AGP Executive Report

Election 2026: Colorado ballot measures are drawing heavy outside spending, with campaign spending reaching $47 million as voters weigh proposals on taxes, schools, law enforcement and transgender rights. Climate and Water: Colorado recorded its warmest water year as snowpack hit historic lows, accelerating glacier loss and sharpening concerns over water supplies. Southwest Flooding: Communities are still recovering from major floods that damaged homes and roads; closures continue to affect travel across southwest Colorado. Schools and Student Rights: Internal emails show Jeffco officials anticipated fallout after a transgender student made a girls’ volleyball roster, while parents raised concerns about teammates cut from the team. Separately, records show Jeffco knew of racist graffiti at Addenbrooke Classical Academy before renewing its charter. Health Data: A breach at Denver Health Medical Plan exposed information belonging to 238,000 members, according to reports.

Flood Recovery: Southwest Colorado is still dealing with washed-out roads and damaged homes after days of flooding. Gov. Jared Polis expanded the disaster emergency to 12 counties, and National Guard members have helped with evacuations and search-and-rescue efforts. Election Watch: With Nov. 3 approaching, Colorado voters are weighing a proposal to replace the flat income tax with graduated rates, while Larimer County ballot measures could raise local taxes. Early voting is outpacing 2022, and officials are preparing for possible election-day disruptions. Water and Drought: Colorado recorded exceptionally low snowpack and intense heat in 2026, deepening concern about water supplies as western states’ Colorado River dispute escalates. Local Decisions: De Beque is considering a data-center moratorium after a developer expressed interest, joining other Colorado communities seeking time to assess the facilities’ demands on power and water. Denver Sports: The Nuggets fell 134-114 to Golden State as Stephen Curry went 8-for-8 from the field and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored 31 points.

Southwest Colorado Floods: Floodwaters severed Colorado 151 and left major U.S. 160 routes closed, with detours stretching for hours. Communities are still recovering, and another storm could bring more rain later this week. Election Season: Early voting is outpacing 2022 as Colorado voters prepare to decide a crowded slate of ballot measures. Officials say they’re preparing for federal observers at polling places, though ICE visits are considered unlikely. Health Coverage: A new report says Health First Colorado covers more services than typical private plans, while new federal rules may require some adults to meet monthly work or activity requirements starting in 2027. Broncos: Denver beat Arizona 30-16 to improve to 5-2. Bo Nix broke loose for a franchise-record 62-yard rushing touchdown ahead of a pivotal Chiefs matchup.

Southwest Flood Recovery: Colorado is still dealing with severe Four Corners flooding. Gov. Jared Polis expanded the disaster emergency to 12 counties, and 100 National Guard members were deployed as washed-out roads and evacuation warnings slowed recovery. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix ran for a 62-yard touchdown in Denver’s 30-16 win over Arizona, lifting the Broncos to 5-2. Congressional Race: Financial disclosures raise questions about Democratic nominee Manny Rutinel’s former climate company, which reported little or no income in its later years. Mountain Tragedy: A father and his two teenage sons died in a small-plane crash in a remote part of Colorado. Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokić recorded a triple-double and Jamal Murray scored 42 points as Denver rallied from 23 down to beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime.

Southwest Colorado Flooding: Gov. Jared Polis expanded the disaster emergency to 12 counties, with 100 National Guard members deployed for evacuations and search-and-rescue work. Floodwaters have washed out roads, damaged homes and left evacuation warnings in place; more rain could follow. Winter Weather: The season’s first storm is forecast to bring rain and wet snow to Colorado’s higher elevations, with colder conditions spreading across the High Plains through Monday. State Services: Colorado’s DMV launched a redesigned website with simpler navigation and mobile-friendly tools for licenses, vehicle services and appointments. Denver Broncos: Cornerback Pat Surtain II was inactive against Arizona, while running back Jonah Coleman and linebacker Jonathon Cooper returned to the lineup. Colorado Sports: Oklahoma State’s second-half surge handed the Buffaloes a 57-24 loss, their fifth straight. Colorado State, meanwhile, snapped its losing streak with a 56-49 win over San Diego State. Community: A new Colorado library is offering nature gear for checkout alongside books, and Colorado Springs’ incoming UFL team has been named the Stampede.

