What Colorado Leaders Are Saying About Governor Polis’s 2025 State of the State Address

STATEWIDE - Today, Colorado leaders are praising Governor Polis's 2025 State of the State address and his continued focus on saving people money and improving affordability. The Governor's speech focused on the issues that matter most to Coloradans, including continuing to create housing that Coloradans can afford, making Colorado communities safer, cutting healthcare costs, protecting education funding, protecting freedom, and more.

"From protecting Colorado's iconic public lands to expanding economic opportunities, Governor Polis helps make our state the best place to live and work," said Senator Michael Bennet. "In 2025, I look forward to cutting burdensome red tape, expanding affordable housing, and ensuring Colorado continues to lead the country's transition to a clean energy economy alongside Governor Polis."

"Governor Polis has doubled down on Colorado's successes. We're leading the clean energy transition with our home-grown innovation, lowering health care costs for Coloradans, and connecting every household to affordable high-speed internet," said Senator John Hickenlooper.

"Governor Polis' address laid out a clear vision for the most pressing issues facing Denver residents and the entire state this year. I'm especially glad to see Governor Polis prioritize support for our vibrant restaurant industry. While raising the minimum wage has created new opportunity for workers, the unintended consequences of steep wage disparities between tipped workers and back-of-house workers and skyrocketing costs for business are simply unsustainable. I look forward to working with Governor Polis and the General Assembly to tackle this affordability crisis and identify equitable and fair solutions to provide even greater support to local Denver restaurants and their staff," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

I'd like to thank and congratulate Governor Polis for his delivery of a pragmatic and inspirational State of the State address. I appreciate and align with his vision for safety, vibrancy, and homes we can afford. Colorado Springs is playing a leading role when it comes to innovative housing solutions, and I'd like to thank the Governor for recognizing the leadership of Pastor Ben Anderson with Solid Rock Community Development Corporation for opening 77 housing units in Southeast Colorado Springs this year as part of the Yes in God's Backyard movement. We will continue to lean into innovation and government efficiency, and we will do that through the relentless pursuit of data to make the right decisions for our community. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Governor, especially on issues related to public safety, like addressing juvenile crime by increasing bed space and leveraging Proposition 130 funding for hiring, recruiting, and training new officers. Plus, construction defect reform and bolstering our vibrant economy and quality of life," said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.

Housing

"Our team at Gary is thrilled to see the Governor's continued commitment to housing affordability in his State of the State. While Colorado has made great progress toward becoming more affordable in recent years, every region of the state still lacks a sufficient supply of affordable housing for its residents. We must continue to decrease costs, remove regulatory burdens, and incentivize innovation so that all Colorado families can live, grow and contribute to their communities. We look forward to supporting this critical work," said Santhosh Ramdoss, President and CEO of Gary Community Ventures.

"Governor Jared Polis isn't afraid to face Colorado's brutal housing crisis head-on-and Colorado is better for it. In a state where far too many are priced out and hope was fading, Jared's bold, steady leadership is driving innovative policies that unlock housing affordability through abundance. By fostering a marketplace that meets Coloradans' most fundamental need, he's ensuring our state stays true to its spirit-bold, inclusive, and a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let us rally behind his vision to make this progress a reality," said Peter LiFari, CEO of Maiker Housing Partners.

"We are grateful for Governor Polis' leadership and the support of the Colorado General Assembly to champion the creation of new and innovative tax credits that raise much needed capital to tackle the affordable housing crisis across the state. CHFA has already begun putting these resources to work, with new housing units underway as a result to help ensure all Coloradans have a safe and affordable place to live," said Cris White, Executive Director and CEO, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA).

'We applaud the Governor's steadfast support and focus on housing policies that expand access to affordable and attainable housing in Colorado. These efforts are essential to ensuring that Coloradans and our communities can thrive. Addressing the housing shortage requires significant collaboration and partnership across sectors and communities. Together, we can create the positive social change needed for everyone who calls Colorado home. The Governor's endorsement of YIGBY legislation is particularly impactful, drawing from its proven success nationally to bring transformative solutions to our state. This is a critical step toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all," said Executive Director Kathleen Van Voorhis, Community Investment Alliance.

"Every Coloradan deserves the opportunity to have a home they can afford and feel safe in, and Colorado continues working to break down barriers so more people can realize that dream. I appreciate the Governor's leadership and the legislature's commitment to continuing this work," said Brian Rossbert, Housing Colorado.

"We applaud Governor Polis's continued commitment to increasing affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for all Coloradans. Homeownership through Habitat for Humanity provides families with more than just a roof over their heads-it offers stability, security, and the opportunity to build wealth and a legacy for future generations. By making affordable housing a top priority, the governor is prioritizing stronger, more resilient communities and helping create more opportunities for families to thrive, not just survive," said Karen Kallenberg, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado.

"It is more important than ever that we focus on collaborating on bipartisan solutions to address our statewide housing crisis and allow more Coloradans to achieve the American Dream of homeownership," said 2025 CAR President and Summit County REALTOR® Dana Cottrell. "We're looking forward to continuing our work with state leaders and stakeholders to define and implement meaningful solutions that support the creation of housing options that meet the needs of a wide range of Coloradans."

Transit

"A great transportation system ensures people have options to get around and I'm excited that Colorado's Governor and elected officials are focused on expanding and improving those options. Being able to climb aboard a train or bus, hop on a bike or just walk down the street to get to jobs, schools, restaurants, breweries and parks supports a healthier, safer and cleaner Colorado than if people had no choice but to drive everywhere to do everything. But to be real options, we need our buses and trains to come more often, and take us to more places quickly and safely. We also need it to be easier for everyone to bike and walk around their neighborhoods," said Danny Katz, CoPIRG Executive Director.

