Business Advocacy

The Glenwood Springs Chamber prioritizes workforce housing as essential to the success and sustainability of our business community. We advocate for a balanced approach that respects property rights while supporting diverse and affordable housing options.

Addressing this issue requires collaboration, public-private partnerships, construction litigation reform, and exploring best practices from other communities. We support
maintaining local control and zoning flexibility, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, and will continue to back workforce housing initiatives that benefit our community.

Glenwood Springs lies at the junction of I-70 and Highway 82, critical transportation corridors for Colorado. I-70 connects the Front Range and Western Slope, serving as the primary east-west route for residents, visitors, goods and services. Much of the local workforce lives west of Glenwood Springs along this route. Highway 82 links Glenwood Springs to the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen. Given our narrow valley setting, maintaining connectivity is vital for traffic flow, safety and commerce.

Congestion or closures on I-70 or Highway 82 disrupt travelers, harm businesses, impact tourism and workforce mobility, create safety risks, and hinder commerce. Events like the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire, 2021 mudslides, and frequent accidents highlight the urgency of continuing to address these issues.

The Glenwood Springs Chamber advocates for an efficient transportation system and sufficient roads and infrastructure to support a healthy business climate and quality of life for residents. This includes maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure and addressing mobility challenges within town, along the I-70 corridor and Hwy 82. Priorities also include continuously maintaining improving Glenwood Canyon and I-70 and implementing measures to reduce closures caused by accidents.

The Glenwood Springs Chamber acknowledges the challenges of healthcare regulation and its impact on costs. We advocate for accessible, preventive, high-quality, and cost-effective healthcare services to ensure affordability and quality for residents.
The Glenwood Springs Chamber also prioritizes advocating for policies that make health insurance more affordable and accessible for Colorado workers and employers. We support initiatives that enhance the quality of care, ensure broad access to services, and provide diverse choices in insurance options, contributing to a healthier workforce and a thriving business community.

The Glenwood Springs Chamber advocates for policies that expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare options for working families. We support initiatives that address workforce shortages in the childcare industry, incentivize the creation and sustainability of childcare providers, and reduce barriers for businesses to offer childcare support, fostering a stronger community and workforce.

The Glenwood Springs Chamber supports initiatives that enhance access to education and training, benefiting the workforce and employers alike.

K-12 education is vital to a strong economy, and partnerships between schools and businesses are key to fostering a skilled workforce. Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is a crucial economic driver and community asset, offering affordable postsecondary education for over 50 years. Its partnership with the Roaring Fork School District allows high school students to earn college credits through dual enrollment.

The Chamber also recognizes multiple pathways to career success and supports training programs that equip workers with industry-specific skills.

As stewards of our pristine environment and outdoor recreation economy, the Glenwood Springs Chamber advocates for policies that prioritize responsible water and natural resource management in our region. We champion water-efficient practices, policies that incentivize businesses adopting sustainable methods and support infrastructure investments for resource conservation. Embracing public-private partnerships, we aim to drive innovation, ensuring long-term resilience against climate impacts. We envision a thriving economy that balances responsible outdoor recreation and growth with environmental stewardship.

The Glenwood Springs Chamber supports policies that foster a stable and predictable property and casualty insurance market. Such policies should encourage robust carrier participation, offer diverse product choices for Colorado businesses and residents, and promote competitive pricing to make living and doing business more affordable.