Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

988 Colorado Engages with Communities Statewide for Awareness of Mental Health Resources

Sept. 5, 2025

DENVER, CO- Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed Sept. 8, 2025, as 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day in Colorado, part of the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado). September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health, recognizing the warning signs for suicide and promoting mental health resources and support. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in Colorado last year there were 20.83 suicide deaths per 100,000. To facilitate connections and encourage open conversations this month, 988 Colorado is engaging in-person with communities across the state.

988 Colorado is the state’s primary crisis and mental health line, connected to a national network of local contact centers offering free and confidential assistance to people feeling overwhelmed, panicked or out of control, to experiencing suicidal thoughts or anything in between. Anyone seeking mental health support can call or text 988 or live chat 988Colorado.com for free, 24/7.

“Our work to ensure every Coloradan has access to high-quality health care includes access to necessary mental health support. 988 Colorado is an important resource for many Coloradans and remains a critical part of Coloradans’ health care network, helping us to thrive. I encourage Coloradans to call 988 if you need support,” said Governor Polis.

“988 Colorado is more than a phone number. It’s a movement to build a culture of mental health support across our state. Whether through high-profile activations, statewide campaigns, or one-on-one conversations, we are committed to ensuring that every person in Colorado knows that help is just three digits away,” said 988 Colorado Director Gordon Coombes.

988 Colorado September Events: Meeting People Where They Are

In advance of 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day, and throughout the month of September, 988 Colorado will be showing up in communities to meet people where they are and lift up voices representing our diverse population.

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado is partnering with Colorado State University (CSU) Rams Athletics for the home-opening football game at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins against the University of Northern Colorado. The game also coincides with Ag Day at CSU, presenting a powerful opportunity to connect Colorado’s agricultural community. 988 Colorado will have a pop-up 988 Radio Lounge with special appearances by CSU student athletes to engage people in a positive, approachable way.

“College can feel like a constant state of pressure. Whether it’s classes, practices, or just life, it can be a lot. Talking about what you’re going through isn’t weakness, it’s strength. It’s okay to not be okay,” said Charlie Dortch, CSU basketball player.

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado and Southern Ute Behavioral Health will host the 988 Youth Skatedeck Art Paint Party from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Local youth are encouraged to attend this community event to paint their own skateboard deck. The youth artwork will be created into stickers and displayed in community spaces. Supplies, food and beverages will be provided.

• Sept. 7: 988 Colorado will support Fiestas Patrias at Arapahoe Park, a community event with booths, food and live music from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Sept. 8: 988 Colorado will mark 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day with a video campaign sharing voices from around the state about why mental health matters and why 988 Colorado is so important. On September 8, visit 988 Colorado Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts to see this video.

• Sept.13: 988 Colorado will support the community at Denver’s Out of Darkness Walk at Berkeley Lake Park starting at 9:00 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness for suicide prevention and honors lives lost to suicide.

Recognize the Warning Signs

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little

• Feeling like you have to keep busy

• Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications

• Lack of energy or always feeling tired

• Trouble focusing or remembering

• Anger, feeling edgy, or lashing out at others

• Changes in behavior like isolating or taking risks

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.

Media Resources

• 988 Colorado Dashboard: Provides members of the public with usage information.

• 988 Colorado Media Kit: Assets in English and Spanish to help build awareness for 988 Colorado. Includes Official Proclamation for 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day, logos and messages to accompany stories pertaining to mental health.

About the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado) is the easy-to-remember three-digit number that allows anyone concerned about an emotional, mental health or substance use concern to be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will listen without judgment. 988 is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.

About the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise

In preparation for the launch of 988 in Colorado, Senate Bill 21-154 established the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise in the Department to:

• Impose a 988 surcharge and a prepaid wireless 988 charge;

• Fund the 988 crisis hotline;

• Work with third parties to provide crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care;

• Authorize and issue revenue bonds payable from the newly created 988 Crisis Hotline Cash Fund; and

• Adopt, amend, or repeal policies to regulate its affairs.

The enterprise is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor.

The post Governor Polis Proclaims September 8 as 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

KGNU’s New Downtown Boulder Project, One of Ten Community Projects Awarded the Community Revitalization Tax Credit Through Colorado Creative Industries

On June 26th, Governor Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced 10 recipients of the Community Revitalization Tax Credit (CRTC). The program supports creative sector capital projects such as studio, performance, and arts education spaces that incorporate features like housing, childcare, retail, or other community spaces.

“Colorado continues to lead the way by supporting the creative industries in our state. We know that arts and culture do more than improve our quality of life. The arts help our thriving economy, contributing nearly $20 billion per year and supporting over 120,000 jobs across the state,” said Governor Polis.

Boulder Community Broadcast Association, (KGNU Community Radio) – Boulder – $850,000
This KGNU site will feature a media training room, expanded production studios available at low or no cost for nonprofits, artists and students; a community cafe and cultural space; and a performance space accommodating 60-90 people. These spaces will be accessible to nonprofits, artists, and cultural organizations who are otherwise unable to access affordable spaces in the downtown area. Digital upgrades will improve the station’s emergency alert capabilities.

“Community Revitalization Tax Credit recipients are elevating the role of the arts and creative industries in communities across the state, from Durango to Walsenburg. Their work, which includes creating housing Coloradans can afford and additional childcare services, will support our placemaking efforts across the state and build a Colorado economy that works for everyone. We are thrilled to support their efforts,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

Read the full Press Release from OEDIT – CCI

“The announcement of the CRTC award for KGNU is not only an important investment and opportunity for our project and community, it’s also an important recognition of the crucial role that community and public media outlets play in our state to inform, engage, educate, and amplify community, culture, music, and the arts.  This recognition comes just as the Senate prepares to vote on the White House rescission bill that is slated to revoke $1.1 Billion in previously appropriated congressional funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, impacting hundreds of community and public media outlets across the country and dozens of partner stations across Colorado.  It is great to see that Colorado not only recognizes the vital role community media plays in our communities but is willing to make investments into the future of community media projects to support a healthy democracy in our state.” said Tim Russo, KGNU Station Manager

The CRTC award announcement comes just a couple months after KGNU closed on an $8.5 million New Markets Tax Credit (NTMC) project in partnership with Colorado Housing Finance Authority’s (CHFA) Colorado Growth and Revitalization Fund (CGRF) to support the renovation and repurposing of the 1720 14th St property into KGNU’s new headquarters and community media center.  This is a first of its kind NMTC project within the City of Boulder.

“New Markets Tax Credits are a powerful tool that incentivize private investment to support economic development and revitalization in under-served communities throughout the state,” said Steve Boice, manager of business finance at Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). “We are proud to leverage this critical resource for Colorado to support KGNU’s new facility and their work to deliver news and information while also providing space to support nonprofit organizations, community events, and educational opportunities.”

Learn more about how you can support the KGNU Amplifying Community Capital Campaign

Project Background:

In Mid-September 2024, KGNU Community Radio, with support from community members, individual donors, foundations, and the City of Boulder, started the renovation of the property it acquired at 1720 14th Street in downtown Boulder.

KGNU, Boulder’s 47-year-old local Community Radio, is currently housed in a 5,900-square-foot facility, located at 4700 Walnut Street that is bulging at the seams, has older technology, and limited community space for the plethora of activities that KGNU hosts, including over 100 live in-studio artist on-air musical performances to date in 2025.  KGNU is adapting, repurpose, and upgrade their newly acquired downtown building to provide a resilient, flood-proofed, energy-efficient building equipped with a solar micro-grid rooftop and ample battery backup storage, permanent media training space, community cafe, rooftop deck, modern studios, and intimate performance space, all wrapped into this multicultural community media center.

The Amplifying Community campaign introduces an approximate $8.8 million project buoyed by a $1.25 million City of Boulder match from the Community, Culture, Safety voter ballot initiative passed by 83% of the Boulder voters.  With equity in the current building, the $1.25 million city match, the New Market Tax Credit, the City of Boulder Commercial Affordable Pilot grant, community and foundation support and now the CRTC award, the project is quickly becoming a reality in support of injecting a much-needed independent non-profit cultural space into the heart of Boulder to support the creative economy, downtown revitalization, and an engaged and informed community.

According to KGNU Station Manager, Tim Russo, “KGNU’s new home for media, arts, and culture will be a dynamic place with expanded community space for discussions and debates, lectures, community conversations, concerts, and multicultural events that serve an ever-diversifying community across Boulder County and the Front Range.  Bringing the vision to fruition is only possible thanks to thousands of community members, and dozens of amazing partners who have stepped up to invest in the future of KGNU and the community.”

By nearly doubling its space with the repurposed 10,000 sq/ft downtown building, KGNU seeks to stimulate, educate, and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals, groups, issues, and music that have been overlooked, suppressed, or underrepresented by other media.

Powered by over 200 people volunteering on-air, with another 200 plus volunteers working behind the scenes throughout the year, an inter-generational group of dedicated community members locally produces more than 85 percent of KGNU’s news and music programs.

Once the renovation is complete, the broader community will have greater programmatic access to engage in increased opportunities to explore career pathways in journalism and media, an affordable performance space, modern broadcast studios, and increased connectivity, including community and co-working spaces.  This not only benefits those in and around Boulder but also the tens of thousands of loyal listeners who tune into and stream KGNU every week.

“A multicultural community media center will enhance the lives of residents in Boulder. KGNU’s project is visionary and has great potential to become a model that stations across the country can emulate.” Sally Kane, Former CEO, National Federation of Community Broadcasters.

The list of improved amenities, heightened sustainability, and community-informed space is impressive, including but limited to:

MUSIC

A place to showcase independent eclectic music and musicians with a modernized music library and more space for local artists to share their talents via live in-studio and broadcast performances.

ARTS & CULTURE

The new facility will provide affordable event space for artist exhibitions, public art displays, and community events inside and on the rooftop deck.

MEDIA

State-of-the-art digital studios, a permanent media-makers space, and dedicated training facilities are designed to host and teach more community members to support emerging media-makers.

RESILIENCY

The new flood-proofed, energy-efficient facility will expand terrestrial and digital programming, reduce downtime, and enhance community resiliency, and emergency alerting.  Podcasting & digital studios, improved HD side channels, increased connectivity, and greater accessibility to tools and resources are paramount to supporting the best possible community-based programming, learning, and skills-building opportunities, while being prepared to support the community during times of ever-more-prevalent disasters.

The construction will continue through the fall of 2025 with operations expected to begin from the new facility in early 2026.  Hard hat tours are available.  Those interested in learning more about how to support the campaign can reach out to Tim Russo, manager@kgnu.org.

The post KGNU’s New Downtown Boulder Project, One of Ten Community Projects Awarded the Community Revitalization Tax Credit Through Colorado Creative Industries appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Connecting Colorado to a Streamlined Network of Mental Health, Substance Use and Crisis Services

DENVER (July 9, 2025) – The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), today celebrated the launch of Colorado LIFTS (Linking Individuals and Families To Services). Colorado LIFTS is Colorado’s streamlined network of safety net behavioral health services, including crisis, substance use and mental health support. From today forward, anyone in Colorado, no matter their insurance status or where they live in the state, can connect directly with care navigation support to help them begin or continue their journey to whole-person health.

The behavioral health community gathered on the steps of the Capitol for a rally and resource fair, highlighting the kinds of services available through this streamlined network, which receives public funding, coordinated through newly created Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations, to provide low- or no-cost care to uninsured and underinsured people in Colorado.

