major budget shortfall, unresolved fights over artificial intelligence regulation, and persistent concerns about housing affordability and climate policy, all in Governor Jared Polis’ final year in office due to term limits. Colorado Public Radio notes that internal tensions among Democrats, who hold wide majorities, could complicate negotiations on these priorities.

According to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s 2026 legislative preview, the state faces an estimated 800 million dollar structural budget gap for the 2026–27 fiscal year after deep cuts last year, driven largely by rising Medicaid and education costs under constitutional revenue limits. The same analysis explains that Polis is pushing controversial plans such as converting Pinnacol Assurance to a mutual insurer for a one‑time cash infusion, while also backing aggressive housing and clean‑energy bills that are expected to rekindle debates over local control and land use.

Labor politics are also front and center. KUNC reports that Colorado Democrats and labor unions have revived a vetoed proposal to ease unionization by eliminating a required second vote, setting up another clash with Governor Polis, who has previously vetoed multiple worker‑protection bills. With Polis in his last year, bill sponsors are openly signaling to the next crop of gubernatorial hopefuls that they expect stronger pro‑labor commitments.

On the economic front, Colorado Politics reports that commercial construction rebounded in 2025, with a surge of new apartment and commercial projects in the Colorado Springs area seen by local economists as a positive sign for 2026 employment and regional growth. Meanwhile, the Colorado Sun highlights continuing struggles to deliver truly affordable housing in communities like Pagosa Springs, where infrastructure costs and local resistance have slowed projects, underscoring the state’s broader housing crunch.

Community and education news remain mixed. Colorado Politics notes that Governor Polis is touting higher K‑12 funding, smaller class sizes, and rising test scores, while Douglas County, according to the Denver Gazette, is moving ahead with bond‑funded new elementary schools but also school closures as enrollment and growth patterns shift. Chalkbeat Colorado reports that Pueblo County officials ordered Riverstone Academy, billed as the state’s first public Christian school, to close its building over zoning, safety, and permitting violations, reflecting heightened scrutiny of unconventional school models.

Public safety and health are drawing attention. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports that officials have concluded their search after a fatal New Year’s Day mountain lion attack on Crosier Mountain Trail in Larimer County, leaving permanent warning signs

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Colorado is heading into 2026 with fiscal pressure, political tension, and major growth shaping life across the state. The Colorado General Assembly convenes this month facing what Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck calls a structural budget deficit, with lawmakers needing another roughly 800 million dollars in cuts for fiscal year 2026–27 after making about 2 billion in reductions last year.[Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck] Gov. Jared Polis, in his final term, is pushing legacy priorities on housing, energy, and AI regulation while legislative leaders balance affordability concerns and an election year in which all statewide offices and every House seat are on the ballot.[JDsupra][Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association]

According to Colorado Politics, the 2026 election cycle is already driving a surge in primary challenges, especially for lawmakers appointed to fill vacancies, adding uncertainty around the Capitol and potentially hardening positions on hot‑button issues like crime, housing, and education.[Colorado Politics]

On policy, analysts at JDsupra report that the coming session is expected to center on budget cuts, Medicaid cost growth, and big debates over land‑use reforms that could let homeowners subdivide property and enable schools and nonprofits to build housing regardless of local zoning, reviving the fight over local control.[JDsupra] Lawmakers are also expected to revisit crime legislation on retail theft and violent offenses, plus new rules on AI, water, and clean energy.[Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck]

In the broader economy, Colorado Politics notes that 2025 construction in the Denver region hit about 3.7 billion dollars, up 8 percent from 2024, driven largely by commercial and multifamily projects, even as single‑family homebuilding dipped slightly.[Colorado Politics] Local governments are investing as well: Douglas County officials told the Denver Gazette they are prioritizing public safety and long‑term infrastructure, while a 490 million dollar school bond approved in 2024 is funding two new elementary schools and consolidating underused campuses.[Denver Gazette]

Education and connectivity are also in flux. The Colorado Sun reports that Colorado plans to use roughly 420 million federal broadband dollars to reach the last 96,000 households with poor or no internet access, though a recent federal executive order challenging state AI laws could complicate remaining broadband funds.[The Colorado Sun] At the same time, a new federal voucher‑style tax credit program is prompting debate over whether Colorado should participate, with Gov. Polis signaling support and critics warning of harm to public schools.[The Colorado Sun]

Weather is front and center this week. The Colorado Sun, citing the National Weather Service, reports a winter storm bringing 3 to 6 inches of snow to the Denver metro, heavier totals of 5 to 10 inches along the Palmer Divide, and up to 10 inches in several mountain ranges, with slick travel exp

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