AGP Executive Report

Courthouse Security Law: Colorado signed HB 26-1422, requiring county sheriffs to verify and log anyone entering courthouses with a firearm, with magnetometers during sessions and a new statewide compliance framework. School Tech Rules: Colorado districts are posting cellphone policies under a new state law, but many large systems still allow phones during passing periods or lunch for high schoolers, despite research pointing to better outcomes with stricter bans. Semiconductor Investment: Micron announced a $250 million investment tied to “Trump Accounts,” including matching contributions and seed deposits for children where Micron operates, with Colorado listed among the states. Energy & Legal Pressure: Colorado’s broader regulatory fight over drug pricing continues as a judge blocked the state’s Enbrel price cap against Amgen. Food Supply Crackdown: Colorado is among states tied to a multistate settlement over alleged egg price-fixing, with companies accused of coordinating bids that influence benchmark quotes. Local Water & Growth: Huerfano County’s water district won a $1.576M grant to rehabilitate a reservoir used to protect senior water rights, while Trinidad canceled its July 4 water parade due to drought restrictions. Wildfire Workforce: A survey of federal wildland firefighters found low morale and staffing concerns, with many considering leaving the job. Retail Expansion: Target plans a new Brookings, S.D. store opening this July as part of a broader 2026 expansion push that includes Colorado.

Retail & M&A: Kroger is buying Giant Eagle for about $1.6 billion, keeping the Giant Eagle name and myPerks while shifting ownership in 2027—another consolidation move that could reshape grocery pricing and store strategy in the Midwest. Colorado Economy & Housing: Steamboat’s Stockman resort condos are selling fast despite a softer ski backdrop, with pre-sales already around $90M and prices reaching Aspen-like levels—an early signal that luxury demand may be outpacing local supply concerns. Workforce & Education: Colorado’s Educator Recruitment and Retention program opens applications for up to $7,500 to help fill teacher shortage areas, aiming to strengthen the pipeline for high-need subjects. Public Health & Sports Betting: Colorado’s gambling-addiction treatment capacity is still thin as sports betting expands, with advocates warning the state may face a new addiction and recovery challenge. Energy/Policy: New Colorado laws take effect July 1, including ammunition age and storage rules and a ban on 3D-printed guns. Business Risk: Travelers are reporting rental-car damage bills weeks later, pushing consumers to document vehicles carefully before driving off. Politics & Business Climate: Colorado primary results show progressive wins and incumbent losses, a reminder that policy direction—and the business environment that follows—can shift quickly.

Colorado Business & Economy: Egg price-fixing settlement: Iowa and a multistate AG/DOJ probe forced three major egg producers to pay $3.3M and donate 53 million eggs after findings of unlawful coordination that drove up prices. Denver legal services: Arckey & Steele is expanding Front Range practice, pitching a “limited caseload” model as an alternative to volume-based injury law. Real estate & hospitality: The Edit Boulder named Fox Property Management its premier home-rental partner, aiming to sell “insider” Boulder experiences to Fox’s luxury homeowner and guest network. Energy infrastructure: Western governors backed a multi-state transmission task force (WestTEC) to reduce bottlenecks and cut congestion across the region. Tech & data centers: Nodiac and PowerBank will co-develop modular data centers at solar and battery sites to speed “power-to-compute” timelines. Local power deal: Denver cleared a key hurdle on a new Xcel franchise renewal, continuing relocation cost coverage and adding affordability and undergrounding funding. Sports-business tie-in: The Clippers agreed to trade Kawhi Leonard to Toronto in a major NBA deal that reshapes team strategy and payroll planning.

Colorado Primary Politics: Colorado voters head to the polls in key Democratic and Republican primaries that will decide the next governor nominee—Sen. Michael Bennet vs. AG Phil Weiser on the Dem side, with GOP top-ticket choices including Rep. Scott Bottoms, Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx. Antitrust & Food Prices: DOJ and multiple states, including Utah, reached settlements with major egg producers accused of colluding to manipulate benchmark egg prices; the deals include millions of eggs for food banks plus cash penalties. State Enforcement: The Colorado DMV warned drivers about fake “print-at-home” temporary license plates, saying illegal tags can trigger vehicle seizure, steep fines and criminal charges. Healthcare Operations: CommonSpirit is reshaping three Colorado Springs hospitals’ plans after taking over Centura facilities, stressing Penrose won’t close while parts of the campus shift to new uses. Wildfire & Workforce: The Aspen Acres Fire expanded rapidly with evacuations and major structure loss, while a survey of federal wildland firefighters points to low morale and staffing strain. Regional Power Grid: Western governors backed a multi-state transmission task force to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability across the region. Labor Watch: UAW workers rallied at Woodward MPC’s Niles facility, pushing for a new contract after months of stalled talks.

