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As ‘transit-oriented’ law takes hold in Colorado, some see erosion of home rule
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coloradopolitics.com, Local

As ‘transit-oriented’ law takes hold in Colorado, some see erosion of home rule

By Scott Weiser | Colorado Politics, via The Gazette A new law that mandates more than 30 Front Range municipalities incorporate state housing density goals along transit routes will lead to messy conflicts over contractual obligations and yet another erosion of Colorado's long history of local control over zoning and building regulation, according to critics. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the high cost of housing is a problem that needs to be fixed, and Coloradans don't care who solves it — their local government or state actors. "It's certainly arguable that the reasonable expectations of parties to contracts could be adversely affected by state regulation," said Jack Luellen, special counsel at the Buchalter law firm. "And it really leaves the homeowner or the ...
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Landrith: The Postal Grinch who stole rural Coloradans’ Christmas
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coloradopolitics.com, Commentary

Landrith: The Postal Grinch who stole rural Coloradans’ Christmas

By George Landrith | Commentary, Colorado Politics The role of the United States Postal Service (USPS) is to bind the nation together by delivering to all Americans. It is based in the Constitution and enshrined in statute they must deliver mail and packages together to everyone everywhere six days a week. This not only unites the nation and creates a pathway to knit the 3.7 million square miles of our nation together, but it also provides a strong network for commerce and the delivery of needed goods. Unfortunately, affordable, reliable and efficient Postal Service deliveries to rural America are threatened by several recent USPS actions. Given the fact one in 10 Coloradans live in such areas, residents of the Centennial State are likely to be among those most significantly impacted...
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Colorado justices reject media request for police officer records on narrow grounds
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coloradopolitics.com, State

Colorado justices reject media request for police officer records on narrow grounds

By Michael Karlik  | Colorado Politics At the same time the Colorado Supreme Court found that two media outlets were properly denied access to records bearing on police officers' misconduct, it declined to endorse an interpretation of state law that would have enabled non-law enforcement entities to shield their documents by labeling themselves "criminal justice agencies." Instead, the justices on Monday concluded that label applies to one particular licensing agency, the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. As a result, POST's records certifying and decertifying law enforcement officers are subject to more stringent disclosure guidelines. Previously, the state's Court of Appeals concluded POST met the definition of a criminal justice agency. However, the appellate c...
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In 75th session, 6 of 10 Colorado Senate committees have one-seat Democratic majority
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coloradopolitics.com, State

In 75th session, 6 of 10 Colorado Senate committees have one-seat Democratic majority

By Marianne Goodland | Colorado Politics Senate leaders on Friday announced committee assignments for the 2025 session that begins on January 8. There will be 10 committees in the 2025 session, six of which will have a narrow one-seat majority, according to Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument.  Democrats retained 23 seats following the November election, while Republicans held onto 12.  Only 20 members of the Democratic caucus are assigned to committees; 11 out of 12 Republicans have committee assignments. READ THE FULL STORY AT COLORADO POLITICS
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NRA sees national concealed carry, ATF reform under Trump
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coloradopolitics.com, National

NRA sees national concealed carry, ATF reform under Trump

By Paul Bedard | Colorado Politics, via Washington Examiner The National Rifle Association is growing hopeful that after four years of fighting off anti-gun policies in Washington and several state capitals, having an ally in the White House will result in several pro-firearms policies. Doug Hamlin, the CEO and executive vice president of the nation’s biggest and oldest Second Amendment advocacy, said that the NRA is eager to work with President-elect Donald Trump on multiple fronts, including national-pro-gun initiatives and key law enforcement hires. “We're super excited because we have a president who has the benefit of four years experience,” Hamlin told Secrets. READ THE FULL STORY AT THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
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At odds over union law, business and labor groups sharpen arguments ahead of Capitol fight
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coloradopolitics.com, State

At odds over union law, business and labor groups sharpen arguments ahead of Capitol fight

By Marissa Ventrelli | Colorado Politics As the fight over proposed changes to an 80-year-old labor law takes shape, unions and businesses have begun sharpening their arguments, with both sides notably claiming their approach is best for Colorado's economy.    Indeed, the two sides are pointing to economic reports and studies in an effort to strengthen their position among lawmakers ahead of next year's legislative session. At least one legislative leader said she wants both sides to have a say in any effort to change the labor law. Established in 1943, the law, called the Labor Peace Act, governs unionization and collective bargaining agreements. While the other 49 states are either "right to work" states — meaning employees aren't required to union be members or to pay...
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Colorado wildlife officials omit crucial portion of law as they defend wolf funding
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coloradopolitics.com, State

Colorado wildlife officials omit crucial portion of law as they defend wolf funding

By Marianne Goodland | Colorado Politics The hunt for coins in the couch cushions — the Colorado General Assembly's budget crafters are scrambling to find hundreds of millions of dollars to cover a shortfall projected for the 2025-26 budget and are eyeing wolf funding as a potential area to cut — is getting pushback from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. And the agency has now resorted to omitting a crucial portion of the law that mandated the wolves' reintroduction as it seeks to persuade lawmakers to fund Colorado's reintroduction program. Lawmakers have noticed that omission.   The issue is whether to fund the wolf reintroduction program in the 2025-26 budget year or save the $2.1 million in general fund dollars appropriated annually for the program. READ T...
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Who will Democrats support for governor in 2026? Poll is inconclusive
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coloradopolitics.com, State

Who will Democrats support for governor in 2026? Poll is inconclusive

By Marissa Ventrelli | Colorado Politics A majority of voters are undecided about their next choice for Colorado governor among a few potential Democratic aspirants. The poll only offered potential Democratic candidates.   The nonprofit Healthier Colorado released its findings of its first poll on the 2026 Democratic governor primary election. The poll asked Democrats and unaffiliated voters on four potential gubernatorial candidates: Colorado U.S. Rep Joe Neguse, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Attorney General Phil Weiser, and former Colorado Attorney General and current ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar.  READ THE FULL STORY AT COLORADO POLITICS
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After swearing in new mayor, Parker needs to fill vacant seat on City Council
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coloradopolitics.com, Local

After swearing in new mayor, Parker needs to fill vacant seat on City Council

By Noah Festenstein | Colorado Politics, vis Denver Gazette The Town of Parker plans to appoint a new councilmember after new Mayor Joshua Rivero vacated the seat for his new role, according to town officials. Rivero was sworn in as mayor of Parker on Monday. Rivero is a self-identified independent who, in the middle of his term as a councilmember, vacated his seat after defeating former Mayor Jeff Toborg in the November election. “What we need at this level is nonpartisan representation,” Rivero previously told The Denver Gazette. “What we need is somebody that listens to all of Parker and not just one party." READ THE FULL STORY AT COLORADO POLITICS
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Aurora picks Amsalu Kassaw to vacated at-large City Council seat
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coloradopolitics.com, Local

Aurora picks Amsalu Kassaw to vacated at-large City Council seat

By Kyla Pearce | Colorado Politics via the Denver Gazette Aurora's councilmembers on Monday night picked a leader of the Ethiopian community for the council's at-large seat. The council split, 6-4, in appointing Amsalu Kassaw to the seat. The discussion at times delved into issues of race. Kassaw is the public relations director of the Ethiopian American Civic Council. He is also a lieutenant at GEO Group Inc.'s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Aurora, according to his application for the seat. Mayor Mike Coffman has worked with Kassaw when he served on his congressional advisory committee. READ THE FULL STORY AT COLORADO POLITICS
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