“Since taking office, this administration has been committed to increasing behavioral health support for people across our great state. People deserve to have access to the care they need, when they need it. This new effort will help streamline services and break down barriers for Coloradans,” said Governor Jared Polis.

“Access to behavioral healthcare shouldn’t depend on your income, your zip code or your ability to navigate a complicated system,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. “With Colorado LIFTS, we’re breaking down those barriers and making it easier for people to get the care they need. This is a major step forward in our commitment to building a healthier, more accessible Colorado — where support is within reach for everyone.”

“With the launch of Colorado LIFTS, our state is leaping closer to a future where everyone in the state has easy access to high-quality behavioral healthcare. On Day One, all people in Colorado will now have a coordinated system to access when they need support navigating their way to the right care,” said BHA Commissioner Dannette R. Smith. “The first year of Colorado LIFTS will be all about identifying gaps in the system and working in close collaboration with our partners across the state to ensure that the Colorado LIFTS network can adapt over time to meet the unique and diverse needs of each community it serves.”

“We’re honored to help launch the Colorado LIFTS network as one of the first Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations,” said Meg Taylor, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Rocky Mountain Health Plans. “In its first year, Colorado LIFTS will focus on connecting people to care and working with providers and communities to build solutions that improve access to behavioral healthcare.”

“Change is one of the hardest things to achieve in healthcare, but thanks to theleadership of Governor Polis and Commissioner Smith, we have seen a commitment to addressing what has not been working in behavioral health,” said Daniel Darting, CEO of Signal. “It is an honor to play a role in creating the Colorado LIFTS network. As we enter this new era, we are committed to work each day to make access to high-quality care easier and better for the people of Colorado.”

There are three ways that uninsured or underinsured people in Colorado will be able to connect to low- or no-cost care in the Colorado LIFTS network: by calling the Colorado LIFTS care navigation line in their region, conducting their own search using the OwnPath Care Directory or receiving a screening from a Colorado LIFTS provider. Anyone seeking support with care navigation, including those with private insurance or Medicaid, can find their Colorado LIFTS care navigation phone number by entering their zip code at ownpath.co.

For more information, check out the Colorado LIFTS media toolkit and FAQs, or visit ownpath.co/about. A recording of the launch press conference is also available on YouTube.

The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is the state administration responsible for ensuring all people in Colorado have access to quality mental health and substance use disorder services, regardless of where they live, or ability to pay. As a regulatory body, BHA brings together community groups and governmental agencies to create a behavioral health system for all people in Colorado that is easy to access and offers high-quality care that considers the whole person and their needs. Find us online at https://bha.colorado.gov/.

The post BHA Launches Colorado LIFTS, Increases Access to Behavioral Health Support appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

For Immediate Release
Colorado Energy Office
Department of Public Health & Environment
Colorado Department of Transportation
Department of Agriculture
Department of Natural Resources
Josh Chetwynd, josh.chetwynd@state.co.us, (720) 926-2755

New measures will further the state’s work on a wide range of areas, including transportation, clean energy, building energy performance, carbon management, and just transition for coal communities.

DENVER – Continuing his comprehensive approach to leading on climate change, Governor Polis recently signed into law a series of bills that further bolster Colorado’s commitment to keeping energy costs down while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, creating an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy, and preserving Colorado’s beloved natural resources and landscapes.

“We continue moving forward to improve air quality, reduce pollution, protect Colorado’s future and save people money with low-cost clean energy. With these new laws we are moving in the right direction and I’m proud of this year’s progress. I appreciate all the legislators who worked on these new laws, and especially Colorado’s state agencies who will be implementing them for Coloradans,” said Governor Jared Polis.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will be responsible for implementing many of these new laws.

These new laws cover a wide range of sectors and issues. These include transportation, strategic growth, building energy performance, electric grid readiness, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, carbon management, renewable energy, a just transition for communities transitioning from coal production, agriculture, and water security.

“While the changing federal landscape has created hurdles for states across the country in addressing the climate crisis, Governor Polis and our legislature are making sure Colorado continues to prioritize concrete progress on this vital issue,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “The laws passed this session will make it easier for Coloradans to embrace emissions-reducing actions in a cost-effective way. Thank you to the Governor and our legislators for their work.”

Many of these bills continue to build on the vision laid out in the state’s second version of its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Pollution Reduction Roadmap, which was released in 2024. For example, HB25-1269 adds technical support and simplifies the process for buildings to comply with Building Performance Colorado, which is an important strategy to achieve emission reductions from large buildings; and SB25-206 provides much needed budget flexibility for the work of the Energy Office, which allows the office to continue making investments in Colorado homes and businesses to adopt clean energy, EV and energy efficiency solutions in an increasingly uncertain federal environment. When it comes to sustaining Colorado’s nation-leading adoption of electric vehicles, HB25-1267 will ensure retail EV charging provides a consistent and reliable customer experience across Colorado. HB25-1273 is an important step forward to enable more infill housing to be built within our cities, helping to reduce transportation and building emissions.

In addition, SB25-030 aims to expand transportation options like transit, biking, and walking to reduce climate pollution, save Coloradans money, and improve public health.

“Gov. Polis and the legislature made bold progress this year by prioritizing bike, pedestrian, and transit projects in both state and local transportation planning,” said Acting CDOT Executive Director Sally Chafee. “By strengthening coordination and closing key gaps in our multimodal infrastructure, we can better meet the real-world transportation needs of Coloradans and deliver safer, cleaner, and more efficient choices for everyone.”

Making sure the state is climate resilient and safeguarding Coloradans’ health were also a focus in this legislative work.

“This legislative session marks a bold leap forward in protecting both community health and our environment,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “From tackling air pollution and building decarbonization to supporting environmental justice and water security, Colorado is demonstrating that smart climate policy is also smart public health policy. We’re proud to help lead this work for the well-being of all Coloradans.”

Carbon management continues to be an important opportunity to address emissions. To support that effort, the Governor signed SB25-182, which tackles carbon associated with greenhouse gas emissions arising from the production, construction, use, and end-of-life of products or systems used in the construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.  The Governor also signed HB25-1165, which takes important steps to further enable underground carbon storage in Colorado, as well as deployment of geothermal energy projects for electricity production and heating and cooling.

“The Colorado General Assembly and Governor Polis worked together to advance landmark legislation to protect wildlife and their habitats, enable more sustainable water resource management, and facilitate nation-leading, sustainable energy production that carves the path to meeting the goals of Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Roadmap,” said Dan Gibbs, executive director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “I want to thank the bi-partisan support and legislative champions of our bills as well as the numerous Coloradans and stakeholders who took time out of their day to support many of our legislative priorities.”

In addition, these new laws include key provisions that support the state’s agricultural work, which  is  essential for Coloradans in both urban and rural areas.

“Colorado’s continued investment into soil health will have far reaching benefits for agricultural resilience and farmers’ bottom lines,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “Soil health practices enhance both production, and environmental outcomes and help Colorado producers maintain the health of their operations, which is vital to our state.”

The following is a summary of newly signed climate and clean energy legislation in Colorado:

Strategic Growth and Transportation

HB25-1267 Support Statewide Energy Strategies: Allows the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to use a portion of the EV Fund within the Colorado Energy Office to create and enforce rules for publicly available electric vehicle charging stations to protect Colorado consumers. The law also allows CDPHE to use an existing fund to conduct environmental equity and cumulative impact analyses.

HB25-1273 Residential Building Stair Modernization : Requires municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more that are serviced by an accredited fire protection district, fire authority, or fire department to adopt a building code, or amend an existing building code, to allow up to five stories of a multifamily residential building that satisfies certain conditions to be served by a single stairway by December 1, 2027. This will give communities more flexibility in embracing climate-friendly strategic growth by paving the way for more housing to be built in smaller infill lots, driving density, and walkable development.

SB25-002 Regional Building Codes for Factory-Built Structures : Expands the State’s factory-built structure oversight program to include climatic and geographic conditions and categorizes these factors in rules by region under the purview of the State’s program. Determines that after the State Housing Board adopts these rules about any activity to start or complete the construction or installation of a factory-built nonresidential structure, a factory-built residential structure, or a factory-built tiny home, the state plumbing board, the state electrical board, and the state fire suppression administrator do not have jurisdiction over and their rules do not apply to a factory-built structure. Stipulates that a county shall not impose more restrictive standards on factory-built structures than on-site built structures.

SB25-030 Increase Transportation Mode Choice: Requires CDOT, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments to create a transit and active transportation project inventory that identifies gaps in transit, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure. It also requires those groups to identify new projects that would significantly increase transit, biking, and walking by improving connectivity and safety. The inventory must be completed by July 1, 2026.

SB25-161 Transit Reform : Makes several changes to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) statute including: modernizing RTD’s mission to align with statewide goals to increase transit ridership, increase service, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions; developing performance measures to evaluate its progress in aligning with state climate goals; and  improving and advertising its EcoPass program. The law also creates an independent accountability committee that will discuss and make recommendations on topics including the governance structure and compensation of the board, representation of local governments, and workforce retention.

Environment, climate, and air quality (broadly)

HB25-1280 Advanced Leak Detection Technology Rules: Requires the public utilities commission to adopt new rules related to gas pipeline safety and repair, including rules related to advanced leak detection technology. The bill requires the commission to adopt the rules regarding advanced leak detection technology on or before November 1, 2025. This bill will both improve air quality and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

SB25-206 Long Bill Appropriations: Provides additional funding for the Colorado Energy Office. This money will help ensure sufficient state funding to carry out key regulatory and decarbonization work, including energy planning, clean heat initiatives, and electrification projects. This is essential to make sure Colorado hits its 2030 climate targets, achieves lowest possible cost energy, doesn’t fall behind on pollution reduction goals, and properly faces other challenges exacerbated by federal efforts to hinder clean energy progress.

Emissions from the built environment

HB25-1269 Building Decarbonization Measures : Improves Building Performance Colorado, the statewide energy use benchmarking and performance standard requirement for owners of large-scale buildings greater than 50,000 square feet. This bill simplifies compliance and relaxes penalties of 2026 targets, and creates a building decarbonization enterprise to provide resources for technical assistance to ensure buildings meet 2030 and future targets. Furthermore, it clarifies that buildings that are in compliance with qualifying local building performance programs will be deemed compliant with the state standard, and that buildings may use 2019 as a baseline year, rather than 2021. This bill also provides clarification and structure for the process to set 2040 performance standards at the air quality control commission.

SB25-039 Agricultural Buildings Exempt from Energy Use Requirements : Further clarifies an existing exemption for agricultural buildings, which are not required to participate in Building Performance Colorado. Owners of designated agricultural buildings are exempt from the energy use collecting and reporting requirements required for other large-scale buildings. The bill defines an agricultural building as a building or structure used to house agricultural implements, hay, unprocessed grain, poultry, livestock, or other agricultural products or inputs. This provides relief and clarity for the agricultural industry while maintaining the important goals of building decarbonization set forth in the Building Performance Colorado program.

Carbon management and geothermal energy

HB25-1165 Geologic Storage Enterprise & Geothermal Resources : Continues Colorado’s efforts to enable effective and safe carbon sequestration and geothermal development. It does so by creating a process for long-term stewardship of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites through a dedicated fund funded by CO2 storage operators. This will ensure carbon storage facilities are safe long into the future. It also advances our state’s climate goals, relieves state taxpayers of a burden to manage these sites, and provides certainty to operators. In addition, the bill streamlines geothermal development in a manner consistent with Colorado’s values. This is done by minimizing costs, ensuring permitting is fit to purpose, advancing safety and public protections, and clarifying regulatory authority across state agencies while ensuring prior geothermal operations such as our treasured historic hot springs remain vibrant into the future.

