Colorado Leads Nation in Retirement Plan Growth Following Colorado SecureSavings Launch

Pew Study Finds that State Program Drove Private Sector Plan Adoption

May 7, 2026 (DENVER) -The Colorado SecureSavings Program continues to expand retirement access while elevating private sector growth, according to new research from The Pew Charitable Trusts. Following the launch of its state-facilitated program, Colorado achieved the highest rate of new private retirement plan formation in the country.

"Colorado leads the way in expanding access to retirement savings while strengthening-not replacing-the private market," said Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young. "The Colorado SecureSavings Program is driving real action from employers and creating more opportunities for workers to secure a dignified financial future."

In 2023, Colorado implemented legislation requiring businesses with five or more workers to offer a retirement savings plan. That year, new retirement plans made up 18.4% of all private sector plans in the state, up from 12.6% in the previous year. This growth rate outpaced the national average, which declined from 10.1% to 9.1% in the same time period.

"The Pew research affirms that state-run initiatives bolster the overall retirement landscape," said Hunter Railey, Executive Director of the SecureSavings Program. "Whether they opt for Colorado SecureSavings or provide their own plan, employers are transforming the financial trajectory of families, communities, and the state."

The uptick in private plan adoption tracks alongside the growth of the Colorado SecureSavings Program. In just three years of operation, the auto-IRA initiative has enrolled almost 110,000 savers who have collectively saved over $200 million. Nearly 18,000 businesses have enrolled in the program, representing all 64 counties.

Colorado is also expanding retirement savings access beyond its borders. As the leading member of the Partnership for a Dignified Retirement-a multi-state consortium uniting Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, and Vermont-Colorado is leveraging its proven model to lower costs and increase efficiency for private sector workers. To-date, PDR has enrolled 160,000 savers who have amassed $265 million in assets.

For more information visit coloradosecuresavings.com.

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About the Colorado Department of the Treasury

The Colorado Department of the Treasury is the constitutional guardian of the public's funds. It is the Treasury's duty to manage and account for the taxpayers' dollars from the time they are received until the time they are disbursed. The Treasury's staff is committed to safeguarding and managing the people's monies with the same diligence and care as they do their own. For more information, visit colorado.gov/treasury.

About the Colorado SecureSavings Program

The Colorado SecureSavings Program (CSSP) is a state-sponsored retirement program that helps private sector workers save for the future. The program empowers employees to contribute to a portable Roth IRA through automatic payroll deductions, with flexible options to adjust savings and investments. CSSP supports self-employed workers or those whose employers do not offer retirement savings plans, providing tools and guidance to help Coloradans build long-term financial security.