NBA Free Agency Watch: LeBron James’ next move is the big suspense item as the market opens, with retirement still off the table and multiple teams in play. Sports Business: The Memphis Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, a major shake-up that could reshape Portland’s offseason and payroll planning. Colorado Politics: Colorado Democrats face a high-stakes primary day with progressive insurgents challenging long-time incumbents, including Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver-area politics. Public Safety & Wildfire Costs: Three wildland firefighters were killed battling fast-moving blazes near the Colorado-Utah border, prompting emergency declarations and renewed pressure on fire response capacity. Health & Community Funding: YouthZone says it’s ready to put opioid settlement dollars into local prevention, diversion, and behavioral health services across Western Colorado. Local Economy & Growth: Aspen Snowmass is using snow storage tech to protect early-season terrain, aiming to reduce weather risk to tourism revenue. Business & Finance: Simply Good Foods (Denver) is set to report earnings July 9 as investors watch margins and guidance.

Water & Sewer Rates: Crawford set a July 27 public hearing on proposed water rate hikes after a work-session review of costs, inflation, and infrastructure replacement, with a “middle path” aimed at balancing town needs and customers facing poverty. Education Leadership: Delta County Superintendent Caryn Gibson announced her retirement at the June 25 board meeting, highlighting districtwide top state ratings for all 14 schools. Public Media Funding Fight: PBS CEO Paula Kerger recounted how Trump-era actions and letters led to a lawsuit over federal funding, calling signing the case the “most sobering moment.” Local Business Growth: Denver’s Sadboy Creamery plans a new storefront near Colfax Avenue as it moves beyond pickup-only operations. Airport Rules Update: Pueblo removed a proposed 100-hour cap on flight instruction from draft airport minimum standards after public feedback. Energy & Land Use: Routt County commissioners raised concerns about a proposed near-14,000-acre federal oil-and-gas lease sale affecting national forest land north of Hayden. Wildfire Impact: Three wildland firefighters died and two were injured battling fast-moving blazes near the Colorado-Utah border as conditions worsened. Cybersecurity & Defense Jobs: Colorado Springs-based Apogee Engineering opened a new headquarters and recently won a $103M DoD GPS modernization contract. Community & Culture: Denver’s Cherry Creek Arts Festival marked its 35th anniversary, drawing about 250–265 juried artists over the July 3–5 weekend.

Colorado Politics: Colorado voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose Democratic nominees for governor (Sen. Michael Bennet vs. AG Phil Weiser) and to finalize key U.S. House and Senate matchups, with the outcome potentially reshaping the Senate seat if Bennet wins. Pension Oversight: Colorado PERA plans changes to investment staff bonus incentives after scrutiny that bonuses have pushed pay ahead of peers. Housing & Building Costs: States and cities are loosening building code rules to cut construction costs, including proposals that could allow some low-rise apartments to use fewer stairs—sparking safety concerns. Local Business: Colorado Springs’ Atrevida Beer Co. is closing after nearly eight years, ending a community staple. Grand Valley Infrastructure: Palisade broke ground on a $26M wastewater project to connect to the Clifton Sanitation District. Consumer Watchdog: A Consumer Reports investigation says Uber and Lyft can charge very different prices for the same ride, raising questions about how fares are set for Colorado riders. Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters died battling major wildfires along the Colorado-Utah border, as heat and wind worsen conditions. Sports Business: The Nashville Predators signed Colorado Avalanche forward Jack Drury to a five-year, $22.5M deal.

Defense Contracting: Lockheed Martin won a $2.2B Navy contract for F-35 air systems maintenance and fleet support, with most work in Fort Worth and completion targeted by Dec. 2028. Local Infrastructure: Metro’s North Hollywood-to-Pasadena BRT project is shifting and closing bus stops along Lake Avenue, Colorado Boulevard and Hill Avenue through summer and into fall. Water & Drought Impacts: Boyd Lake State Park closed its main boat ramp for the rest of the 2026 season after drought cut water levels by about 20–25 feet. Wildfire Costs: Three firefighters died battling major blazes along the Colorado-Utah border, as heat, wind and low snowpack keep fire conditions extreme. Wildlife & Land Use: Experts say an 8-foot fence at a southern Colorado ranch is blocking wildlife movement and degrading habitat across the San Luis Valley. Elections & Civic Participation: MSU Denver students are pushing for higher youth turnout, citing low participation rates among younger voters and campus voting access. Aviation & Routes: Southwest is cutting seven routes from St. Louis Lambert in Q3 2026, pointing to network focus changes. Business & Tech: Boulder-based Flush Locks is piloting cashless restroom door payments in Colorado, aiming to monetize access at small venues. Sports Business Watch: Reports say Nikola Jokic’s extension talks could be delayed, adding pressure to Denver’s offseason roster planning.

