You cannot have a thorough understanding of American history unless you have an understanding of how the Black experience has impacted our country. History Colorado is dedicated to sharing a holistic view of historic events that include the perspectives of all people. Their page is dedicated to highlighting the contributions made by people who identify as Black, African-American, or part of the African diaspora, as it relates to the history of the West. History Colorado creates a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. In their publications and exhibits, they tell the stories of Colorado's most influential African Americans, along with lesser-told tales of the state's African American Past. Read about some of the amazing founders of Colorado and their journeys at History Colorado.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IN COLORADO ONLINE EXHIBIT

Coloradans love the outdoors. But African Americans were once barred from leisure opportunities most white Americans took for granted. Explore a Rocky Mountain haven where African Americans could hike, fish, and camp - and leave discrimination behind. View the exhibit.

TIME TO HIT THE SLOPES

We had a historic snowfall last week that was very much-needed across our state, but especially in our mountain towns to keep our ski industry at peak performance. So take the time to enjoy the snow and hit the slopes at one of our 32 ski resorts! Here is a list of some of the best resorts in Colorado.

SKI NEWS!

Arapahoe Basin and Aspen Snowmass are celebrating their 75^th anniversaries this year! With great events taking place at both ski areas this spring, you will find plenty of ways to celebrate 75 years of Colorado skiing at Arapahoe Basin and Aspen Snowmass!

The National Brotherhood of Skiers is in Aspen Snowmass this week! Learn more about this organization’s awareness and advocacy efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion across the ski industry.

All aboard the Winter Park train: the partnership between Winter Park Resort and Amtrak is back on track! The Winter Park Express has returned for 2022, providing skiers and snowboarders an easy and fun way to get between Denver and Winter Park. Learn more about the Winter Park Express and plan your next trip to Winter Park!

FREE KN95 AND MEDICAL GRADE MASKS

In support of the State of Colorado’s ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and assist in the mitigation of virus spread, we are now offering free KN95 medical-grade masks at certain public libraries and other community sites across the state that have agreed to be local redistribution points. Masks can be picked up (5 per person) at locations found in the link below:

FREE MASKS

Below you can find our most up-to-date information surrounding Tests, Vaccinations, Boosters, and Numbers.

COVID BY THE NUMBERS

TOTAL CASES	1,285,987
TOTAL HOSPITALIZATIONS	58,468
TOTAL PEOPLE TESTED	4,720,749
PPEOPLE IMMUNIZED WITH ONE DOSE	4,392,916
PEOPLE FULLY IMMUNIZED	3,934,236
ELIGIBLE PEOPLE WITH ADDITIONAL DOSES	1,916,338

COVID DATA

VACCINE DATA

Data as of 2/10/2022 2:00:00

VACCINE FINDER

Find a vaccination site near you.

NEED A FREE AND FAST COVID TEST?

It’s easy to get a free, fast, and safe COVID-19 test with more than 150 free community testing sites across Colorado.

If you're experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, make an appointment today -- neither insurance nor ID is required to get tested.

FREE TESTING SITES

COVID-19 THIRD DOSE ELIGIBLITIY

All Coloradans are eligible for booster doses if they have received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and it has been more than 6 months since their second dose. Or if they have received the Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine more than two months prior.

THIRD DOSE INFORMATION

STATE PROGRAMS

The Colorado Tourism Office’s Tourism Management Grant provides funding for tourism-related projects that develop, enhance, or manage visitor experience in Colorado. The maximum grant amount is $20,000 and the required match is 4:1. For every $1 the qualifying grantee allocates to the proposed project, the Colorado Tourism Office will provide $4 in matching funds. Applications are now open.

Employee Ownership Tax Credit: This tax credit is available to Colorado-headquartered businesses to cover up to 50% of a qualified business’ conversion costs for use on their state income taxes. Applications are currently open.

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant and Early Stage Capital and Retention Grant applications are currently open and close March 3, 2022 at 5 p.m.

Business Foundations Technical Assistance Program: This program provides technical assistance and small grants to Colorado small businesses to help businesses legally establish themselves.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is again offering Advanced Industries Tax Credits for 25% of an investor's investment in a qualified business up to $50,000 on an investment of $200,000 or more. If the advanced industries business is in a Colorado enterprise zone or rural area, investors can earn a state income tax credit of 30% of their investment.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

USDA Rural Business Development Grants: This program provides funding to towns, communities, authorities, nonprofits, institutes of higher education, and others that provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Applications close February 28, 2022.

WORK FOR THE STATE

Join us at the State of Colorado! Find meaningful work serving the people of Colorado, and help create a state where all are proud to live, work, and play. You can find many more available jobs by clicking the button below.

STATE OF COLORADO JOBS

MARSHALL FIRE RESOURCES

It’s been almost a month since flames ripped through Louisville and Superior, destroying homes and forcing thousands of families to start over. As these communities begin picking up the pieces, the survivors need our support now more than ever.

FEMA has approved more than $820,000 in individual assistance already, and the SBA has approved 299 low interest rate home loans totaling more than $51 million and 8 business loans for more than $1.2 Million.

Our team at Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management continues to work with FEMA to activate additional programs including Crisis Counseling, Debris Management, Disaster Unemployment, Disaster Legal Services and DSNAP.

Survivors who have not yet utilized these services and think they could help, should stop by the Disaster Recovery Center in Lafayette or apply for assistance, including debris removal online at disasterassistance.gov.

Visit boco.org/MarshallFire to access a variety of additional services online. And of course, if you haven’t already, be sure to file a claim with your insurance company.

Beyond support from the state or federal government, Coloradans have generously donated their own dollars and resources. Whether you’ve donated one dollar or one million, you are demonstrating the true meaning of the Colorado spirit.

But as you offer support for survivors, please ensure that you are donating to a verified and legitimate group. A growing number of groups on Facebook and online are asking for donations that might not make it to the disaster survivors.

Coloradans can visit coloradoresponds.org/wildfires to find a list of organizations that provide assistance to the Boulder community.

Or they can donate directly to the Community Foundation Boulder County at commfound.org . They have already distributed more than $5 Million to thousands of individuals and families, and in addition to these funds, are now providing assistance to anyone who lost wages or tools of their trade due to the Marshall Fire.

COLORADO AFGHAN EVACUEE SUPPORT FUND

Colorado is committed to helping Afghan evacuees make Colorado home. We recognize their work and sacrifice as partners to the federal government and to our U.S. military and veteran communities.

That’s why in partnership with fiscal sponsor Rose Community Foundation and the Governor’s Office, The Colorado Afghan Evacuee Support Fund was created to welcome Afghan evacuees and connect them with community resources.

Contributions will fund grants to organizations in Colorado that provide refugee resettlement services, health and mental health services for newcomers, legal services to help evacuees navigate available pathways for permanency in the U.S., and other forms of needed assistance. This fund represents a holistic view of needs that newcomers will have over the long term and commits resources to areas where other funding mechanisms fall short.

To date, the Fund has raised $1,000,000 and is striving to reach a goal of $5.6 million.

To help support the fund, visit the link below. You can be assured that your funds go to a vital service currently neglected by other efforts, making your dollars all the more impactful.