Accelerate Colorado

Statewide organization for local elected officials, businesses & civic organizations that advocates for CO’s business interests & economic development federally

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

On Friday, we held discussions in the Crystal Room at the Willard featuring leaders in political journalism, transportation policy, and energy infrastructure. Thank you to our Franklin Sponsor, Arapahoe County (@ArapahoeCounty), for supporting these important conversations.

The conversations included the dynamics of the 2026 midterms, redistricting, voter behavior, infrastructure modernization, and the growing impact of AI and data centers on America’s energy grid.

Politico political analysts highlighted how competitive governor and congressional races in battleground states could shape the national political landscape heading into 2028. Discussions emphasized shifting voter priorities around affordability, economic concerns, and candidate electability, alongside the increasing importance of governors’ races as indicators of future national trends.

Policy leaders from the U.S. Department of Transportation discussed priorities around public safety, infrastructure investment, modernization of transit systems, autonomous vehicle regulation, aviation innovation, and strengthening roadway safety through federal-state partnerships.

Energy and infrastructure experts from the American Petroleum Institute focused on the rapid growth of AI and data centers, rising electricity demand, and the critical role natural gas infrastructure may play in supporting grid reliability and economic growth. Conversations also explored the challenges of permitting, energy affordability, and long-term infrastructure planning.

A recurring takeaway throughout Friday was the interconnected nature of policy, technology, infrastructure, and economic concerns - and how decisions being made today will significantly shape the country’s political and economic future over the next decade.

#ACinDC #ArapahoeCounty #FranklinSponsor

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

A great start to the 2026 Accelerate Colorado DC Fly-In! Thank you to our First Night Reception sponsors — Denver International Airport - City & County of Denver Dept of Aviation, Fairfield and Woods, P.C., and Westwood Professional Services - for helping make this evening possible.

We are excited to kick off another impactful year of advocacy, collaboration, and connection in Washington, D.C. with leaders from across Colorado.

#ACinDC

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Thank you to our Kennedy Sponsors, Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs (@SewaldHanfling) and Westside Investment Partners (@WestsideInvPart), and our Taft Sponsor, Ramirez Hospitality Group, for supporting Accelerate Colorado! We have officially kicked off our 2026 DC Fly-In and look forward to another successful year.

#ACinDC

[Aurora EDC @AuroraEDC]

Aurora EDC was proud to attend alongside the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (@MetroDenverEDC) and Front Range partners at the Colorado booth, highlighting the critical role aerospace plays in Colorado’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

This year’s symposium highlighted key industry priorities, including the Artemis program, the expanding role of AI in space operations, and the importance of developing a strong workforce to support the next generation of aerospace innovation.

Colorado continues to be a global leader in aerospace, and Aurora is proud to be part of the collaborative effort driving innovation, national security, and economic growth across the state.

#Aerospace #Colorado #SpaceSymposium

[Aurora EDC @AuroraEDC]

Last year, Buckley Space Force Base in Arapahoe County (@ArapahoeCounty) generated an economic impact of $2.6 billion and supported the creation of 20,072 local jobs. Buckley continues to be a driving force in advancing aerospace and defense innovation.

Aurora ONE is a master-planned community underway adjacent to Buckley Space Force Base, designed to be a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood for military families and civilians alike.

Of the six active-duty Space Force bases in the United States, Colorado is proud to be home to three — highlighting the state's critical role in national security and space operations.

#BuckleySpaceForceBase #ArapahoeCounty #AuroraONE

[Marc Goldwein @MarcGoldwein]

A corporate task cuts also boost debt, which increases cost-of-living by boosting the cost of mortgages, student loans, and alike.

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

David Brown, Deputy Managing Editor, (@politico) runs the defense reporting team met with our Accelerate Colorado Members to discuss NATO and world politics.

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “How will NATO change with regard to Ukraine and Russia?”

David Brown - “One of the biggest questions: What form will NATO take under the Trump administration? If NATO is run by a group friendly to the administration, there could be more collaboration then previously expected. Could there be some limits to the involvement of the United States? Will the bigger spenders get a bigger say in the direction of NATO? The European Commission may start to infringe on NATO-set spending levels.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “Where does the US stand regarding Africa?”

David Brown - “China is increasingly engaged with African countries. The plan to shit down most of the embassies across Africa - China will fill the vacuum.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “What is the path for American influence in Ukraine?”

David Brown - “The US will continue to sell weapons to Ukraine. Putin will continue to use the war time economy - the status quo works for his wartime economy. The other big piece is the extent to which the US and Ukraine can co-produce materials for the war. Still a work in progress, Europe is still at the forefront of co-production in Ukraine. The minerals treaty will take a long time to produce.”