"We're excited to work with Governor Polis and state lawmakers to provide Coloradans with cleaner, safer, and more affordable transportation options and more housing opportunities in walkable and transit-friendly neighborhoods. These efforts will help people reach their destinations efficiently while saving money, improving public health, cleaning our air, and reducing climate emissions," said Matt Frommer, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) Transportation & Land Use Policy Manager.

Public Safety

"Governor Polis is dedicated to making Colorado one of the top ten safest states. To do this, we must address juvenile violent crime -- and the Governor's budget does just that. Increasing the bed cap numbers is a critical component of this strategy and will help us keep our communities safe. I appreciate the Governor's commitment to this important issue," said District Attorney Brian Mason.

"On behalf of our community and the Summit County Sheriff's Office, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Polis for prioritizing the implementation of Proposition 130 in alignment with the will of the voters. His commitment to upholding the intent of this important measure reflects a dedication to collaboration and responsible governance. We look forward to working together to ensure the successful realization of its goals for the benefit of all Colorado residents," said Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons.

"Public safety investments are critical for making our communities safer. I appreciate the Governor's continued commitment to this issue and prioritizing the quick implementation of Proposition 130 in a way that will strengthen law enforcement and honor the will of the voters," said Moffat County Sheriff KC Hume.

Business

"Through the bold leadership of Governor Polis and the state legislature, Colorado has cemented its role on behalf of the Mountain West as the global hub for quantum technology development and innovation," said Zachary Yerushalmi, CEO of Elevate Quantum. "As Governor Polis said, Colorado's historic success in securing the designation and major funding as America's Tech Hub for quantum technology brightens the future for all Coloradans that call this state home and strategically positions the United States to stay ahead in the most important technology race of the 21st century."

"Colorado businesses are the engine of Colorado's economy. A strong business climate delivers greater investment in local Colorado communities, more opportunities for small businesses, and a workforce that's set up for success," said Loren Furman, President & CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. "The Colorado Chamber of Commerce looks forward to partnering with Governor Polis and the General Assembly to reduce unnecessary regulations and collaboratively foster a positive and competitive business climate."

Healthcare

"In Colorado, we have hundreds of thousands of people who have no health insurance and 1.2 million on Medicaid. Safety nets like Denver Health, many rural hospitals and community clinics serve a disproportionate share of these individuals' health care and social needs including housing, transportation and food. Funding these health care systems is essential to caring for all Coloradans and keeping our community safe and healthy," said Donna Lynne, CEO Denver Health.

"I applaud the creative solutions the Governor and legislators are exploring to support Community Health Centers, where one in seven Coloradans get their primary care. With more and more uninsured Coloradans seeking care at Community Health Centers, we look forward to collaborating with partners to make sure Community Health Centers throughout the state can keep their doors open now and in the future," said Ross Brooks, President and CEO of Colorado Community Health Network.

"While large hospital systems continue to rake in record profits, health care costs are simply too high for Colorado families. We look forward to working with Governor Polis and state legislators on innovative solutions to save Coloradans money on health care and keep critical providers that serve rural communities, seniors, and hardworking families across our state afloat," said Austin Blumenfeld, executive director at Centennial State Prosperity.

"Coloradans continue to be worried about affording their health care now and in the future, and they support taking legislative action to control hospital costs," said Mannat Singh, Executive Director at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. "We are excited to hear Governor Polis focus on controlling excessive hospital costs and ensuring Colorado's small and independent rural hospitals, primary care doctors, family clinics, and other safety-net providers can continue to provide affordable and accessible health care in their communities."

Education

"Colorado's kids deserve every opportunity to succeed. By implementing a student-centered Public School Funding Formula on time and sustainably, we can ensure every child has access to quality education-regardless of ZIP code, background, or learning needs. We applaud Governor Polis's leadership and strongly urge the legislature to prioritize the implementation of the updated formula. Our students have waited decades for this. The time to act is now," said Heather Tritten, President & CEO of the Colorado Children's Campaign.

Climate

"Colorado knows firsthand the devastating impacts of climate-fueled wildfires, like those we're seeing now in California. That's why we appreciate Gov. Polis's bold leadership in championing clean energy and climate action," said Kelly Nordini, Conservation Colorado CEO.

"Colorado's open spaces and outdoor experiences are the heart and soul of our state. We celebrate Governor Polis' commitment to our great outdoors as he champions the first-ever Colorado's Outdoors Strategy. By integrating priorities for conservation, recreation, and climate resilience into a cohesive and comprehensive vision, Colorado isn't just protecting our landscapes, we're nurturing the very essence of what makes Colorado special," said GOCO Executive Director Jackie Miller.

"The Nature Conservancy in Colorado applauds Governor Polis' focus on Colorado's outdoors. We strongly support his leadership on the Colorado Outdoors Strategy that aligns public and private partners to advance climate-resilient conservation and outdoor recreation. All Coloradans, our economic vitality, and the state's diverse wildlife depend on and benefit from our healthy lands, forests, and rivers. The Colorado Outdoors Strategy provides an important roadmap to protect and restore Colorado's special places and we will continue to work with the Governor to ensure a future where nature and people thrive," said Carlos Fernandez, The Nature Conservancy Colorado State Director.

"I'm thankful Governor Polis continues to secure new funding to protect our parks and wildlife and sustain our world-class outdoor recreation economy. However, the governor calling attention to Colorado's Outdoor Equity Grant Program and his support for increased funding shows his commitment to the tens of thousands of youth and families who benefit from this critical program annually. We look forward to building on creative solutions like the Outdoor Equity Grant Program, Keep Colorado Wild Pass, and Colorado's Outdoor Strategy and working with Governor Polis and the General Assembly to urgently address the climate and nature crises." said Jim Ramey, Colorado State Director, The Wilderness Society

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.