by Scott Cook | Sep 22, 2022 | Advocacy Activity, Public Policy
Boulder County has three tax questions on the ballot for November of 2022. They are listed below, in addition to the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce’s stance on each proposal.
Wildfire Mitigation Ballot Measure
A proposal to establish a 0.1% countywide sales and use tax for the purpose of funding countywide wildfire mitigation efforts to proactively address the increasing risk of climate-driven wildfires in two programmatic areas. The first is to conduct strategic forest and grassland management projects (using Fireshed partnerships) to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, protect water supplies and create more resilient forest and grassland ecosystems. The second is to help residents in the mountains and plains prepare for wildfires by making homes more fire resistant using community partnerships, individual technical assistance, and rebates through programs like Wildfire Partners.
Our Position: Support
Emergency Response Ballot Measure
A proposal to establish a 0.1%, declining to 0.05% after five years, countywide sales and use tax for the purpose of funding emergency response, including: facility, equipment, capital, and operational costs of search and rescue organizations; funding for the capital needs of fire departments in mountainous and rural areas; ambulance services in areas not covered by municipal ambulance services; wildland firefighting staffing; and other projects and services to address the need for emergency services and public safety in unincorporated Boulder County.
Our Position: Support
Transportation Ballot Measure
A proposal to extend the existing 0.1% countywide transportation sales and use tax for the purpose of continuing to fund multimodal transportation needs, including safety improvements to roads, regional trails and commuter bikeways, transit, regional corridors, and community mobility programs. The county’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) provides a blueprint for Boulder County’s transportation system improvements for the next 25 years, including projects, programs and services throughout the county and to serve people using all modes of travel. Learn more about the existing Boulder County Transportation Sales Tax.
Our Position: Oppose as written. The Chamber appreciates the work that the County does in the transportation arena. Transportation is one of our core areas of focus. However, the lack of a sunset clause, thus allowing the tax to be levied in perpetuity, was not favored by the majority. Due to the fact that the current tax does not expire until 2024, we look forward to working with the County, on a revised ballot initiative that takes this into consideration, should the current question fail. The Chamber supports transportation and transportation funding. However, the Longmont Chamber does not support the proposed tax extension as written.
by Leah Winkler | Sep 1, 2022 | Education Committee, Events
On August 26th the SVVSD Mobile Lab was at Unity in the Community showcasing all the brilliant technology and learning opportunities the school district has to offer. Run by the outstanding Innovation Center, this four wheeling immersive experience connects technology with students to inspire creativity, innovation, and fun!
The Mobile Lab is one of many student run teams at the Innovation Center. These student designers run activities and facilitate the learning. Angela Wu, a senior at Niwot High School explained that: “I really wanted to be a part of a team that brought technology and innovation to different communities”. Owen Willis, a senior at Frederick High School says: “My favorite part of being on the Mobile Lab Team is getting to visit different schools and events across the state”. Students such as Angela Wu and Owen Willis are able to gain real world experience and leadership skills while being on the mobile lab team.
Activities ranging from drones to Sphero Bolts to Code-a-Pillers are available for students to engage with. The Mobile Innovation Lab Coordinator Collin Rickman explains that: “The mobile lab gives our community a snapshot of what the SVVSD classrooms look like”. This unique space has traveled around the entire district this summer to provide students with an immersive learning experience. “Students are designing, problem solving, and creating in a high tech environment…my hope is that students always walk away inspired with a desire and curiosity to learn more”.
Top: A child experiences VR through a headset on the SVVSD mobile lab; Bottom: A SVVSD employee speaks to families attending Unity.
About the Author
Sienna Arellano is the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee intern. She is a sophomore at Niwot High School. Sienna belongs to several computer science tech teams at the Innovation Center as Computer Science and Cyber Security is her passion. She loves to travel, play volleyball, tennis, and participate in any Longmont community activities or local events.
by Leah Winkler | Jun 26, 2022 | Advocacy Activity, Public Policy
Why is it so important to work with the Colorado State Assembly? Consider this, the 2022 Colorado legislative session ended on May 11th after a hectic final week of debate and negotiation. Over 700 bills were introduced. While not all of the Bills introduced were business related, many were.
