As the 2025 Colorado Legislative Session enters its final week, the flurry of last-minute negotiations, committee votes, and late-night floor debates is reaching its peak. For the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, this moment is more than just the close of a legislative calendar—it’s the culmination of months of targeted advocacy, strategic partnerships, and on-the-ground engagement to ensure the voice of Western Colorado business is not only heard—but heeded.
And while the final gavel has yet to fall, one thing is certain: our advocacy made a measurable impact.
This year, lawmakers introduced dozens of proposals that carried direct and often costly implications for businesses. Thanks to proactive engagement, our Chamber—and our partners—helped shape better outcomes for the Western Slope. Here’s a look at some of our biggest wins:
Blocking the Temperature Control Mandate (HB25-1296): This bill would have added significant and costly retrofit requirements for commercial and industrial buildings under the guise of “temperature control,” disproportionately affecting employers in our climate and region. Alongside a coalition of Western Slope chambers and in partnership with statewide advocates, we pushed back early and often. Our collective voice proved effective: the bill was ultimately pulled from consideration, saving untold dollars in unnecessary regulation and compliance.
Preventing a Healthcare Cost Spike (HB25-1297): We also fought hard to protect small businesses from an additional 1% fee increase on health insurance plans commonly used by Main Street employers. Our advocacy made it clear that with rising business expenses already straining operating budgets, adding cost burdens to health coverage would only further destabilize access and affordability. Through testimony, written comment, proposed (and adopted) amendments and behind-the-scenes collaboration, we helped stall this proposal and refocus attention on real cost drivers in the healthcare system.
Preserving the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit: Legislation aimed at overhauling Colorado’s Enterprise Zone system threatened to disrupt a key economic development tool for rural communities which generated nearly $87 million in investment on the Western Slope just last year. By advocating for clarity, regional representation, and flexible eligibility, the Chamber helped protect our region’s ability to attract capital and create jobs—especially in underserved areas. The final bill reflects a far more tempered and practical approach.
Advocacy Beyond the Gold Dome:
In addition to our work under the State Capitol’s golden dome, we’ve remained equally engaged in issues closer to home. This year, that included:
Pushing back on local impact fee proposals that could have increased the cost of new development and workforce housing. By offering data-driven alternatives and urging a phased approach, we’ve helped ensure local policies don’t stall needed investment in our region.
Supporting attainable housing efforts through public-private collaboration, data collection, and policy input, ensuring businesses have a stronger voice in the housing conversation.
Advancing workforce development priorities with our sector partnerships, registered apprenticeship programs, and regional convenings—keeping talent pipelines strong for key industries across Western Colorado.
These outcomes underscore why business advocacy matters—and why your support of the Chamber makes a difference. To learn more about the final outcomes and what they mean for your business, join us at our Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast on May 14th.
Pre-registration is required at https://gjchamber.org/events.