SB25-182 Embodied Carbon Reduction : Expands access to low-carbon construction materials for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure by making the use of lower carbon materials eligible for property-assessed clean energy financing (known as CPACE), and utilizing the existing Colorado Industrial Tax Credit Offering (CITCO) to make strategic investments in low-carbon material production. Both measures will support the commercialization and scaling of lower-carbon construction materials, and support local Colorado companies and startups working on manufacturing next generation products.

Renewable energy and utilities

HB25-1040 Adding Nuclear Energy as a Clean Energy Resource: Amends Colorado’s statutory definitions of “clean energy” and “clean energy resource” to include nuclear energy. This change makes nuclear energy projects eligible for clean energy project financing at the county and city levels and makes it more explicit that qualifying retail utilities may use nuclear energy to meet the state’s clean energy targets.

HB25-1096 Automated Permits for Clean Energy Technology : Streamlines the voluntary solar permitting and inspection grant program. The grant program provides funding for the adoption and implementation of automated permitting and inspection software which can reduce the time and costs associated with permitting solar, both for customers and local governments. The bill clarifies that funding from the grant program may be used by a recipient for eligible expenses for up to three years after the grantee implements the automated permitting and inspection software.

HB25-1177 Utility Economic Development Rate Tariff Adjustments : Makes modifications to utility economic development rates to provide more long-term certainty for electric-powered businesses to come to Colorado and grow. Explicitly states that the use of economic development rates does not relieve a utility of its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction obligations. This provides more long-term certainty and stability for businesses to come to or expand in Colorado and advance Colorado’s load growth and beneficial electrification goals, while ensuring utilities continue on path for GHG reductions.

HB25-1292 Transmission Lines in State Highway Rights-of-Way : Clarifies that a transmission developer can co-locate high voltage transmission lines within a state highway right-of-way, according to a process developed by rule by the Department of Transportation. This clarification and the CDOT rulemaking process will allow faster, more efficient, and sustainable use of existing right of way rules for building transmission lines needed to achieve the state’s climate goals, unlock access to new economic opportunities for rural Colorado, and expand access to affordable, reliable electricity.

SB25-299 Consumer Protection Residential Energy Systems: Clarifies the definition of a solar sales company and provides consumers with key disclosures when entering into an agreement with the consumer for the purchase or lease of a system or a power purchase agreement for a system. This bill makes the process of going solar more transparent and fair.

Just transition for workers and communities and environmental justice

SB25-037 Coal Transition Grants: Requires the state’s Office of Just Transition to prioritize awarding funding to certain defined coal transition communities experiencing socioeconomic impacts of coal closures and for opportunities for economic diversification, local community input, feasibility studies of specific proposed projects, and needs assessments.

SB25-055 Youth Involvement in Environmental Justice: Expands the state’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board to include two youth seats. The board, located within CDPHE, advises the environmental justice ombudsperson, develops recommendations related to adverse environmental effects on disproportionately impacted communities, and supports the implementation of a grant program to finance environmental mitigation projects.

Agriculture, water, and natural lands

HB25-1009 Vegetative Fuel Mitigation: Allows a fire protection district or a metropolitan district providing fire protection services to create a program to mitigate the presence of dead or dry plant material that can burn and contribute to a fire on privately owned property within a district.

HB25-1115 Water Supply Measurement & Forecasting Program : Authorizes the Colorado Water Conservation Board to lead the management of a statewide snowpack measurement program that will allow for the collection and dissemination of highly accurate, valuable water supply data to better manage our state’s water resources and maximize beneficial uses of these resources. By using new technologies to boost Colorado’s snowpack monitoring capabilities to improve water forecasting, the state will be better able to respond to drought and climate-driven water challenges.

HB25-1215 Redistribution of Lottery Fund : Follows up on the creation of the nation-leading Outdoor Equity Fund at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). This bill makes further adjustments to the lottery distribution by growing the real and potential funding for the Outdoor Equity Fund. It also increases funding for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and creates an Outdoor Recreation Management and Infrastructure Fund at CPW. All of these entities do important work in the conservation space and this funding will support outcomes associated with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, which advances climate resilient conservation.

HB25-1332 State Trust Lands Conservation & Recreation Work Group : Advances the ability of the Colorado State Land Board’s (SLB) to expand the portfolio of revenue generating activities for the state with their trust lands, particularly regarding conservation, climate resilience, biodiversity, and low-impact recreation. This is being done by creating a working group to develop recommendations to the SLB. State trust lands provide approximately 10% of the state’s renewable energy, and the bill includes the renewable energy industry as part of the working group to help ensure that perspective is represented. The focus on conservation, climate resilience, and biodiversity can advance natural climate solutions on SLB land.

SB25-049 Continue Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program: Indefinitely continues this land conservation program that is funded through individuals purchasing Colorado wildlife habitat stamps. Proceeds from this program promote work outlined in the state’s natural and working lands plan as well as natural climate solutions through conserving habitats.

SB25-283 Funding Water Conservation Board Projects : Provides significant funding for climate resilience and drought mitigation programs through this annual Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Projects Bill. This year, the bill includes $69 million in funding for a wide variety of programs. Of this total, some of the high impact climate-related investments include: $6 million to support groundwater sustainability in the Republican River basin, where climate change has contributed to water shortages and inter-state compact issues; $1.4 million for a statewide study to determine potential water savings from turf removal programs; $2 million to better measure snowpack and forecast runoff; and $5 million for the Wildfire Ready Watersheds program to address post-wildfire hazards, increase resiliency at landscape scales, enhance ecological structure and function, and protect water quality.

The post Governor Polis Signs New Laws Advancing Colorado’s Leadership on Climate Change and Clean Energy appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Contact: Jessica Henrichs, 913-671-0333

Colorado Small Businesses Disappointed in Governor Polis’ Signature of HB 1300
“NFIB Colorado will continue working with the Governor’s office and the Legislature to advance reforms that benefit both employers and the hardworking Coloradans they employ.”

DENVER (June 5, 2025) – Following Governor Polis’ signature of HB 1300 into law, a bill which upends the state’s current effective workers’ compensation program, NFIB State Director Michael Smith issued the following statement:

“The Governor’s signature of HB 1300 is disappointing. By all measures, the current workers’ compensation program works for Colorado’s small business owners and their employees. Lawmakers’ decision to upend the current system in exchange for the provisions of HB 1300 will introduce unnecessary complexity for employees injured at work and drive-up costs for Main Street.

“We appreciate Governor Polis’ intention to create a working group to address his and the business community’s concerns with HB 1300 before it takes effect in 2028. NFIB Colorado will continue working with the Governor’s office and the Legislature to advance reforms that benefit both employers and the hardworking Coloradans they employ.”

Background:

In a letter to Governor Polis, Smith outlined small business owners’ objections to HB 1300, which included:

• Significantly increasing the number of doctors for a patient to choose from for their care to more than 1,000, up from four.
• Extending the current timeline to designate a physician which could unnecessarily disrupt the patient’s treatment and ability to effectively recover.
• Driving up costs on small businesses by roughly 2.5%, with the elimination of the insurance premium discount.

About NFIB:

For over 80 years, NFIB has been the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit www.NFIB.com.

The post Colorado Small Businesses Disappointed in Governor Polis’ Signature of HB 1300 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

This piece is part of Yellow Scene Magazine’s Opinion section. The views expressed here are those of the author in their role as Associate Editor, and do not represent a reported news position. At Yellow Scene, opinion pieces speak freely, challenge assumptions, and say the quiet parts out loud.

A few days ago, the Boulder community experienced an act of horror that will take a long time to heal from. Mohamed Sabry Soliman threw a makeshift Molotov cocktail, setting people on fire, as bystanders watched in shock and disbelief. I was stunned when I first heard what had happened. While many in the city are grieving and searching for answers, others are responding in a more cynical manner. As national attention converges on Boulder County, some are wasting no time in using it to their advantage.

I’m not here to make sweeping claims about what should happen next, or how this could have been predicted or prevented. I’m not here to make assumptions about the suspect, his motives, or the victims. But I will say this: we must not let this tragedy, or the opportunists exploiting it, drag us away from our values and into hatred.

Firstly, Yellow Scene Magazine has been consistently clear in our stance: we condemn the genocide in Gaza. Our criticism of Israel does not make it difficult for us also to condemn lighting people on fire or to recognize this for what it is: a tragedy. Many victims remain hospitalized, some may not survive, and many more are traumatized and forever affected. The grief people are feeling is legitimate. What isn’t legitimate is the attempt to paint this act of violence as representative of broader political movements or ideologies.

 This was not the work of a radicalized twenty-something college student. Nor was it the act of a leftist radical fighting in the name of Marx. The alleged attacker is an Egyptian man in his 40s, who had reportedly been planning this act for over a year; his relationship to the war and its trauma likely looks nothing like that of the average American protester. Attempts to use this incident to demonize the left, to vilify those who’ve spoken up for Palestinians, or to tie this act to pro-Gaza advocacy are not just dishonest; They are calculated and opportunistic at best, and dangerously misleading at worst.

We know what pro-Palestinian advocacy in Boulder and Colorado looks like. We’ve covered it: art exhibits with kites carrying the last words of dead Palestinians killed; a peaceful protest against military contractors, press conferences in Denver where Palestinian community members elevated South Africa’s case, accusing Israel of genocide; a fast last week in protest of starvation in Gaza. The connection between this man and those actions is tenuous at best, and often manufactured by people with an agenda. I point to the many forms Palestinian advocacy has taken in Boulder and Colorado, not to claim there’s a single legitimate way to protest, but to reject the attempt to conflate principled dissent with indiscriminate violence.

Yes, this attack follows the embassy firebombing in D.C., and now some are calling it the start of a violent “pattern.” But what exactly is starting? This pattern of violence didn’t begin last week or the week before; it’s been there all along. It just wasn’t politically convenient to name it until now.

Just last month, Joseph Czuba, an Illinois man, was sentenced to 53 years for murdering a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy simply because he believed all Muslims should die. A few months ago, two people were shot in Miami because the perpetrator was “hunting Palestinians.” And that’s not even touching the violence faced by protestors, like the UCLA students who were brutalized by a masked mob and then shot with rubber bullets by police, or the relentless, daily violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Since breaking the ceasefire, Israel has killed hundreds of Palestinians. On March 18, 2025, the death toll hit 600 in a single 24-hour period. Four hundred of those were children.

This is not whataboutism. The other instances of violence I’ve mentioned don’t erase what happened in Boulder. They don’t minimize the pain, the horror, or the real human suffering. What they do call into question is the idea that violence is unique to the “left” or somehow inherent to those who support Palestinian liberation. They also expose a painful double standard: the violence inflicted on Gaza and those who advocate against the genocide treated very differently than violence committed against the Jewish community or, more precisely, supporters of Zionism 

Has antisemitism risen since October 7th and the discourse that followed? Undoubtedly. And we must take that rise seriously. In many ways, we have. Since the Boulder attack, we’ve seen dozens of think pieces, statements from the governor and president, and swift condemnation. There’s also been heightened scrutiny, and in some cases, outright crackdowns, on anyone who dares to say “Free Palestine.”