#AccelerateColorado #DavidBrown #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Marc Goldwein, Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director, Committee for Responsible Federal Budget (@MarcGoldwein) met this afternoon with our Accelerate Colorado Members in the Hart Senate Building to discuss the federal budget and tariffs.

Marc has worked 20 years on the federal policy and budget scene, nonpartisan, and provided the Accelerate Colorado an insight into the federal debt.

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “What is the deal with tariffs?”

Marc Goldwein - “Trade related issues: how much are we regulating international trade. Tariffs are a good idea in some limited scenarios. Trade Deficits: Not necessarily bad and mostly caused by American debt spiraling out of control.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “Why is it so difficult to balance the budget?”

Marc Goldwein - “It is difficult for politicians to take the things away from constituents. The cost of high debt are general. The most expensive programs are the biggest programs, which are the hardest to reduce. It starts with the healthcare spending, second tax cuts will not pay for themselves.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “What is the role of tariffs?”

Marc Goldwein - “Argument for using tariffs if they are stable and predictable and they are consistent with treaties. There are trade-offs between tariffs and taxes. Tariffs are a way to do national security.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “How do corporate tax cuts help ordinary people?”

Marc Goldwein - “Corporations pass along savings to laborers, prices lower or wages become higher.”

#AccelerateColorado #ColoradoPolicies #MarcGoldwein #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Senator Michael Bennet (@SenatorBennet) met with our Accelerate Colorado Members to discuss Colorado Policies.

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “Thoughts on energy?”

Senator Michael Bennet - “I don’t think there is any state better positioned on energy than Colorado. I don’t think there is any country better positioned than the United States of America. We can summon a more creative approach to our nation’s energy. Our kids are going to hang us by our thumbs if we don’t deal with climate issues. Everywhere I go people have to economic decisions, everyday obstacles, insurance issues - there’s no doubt we have to address climate change. Small nuclear reactors are a good example of an energy policy that says “we’re going to compete and win”. We are the only country in the world with an abundant supply of fossil fuels, an abundant supply of innovation, and a lack of corruption.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “Funding for PFAS, your support would be very much appreciated. Many of our constituents are scared of the impact of forest fires on suburbs and ensure that our fire departments have the resources to deal with it.”

Senator Michael Bennet - “We need to make sure that the federal government doesn’t walk away from PFAS obligations. Forest fires - it is an important reason for us to continue to find ways to work together so that we’re ready when people need us the most and get ready in advance to minimize any danger.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “With everything around, what do you propose for young people for them to try to end up better than their parents?”

Senator Michael Bennet - “We will not hold on to this democracy if the American people don’t feel that they can ahead. We have to rebuild and reinvigorate the American middle class. We need to restore economic mobility. Colorado can become a beacon of guidance for the country of what economic development is - a vision that’s says “we can propel the next generation forward.””

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “What might the feral government be able to help Colorado with?”

Senator Michael Bennet - “I consistently hear about housing problems. I want Coloradans to be able to live in the city they work in - that is an amazing thing about Colorado. We need more adequately funding to the housing vouchers.”

#AccelerateColorado #SenatorMichaelBennet #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Congressman Jason Crow, Colorado 6th Congressional District (@RepJasonCrow) met with our Accelerate Colorado Members to discuss Colorado Policies.

Representative Jason Crow commits his focus on delivering for Colorado & Coloradans - reliable infrastructure, National security & prioritizing our veterans.

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “How to protect workforce funding/childcare assistance program?”

Representative Jason Crow - “Apprenticeship programs are a focal point, building out job training programs/opportunities. Drive funding and resources as much as possible.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “How to protect DOD and defense industrial base and use the budget for military construction?”

Representative Jason Crow - “DOD and the government take a zero risk mentality with the DOD conversation, we need to change that mindset.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “How to address the lack of military housing and young families who can’t afford to live off base?”

Representative Jason Crow - “I make an effort to go see the barracks on bases to see what’s actually happening & push for a good quality of life for our service members & their families.”

#AccelerateColorado #RepJasonCrow #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Senator John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) met with our Accelerate Colorado Members to discuss Colorado Policies.

Senator John Hickenlooper - “Its important to find common ground.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “What are your opinions on biomedical research funding? Especially with Fitzsimons Innovation Community in Aurora’s backyard.”

Senator John Hickenlooper - “All cabinet members said they would pay Congress-appropriated funds, I believe that cabinet members will not stop appropriated funds. I will fight for every dollar for healthcare & biomedical funding.”

Accelerate Colorado Member question - “How are short-term workforce Pell grants affected by the Republican approach?”

Senator John Hickenlooper - “Pell is under attack. If you make cuts to Pell, students will suffer. It is a high priority to keep short-term Pell grants funded.”