Southwest Colorado Flooding: Gov. Jared Polis expanded the disaster emergency to 12 counties, with 100 National Guard members deployed for evacuations and search-and-rescue. Floodwaters washed out roads and reached homes; levels are receding, but evacuation warnings remain. Election Watch: Early voting is surging ahead of Nov. 3, and Colorado officials are urging voters to mail ballots by Monday. A legal fight over a proposed graduated income tax is also headed to the state Supreme Court. College Football: Colorado fell 57-24 to Oklahoma State after the Cowboys scored 34 unanswered points in the second half, extending the Buffaloes’ losing streak to five. Colorado State snapped its skid with a 56-49 win over San Diego State. Denver Sports: The Nuggets rallied from 23 points down to beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime. Nikola Jokic posted 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray scored 42. The Rapids also edged Vancouver 1-0, and Denver Summit kept its playoff hopes alive with a 6-1 win over Racing Louisville.

Flood Emergency: Severe flooding across southwest Colorado and the Four Corners has forced evacuations, stranded residents and washed out roads. Gov. Jared Polis expanded the disaster declaration to 12 counties; officials warned more rain could push rivers higher. Climate and Water: Colorado’s glaciers thinned sharply this year as record-low mountain snow met record heat, scientists say, raising concern about their future. Public Lands: A statewide poll found broad support for conservation, with just 6% of respondents saying public lands should be used for data centers. Colorado Springs Crashes: Two overnight crashes killed two people; police suspect impairment in both, and one driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and DUI.

Southwest Colorado Flooding: Floodwaters peaked at 15 feet, washing out roads and forcing evacuations across the Four Corners. Water is receding, but evacuation warnings remain as communities assess damage. Election Watch: Colorado’s Supreme Court will hear a challenge to signatures for a graduated income-tax measure. Separately, a dispute over federal election observers in Adams County is raising questions about who can access ballot counting. Data Center Pause: Grand Junction approved a one-year moratorium on large data-center development while officials write rules addressing power, water, noise and other impacts. Water and Public Lands: A new poll found 96% of Coloradans support conserving public lands, while just 6% backed data centers on them. Despite a historic drought, Grand Valley irrigation districts nearly made it through the season by restricting use and conserving supplies. Voting Access: RTD is offering free rides today and on Election Day to help voters reach polling centers and ballot drop boxes.

Flood Emergency: Severe rain has sent floodwaters through the Four Corners, prompting evacuations, road closures and rooftop rescues. Rivers are still rising, and more rain is forecast; officials urge residents in threatened areas to follow evacuation orders. Election Countdown: Colorado’s Secretary of State recommends mailing ballots by Monday, Oct. 26, as turnout outpaces the 2022 midterm pace. About 662,000 ballots had been returned by Oct. 22; voters can still use drop boxes or clerk offices through Election Day. Tight Races: A national forecaster shifted Colorado’s 8th Congressional District toward Democrats, while an internal poll puts Democrat Dwayne Romero just ahead of Republican Jeff Hurd in the 3rd District—within the poll’s margin of error. Courts: Colorado Supreme Court justices sounded skeptical that COVID-19 restrictions qualify as physical property damage covered by a senior-living provider’s insurance policy. Jobs and Industry: BAE Systems bought a Weld County facility for space-hardware production and plans to hire more than 200 workers over the next two years.

Southwest Colorado Flooding: Fast-rising waters forced evacuations and road closures, including a closure of Highway 160. Red Cross shelters opened in Durango and Pagosa Springs as more rain remained in the forecast. Election Watch: Federal election observers are expected in at least two Colorado counties, drawing pushback from state officials. Early voting is outpacing the 2022 midterm pace. Denver Nuggets: Oklahoma City beat Denver 96-84 in the season opener, as Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray struggled. The loss also ended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s record run of 141 straight games with 20 or more points. Wildlife Safety: A wildlife overpass on I-25 cut animal-vehicle crashes by as much as 91%; Colorado plans six more crossings. Energy Policy: The EPA granted Colorado authority to approve underground carbon-storage wells, giving the state a bigger role in permitting projects.

