In a week when we’re learning economic activity is slower in Colorado than recent years, generosity remains very high. An impressive $54.6 million was donated in the course of 24 hours on December 10th – Colorado Gives Day. More than 4,000 non-profits benefited from the annual day of giving, including PBS12! Thank you for supporting our work!
Our Insiders
This week, our panel featured:
- Patty Calhoun: Founder and Editor of Westword
- David Kopel: Research Director at the Independence Institute
- Tyrone Glover: Criminal Defense and Civil Rights Attorney
- Ean Thomas Tafoya: Community Leader and Former Mayoral Candidate
What was discussed
Colorado’s Economic Slowdown: The panel referred to two reports released this week regarding our state’s economic activity.
- The 60th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook, released by CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, found Colorado’s GDP dropped from 5thin the nation to 41st. Westword Editor Patty Calhounadvocated for embracing “slow, smart growth” to address infrastructure limitations and prioritize quality of life over aggressive expansion. She stated, “We do not have the infrastructure for a lot more people right now. It’s a better idea to actually fix what we have and prepare.”
- A study by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce (https://cochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/Regulation-Impact-Analysis-Report.pdf) found Colorado is the 6th highest when it comes to regulations put on industries, which the Independence Institute’s David Kopel says is stifling business growth and job creation.
Uinta Basin Railway Expansion: This week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about a proposed railway expansion that would allow for the transport of crude oil from Utah, through Colorado and onto a national rail network. The plan received approval three years ago but then faces legal challenges because of potential environmental impacts. The Supreme Court will have the final say. David Kopel criticized the lawsuit as an example of “sclerotic overregulation.” Attorney Tyrone Glover expressed concern about the potential environmental risks, particularly for the Colorado River, and the possibility of the Supreme Court limiting regulatory oversight. He warned, “There are very valid concerns that we may be in a situation similar to what we saw with past financial collapses, job losses and potential environmental disasters, if we just let the pendulum swing completely to the other side as it relates to deregulation.”
Denver’s Parking Minimum Proposal: Will the city eliminate parking minimums for new construction projects? That is one idea the City of Denver has to lower the cost of housing? Ean Thomas Tafoya said he’s been told that a single underground parking space costs a developer $100K and he questioned if developers would actually lower rent if they didn’t have to create those pricey parking spaces. Patty Calhoun emphasized the need to consider the impact on older Denver neighborhoods with limited parking options, particularly for residents without driveways or garages. When it comes to the current state parking lots and the more than 700 break-ins and thefts in Denver parking lots from January 1- October 1, Attorney Tyrone Glover acknowledged they are “crimes of opportunity” and with the moves to increase lighting in lots, thefts should drop.
Gray Wolf Reintroduction Program Turns 1: The discussion addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the reintroduction of gray wolves into Colorado, including criticism of the program’s execution. Patty Calhoun advocated for a pause on further wolf releases to facilitate more constructive dialogue and address the concerns of ranchers who fear losing more livestock. Ean Thomas Tafoya expressed support for the program, viewing the reintroduction of apex predators as beneficial for the ecosystem and highlighting its potential role in addressing chronic wasting disease in ungulates.
