Public Policy Outlook: 2025 Legislative Session

Submitted by Kathie Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado 

The Colorado General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session opened on Wednesday, January 8. The Public Policy Committee met to review the potential issues that we will follow during this session, and we will keep you updated as we move through the next 120 days. 

For now, here are two issues to be aware of:

• LAWSUIT Update: NAIOP joined the Apartment Association of Colorado, the Apartment Association of Metro Denver, and the Colorado Hotel Lodging Association to file a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Colorado challenging Energize Denver and Regulation 28. We are currently waiting for the judge to rule on the motions to dismiss filed by the city, state, and environmental intervenors. In the meantime, if you have completed your ASHRAE II studies and have outcomes you would like to share with us, please contact Kathie. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like more information. 
• Labor Peace Act Proposed Changes: SB25-005 – Worker Protection Collective Bargaining: Over 80 years ago labor and business in Colorado came to an agreement that made Colorado neither a “union” state or a “right to work” state. This was called the Labor Peace Act. It requires two votes for a shop to unionize. The first vote is to establish the labor union. The second vote is whether or not to have union dues deducted from EVERY employee’s paycheck whether they voted for the union or not. SB25-005 proposes to do away with the 2nd vote. While the construction industry in Colorado has a different set of union vote requirements, this proposed change could impact industries across the state. Let us know what your thoughts are on this important policy change.

NAIOP’s Public Policy Committee, along with our lobbying team with Husch Blackwell Strategies, track bills as they are introduced to determine their potential impact on our industry. Bookmark this link to track bills during the session. 

We urge members who are eager to make a difference to consider joining our Public Policy Committee or supporting advocacy efforts through financial contributions. Connect with Tyler Carlson or Kathie Barstnar to explore engagement avenues further.