I find gratitude in the fact that the Jewish community is supported in moments of grief. What troubles me is how quickly that support is weaponized into suspicion, surveillance, and slander, painting the millions of Americans who’ve marched for Palestinian rights as terrorists or enemies of the state. And I think it’s worth asking: where was this urgency, this outrage, this reflex to protect, when it was Palestinians being bombed and brutalized? Where is it now, as Islamophobia quietly surges? This question feels especially sharp in Boulder, where the city council has passed a declaration condemning antisemitism, but not Islamophobia. These disparities make something clear: for many in power, this moment isn’t just about healing. It isn’t even solely about protecting Boulder’s Jewish community. It’s about who gets to be seen as deserving of protection and who doesn’t. It’s about whose grief moves institutions, and whose grief is ignored. In the end, it’s about power. 

Trump used the attack to blame immigrants and justify his authoritarian, hateful immigration policies. Never mind that most mass shootings in this country are carried out by white men, many of whom cite Trump in their manifestos. And now, unsurprisingly, the attacker’s family has been detained by ICE. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of an increasingly aggressive effort to suppress free speech on Palestine. The fact is, Trump and the GOP don’t see this as a tragedy, they see it as an opportunity. A way to seize power by stoking fear. A chance to turn grief into hatred, toward immigrants, toward protesters, toward speech, and toward each other.

Hilary Kalisman, an assistant professor of history and the endowed chair of Israel/Palestine Studies in the Program in Jewish Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, wrote in the wake of this moment: 

“I hope my community will never face an attack like this again. And I hope, too, that we will avoid becoming political pawns, for Israel’s government or for the current administration. The Middle East is still experiencing devastating violence; while it does, Jews and Palestinians here in the U.S. will both face unpredictable and complicated threats.

To help combat them, we must stop making assumptions of one another. Doing so means finding a space to listen — to do the nuanced work that moments like this can endanger, in our classrooms, our communities, and our country.” 

Her words say what I’ve tried to throughout this piece: we can hold grief without surrendering to fear. We can demand justice without becoming pawns. We can protect each other without collapsing into hate.

The post Don’t Let Grief Become A Weapon appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Boulder Chamber

2440 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302

303.442.1044

info@boulderchamber.com

Macky Auditorium, University of Colorado-Boulder

The Sundance Institute named Boulder as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027!

“From the very first moment we got word that the Sundance Film Festival might consider relocating, the effort to draw them to Boulder has been a collaborative effort that is indicative of Colorado’s character. I want to thank Governor Polis and our partners at Visit Boulder, in particular, for the leadership in getting us to this momentous occasion. At the same time, the Boulder Chamber and the business community we represent understand what an immense responsibility we will be assuming with the selection of Boulder as the new host city for the Sundance Film Festival,” said John Tayer, President & CEO of the Boulder Chamber.

“The Sundance Film Festival is an international cultural asset with global expectations for a successful transition that builds toward an exciting future vision of growth and impact. We also understand the importance of the Sundance Film Festival to the artists and story tellers it serves. We want to retain and expand the magic of their experience with the festival. The Boulder Chamber is fully committed to playing its role in achieving those goals for the Sundance Film Festival.”

For more information regarding the announcement, please read the Governor’s Announcement.

Boulder, Colorado Named New Host of Sundance Film Festival Beginning in 2027

The post It’s Official! Sundance Film Festival Headed to Boulder in 2027 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Ean Tafoya recalled riding the bus with his mom when he was younger. “I was public transit-dependent, and I used to ride the bus until I was like 16,” he shared. He recalled positive memories and pride in taking the bus but experienced first-hand the difficulty surrounding public transit use in the area. Stops without shade or shelter, lack of public restrooms, and bus stops surrounded by open parking lots and not much else. He noticed the expansions of highways to the detriment of the environment and witnessed how transit access was segregated, not just along race and class, but also by rural and urban divides. 

“Transit is an important equalizer to allow people to have access to get to their jobs to get wherever they need to go for school, among other things,” Tafoya said. Tafoya is the Colorado State Director for GreenLatinos, an organization that focuses on climate and transit equity and justice.

Roberta Ayala, a local politician and activist, also recalled the difference in transit and walkable connections. “I grew up in like the original neighborhood of Thornton when it was developed like you can see that but it’s still more walkable, as you go further north, it gets worse,” she shared in a previous interview with Yellow Scene Magazine.

Walkability, safe and reliable transit, and affordable places to live sit atop the wishlist for many Coloradoans. All are interrelated and all help foster a sense of community and place that many feel is currently missing from modern suburbs. The way we design and build cities affects how they are used, and in turn, how the people living there experience daily life.

“Social cohesion exists because of a meaningful and moral intention of settlement which in turn expresses itself in the organization and appearance of buildings, which in turn promote a sustained social identity,” stated award-winning Syrian architect and author Marwa al-Sabouni in her novel “Building for Hope.” Creating public transit hubs that invite people in, offer mixed-use areas, encourage people to leave their cars behind, and have proper amenities is essential as Colorado looks to expand rail and other public transit options in the coming years.

Psychology & architecture

We are not Europe. Our cities did not grow organically from villages designed for humans and animals. Colorado’s suburbs, in fact, the nation’s as a whole, sprung up rapidly in the decades following WWII. The chosen solution to the nation’s baby boom was mass-produced single-family homes built near interstate offramps. The massive interstate system is a product of the Cold War. They were built to ensure the military could rapidly move things like tanks and artillery across the nation if the need ever arose. They also functioned as America’s new primary mode of transit.

“Of course, mass production did not begin in the world of building. Cars, rather than houses, led the way — and in due course, the buildings made room for cars,” al-Sabouni wrote. “The infrastructure built for vehicles dictated the nature of the urban fabric — low density and suburban sprawl…” she continued.

The idea that each family should have their own patch of land, fenced in, away from the bustle of inner cities, may also be a subconscious rejection of the communal solutions offered by political rivals such as the U.S.S.R. and China in the post-war years. These psychological influences affected the way modern American cities were built, and how they function today.

The architectural design of the typical suburb physically distances neighbors from each other, which in turn results in more mental and emotional isolation. This cannot be solved overnight. It is impossible to transform the suburbs into European-style towns, plus many residents prefer their suburban homes and yards. Our culture values home ownership and takes pride in personal automobiles.

Ayala explained a major complaint for many Colorado residents along the Front Range: “It’s just been built with a lot of housing but not any resources nearby.” This low-density style promotes individualism but also isolation. It is also the reason why public transit is so difficult to properly implement in Colorado, many places were designed with car ownership in mind, disregarding public-transit dependent people and eliminating the need for walkable, human-scale, pedestrian-friendly areas. The individual freedom of the car eroded the sense of community and connectedness that walkable areas possess.

“We’ve built the roads for you know, for the car, not for the person. So there’s no median. And if you’re driving up and down that thing, like I do, for campaigning, or just in general with your life, you notice there’s tons of accidents, “Ayala elaborated on the danger of certain local roads. 

Additionally, car travel does not promote interaction and community the way walking or biking does. People are much more likely to stop in a local shop, recognize a neighbor, or have a conversation with a stranger when they are walking rather than driving around town. Unfortunately, oftentimes a store trip without a car involves traversing a quarter mile of a half-empty parking lots to get from one big-box store to another. There is little in this experience that fosters any sense of community or belonging.

One way to increase a sense of place and “home” while also taking cars off the road is mixed-use zoning in a thoughtful way that allows each neighborhood walking and biking access to small shops, local markets, and food options other than drive-thrus. Mixing businesses, restaurants, and offices with residential areas provides options other than driving to a supermarket or big box store. Although many new developments do consider this, revisiting the zoning of older suburbs and lower-income areas could help reinvigorate neighborhoods and provide more equity in access to food, jobs, and entertainment that do not require a car.

Nodes not roads

Public transit expansions are likely coming, here and nationwide. RTD is planning expansions and the Biden administration has made infrastructure projects a priority with nearly $5 billion allocated to transportation infrastructure.

As Governor Polis pushed to secure federal funding for the Front Range Light Rail, it is important to examine how to ensure the rail line’s success, the shortfalls of the current public transit system, and how to encourage car users to take more train or bus trips instead. One factor that causes public transit to see fewer riders than expected is that new public transportation can be poorly designed in a way that is competing against existing public transportation, not car transit. A passenger rail line that is faster than the bus but does not deliver riders directly to their chosen locations, or that has an unpleasant user experience, will likely only pull riders from the bus, not encourage drivers to buy a train ticket instead of a tank of gas.

One problem is the over-building of parking. It may seem counterintuitive, but just like adding more lanes to a highway does not reduce traffic, adding more parking spots does not help the situation. It only encourages more drivers to use the space rather than take an alternate method. Colorado Public Radio reported that 40% of parking spaces go unused at peak hours near transit stations. Converting this space to something more useful would help immensely.

Providing all bus stops with shade and seating access is one step. It should not be physically uncomfortable to access public transit. “Unfortunately now for those who are transit dependent, the user experience isn’t very good. We don’t have enough park benches, we don’t have solar panels with shelters that will tell you when your bus is coming, or access to the restroom,” Tafoya shared his first-hand experience.

Public transit needs to provide reasons why someone who owns a car would choose not to use it. One way is to make the major stations themselves into attractions. This can be done by building transit stops with shops, restaurants, and convenience stores and reducing the amount of parking spaces. This creates a human-centric experience. Coupled with interesting architecture, public art, and free spaces that invite riders in rather than push people away, stations can be buzzing hubs of activity rather than just a parking lot. More riders, plus shoppers and employees, mean the areas would be busier, discouraging crime that plagues many isolated transit stops.

al-Sabouni explained what an inviting, free, and open public space can look like: “We feel safe when the city offers its abundance not in the form of price-tagged experiences, but in an accumulation of details that are perhaps redundant, but at the same time thoughtful and delightful: a balustrade fixed on a wall next to a steep step, a bench under a willow tree, drinking water flowing from a street fountain, a shaded corner, a fruit tree, an aromatic rose, a running canal, a molding with birds on it, a decorated window frame or niche for a potted plant.” 

This may seem a bit esoteric for a train station, but the idea that cities should have inviting spaces of interaction rather than soulless hubs stands true. Humans need spaces to exist, interact with one another, and connect to their community without driving to a location or paying for an experience.

Denver, Colorado, USA. Amtrack train ready for departure at the Denver Union Station.

Additionally, Amtrack is studying a nationwide expansion in the near future by connecting Denver to places like Dallas, Seattle, and Las Vegas via rail. This could create a new transportation, business, and tourism hub in a way that Denver International Airport does, but for train travel. Although it is likely a long way away, cities that are not Denver can take advantage of this by also offering a reason for business and leisure travelers alike to stay there instead.

Finally, there needs to be reliable public transportation to and from major transit hubs and future train stations. The Park-and-Ride model of expecting riders to drive to transit stations and then switch to public transit still puts cars on the road without increasing access to those without an automobile, who would typically be the prime demographic for train ridership.

This will not work for every station, and not every city, but those that do develop stations that have reasons for people to stop and stay for a while can see increased tourism, economic growth, and create a place for humans to interact and exist. Access to transportation increases equity. Tafoya explained how public transit allows access to opportunities like jobs and healthy food that may not otherwise be realistic for residents who cannot afford a personal automobile. He also noted that many employees and workers who serve areas like Aspen simply cannot afford to live in town. Even the wealthiest areas of Colorado rely on public transportation to function, even if many do not realize it.

