07/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2025 16:20
Governor pledges to chain himself to the Capitol plaza to stop the walkway, if needed
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis applauded the great public participation from over 80,000 Coloradans who participated in the survey, and released the results of the statewide survey announcing that the proposed walkway would not proceed. Last week, Governor Polis announced the survey so Coloradans could weigh in about how to best celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday.
"This exciting big anniversary for our state is an opportunity for Coloradans to celebrate together, and this survey was all about hearing exactly how we should do that. Coloradans were clear, and I will stop the pedestrian walkway proposal in its tracks. If needed, I will chain myself to the Capitol plaza to prevent it from being built and will personally intervene to ensure we listen to Coloradans' feedback. Coloradans have made our voices heard that the proposed pedestrian walkway is not how we want to celebrate our 150th anniversary. I look forward to engaging with the 250/150 commission on how best to celebrate Colorado and America's anniversary," said Governor Polis.
"I was inspired that over 80,000 people participated in just five days. This amazing level of engagement shows that Coloradans care deeply about our upcoming birthday and the Capitol plaza," the Governor continued.
In 2026, America will be celebrating its 250th birthday, while Colorado will be celebrating its 150th birthday. To commemorate this anniversary, Governor Polis signed legislation creating the 250/150 Commission with the mission to create a state-wide celebration and an Executive Order directing state agencies to find opportunities to celebrate.
The results of the survey show that Coloradans are excited about both anniversaries, and a strong plurality wants to celebrate the nation's 250th and Colorado's 150th birthday with equal billing. As a result, the state will continue to use the 250/150 Commission's branding in outreach around these important anniversaries The 250/150 Commission was passed by the legislature in bipartisan fashion.
The results were tallied and verified by the Office of Information Technology, using a combination of methods to filter the results to eliminate duplicate votes.
Should Colorado proceed with the proposed 150th Anniversary walkway at the State Capitol complex in Denver?
Yes: 3,330 (3.8%), Maybe: 2,043 (2.3%), No: 82,313 (93.9%), Total Votes: 87,686
If Colorado does not proceed with the 150th-anniversary walkway, would you like to see it?
If Colorado does proceed with the 150th anniversary walkway, would you like to see:
2026 is just around the corner! Are you more excited about
The Governor's office will continue to work with the community on how to best celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary and the country's 250th anniversary. Colorado is the only state that will observe dual anniversaries - the 150th anniversary as a state and the country's 250th anniversary.
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