We hear every day from Mesa County businesses about the challenges they face. We hear their frustration, their exhaustion, and lately—more and more—we hear their growing consideration of taking their business elsewhere.
Colorado often touts itself as a great place to do business. We claim to support job creators, entrepreneurs, and the backbone of our economy—our businesses. But when you take a hard look at what is happening at the Capitol, it’s time to ask: Do we actually care about business in Colorado? Or do we just say we do?
Our state’s business competitiveness isn’t just slipping—it’s tanking. According to data recently released by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Colorado’s ranking as the Best State for Business has fallen from 4th in 2022 to 16th in 2024. Our Business Tax Climate ranking has dropped from 20th to 27th in just two years. And nearly half (46%) of companies surveyed are actively considering investing outside of Colorado because of the unfriendly business environment.
This legislative session has continued the pattern of recent years and of being brutal on our industries. The collective bargaining bill making its way to the governor’s desk has been accompanied by an onslaught of intimidation tactics from labor unions, pressuring and even threatening those who dare to push back. Businesses that already struggle to keep their doors open are being vilified, as if simply wanting to operate and provide jobs is something sinister.
Meanwhile, it seems like every other bill targeting businesses is designed to entice frivolous litigation, excessive fines, or both! Instead of solving real problems, the legislature is teeing up an environment where trial lawyers are the only real winners. This is not the way to foster economic growth, attract investment, or create an environment where businesses can thrive.
And businesses are noticing.
Colorado’s Cost of Doing Business has climbed to 39th in the nation, up from 36th just two years ago.
Every single day, I hear business owners—some joking, but not really—talk about how they’re starting to look at relocating just a few miles west, into Utah, where the regulatory burden is lighter, and the business climate isn’t actively hostile. And they’re not alone.
Much like a catastrophic pipe leak, we’re going to wish we fixed these issues when it was just a drip—because the flood is coming. The signs are all there. We’re watching businesses leave. We’re watching employers struggle under the weight of increasing costs and regulations. And when it all starts to collapse, when we’re left wondering why jobs are disappearing and storefronts are empty, we won’t be able to say we weren’t warned.
Colorado needs to decide—do we truly care about business, or just pretend that we do? Because right now, our actions tell a very different story.
Originally printed in the Daily Sentinel 3/5/25
Candace Carnahan is a relationship-driven, solution-oriented leader with a passion for putting strategy into action. As the President & CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, she is committed to fostering a thriving business climate in western Colorado through advocacy, innovative partnerships, and forward-thinking initiatives that benefit the 800 local businesses the Chamber represents. To learn more about the Chamber, visit gjchamber.org or connect with Candace directly at [email protected].