Colorado Higher Ed Costs: A Chalkbeat report says tuition and fees at Colorado public universities have jumped nearly 125% since the Great Recession, far outpacing inflation, as lawmakers leaned on tuition hikes amid funding declines. SNAP “Soda Ban” Blocked: A federal judge blocked USDA waivers that would have let Colorado restrict sugary drinks and candy purchases with food stamps, citing limits on USDA authority. Colorado River Gridlock: Colorado River negotiations reportedly fell apart again, with basin states missing deadlines and water managers warning the lack of a plan is worsening risks for power, farms, and cities. Water Stress Nationwide: A broader drought/water availability story highlights groundwater depletion and growing scarcity pressures across the U.S., with the High Plains Aquifer in the spotlight. Wildfire & Fireworks Restrictions: CNN reports fast-moving blazes along the Colorado-Utah border killed three firefighters and triggered Fourth of July fireworks limits in Utah, while Colorado declared a disaster emergency. Local Business & Growth: Colorado Springs’ VENU is joining the Russell 3000 Index, a move expected to boost visibility with institutional investors. Housing Affordability vs Safety: States and cities are loosening building code rules to cut costs, including allowing single-stairway apartments—sparking safety concerns from critics.

Nuggets Contract Watch: Nikola Jokić is reportedly considering delaying his Denver extension talks until 2027, adding uncertainty to the Nuggets’ offseason plans as free agency approaches. Avalanche Prospect Shuffle: Colorado traded for Bruins forward Ivan Ivan, sending Fabian Lysell to Boston—another sign the Avs are restocking their pipeline after a busy draft weekend. NHL Draft Day 2 Fallout: The Blue Jackets are reportedly fielding trade offers for Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko as both are said to be uninterested in extensions, setting up a potential roster shakeup. Denver Housing Build: A modular apartment project near the Santa Fe Art District is moving fast, aiming for affordable units by January 2027. SNAP Oversight: A USDA report says the national SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, with states facing financial consequences if error rates stay high. Local Business & Community: A petition is underway to save Denver’s Broadway Bark dog park after a state law change could jeopardize its property tax exemption.

Cybersecurity for small business: A new guide urges Colorado SMBs to treat cyber as an everyday practice, not an IT-only issue, warning that small firms take a disproportionate share of attacks and can face major disruption and reputation damage. Housing delivery in Denver: A modular affordable apartment project in the Santa Fe Arts District is stacking units quickly, aiming to cut build time while targeting residents at 30%–80% of area median income. Foreclosures trend: ATTOM reports U.S. foreclosure filings eased from April but rose year over year, pointing to ongoing affordability pressure even as the market stays more resilient than past cycles. Energy permitting pressure: A fresh push argues Colorado and the broader U.S. can’t wait on permitting reform, citing long timelines and rising costs that slow mines, transmission, and other energy projects. Local power fight: Elbert County has sued over Xcel’s preferred transmission route, challenging how statewide grid plans weigh against local land-use impacts and wildfire risk. Wildlife & water: Colorado Parks and Wildlife approved emergency fish salvages at reservoirs facing drainage, temporarily easing limits to reduce fish loss.

Colorado Politics & Economy: Colorado’s gubernatorial candidates are trading plans on housing, permitting and the economy as the June 30 primary nears, with debates spotlighting how to speed homebuilding and affordability. State & Local Governance: Denver City Council blocked Denver International Airport from leasing space to Key Lime Air over the airline’s work with ICE, a move that adds heat to airport oversight and political accountability. Public Safety & Justice: Lake County District Attorney Paul Charas announced his resignation, citing chronic underfunding that makes it hard to prosecute cases ethically. Energy & Environment: Chaffee County won a $1.25 million state grant to expand waste diversion and efficiency upgrades in municipal facilities. Water & Recreation: Boyd Lake State Park will close boat ramps for the rest of the season due to low reservoir levels, while hand-launched boating and swimming remain limited. Business & Community: Three Rivers Insurance in Idaho’s Treasure Valley donated $10,000 to Parents Promoting Ag to expand youth ag education and leadership programs. Sports Business: The Avalanche re-signed defensemen Brett Kulak (five years, $4.5M AAV) and Brent Burns (one year, $850K, bonuses possible), signaling a defensive focus for the next championship push.