Like many things, the hardships of the way the systems were designed — in this case as car-centric cities — fall mostly on the shoulders of Black and Brown people and those in lower-income neighborhoods. Increasing the usability of public transit helps reduce inequality in opportunity among those who live here.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

With countless studies showing that highway expansions do not help traffic flow, why do governments continue to invest so heavily in new auto lanes rather than trains, trolleys, or buses? Tafoya stated one reason is that contracts for expansion projects are lucrative and construction lobbies are powerful.

“I mean, billions of dollars for a couple of miles. Think of what we could do for the housing crisis, to further the education system. There’s a lot of other ways we can spend those resources, and we can extend the life of our roads,” Tafoya shared his frustrations with adding more lanes to congested highways, which only add more cars.

There is very little incentive for massive corporations to take cars off the road. Reduction in car travel would hurt the bottom line for the oil giants and car companies. The aim to replace public transit with car use is not a conspiracy, both Denver and sprawling Los Angeles used to have popular trolley lines but they were removed in favor of the automobile.

The cities of Fort Collins, Longmont, Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo may all soon be connected via light rail. With a rail line breaking ground between Los Angeles and Las Vegas earlier this year, the United States will finally have its first high-speed train option after years of lagging behind many parts of the developed world. High-speed rail has the possibility to transform travel, with a trip from L.A. to Vegas projected to only take about two hours. Although the Front Range rail line will be a single track shared with freight trains, there is good reason to plan for the future of increased rail options by making Colorado’s stations user-friendly, inviting, and well-connected to the towns they serve.

The post Build Colorado for Humans, not Cars appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

HB 24-1011 aims to resolve an ongoing dispute between some homeowners and insurance companies ignited by the Marshall Fire

A new bill introduced by two Boulder-area Democrats could force mortgage companies in Colorado to disclose information to homeowners about the disbursement of insurance proceeds after extreme cases like the Marshall Fire.

Rep Kyle Brown, D-Boulder, who is co-prime sponsoring House Bill 24-1011 with Boulder-area Rep. Judy Amabile, told Yellow Scene Magazine that the bill is designed to bring more transparency to the insurance claims process. If passed, the bill would also create a civil cause of action for homeowners to sue mortgage companies who do not disclose information about the insurance payment process.

The first hearing for the bill is scheduled for January 25.

“This bill is a direct result of the lessons we learned during the Marshall Fire,” Brown said. “So for those folks who might face a disaster or a fire or a flood in their home in the future, this bill will provide some important protections.”

Homeowners often rely on their insurance policies to cover the cost of repairing significant damage to their home, or to completely rebuild it in extreme cases like the Marshall Fire. Navigating the process to get that insurance check can be complicated enough for the few people who own their homes outright. But it can feel like a sisyphean task for the majority of homeowners who hold mortgages.

When a mortgaged home is damaged or destroyed, insurance companies write claims checks to both the mortgage company and the homeowner because both entities have ownership interests in the property. The mortgage company is responsible for releasing the funds to the homeowner, but the terms and conditions of the release vary by institution, Brown said.

Capitol building, photo by Noah Sandoval via Unsplash

The bill would also require mortgage companies to pay homeowners any excess insurance proceeds that are left after the mortgage is paid off. For example, if a homeowner owes $200,000 on their mortgage and receives an insurance payment of $400,000 for damages incurred, then the mortgage company would be required to disburse the entire $400,000. Right now there is no state rule requiring them to do so, Brown explained.

“When people are rebuilding and repairing their homes, they need to have access to the capital that they’re entitled to under their insurance policy,” Brown said. “It allows them to rebuild their homes so that they can move on with their lives in whatever way they need.”

The bill was introduced at a time when housing affordability has become a top priority under the Gold Dome. Gov. Jared Polis noted during his State of the State address on January 11 2024 that housing is the number one issue for most voters in Colorado.

“There is a real sense of hopelessness and despair in our state around housing that’s on par, in many ways, with how people feel about the divisiveness of our national politics,” Polis said.

Colorado democrats have said they will try to pass multiple bills to help local governments access the tools to meet their affordable housing goals instead of pushing through one large legislative package like last year, Colorado Newsline reported.

“That’s something that is going to provide a roadmap for each individual community and region, to know what the need is, what the progress is in meeting that need and what they need to do from a menu of options to get to the goal,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, told Newsline.

The post New bill could force mortgage companies to finally tell you how much you’ll be paid if your home is damaged appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

In a groundbreaking event held today at the Governor’s Mansion in Denver, Colorado, Governor Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis hosted the first annual turkey pardoning ceremony, setting a new tradition in motion. Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, a beacon of compassion for abused and neglected farmed animals, is proud to announce that four fortunate turkeys will find sanctuary and forever homes at Luvin Arms.

This year, Luvin Arms was honored to be selected as the sanctuary to provide a haven for the pardoned turkeys. Governor Polis, alongside First Gentleman Marlon Reis, emphasized the importance of compassionate living and sustainable choices, highlighting Luvin Arms’ commitment to these values.

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, located in Erie, Colorado, is dedicated to providing exceptional lifelong care for abused and neglected farmed animals. The sanctuary not only rescues animals but also serves as a platform to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to embrace a compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. The inclusion of Luvin Arms in the turkey pardoning ceremony aligns seamlessly with the sanctuary’s mission and values.

Kelly Nix, Luvin Arms’ Managing Director, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “We are honored to be a part of this historic event and provide a loving home for these two pardoned turkeys, and 2 additional rescued turkeys. It’s heartwarming to see our state’s leadership promoting compassion.”

Luvin Arms is thrilled to share this joyful news with the community. The sanctuary extends an invitation to everyone to join in the celebration of compassion and the chance for these turkeys to lead long and happy lives. As ThanksLiving approaches, Luvin Arms encourages individuals to express their gratitude for Governor Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis by sponsoring a turkey at the sanctuary. Donations can be made at https://sponsoraturkey.funraise.org/. The first $2,501 in donations will be matched by a generous, anonymous donor through November 30th, 2023.

About Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, located in Erie, Colorado, is a nonprofit organization committed to providing exceptional lifelong care for abused and neglected farmed animals. By sharing the stories of its residents, Luvin Arms aims to inspire, educate, and empower others to adopt a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. The sanctuary operates on the principles of Ahimsa – nonviolence toward all living beings.

For media inquiries, please contact: Frances Friedland, Development Director, frances@luvinarms.org, 303-829-4267, or Kelly Nix, Managing Director, kelly@luvinarms.org, 303-946-4821

The post Turkeys Pardoned by Governor Polis and First Gentleman Find Forever Home at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Erie, Colorado appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

The Alliance has been a central gathering place for sustainability leaders for nearly 20 years. Together we have accomplished so much and helped shape our great state through collective action. We hope you can join us on May 25, 2023 to celebrate the legacy of the Alliance and be one of the first to learn about our new brand, name, logo, strategic framework and strategy for national scale. Alliance 1.0 was all things sustainable. Alliance 2.0 is all things regenerative—join us to learn more!

The recent history of Colorado is as imprinted on the Alliance as the Alliance is on Colorado. As a testimony to our influence, we will be joined by three Colorado governors: Former Governor Ritter, Senator Hickenlooper and Governor Polis (two of three are confirmed at this time). We will celebrate the past, present and future of Colorado intertwined with the past, present and future of the Alliance.

This event will be located at The Alliance Center (1536 Wynkoop). Doors will open at 5pm; program will begin at 5:45 pm. Refreshments will be provided. Come hungry and curious; leave happy and inspired!

This event is a fundraiser. We will take a refreshing approach to the evening (no paddle raiser, we promise!) and though guests will not be pressured to give, we hope our work will inspire catalytic generosity.

Who are we?

Since 2004, The Alliance Center has served as the connective tissue for the sustainability movement in Colorado. The Center supports hundreds of nonprofits through collaborative working and event space housed in a LEED and WELL certified building. Through the Regenerative Recovery Coalition, we have connected individuals, community groups, organizations, and policy makers to identify some of the largest problems Coloradans face and mobilize into action through community-led solutions. We are conveners who believe in the collective power of knowledge sharing and partnerships. We unite the collective power of environmental and social movements to advance systems level solutions for a thriving planet.

We are now at a tipping point of deep societal change. To build a regenerative future, we need place-based solutions designed to quickly scale, and a national network of organizers, policymakers and engaged citizens to lead the way. The Alliance is well suited to lead this work in Colorado and beyond. We want you to join us on this journey! We need partners like you to support us as we help build the movement of movements to advance social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

Thank you to our generous hosts!

Steve and Darla Schueth

Dwinita Mosby Tyler

Lynn Israel

Melissa Baldridge

Javier Soto

Praful Shah

John Loewy

Molly Ross

Jeff Ackermann

John Steiner and Margo King

Hilda Nucete

Elise and Zan Jones

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

The post Regenerate, Rebrand and Rejoice: Fundraising for Our Collective Future appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Special thanks to Jennifer Brown The Colorado Sun (AP Storyshare)

The additional support will help the beleaguered facility school system grow by 40% statewide

Colorado passed a new law this spring intended to fix the facility school shortage by bolstering
funding and encouraging more schools to open.

The measure signed by Gov. Jared Polis last month will increase funding for facility schools by
nearly $19 million next year, then by $23 million in 2024 and $28 million in 2025. Lawmakers
and legislative staff are predicting that four new schools will open in each of the next three
years, which would mean a 40% increase in schools statewide.

The crux of the bill is a change in the schools’ funding model. The state currently funds facility
schools based on a daily per-student rate of $55, which hasn’t been enough money for schools,
especially small ones, to keep the doors open. Facility schools also get tuition from school
districts for students in special education. The tuition ranges this year from $75 to $348 per day.
Under the new model, schools will also get base funding intended to support operational costs
and staff pay. The smallest schools will get the largest increase.

It works out to 2.6 times the funding that facility schools receive under current law. But how
much Colorado ends up spending depends on how many schools actually open.

The old funding model wasn’t working because enrollment at facility schools can vary
dramatically, with kids moving back and forth between facilities and public schools in the same
school year. The amount facility schools were paid depended on the number of kids in
attendance on designated count days. Added to that is the fact that facility schools range in size
from 70 students to fewer than 10, which makes it hard to piece together a staff and budget
based on a per-student daily rate.

“In the rural areas, if you only have one or two kids that don’t really have anywhere else to go,
they’re going to be in a facility,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, an Arvada Democrat, chair of the
Joint Budget Committee and prime sponsor of the legislation. “It’s hard to operate a facility
school … for two or three kids, eight kids.”

Three-quarters of facility schools operate at a deficit, according to a Colorado Department of
Education survey of schools statewide.

Besides new funding, the other key parts of the law are supposed to help school startups
navigate a complicated system regulated by three state agencies. Right now, the state human
services department licenses schools in day treatment or residential programs, while the state
health department licenses those in hospitals. The law creates a new category of facility schools
called “specialized day schools” and a new way for them to get licensed, which is intended to
help small groups of parents create new options.

Schools will have to earn accreditation from the state facility school board in order to receive
funding under the new law, which will lead to greater oversight and better tracking of student
outcomes, Zenzinger said.

And the law sets up a state “technical assistance center” that will help school districts, especially
in rural areas where there is no alternative school, create a plan to serve kids with behavioral
health needs. The center would train local teachers and staff to operate classrooms for kids with
high-level needs who otherwise would have to attend school in another town.

“We’re just not going to be able to have a facility school in all instances,” Zenzinger said. “So
you have to use what is available to you, which would be the regular public school system,
which if the student had the right supports and if the teachers and the educators had the right
supports, it could totally work. Right now, though, they don’t, which means it’s not working.”
The law also sets up a grant program that allows facility schools to save money by banding
together to pay for things like food and janitorial services, technology, security, and
transportation.