As the Voice for Business in the Longmont area, the Longmont Chamber advocates strongly with our elected officials, and partners. We want to safeguard against any unnecessary additional cost burdens for business, thus ensuring that the cost of business does not increase, which negatively impacting employers, employees and ultimately consumers. We believe that a great quality of life starts with a good job, so we work diligently to represent the perspectives of business owners and employees.
The Chamber reviewed and took positions on sixteen Bills impacting the business community and the environment in which it operates. We engaged with our elected officials to learn more about their goals, and to let them know what the business community needs. Additionally, feedback was given directly to our elected officials, including Governor Polis, concerning policy and its impact. A full list of the Bills, positions taken, and ultimate fate may be found here.
One of the most consequential was the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Deficit issue. This is the kind of topic that the potential to dramatically impact business owners for years to come. We’ve been working on this issue for more than a year, encouraging the State to back-fill the deficit that was created during the pandemic. While we were not successful in our efforts to promote legislation that would have provided funds to cover the entire deficit, we were successful in advocating for the Governor’s proposal to use $600 million in ARPA funds to be directed to help employers. This is the type of work we do year-round to represent employers and employees.
Between 2023 and 2026, Colorado employers stand to pay $4.2 billion more in state and federal UI taxes than they would at a pre-pandemic baseline. Because of SB22-234 (Unemployment Compensation), the state estimates that it will save employers $290 million in state payroll taxes between FY23 and FY24 by reducing rate increases. By 2026 it is estimated that $845 million will be saved in state and federal payroll taxes.
Housing is an issue for many employees and it was a major area of focus at the state legislature this year. In the wake of COVID, increasing housing prices, and locally the Marshall Fire, many efforts were made to assist in this area. Several bills were designed to increase opportunities to build affordable, attainable and innovative housing moving forward. The funding for these Bills comes largely from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds received by the State.
While many believe that businesses and individuals will always want to come to our beautiful state and area, the fact is that not everyone can afford to live and operate a business in a location that is simply too expensive. Some of these expenses are rooted in policy, which again highlights the important of working together to solve our challenges. For example, we’ve seen rising housing prices, which impacts the ability of employers to recruit and retain employees. The Longmont Chamber supported the following bills in this arena. All of these were passed and signed by the Governor:
Our legislators had, and will have in the future sessions, many challenges to address from the pandemic. This is the same for our business owners and operators. A Chamber’s responsibility is to voice these business owners’ concerns so that balanced solutions are reached. This means working with those who create and implement policy and regulations. We invite members to engage with our public policy committee as committee members or guests.
By working together, our voice is heard. Now, and in the future.
by Leah Winkler | Jun 16, 2022 | Advocacy Activity, Communication, Public Policy
Why is it so important to work with the Colorado State Assembly? Consider this, the 2022 Colorado legislative session ended on May 11th after a hectic final week of debate and negotiation. Over 700 bills were introduced. While not all of the Bills introduced were business related, many were.
As the Voice for Business in the Longmont area, the Longmont Chamber advocates strongly with our elected officials, and partners. We want to safeguard against any unnecessary additional cost burdens for business, thus ensuring that the cost of business does not increase, which negatively impacting employers, employees and ultimately consumers. We believe that a great quality of life starts with a good job, so we work diligently to represent the perspectives of business owners and employees.
The Chamber reviewed and took positions on sixteen Bills impacting the business community and the environment in which it operates. We engaged with our elected officials to learn more about their goals, and to let them know what the business community needs. Additionally, feedback was given directly to our elected officials, including Governor Polis, concerning policy and its impact. A full list of the Bills, positions taken, and ultimate fate may be found here.
