The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Colorado’s Business Climate
By Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce
August 14, 2026
Colorado's business climate in 2026 is a tale of three realities.
The Good: Colorado's greatest asset is its people. An innovative workforce and entrepreneurial culture continue to fuel opportunity throughout the state.
The Bad: Businesses are facing increasing challenges. Housing affordability, workforce shortages, rising insurance costs, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment are making it more difficult to hire, invest, and grow.
The Ugly: Colorado has slipped from 11th to 25th in CNBC's Top States for Business rankings, with significant declines in business friendliness, infrastructure, and overall competitiveness. More companies are choosing to expand elsewhere, while others are reconsidering investments here.
What does this mean for our business community? Your voice matters. Colorado will elect a new governor in 2026, making this an important time to build relationships with elected officials, and advocate for a strong business climate.
Today's Mornings at El Moro featured State Representative Katie Stewart, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of our state legislators. In October, La Plata County Clerk & Recorder Tiffany Lee will answer your questions about the voting process.
Business-friendly policies don't happen by accident. The Chamber is committed to creating opportunities for business leaders to stay informed, build relationships, and have a voice in the policies that shape our economy.