The post Colorado promises $70 million over 3 years, hopes to see 12 new facility schools open appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Special thanks to  Brian Heuberger, Front Porch Newspaper (AP Storyshare)

After the second instance of gun violence in a month closed down their school, Denver East High School students flooded the Capitol to protest the school shooting epidemic and support the gun control bills moving through the Legislature. State Rep. Eliza Hamrick co-sponsored the bill to raise
the minimum age to possess firearms from 18 to 21.

With two recent school shootings happening less than two miles from the Capitol and with residents becoming outraged about the rising rates of gun violence, Democrats in the Colorado Legislature have introduced a monumental gun control package consisting of four bills that began progressing through the Legislature in March. Each bill proposes a different gun safety policy that Democrats believe can help alleviate the violence in communities and improve the safety of residents.

Rep. Bacon presents SB 170 to the House Judiciary Committee. Bacon believes educating the public can improve the Colorado Red Flag law. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

SB 169: Age Requirements to Purchase Firearms
SB 169 would raise the age requirements to purchase or possess firearms in Colorado from 18 to 21 years old. Supporters of the bill contend that many incidents of street violence or mass shootings are perpetrated by people younger than 21 and that implementing this policy could hinder them from purchasing new guns and committing violent crimes. However, opponents argue that the bill would violate the Second Amendment by depriving people between the ages of 18-21 of the right to own guns for self-defense.

On March 1, this impromptu memorial took place outside of East High School when the students learned that Luis Garcia passed away two weeks after being shot.

SB 168: Permitting Lawsuits Against Gun Manufacturers
Colorado currently prevents residents from filing lawsuits against gun manufacturers except for cases in which the firearm products featured manufacturing defects. SB 168 would remove this limitation and allow gun violence victims or attorneys general to file lawsuits against members of the gun industry.

Supporters contend that the bill would provide recourse for people who have been harmed by irresponsible practices of gun industry members to remedy the harm, redress the grievance, and deter the misconduct. In contrast, opponents contend that the threat of arbitrary lawsuits would restrict legitimate businesses in the industry from being able to operate in the state.

HB 1219: Establishing the Waiting Period
In Colorado, background checks for gun buyers typically take minutes to complete and customers can usually purchase the guns without delay. HB 1219 would change this by implementing a three-day waiting period that would start when the background check is first initiated.

Supporters contend that the three-day wait could save lives by giving customers who are in distress time to calm down, relieve the distress, and refrain from carrying out acts of self-harm or community violence. However, opponents argue that the waiting period violates the Second Amendment right of customers to buy firearms for protection in a timely manner.

SB 170: Expansion of Red Flag Law
SB 170 would expand Colorado policies on Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) petitions. This is commonly known as a Red Flag law because people who are concerned that someone poses a threat to others or themselves can file an ERPO petition to ask a judge to have the guns removed before any harm can occur.

“We’ve heard from the opposition that guns don’t hurt people, people with guns hurt people, and the ERPO bill addresses that point,” says State Rep. Jennifer Bacon, a sponsor of the bill and a representative for Northeast Denver. “If people through due process are shown to be a danger to themselves or others, and if they have self-harm ideation or community-harm ideation, they shouldn’t have those weapons and we should have a process to remove them.”

The Red Flag law was first implemented for Colorado in 2020. But that ERPO policy only allowed petitions to be filed by individual family members or law enforcement officers. The ERPO petition is filed in court, evidence is presented to a judge, and then the judge can determine whether to approve or deny the petition. If the judge approves the petition, the subjects would have their guns confiscated and would be prohibited from purchasing new firearms for either two weeks with “temporary” petitions or for one year with “continuing” petitions.

SB 170 would expand the scope of ERPO by allowing more groups to file petitions. Instead of just individuals and police officers, the bill would add four new professions to the list, including mental health workers, district attorneys, health care providers, and school educators.

“We’re always asking the question after mass shootings if someone knew or had an idea there was an issue,” says Rep. Bacon. “These professions are ones who can see patterns of behavior, so we just want to be sure that the people who spend the most time with these folks are able to utilize this tool.”

Supporters contend that expanding the scope of ERPO can solve problems that are impairing the efficacy of the policy. A report from Colorado Public Radio demonstrated that ERPO was being utilized in Colorado far less than in other states, that many counties were refusing to enforce the policy, and that individuals were filing the petitions and succeeding in courts at substantially lower rates than police officers.

“Red Flag laws are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent gun violence—but unfortunately Colorado’s Red Flag law is tragically underutilized,” says Senate President and bill co-sponsor Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) in a statement to Front Porch. “Senate Bill 170 will strengthen our state’s Red Flag law and increase the number of individuals who can file for an extreme risk protection order, which will create more opportunities for community members to recognize when something is wrong and intervene in a way that will prevent further gun violence and save countless lives across our state.”

Front Porch reached out to multiple Republican leaders in the House and Senate for comments or interviews, but did not receive responses before press time.

House Judiciary Committee Hearing on SB 170
On March 22, the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from supporters and opponents of SB 170. Just hours before the hearing, a student at Denver East High School pulled out a gun during a security check, shot two deans inside the school, and put the students into lockdown protocols. This was the second shooting in a one-month span at Denver East, which added an extra layer of urgency to the concerns about gun violence and caused the shooting to be mentioned consistently during the witness testimonies.

The testimony from Denver East student Alexander Cisneros carried significant gravity. Cisneros already planned on testifying in support of SB 170, but the shooting at his school just hours prior to the hearing made his perspectives on gun violence especially personal and his calls to allow teachers to file ERPO petitions particularly poignant.

“Is there anyone more qualified than the teachers and health professionals who come to understand their students? I should like to know what professionals are considered qualified if not these,” said Cisneros during his testimony. “We tell our teachers what we never tell our parents. We form connections with those adults to the point that our teachers care for us and our well-being. So if a student speaks of a serious desire to do harm to themselves or others, is that not something that we should take seriously to save lives?”

Witnesses on both sides articulated multiple arguments when discussing the bill throughout the hearing. For opponents, some worried that ERPO petitions would violate their Second Amendment rights, would prevent people from receiving mental health treatment, or would be filed unnecessarily for revenge.

For supporters, many witnesses emphasized that more effective Red Flag laws could have prevented family members from committing suicide, the Club Q shooter from purchasing new guns, or the Boulder shooter from attacking the King Soopers victims.

After hearing from the witnesses, the members of the House Judiciary Committee delivered their statements and cast their votes on the bill. With a 9-4 vote, the bill to expand ERPO passed through the committee.

At the time of publication, the bill was moving to the House floor. If it is approved by the House it will be sent to the Governor. Front Porch will continue to provide updates regarding SB 170 and the other gun control bills.

The post Monumental Gun Control Package Moves Through the CO Capitol appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

There is plenty of opportunity for criticism of any elected official. But occasionally, there is also a time for celebration.

Yesterday was Governor Jared Polis’ Inauguration for his second term, which he won by 20 points against Republican opponent Heidi Ganahl. Colorado Democrats currently have a supermajority at the State level. Coloradoans are showing they value progress, inclusivity, equity, and individual freedoms. In today’s political landscape, Democrats seem to be representing those values for Coloradoans far more than their Republican peers, whose platform includes banning abortions, restricting voting rights, less gun control, and tax breaks for the wealthy. That does not even include the numerous investigations many GOP members are under.

Photo by Dustin Doskocil

During the ceremony, Governor Polis spoke on a multitude of issues Coloradans face – crime, affordable housing, healthcare, and climate change. It is critical to work on having strong solutions to these issues. Coloradoans are facing extraordinarily high housing costs, and increasingly devastating fires and floods show climate change is at our doorstep. It is not clear how Governor Polis and the Colorado Democrats plan to tackle these issues, but we were glad to hear these critical challenges are the focal point. We will reserve any criticism for when legislation begins.

Governor Polis is very proud of passing free preschool education in his last term, and he should be. Studies show early childhood education has significant long-term benefits for the person and society as a whole.

But enough politics, Inaugurations are a time to celebrate, and the Democrats did just that.

The Swearing-In Ceremony began at 10:30 am with performances by Tarell Martin and the C2 Mass Choir. After opening remarks, the Presentation of the Colors was presented by the Colorado National Guard Honor Guard. The National Anthem was performed by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus.

Photo by Dustin Doskocil

A touching Invocation was led by Reverend Dr. James D. Peters, Jr, who also led the 2018 Invocation. He joked he will come back for the next one if he is still around, as next year is his 90th birthday.

Terry Knight Sr. of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe led with a Native American Blessing, which was followed by the Administering of the Oaths of Office by Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court Brian D. Boatright.

Photo by Dustin Doskocil

The Ceremony closed with the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus performing Peace Like a River, and Governor Polis’ mother, Susan Polis Schutz, reciting a poem.

The 38 Cannon Salute was conducted by the Colorado National Guard and the Benediction was by Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone of Congregation Nevei Kodesh.

Photo by Dustin Doskocil

State Senate President Stephen Fenberg presented the events.

Photo by Shavonne Blades

The Sneaker Ball, where Governor Polis is famous for wearing purple sneakers, was held at the Mission Ballroom. It was branded the “Sneaker Ball for All” as Governor Polis advocates a Colorado for All policy. Performances by Carly Rae Jepsen, Belinda Carlisle & They Might Be Giants. Drinks were free, the snacks and goodies were ample, and a good time was had by all.

Non-profit organizations that benefited from the Inaugural Ball fundraising efforts include Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund, Inside Out Youth Services, The STEAD School, and Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary.

Governor Polis’s 2023 Inaugural Address

My fellow Coloradans, it has been the honor of my life to serve as your Governor these past four years. It is with the deepest gratitude and love for Colorado that I accept the responsibility of leading our incredible state for the next four years.

I want to begin by taking note of what an honor and a privilege it is for all of us to be here this morning, participating in this time-honored tradition.

This peaceful continuation of power must never be taken for granted. It’s what sustains our great republic, year after year, decade after decade, century after century.

In November’s election, we saw Coloradans from every walk of life come together to affirm that democracy is, indeed, sacred and worth voting for.

People of all ages and backgrounds — from Garfield to Douglas, Las Animas to Larimer – have spoken loud and clear that Colorado wants unity, not division.

We want practical solutions and real results, not partisan ideology. We want to move forward with a bright, positive vision for our shared future.

Here in Colorado, we have our own unique way of doing things. We’re bold and innovative. We are results-driven. We strive to expand our freedoms.

And we choose to make our home here because it’s the best state in America to live, raise a family, and build a great life. So let’s continue to celebrate red and blue, each and everyone of us.

Our mandate from the people is to lead the Colorado way, and that’s exactly what I intend to do as your Governor for these next four years.

It’s not about the brand of our politics, it’s about solutions to real-life challenges, and a passion for making life better for all of us.

Our call to action is to create opportunity for every Coloradan. To make good on our vision of a Colorado for All. There’s a Jewish proverb: He who invalidates another invalidates himself.

Our administration will never be about putting our fellow Coloradans down. We will always be about lifting people up — expanding freedoms and opportunities for one and all.

No matter what part of Colorado you call home, who you are, or who you love. No matter your race, or your gender, or how you worship, or how you vote. Colorado belongs to all of us, and we will all help shape our future.

When you travel around Colorado as often as Lt. Governor Primavera, and I do, you gain a special appreciation for the unique character of every community. But listen to enough folks, and you realize a lot of people are asking for the same things:

• • Practical, commonsense solutions to the rising cost of living.
  • Safe communities with good schools and affordable access to health care.
  • The opportunity to build a great life for yourself and your family.
  • The freedom to forge your own path without the government telling you how to live your life.

