THE GOVERNOR'S NEWSLETTER

February 21, 2025

Celebrating Black History Month

Governor Polis, Representative Neguse, Senator Coleman, and a group of attendees pose for a photo at the Black History Month Celebration in the Governor's Mansion.

Governor Polis poses for a photos with a local artist and the artist's painting of a cowboy on canvas.

Governor Polis poses with the owners of African Grill and Bar

Alongside Colorado Senator James Coleman and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, I had the honor of hosting the annual Black History Month Celebration at the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion. This year's celebration featured incredible performances by saxophonist Dana Singleton, vocalist Olivia Whittington, and DJ Demigod. Thank you to our caterers— Nola Voodoo Tavern, Saucy's Southern, and Konjo Ethiopian Food —for representing some of the best Colorado has to offer. I also want to thank our artist, Joseph Graves Jr., for displaying his beautiful artwork and Richard Lewis for presenting the African American Timeline.

It's always a pleasure to celebrate this heritage month with local businesses and community leaders from our state's vibrant African American community. To continue the celebration, I also visited African Grill and Bar in Lakewood, and I encourage Coloradans to get out and celebrate their local Black-owned businesses this month and all year long.

Expanding Coloradans’ Access to the Outdoors and Protecting Our Natural Resources for Future Generations

Governor Polis makes an announcement at a podium set in front of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs.

I joined Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and local and federal partners to celebrate a new partnership with the potential to expand recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The partnership follows years of work by CPW and the local and federal agencies and has its roots in a 2020 Executive Order I signed to create the Regional Partnerships Initiative.

Alongside CPW, Great Outdoors Colorado and I recently announced grant recipients for the Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative awarding $1.17 million dollars to coalitions around the state. These partnerships are crucial to protecting our state’s natural beauty and invaluable resources.

Pikes Peak Announcement

Call for Artists - Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway

In partnership with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s Colorado Creative Industries, I opened up submissions for local artists to integrate their work in the Colorado 150th Pedestrian Walkway. Artists should submit their work by April 1st, 2025.

Up to 20 artists or artist teams will be selected to create projects depicting or celebrating one of Colorado's historical narratives.
The ideal completion for the walkway will be August 2026. The artist selection process will be complete by June 1st, and we expect to begin the design process in the Summer of 2025.

The Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway will serve as a new gateway into revitalized Downtown Denver. The initiative aims to tell the story of Colorado’s 150 years while further re-energizing and highlighting the Civic Center area.

Answer the Call for Artists - How to Apply

Press Release

I also recently visited Next Gallery's 8th Annual Casa Bonita Art show, which brought together over 60 artists to imagine and create a piece of what Casa Bonita could look like in 2074 on its 100th birthday. I loved viewing the work of Colorado's artists and seeing one of our state's landmark attractions reimagined through the creativity of the artists.

Governor Polis poses with 11 artists from the Next Gallery at the 8th Annual Casa Bonita Art show.

Sending Lots of Love from Loveland, Colorado

Governor Polis poses for a group photo with local Loveland legislators and volunteers at the Loveland Valentine Re-Mailing program.

I participated in Loveland’s 79th annual Valentine's Day card stamping event, stamping love letters to be sent around the country and the world. The annual Loveland Valentine's Re-Mailing event, the largest of its kind, receives nearly 100,000 valentines each year from all 50 states and 110 countries worldwide.

I was thrilled to join the beloved 79-year tradition of stamping cards from Valentine’s Station. In our Colorado For All, everyone can celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones.

Let’s Get Ready: National Governors Association Winter Meeting in D.C.

This week, I will lead the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. as Chair. I currently serve as the Chair of the bipartisan National Governors Association with Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. The NGA winter meeting is an important opportunity for Governors and the states we serve to continue to have a voice in Washington, D.C.

Let's Get Ready focuses on sharing best practices and creating a playbook for Governors and states to better measure whether all students are getting the skills and experience needed to thrive in the classroom and the workforce.

Let's Get Ready Initiative

EVENTS & NEWS CORNER

💡Share Your Ideas for the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway

In celebration of Colorado’s 150th birthday, the Polis Administration is excited to announce plans for the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway. Please complete this short survey to share your stories, ideas, and insights to help shape the historical narrative of this project.

JOB OPENINGS

Deputy Director of Operations

Budget Manager, Tax and Economic Development

Policy Coordinator

Office of the Governor Intern

PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS

Highlighting Educational Excellence and International Cooperation in CO (February 3)
State of the State 2025 (January 10)
2024 In Review (December 31)
Lt. Governor Holiday Newsletter (December 28)
Happy Holidays from the Governor (December 23)
Colorado Cruises to #1 in EV Sales (December 12)

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