One of the most consequential was the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Deficit issue. This is the kind of topic that the potential to dramatically impact business owners for years to come. We’ve been working on this issue for more than a year, encouraging the State to back-fill the deficit that was created during the pandemic. While we were not successful in our efforts to promote legislation that would have provided funds to cover the entire deficit, we were successful in advocating for the Governor’s proposal to use $600 million in ARPA funds to be directed to help employers. This is the type of work we do year-round to represent employers and employees.
Between 2023 and 2026, Colorado employers stand to pay $4.2 billion more in state and federal UI taxes than they would at a pre-pandemic baseline. Because of SB22-234 (Unemployment Compensation), the state estimates that it will save employers $290 million in state payroll taxes between FY23 and FY24 by reducing rate increases. By 2026 it is estimated that $845 million will be saved in state and federal payroll taxes.
Housing is an issue for many employees and it was a major area of focus at the state legislature this year. In the wake of COVID, increasing housing prices, and locally the Marshall Fire, many efforts were made to assist in this area. Several bills were designed to increase opportunities to build affordable, attainable and innovative housing moving forward. The funding for these Bills comes largely from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds received by the State.
While many believe that businesses and individuals will always want to come to our beautiful state and area, the fact is that not everyone can afford to live and operate a business in a location that is simply too expensive. Some of these expenses are rooted in policy, which again highlights the important of working together to solve our challenges. For example, we’ve seen rising housing prices, which impacts the ability of employers to recruit and retain employees. The Longmont Chamber supported the following bills in this arena. All of these were passed and signed by the Governor:
Our legislators had, and will have in the future sessions, many challenges to address from the pandemic. This is the same for our business owners and operators. A Chamber’s responsibility is to voice these business owners’ concerns so that balanced solutions are reached. This means working with those who create and implement policy and regulations. We invite members to engage with our public policy committee as committee members or guests.
By working together, our voice is heard. Now, and in the future.
by Guest Author | Apr 5, 2022 | Communication, Events
Chris McGilvray, local teacher and business owner, is the recipient of the 2021 Longmont Jubilee “Making A Difference” award for his outstanding contributions to young students in the Longmont community.
In an interview with Kevin Ortiz, he explains that “Just personally, Chris has changed my life.” Ortiz is a member of the leadership team of the Chamber Student Network (CSN), a group created with the support of McGilvray to help foster student connection with the business community.
McGilvray has inspired and encouraged young leaders to get involved and gain a better understanding of the Longmont Community. Genevieve Clayton, CSN founder and entrepreneur, explains that “in working with Chris, I learned what a chamber of commerce is, the importance of such an organization, and how it serves a community”. McGilvray’s teachings inspire students to take a step into the community and contribute. “This is what ultimately led me to co-founding the Chamber Student Network, becoming a Chamber member, and now serving on the Longmont Chamber’s Nexus Young Professionals committee.”
McGilvray’s lessons expand beyond the classroom. “Watching him, I feel like I have learned more outside of the classroom than I had in the classroom. Seeing him be social at networking events, how he communicates with other people and how nice he is with other students has influenced my own abilities,” says Kevin Ortiz.
Connecting students within the community is not McGilvray’s only goal; he strives to ensure better lives and futures for his students. One former student, Ruby Black, claims that Chris McGilvray has helped her achieve, “three internships, two leadership positions, and an acceptance letter to the University of Northern Colorado… all thanks to his passion for helping his students succeed”. Chris provides students with the tools and learning environments for his students to discover and express themselves. He encourages his students to make an impact on the community.
The 2021 “Making a Difference” award recipient is Chris McGilvray. Chris has inspired students across the Longmont community and continues to change their lives.
About the Author
Sienna Arellano is the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee intern. She is a sophomore at Niwot High School. Sienna belongs to several computer science tech teams at the Innovation Center as Computer Science and Cyber Security is her passion. She loves to travel, play volleyball, tennis, and participate in any Longmont community activities or local events.