I don’t think I’d be standing before you today if we hadn’t shown some real progress in delivering on that vision.

For me, this job is about the opportunity to improve the lives of all Coloradans, and I’m proud to say that together, we’ve done that in important ways:

• • Free full-day kindergarten.
  • Lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
  • Lowering income and property taxes.
  • Protecting our blue skies and public lands.
  • And defending Coloradans most fundamental freedoms.

Throughout our first term, we may have crossed some big items off our to-do list, but that doesn’t mean the list in front of us today is any shorter than it was four years ago. With each new challenge comes new opportunities.

As Colorado approaches our 150th anniversary as a state, we need to answer the question — Who do we want to be?

For too many people, life is simply too hard and too expensive. Coloradans are counting on all of us who work in this building behind me to deliver solutions.

To realize the full potential of our great state, we must continue to take the best ideas wherever they come from the left, the right, and the center and put them into action to move our state forward. And we must move forward together. No one gets left behind.

Together, we’re going to reduce housing costs across this state with options for every Colorado budget so that folks can afford to live in the communities where they work.

That means, quite simply, creating more housing in Colorado, consistent with managing for an increasingly scarce water supply, tackling our climate goals, and protecting our natural treasures.

We’re going to continue on our bold path toward making Colorado 100% renewable energy by 2040, powered by good-paying jobs, lowering rates for consumers, and doing our part to ensure future generations of Coloradans inherit a livable planet.

We’re going to implement free preschool for every family in a way that is sustainable over the long haul so that families don’t have to worry about paying thousands of extra dollars to get their children off to a strong start.

We’re going to tackle crime head-on, not only by holding criminals accountable but by preventing crime before it happens. Because no Coloradan should have to fear for their safety on the streets where they live, in the places where they work and play, and in the schools where our kids go to learn and dream big dreams.

And we’re going to keep using every tool we’ve got to save Coloradans money. Lower taxes, lower transportation costs, lower medical bills, lower business fees, and of course, lower housing costs. Anything we can do, we must when it comes to helping you hold onto more of your hard-earned money.

I’m so grateful to the people of Colorado, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by an incredible and dedicated team including my cabinet behind me – we are ready to take on these challenges together.

From my outstanding departing Chief of Staff, Lisa Kaufmann, to our tireless crisis response teams, to the folks who keep the lights on, the water running, the roads clear, our people healthy — Colorado wouldn’t have gotten through everything we’ve faced these last four years without the extraordinary work of our state workers. To each and every one of you, thank you for everything you do for our state.

And of course, a huge thank you to our dedicated Lieutenant Governor. No one knows more about health care or about how to save Coloradans money on it than Dianne. I am so thankful to have her by my side.

So, too, am I thankful to serve alongside our Attorney General Phil Weiser, our Secretary of State Jena Griswold, and our Treasurer Dave Young. No one could ask for finer partners than these, and I am so excited to continue working with them toward our shared vision of a Colorado for All.

Thank you to my colleagues in the State Assembly, including our former Speaker of the House and my visionary new Chief of Staff, Alec Garnett. The progress we’ve made these last four years simply wouldn’t have been possible without your efforts, and I can’t wait to work with you to get even more done.

And thank you to my family: my parents Susan and Stephen, my sister and brother, my husband Marlon, and our two amazing kids. You inspire me every day to do my very best for this place we love to call home.

Look, nothing about the task in front of us will be easy. If it were, then it would have been done already. But here in Colorado, we don’t ask for easy.

Here in Colorado, we scale mountains. We bridge great divides. We break barriers. With joy in our hearts, we take on the toughest battles, and when they’re won, we ask, what’s next?

Nobody could have predicted all that these last four years would bring, the many trials and tribulations and challenges. Nor, then, can anyone say with certainty what the next four will bring.

But as your Governor, as a fellow Coloradan, I promise you this: Whatever comes our way, we will face it together, with resourcefulness, innovation, grit and vision.

We will protect our freedoms — that Colorado way of life — and, together, we will build a Colorado for All.

Secure in the knowledge that our best days are still ahead, we will work together to build a future that all of us can be proud of. And there’s no time to waste. Our work begins now.

Thank you all so much. God Bless Colorado and God bless the United States of America.

Photo by Dustin Doskocil

Additional photos from the Inauguration and Sneaker Ball. 

All photos at the 2023 Inauguration Ceremony were taken by Dustin Doskocil. The Sneaker Ball was taken by Shavonne Blades. 

Photo essay by Dustin Doskocil of DoskoPhoto. Dustin Doskocil is a Colorado-based photographer. He started his business 16 years ago while obtaining a degree in advertising and fashion photography in Austin, Texas. After graduating, he moved to Dallas, where he continued building his client list and portfolio while assisting some of the best photographers from around the world. From there, he moved to Colorado to delve deeper into the mountains and adventure scene. This has led to more editorial and commercial assignments with large and small businesses. Capturing and sharing moments of people doing what they love to do is Dustin’s community and beyond. Discover more of Dustin’s powerful photography at: doskophoto.com

The post Governor Polis 2023 Inauguration appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Sentinel Colorado and was shared via AP StoryShare. By Carina Julig & Max Levy, Staff Writers

As Aurora ban on homeless camping gears up, opposition continues amid scant details

Between the golf club at Heather Ridge and Interstate 225, Erin Kay and Mikhail Smith pause to introduce themselves to the residents of a small tent encampment nestled against the chain link fence bordering the highway.

They’re there that morning to warn the inhabitants that the encampment has been flagged for abatement in the near future, and to ask if the people living there need anything from a pair of warm socks to information about how to enter a drug treatment program.

The duo work as street outreach workers for Mile High Behavioral Healthcare, and from Tuesday through Saturday each week drive around Aurora talking with the city’s homeless residents. On a slow day, they might speak to just two or three people, or as many as 25 when it gets busy.

Just about every day they’re out, their big, white van gets flagged down by someone asking for help, either for themselves or for a loved one who has become homeless.

“It’s a lot of sad stories,” Smith said.

But it’s also a way to help people who need it the most. Along with giving out food, water, drug testing kits and other small items, the street outreach team also works to connect people to treatment programs, shelter and work opportunities — whatever they need to get out of homelessness for good.

“I love this job because it’s hopeful,” Kay said. She knows what the people they interact with are going through because she lived it herself — Kay struggled with an addiction and was homeless for 10 years before going to college to get a degree in social work. The work the duo does can be slow going, but it’s also rewarding in the way that few other things can be.

Erin Kay, crouching, and Mikhail Smith, center, who are on the Street Outreach Team for Mile High Behavioral Health, which provides services to the homeless community in the metro region. The two were checking on a homeless camp off of Iliff Avenue and I-225 with Bob Dorshimer, the CEO for MHBHC.
Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

That morning, they end up giving one of the people living in the encampment a ride to the Aurora Day Resource Center so that he can take a shower and get something to eat. He needs to get a new ID, and along the way they make plans to pick him up again later to help him get his documentation in order.

A lot of what Kay and Mikhail do on a regular basis is visit encampments that have been flagged for upcoming abatement so that people have a heads up and can hopefully get their possessions in order and clear out on their own.

Where those people go after abatement has long been a source of concern and contention among Aurora lawmakers.

Starting April 30, Aurora’s homeless population will officially be prohibited from camping without permission on public property, signaling a more aggressive enforcement posture from the city, according to elected leaders.

City officials said details on when and how the new law will be implemented are forthcoming.

While the city clears unauthorized camps now — close to 80 in 2021, according to Lana Dalton, who recently left her position as Aurora’s homelessness programs manager — elected leaders say the ban would lay the groundwork for the city to be more consistent about forcing campers to move elsewhere.

The ban’s supporters are hopeful that “elsewhere” will be city-sanctioned shelter space — the language of the ban requires the city to have enough shelter space available to accommodate everyone in a camp before that camp can be swept.

That requirement is also a feature of the city’s existing abatement policy. The camping ban in large part codifies the city’s current policy on sweeping encampments.

But while officials have said the city exercised discretion during the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting camps that posed an immediate health or safety risk but leaving others intact, City Council members say the new camping ban is meant to apply uniformly to all homeless campers.

72 hours to vacate

Campers would be given at least 72 hours’ notice before being forced to leave, which is also consistent with the city’s existing policy. If they refuse to abandon their campsite after the notice period has expired, they may be arrested or fined up to $2,650.

Opponents have pointed out that, based on estimates of the city’s homeless population and shelter space, there may be hundreds more homeless people than there are beds. At least in theory, if there aren’t enough beds to hold everyone in a camp, the ban would be unenforceable.

Days away from implementing the new ban, city officials declined to answer any questions about how the ban would be carried out. City spokesman Ryan Luby wrote in an April 21 email that “staff are still working on the implementation process and are still actively preparing an update for Council on May 2.”

“They will not have anything to provide before then,” he wrote.

In February, as legislation was being created, city officials said then they did not have details about the ban. Among the unanswered questions was how additional shelter would be created to accomplish the goals of a companion resolution directing the city manager to “look for, create and maintain sufficient shelter options to provide a safe space for individuals and families in an unauthorized camp that desire to use a shelter option.”

Since then, city staffers have presented some information to city lawmakers about the ban and about the shelter question specifically. The council in March indicated its support for turning the Aurora Day Resource Center into a year-round shelter, which city staffers said would cost $750,000 up front and $1.35 million on an ongoing annual basis.

They have yet to formally sign off on the expenditure, however, and Mile High Behavioral Healthcare CEO Bob Dorshimer said the city is currently reviewing a “punch-list” of items needed before the year-round shelter would be operational.

Bob Dorshimer, front, Erin Kay, middle, and Mikhail Smith, check on a homeless person at a large camp in Aurora, April 21. Kay and Smith are on the Street Outreach Team for Mile High Behavioral Health and Dorshimer is the CEO of MHBHC.
Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

The mezzanine level of the ARDC would be turned into space for bunk beds for women displaced from encampments, and part of the ground floor will be used for beds for men, Dorshimer said. They would also make upgrades such as replacing the dog runs that used to exist outside for the homeless who bring their pets with them. Mile High also has plans to rehire a nurse position that is currently vacant.

Staff would be on hand to help connect people who stay overnight due to abatement to Mile High’s other programs, such as job training and substance abuse treatment, Dorshimer said. It’s unclear how many will choose to take part.

The facility can currently accommodate about 75 people during a weather emergency. A 2021 survey of the city’s homeless residents undertaken on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicated at least 594 people were homeless in the city. Depending on weather conditions, the city may have fewer than half as many shelter beds available compared to the number of homeless people known to city officials.

On April 28, after this story was originally published, the City of Aurora issued a statement clarifying that it is not ready to enforce the ban on the 30th. They did not say when the new policies would be going into effect.

“While the effective date of the ordinance is April 30, those policies are still in development, so the city will continue to use its existing policy on camp abatement until new policies are in place,” the statement read in part. “As such, the city is not anticipating widespread issuance of notices or abatements to occur on April 30.”

“The city of Aurora remains committed to a compassionate and care-focused approach to balancing the needs and security of those experiencing homelessness with the concerns of community members and the need to maintain the safety and health of the city,” the statement said.

City Council members voted 6-5 March 28 to implement the ban, which Mayor Mike Coffman reintroduced earlier this year after it was shelved by a split council in August. The final version of the ban included amendments proposed by Councilmember Crystal Murillo, creating an annual reporting requirement and directing the city manager to come up with a policy for temporarily storing the belongings of displaced campers.

