Policy Areas

Accelerate Colorado is committed to advancing Colorado’s economy by advocating on behalf of the state’s most important industries for pro-business public policy.  It is imperative that there is statewide support, not just to protect these industries, but to help them to move forward.  Accelerate Colorado looks to build consensus on critical policy areas, and to carry that consensus to Washington, D.C. in order to ensure present and future prosperity. 

Policy areas change annually to address the most eminent economic development needs of the state.  The following policy areas have been identified for 2011:

• The Aerospace and Defense industry is a crucial component of Colorado’s economy for a number of reasons.  Buckley, Peterson and Schriever  Air Force Bases, the Air Force Academy and a number of private-sector companies contribute billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs to Colorado’s economy annually. 
• The Bioscience and Health Care industries are massive contributors to Colorado’s economy.  The Anschutz Medical Campus, for example, has become one of the most advanced and fastest growing medical communities in the country.  In order for its growth to continue, however, it is critically important to secure funding for the advancement of research and technology development.
• Accelerate Colorado works to support Small Business and business interests in general.  Issues such as tax structure and patent reform affect businesses of all sizes, and it is important to protect businesses’ freedom explore new ideas, and to protect the intellectual and physical property rights that make competitive business possible.
• Energy is an area of global concern, and billions of dollars have been invested in to researching all sorts of renewable and alternative energy sources.  Colorado has a number of assets that provide the state with a great opportunity to be a leader in the development of new energy technology.  Having 300 days of sunshine per year makes Colorado an ideal location for an entity such as the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) to develop and test solar technologies.
• No industry or municipality can survive without sufficient Transportation infrastructure, therefore Accelerate Colorado advocates for the funding of projects such as highway interchanges and light rail lines that provide access to the state’s most important business and development districts, creating a complete transit system.
• Because Colorado has such a strong military presence, Veterans Affairs is a priority for Accelerate Colorado.  It is extremely important to protect the well-being of veterans, both to help compensate for their services and to ensure the future prosperity of the various military institutions in Colorado.