Renewables & energy costs: U.S. solar developers are rushing to lock in expiring federal tax credits before a July 4 deadline, with analysts warning wind/solar contract prices could jump 40% to 50%—a move that could ripple into Colorado’s broader clean-energy pipeline. Housing & rents: Phoenix-area data shows a rare rent pullback as new apartment supply lifts vacancy, a reminder that Colorado’s own affordability fight is increasingly tied to construction pace and vacancy rates. Local business expansion: Gypsum is set for a dual-brand Hilton (Hampton Inn & Suites + Home2 Suites) near the Eagle County airport, targeting a 2028 opening. Politics & elections: Colorado’s 1st District race is heating up as Melat Kiros challenges long-serving Rep. Diana DeGette, with major outside money flowing in. Sports business: Vail Resorts shares spiked after takeover-defense chatter and activist pressure, underscoring how quickly Colorado’s tourism giants can shift with investor sentiment. Wildfire risk & utilities: Rocky Mountain Power issued PSPS warnings for parts of Utah including Carbon and Emery counties, a sign of how weather volatility can disrupt regional operations.

Colorado River Power Risk: Lake Powell is at just 23.28% capacity and is projected to hit “minimum power pool” next spring, raising the odds of Glen Canyon Dam power cuts and, in the worst case, a “dead pool” scenario that could disrupt the Grand Canyon flow. Wildfire Preparedness Funding: Colorado is still waiting on about $50 million in FEMA hazard-mitigation funds, leaving wildfire risk-reduction projects stalled as the season heats up. Local Business & Jobs: Kauai Coffee Co. secured a 15-year lease for its plantation, protecting about 140 jobs and keeping farm tours and operations running. Education & Compliance: Jeffco Schools authorized potential lawsuits over a federal Office for Civil Rights dispute tied to Title IX, setting up a possible court fight over state vs. federal rules. Healthcare Leadership: Diversus Health in Colorado Springs named a new CFO and Chief Experience Officer to support growth and financial sustainability. Public Safety: Colorado Springs traffic deaths are up year over year, with pedestrian fatalities a key concern for local businesses and delivery operators. NHL Trade With Colorado Angle: The Avalanche traded Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for three draft picks, reshaping Colorado’s roster planning.

Clean Energy on Contaminated Land: Colorado cleared the way for renewable projects like geothermal, solar and wind to be sited on “brownfields,” opening new spots for investment while keeping local land-use control. Oil & Gas Accountability: Regulators cut Colorado oil and gas firms’ fines to about $2M after settlements tied to falsified toxic data, drawing fresh pushback from residents. Water Stress, Big Picture: The Colorado River’s headwaters are drying up, and drought is forcing hard choices for ranchers and growers across the region. Data Centers vs. Water & Fire: A new Colorado Springs-area data center fight continues as officials weigh water access concerns and wildfire risk; elsewhere, Huerfano County paused fireworks over drought conditions and adopted a data center moratorium pending applications. Statehouse/Local Governance: Colorado AG lawsuits in Greeley campaign cases were consolidated, delaying hearings. Business Leadership: KBR named new CEO/CFO leadership for its Mission Technology Solutions spin-off. Local Business Spotlight: Olde Town Coffee Shop owners in Fountain are betting on downtown revitalization and community ties. Federal Voting Rules: USPS says it won’t mail ballots in states that refuse to provide voter lists under a proposed rule, raising stakes for mail voting.

NHL Power Move: Bowen Byram is set to step in as the Chicago Blackhawks’ No. 1 defenseman after a blockbuster trade from the Buffalo Sabres, with Chicago sending draft picks No. 4 and No. 45 plus defenseman Louis Crevier. Avalanche Rebuild: Colorado also kept dealing, swapping Jack Drury, prospect Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick to Nashville for forwards Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux. Local School Finance: Jefferson County’s school board approved a $1.41 billion budget and teacher pay deal, but one member voted no over concerns the plan relies on a November mill levy override. Energy & Environment: Colorado regulators approved nearly $2 million in penalties against major oil and gas operators tied to falsified spill and well data. Tech & Community Clash: Colorado Springs residents protested a proposed 50-megawatt AI data center near Garden of the Gods, and appeals are now headed toward a public hearing. Housing Watch: Apartments.com reported modest rent growth in June, with national average rents up to $1,742.