Coffman broke the tie in favor of the ban, which also earned the support of conservative council members Francoise Bergan, Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky, Steve Sundberg and Dustin Zvonek. Angela Lawson and progressives Alison Coombs, Juan Marcano, Ruben Medina and Murillo voted in opposition.

Dispute over what’s good for the city, homeless people

While opponents generally said the ban would criminalize homelessness and do little to get people into housing, supporters said it would push the homeless to engage with service providers and address public health problems associated with camps.

“The top priority of any local government should be public safety,” Zvonek said shortly before the council’s first vote to introduce the ban at the end of February. “This proposal is the one step that we can take as a local government to start to push some of those people who are in encampments, who’ve disassociated from society and from support, into a shelter situation.”

“I want people to access services and not to be out there isolated,” Coffman told The Sentinel in March. “I think it’s important they come to a shelter option.”

Organizations that help the homeless in Aurora told The Sentinel that they are not taking formal positions on the ban, though representatives expressed uncertainty about how it would impact demand for services and their clients.

“Right now, we’re kind of guessing what will happen,” said Kristen Baluyot, the Salvation Army’s social services director for the Denver metropolitan area.

The Salvation Army manages at least 60 Pallet shelters — small, prefabricated housing units — between locations next to its warehouse on Peoria Street and alongside Restoration Christian Fellowship on East Sixth Avenue. The organization also provides food boxes for community members and offers housing assistance through its Housing Now program.

Baluyot said the Pallet shelters are currently at capacity, and she anticipates demand for that shelter space will only increase. As of April 26, the organization reported 86 people on its waitlist.

“Our primary goal with those safe outdoor spaces is for them to be there for as short a time as possible and then get them into permanent, stable housing,” she said. “In Aurora, there’s really only a few sheltering options. … If you’re looking at the numbers in the context of this camping ban, there’s not sufficient shelter space for all of the people who are camping to move into shelter.”

She said service providers have also considered the possibility that the enactment of the ban in Aurora will push more people toward Denver. Derek Woodbury, communications director for Denver’s Department of Housing Stability, said in an email that his city would “continue to coordinate with the City of Aurora on our regional approaches to make homelessness rare, brief and one-time.”

“We continue to monitor (the) presence of large encampments across the city and can assess for any increase in locations near the Aurora border,” he wrote.

Denver and nearby jurisdictions such as Parker and Centennial also have camping bans on the books.

Andy Anderson of the Town of Parker said when asked if his city had analyzed the possible impacts of the Aurora ban that Parker is taking part in a Douglas County initiative to gather data on homelessness and that it would continue to cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions to address rising homelessness regardless of the ban’s consequences.

Mikhail Smith peers into some a pipe at a future construction site, where there was a report of a homeless camp April 21 in Aurora. Smith is on the Street Outreach Team for Mile High Behavioral Health, which provides services to the homeless community in the metro region.
Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

Allison Wittern of Centennial said her city had not undertaken any analysis of the Aurora ban, though a March 28 news article in the Centennial Citizen cautioned that the ban could displace people into that city. In Greenwood Village, spokeswoman Melissa Gallegos said the city wasn’t anticipating any impacts, since it is relatively small and has limited services.

Cathy Alderman of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless said she thought the ban was likely to push Aurora’s homeless residents across jurisdictional boundaries and that she did not know what new services were being created if demand was to increase.

“As Aurora becomes less welcoming and less helpful to its residents experiencing homelessness, they’re probably going to go to other cities and counties to get resources,” she said. She has spoken out against the ban.

While the Salvation Army does not have a local street outreach team, Baluyot said sweeps have the potential to sever ties between service organizations and their homeless clients.

“It can set street outreach teams back significantly from their outcomes or even from getting people to engage in shelter,” she said.

She also warned that unpaid fines can create an obstacle between the homeless and housing, calling fines that stem from unauthorized camping “prohibitive and punitive.”

Baluyot said a person who worked at the Aurora Salvation Army locations reported seeing more people interested in shelter and services in the run-up to the ban, and Dorshimer said his organization is also planning for an increased demand for services.

Dorshimer and his organization did not take an official position on the ban. The CEO stressed the need for congregate and non-congregate forms of shelter to be available to effectively accommodate people affected by a ban.

“You need to implement a variety of services in order to make the plan successful,” he said. A subsequent phase of the expansion of sheltering at the ADRC could see Pallet shelters set up for families.

Erin Ralston — clinical director for access, homeless, and residential services for Aurora Mental Health Center — said her agency did not anticipate its services or processes would change because of the ban. She also acknowledged the deficit of shelter space in the area.

AuMHC has teams that do outreach and help the recently housed transition out of homelessness. They also offer drop-in services, therapy and case management for homeless clients as well as rehousing services.

The agency’s new Acute Care Center, which spokeswoman Lori MacKenzie said is now slated to break ground in March 2023 and be built out in September 2024, will serve the homeless as well as the general public with its crisis stabilization and detox units.

Ralston and Baluyot both said their agencies are prepared to do whatever they can to continue offering services regardless of the legislative landscape.

“We’ll be out there rain or shine,” Ralston said. “We are hopeful that there will be referrals and people will continue to get connected.”

“Our goal is to end homelessness one person at a time,” said Baluyot. “We will continue to do everything we can to support those experiencing homelessness.”

The reason why people want to be in public sleeping together is it’s safe. And if you let people live in public communities, it builds the political pressure to solve this problem more permanently… If you allow people to be harassed, and raped, and murdered in the shadows, you can pretend you don’t have a problem. That’s what it sounds like Aurora is planning to do. — Tony Robinson, an associate professor of political science at CU Denver

Experts say bans sound good but end badly

Researchers referred by the University of Colorado’s Denver Campus and the Anschutz Medical Campus were openly skeptical of the ban, saying camping bans have not been proven to improve the lives of the homeless and often accomplish the opposite.

“It has had no effect whatsoever improving the lives of homeless people, moving them into shelter, connecting them with resources or reducing the fact that people are sleeping outside,” said Tony Robinson, an associate professor of political science at CU Denver whose research includes the topics of affordable housing, poverty and homelessness.

He said camping bans force many homeless people to choose between relocating to more secluded areas, where they may be at a higher risk of being assaulted or harassed, or sleeping in congregate shelters, which don’t typically accept pets and may not be suitable for those with severe mental health problems.

Scott Harpin — an associate professor of nursing at Anschutz who has worked with homeless populations for around 25 years, including doing medical outreach work in Aurora — said there is limited research on the effectiveness of camping bans but that he has seen Denver’s ban work positively to connect people with resources in only a “small proportion” of cases.

“I understand why people would want a camping ban. I like my city, and I want it to look pretty. But this is a human rights issue,” Harpin said. “It just moves people around. It doesn’t help solve the issue in any way.”

April 21, in Aurora.
Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

The researchers said Aurora is part of a nationwide pattern of cities enacting camping bans to address homelessness. They were also critical of Denver’s ban, though Harpin also said that Denver was one of the first major cities in the country to partner with churches to create government-sanctioned camping sites.

Regarding public health hazards such as human waste, Harpin suggested cities set up portable restrooms and similar facilities rather than break up those campsites using a ban.

But he and Robinson also said that cities should work toward more affordable and accessible housing as a way of permanently reducing the homeless population. Robinson also said cities should be looking into setting up more designated camping sites and “tiny home” communities.

“The reason why people want to be in public sleeping together is it’s safe,” Robinson said. “And if you let people live in public communities, it builds the political pressure to solve this problem more permanently… If you allow people to be harassed, and raped, and murdered in the shadows, you can pretend you don’t have a problem. That’s what it sounds like Aurora is planning to do.”

Harpin said bans also tend to waste the time of police. Former Police Chief Vanessa Wilson said she was uncomfortable dedicating police resources to enforcing a camping ban.

“As the chief of police, I have been very clear that I do not want to be a part of enforcing this ban,” Wilson said during a hearing about the original, failed bill in August. “ … Right now we’re doing this because we don’t have any other options, but I think as a city we can do better.”

Following Wilson’s firing earlier this month, previous APD chief Dan Oates is slated to take the reins as interim chief in May.

Dorshimer said that Oates “will enforce the law” but spoke highly of his support for the homeless, saying that he was involved in the formation of Aurora’s cold weather outreach team.

“This all started because of Dan,” Dorshimer said.

Oates declined to speak with The Sentinel about the camping ban. Details of how police will handle their role in enforcement was not released.

“The police at Civic Center Park are some of the most caring folks,” Harpin said in the context of Denver’s ban. “I think it also puts them in a tough spot.”

Last week, Coffman said on social media that he spoke to Gov. Jared Polis about speeding up the abatement process on Colorado Department of Transportation property in Aurora as well as state owned property along Cherry Creek State Park.

“The current process is way too slow, and the abatements are so infrequent, that it encourages those staying in the encampments along I-225 to return knowing that they can stay there for weeks before another abatement occurs,” Coffman said in a post.

Jason Clay, a spokesman for Colorado Parks & Wildlife, said the park conducts regular patrols within its boundaries and contacts those camping without permission to offer information about resources and advise them to leave. Eventually, a camp may be swept by staff and, if necessary, a biohazard team.

While he said there “may be increases” in unauthorized camping because of the ban, he added that the park “has seen these in the past based on a variety of circumstances.”

“We have managed to be adaptive to many issues facing the park and will continue to collaborate with a variety of partners, resources, and constituents to employ best practices in attempts to serve the mission of CPW and provide the best services to the public,” Clay wrote in an email.

Coffman said Polis seemed willing to shorten the abatement notice window from seven days to 72 hours, and that he would consider not requiring permission from CDOT before Aurora does an abatement on its property as well as lifting the reimbursement cap of $75,000 a year for abatements.

Polis spokesperson Conor Cahill confirmed Coffman’s description of the call and said that the governor wants to reduce red tape to allow the city to implement its plans.

“Local governments and municipalities need to meet this moment, and the state wants to help them do it,” Cahill said in an email.

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DENVER, CO –  The House Finance Committee today advanced the Colorado Cashback plan, sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum, Sr. and Lindsey Daugherty, that will send every Colorado taxpayer an early refund of $400, or $800 for joint filers, as soon as possible.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

“Colorado taxpayers are going to get $400 or $800 checks in September to help them afford the rising cost of living,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “Families who are struggling will get more money back, and they’ll get it back sooner to help pay for gas, groceries, rent and everyday necessities. We’re delivering this relief as soon as we can because people are struggling now, and we can give it back in a fair and more equitable way that helps people sooner.”

“We’re saving families money everywhere we can with free universal preschool, property tax relief for every homeowner and business, more affordable housing, more affordable health care and prescription drugs, and with this legislation, we’ll send taxpayers $400 or $800 refund checks early this September,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “We know the pandemic has led to higher prices on everyday necessities, like gas and housing. We’re putting money back into people’s pockets as soon as possible to provide relief when they need it the most.”

SB22-233, which passed the committee by a vote of 9-2, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries and ensures a more equitable distribution of refunds. All full-time residents of Colorado who either file their 2021 income tax returns, are granted an extension or apply for a PTC rebate by June 30th, 2022 will receive a $400 check, or $800 for joint filers.

Colorado Democrats’ 2021 state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance have led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers early via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms including the senior homestead exemption, a temporary reduction in the rate of the income tax and the six tier sales tax refund.

The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses.

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