GOVERNOR'S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NEWSLETTER

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

This month marks Women’s History month and an opportunity to recognize the incredible women who have contributed to Colorado’s rich history. Check out my Instagram to learn more about the audacious and courageous women who have shaped our great state.

We are proudly turning the bold vision of Front Range Passenger Rail into a reality for Coloradans, providing reliable, accessible passenger rail from Pueblo to Fort Collins. On March 7, alongside state legislators and community leaders, I was excited to ride a demonstration train previewing the Denver to Longmont route of Front Range Passenger Rail. It was a great chance to highlight the historic opportunity our state has to deliver new train service through landmark federal funding, giving Coloradans more reliable and convenient transit options. After arriving in Longmont, I joined my fellow passengers to tour the transit-oriented community that surrounds the Longmont train station. Highlighted in my State of the State address and my Roadmap to a Future Colorado 2026, transit-oriented communities are a tool for Colorado to create more affordable housing types near transit centers, lowering the cost of housing, and reducing traffic.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

I had the pleasure of hosting the State’s Official Black History Month Celebration on February 27 at the Governor’s Residence. This year, we were pleased to have two amazing food vendors, Reggae Pot - Jamaican Grill and Blazing Hot Chicken Shack II. Additionally, Ron Ivory & Linda Robinson and iies stunned us with incredible performances. I also want to highlight those who made our night extra special by participating in the residence’s first-ever fashion show. Thanks to Koya Nyangi at Let Me Show You Different, we helped highlight African American designers and models. The event was a great success, thanks to the collective contributions of Colorado’s vibrant African American Community. Special shout outs to Rep. Bacon, Rep. Ricks, Rep. Herod, Rep. English, Dr. Lisa Roy, and Senator Buckner for modeling in the show!

Finally, thank you so much to everyone who made our night extra special by participating in the Mansion's first-ever fashion show: 

Fashion Show Coordination & Production:

Koya Nyangi

Instagram: @letmeshowyoudifferent

Designers:

Adele Dejak

Instagram: @adeledejak

Chloe Kawessi 

Instagram: @kawessi 

Rachael Marie Hurst

Instagram: @rachelmariehurstrmh

Donnell Goss

Instagram: @donnellfitclothing

Makeup & Hair Team: 

Cydney Staples 

Instagram: @cydneystapleartistry

Damira McPherson

Instagram: @damiraMcpherson_

Mariah Cabrales

Instagram: @ariah.beauty

Janelle Maestas

Instagram: @btchinbeautycosmetics

Models:

Derrick Bowman: Instagram deebow616_

Jaelon Wright: @jae_manifest

Imari Simone: Instagram @imarisimone

Jovanni Berry: Instagram @jovanni.berry

Jessica Baumann: Instagram @jaayrock

Danshay Martinez: Instagram @d_anshay

Milen Haile

Isaro Lina: Instagram @isaro_li

Mishael La Bella: Instagram @mishalabell

Nathalie Dieme: Instagram @nathalie.dieme

Shatika Philips: @luvinlibra

Ari Frazier: Instagram @ari.fraziee

Takhiya Marthaler: Instagram @takhiya_m

As Vice-Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), I had the opportunity to lead the Winter Meeting in Washington D.C. alongside NGA Chair, Utah Governor Spencer Cox. While in our nation’s capital, I met with a bipartisan group of more than 40 fellow Governors, industry leaders, and President Biden. We spoke about the migrant crisis, and had the opportunity to speak with Secretary Mayorkas about the need for federal action to secure our border. Additionally, I led a roundtable discussion about our efforts to create more housing that people can afford to rent or purchase at every income level, discussed the Disagree Better initiative alongside Governor Cox and Maryland Governor Hogan, and welcomed U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett for a productive discussion about the importance of finding common ground and engaging in conversations with those who we might not agree with.

In February, I joined Coloradans in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and Pueblo, and delivered regional State of the State addresses, sharing my vision for the future of Colorado.

With 2024 well underway, my commitment to building a Colorado For All remains strong. Our bold and innovative work to build a future where every Coloradan can live, work, and thrive, centers around the issues that impact every Coloradan – housing, transit, public safety, and our workforce.

This vision is one of housing for every Colorado budget near jobs; reliable, affordable transit that saves people time and money; Colorado as one of the top ten safest states in the country; and innovative training and skills building opportunities that connect hardworking Coloradans to in-demand jobs, building the workforce for the future and boosting our strong economy. In partnership with the legislature, we are taking action now to build a strong, vibrant future for our state.

Welcome Dannette R. Smith as the new Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Commissioner Smith will officially assume her role on March 18th, 2024. Dannette R. Smith is the right leader to help us enhance access to the critical behavioral healthcare services Coloradans need. With a remarkable career spanning three decades, Dannette has been a fierce advocate for accessible behavioral healthcare, a proven problem-solver, and an unwavering leader.

While visiting Grand Junction on February 6, I delivered a local State of the State address, and had the opportunity to take part in a Circular Economy Roundtable with the Business Incubator Center to discuss the innovative work taking place to strengthen our robust workforce and boost our strong economy. I also visited Låda Cube, a Grand Junction company that manufactures accessory dwelling units (ADUs), a part of our work to build more housing now. Additionally, I joined Breeze Airways and the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce to announce their new direct service from Grand Junction to Orange County, California; an exciting step that will make it easier and faster for Coloradans and visitors to get to Grand Junction and the entire Western Slope, enjoying the fun outdoor recreation opportunities and boosting our strong economy. 

I am pleased to announce the first Outside Festival from the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to be held at Denver Civic Center Park, June 1-2, 2024. The event will feature live music, adventure films, the latest outdoor gear, and much more. Organizers seek to inspire and promote outdoor pursuits for the health of people and the planet, create more opportunities for access and inclusion in the outdoors, and serve as a model for sustainable practices. Check out the Outdoor Festival website for more information.

Exciting news for Colorado! I was proud to join the Colorado Energy Office to announce new Heat Pump Tax Credits, making high-efficiency heating and cooling more accessible. These tax credits, part of our state's clean energy goals, aim to reduce upfront costs for residents and businesses installing heat pump technology. The move aligns with Colorado's goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2040 by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and saving Coloradans money. Check out our Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credits webpage for more details on this fantastic opportunity!

This week, I would like to take a moment to spotlight our Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Through the work of the CDPHE, all Coloradans can enjoy a healthy and sustainable state that will continue to thrive through future generations. CDPHE consists of nine different divisions and five different offices. These range from the Air Pollution Control Division and the Disease Control and Public Health Response Division to the Office of Health Equity and the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office. You can learn more about this agency through the CDPHE Website

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