#AccelerateColorado #SenatorJohnHickenlooper #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Colorado 4th Congressional District (@laurenboebert) met with our Accelerate Colorado Members to discuss Colorado Policies.

Representative Lauren Boebert - “Main ask for President Trump, please do not issue an executive order to take away Space Command from Colorado.”

Representative Lauren Boebert stays strong to the Colorado delegation focusing on working on a union, having monthly/bi-monthly meetings. Representative Lauren Boebert is committed to focusing on regaining energy independence, ensuring security and establishing dominance.

Accelerate Colorado Members question - “ speaking on road quality, what is your office doing in working with rural communities to make sure that those problems are addressed?”

Representative Lauren Boebert - “Working closely with Jeff Hurd - we are working to get funding to the federal interstate and see that when they are awarded money from the federal government that is assigned solely to certain projects.”

#AccelerateColorado #RepLaurenBoebert #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, Colorado 4th Congressional District (@RepPettersen) was voting on the floor this morning although her Chief of Staff met with our Accelerate Colorado Members to discuss Colorado Policies.

Representative Brittany Pettersen Cheif of Staff - “Keeping Space Command in Colorado is an important bipartisan issue.”

#AccelerateColorado #RepBrittanyPettersen #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Congressman Joe Neguse, Colorado 2nd Congressional District (@RepJoeNeguse) met with our Accelerate Colorado Members in the Hart Senate Building to discuss Colorado Policies.

Congressman Joe Neguse “Advocacy is incredibly important during.”

AC Member question - “Will there be continued funding against forever chemicals “PFAS”?

Representative Joe Neguse - “This is an important bipartisan effort to work against PFAS, but funding is unclear because of CR.”

AC Member question - “Is there more information on the Space National Guard for Colorado?”

Representative Joe Neguse - “Keeping the space facility in Colorado is a bipartisan effort, staying committed to supporting this issue.”

#AccelerateColorado #ColoradoPolicies #RepJoeNeguse #ACDC2025

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Congressman Gabe Evans, Colorado 8th Congressional District (@GabeforColorado) met with our Accelerate Colorado Members in the Hart Senate Building to discuss Colorado policies - “Promoting and protecting energy - growth, electrifying the drill rates, and maintaining dominant position in data centers and AI”

Urge to keep Space Command in Colorado - Gabe Evans “I agree with that, Space Command belongs in Colorado.”

#AccelerateColorado #GabeEvans #ColoradoPolicies #ACDC2025

[Aurora EDC @AuroraEDC]

Today we had the pleasure of attending the CCA “College Beyond Walls Luncheon” — a wonderful event that brought the community together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Community College of Aurora (@CCAurora)!

We’re also excited about the launch of CCA’s new School for Applied Science and Technology, which is now which is now 96% funded and will open up even more opportunities for students.

A heartfelt shoutout to Dr. Mordecai Brownlee (@ItsDrMordecai), President of CCA; John Wolfkill (@JJWolfkill), Executive Director of the CCA Foundation; Katlynn Del Dotto (@KateMCrine), Sr. Director of Development at the CCA Foundation; and Sandy Rodriguez-Welsh, CCA Foundation Board Member, Presidential Scholars Mentor, and UCHealth FSED Nurse Manager, for their leadership and dedication.

Congratulations to the inspiring student honorees:
Kadijo Hassan – Aurora Gives Scholar and COSI Scholar
Jajuan Owens – CCA Alumnus and Nursing Student at the University of Colorado Anschutz
Darius “D” Kendrick – Presidential Scholar and COSI Scholar

#CCABeyondWalls #CommunityCollegeOfAurora #StudentSuccess #EducationMatters

[Accelerate Colorado @AccelerateCO]

Yesterday we kicked off our DC Fly-In with an incredible Launch Party! It was a fantastic opportunity for new members to connect, mix, and mingle before the big week ahead.

A special thank you to the City of Glendale (@glendaleco), our Monroe Sponsor, for graciously hosting the event. We were honored to hear from Mayor Pro Tem Storm Gloor, MBA.

We’re also grateful to our Air Force One Sponsor, Philip Morris International (@InsidePMI), and Ted Trimpa, Founder & Principal of the Trimpa Group, for sharing their insights with the group.

From our Washington Sponsor, Civitas Resources (@Civitas_Res) we appreciated the thoughtful words of encouragement from Rich Coolidge as we gear up for an impactful trip.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the leadership of Wendy Mitchell, President & CEO, who offered inspiring remarks about this year’s mission, and our amazing COO, Kat Middleton House, for all her hard work organizing everything behind the scenes.

Let’s get ready for an unforgettable DC experience!

#AccelerateColorado #CityOfGlendale #PMI #Civitas #ACDC2025