Election Watch: The Justice Department plans to send monitors to Adams and Douglas counties on Nov. 3, while a Denver judge rejected a last-minute bid to block the graduated-income-tax measure from the ballot. Carbon Storage: Colorado can now approve and regulate underground carbon-injection wells after the EPA granted the state permitting authority, potentially speeding development of carbon-capture projects. City Oversight: Denver auditors found gaps in the city’s AI safeguards and said Denver International Airport has no formal AI governance framework. Weather and Safety: Recent rain and mountain snow eased drought across Colorado, but about 61% of the state remains in drought. Avalanche officials also warn that hazards are developing on steep, snow-covered slopes. Clean Air: Colorado awarded $13.9 million for industrial emissions-reduction projects expected to cut pollution equivalent to taking 14,507 gas-powered cars off the road. Outdoor Access: A new 1.5-mile, accessible segment of Clear Creek Trail above Golden is set to open Nov. 6.

Ballot Measures: A Denver judge rejected a last-ditch challenge to Colorado’s graduated income tax proposal, leaving voters to decide the measure in November. Election Watch: More than 509,000 ballots had been returned statewide by Oct. 19, about 13% of registered voters. Water: Colorado’s record-shattering water year was also unusually warm, while a study found the Colorado River Basin lost trillions of gallons of groundwater during recent drought years. Governor’s Race: Democrat Phil Weiser told the Daily Sentinel he would appoint a rural outreach director and work to reduce state mandates on local governments. Consumer Safety: A state audit found gaps in marijuana product testing rules that could leave consumers exposed to contamination. Transportation: Construction has begun on an $806 million I-270 safety and reconstruction project in Adams County.

Election 2026: Colorado voters will decide whether to replace the state’s 4.4% flat income tax with graduated rates, from 3.7% to 8.4%. Supporters say the change could raise about $2 billion for schools, health care and early childhood programs; opponents warn it could drive away businesses and high earners. Public Safety: A road-rage fight in the Rangeview High School parking lot ended in gunfire Tuesday. No one was hurt, and Aurora police arrested a suspect about 18 minutes after the shooting was reported. Health Care: Banner Health plans an $59 million cancer center in Windsor, with an opening expected in late 2028. Consumer Protection: A state audit found gaps in Colorado’s marijuana product-testing rules, raising concerns about safeguards against contamination. Water: A new study estimates the Upper Colorado River Basin lost 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater during the 2020–22 drought, underscoring pressure on supplies beneath the surface. Wildlife: A new I-25 crossing system has cut wildlife-vehicle collisions by 91% in less than a year.

School Closures: Poudre school board members adjourned after debating a plan to close nine schools and consolidate two others; another meeting is expected before an Oct. 27 vote. Water: A study found the Colorado River Basin lost trillions of gallons of groundwater from 2020 to 2022. Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging a federal plan for river cuts, adding pressure to a fight with major consequences for the basin. Public Health: Colorado Springs is seeing flu cases rise earlier than usual, alongside whooping cough and COVID. Election Season: Colorado rallies are urging early voting, while Denver officials prepare for potentially heavy midterm turnout. Voters will also weigh competing income-tax measures, including Amendment 87’s proposed shift to graduated rates. Consumer Safety: A state audit found gaps in Colorado’s marijuana testing rules that could put consumers at risk. Privacy: Lafayette residents are pushing back against Flock license-plate cameras, arguing the system tracks drivers’ movements without adequate safeguards.

Water Security: A new study estimates the Upper Colorado River Basin lost 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater during the 2020–22 drought—enough to fill Lake Powell halfway—underscoring that underground supplies are not an unlimited backup. Climate & Skiing: Aspen One says insulated blankets preserved 85% of covered snow through Colorado’s hottest summer on record; the resort plans to expand the effort to support early-season conditions while reducing water and energy use. Health & Safety: A state audit found gaps in marijuana testing that could leave contaminants or inaccurate potency labels undetected, though auditors found no evidence of widespread harm. Separately, a new report says seven in 10 Colorado children live in communities without enough pediatric primary-care providers. Election Watch: Denver has opened 13 voter service centers, with officials preparing for turnout as high as 80% ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Election 2026: Denver officials expect turnout to reach 80% as voting centers expand. Colorado’s crowded ballot includes a proposed graduated income tax, which Gov. Jared Polis opposes while other Democrats support its basic aim; a judge heard a challenge to the measure’s qualification. Schools: Gov. Jared Polis has opted Colorado into a new federal scholarship tax-credit program that could help families pay for tutoring and other services, but may also direct taxpayer-supported donations to private schools. Water: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging federal Colorado River cut plans, as Colorado farmers face drought and water-supply pressures. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Colorado Springs is seeking input on a creek plan to reduce flooding and improve water quality, trails and parks. Neighbors are also pressing the city to address recurring water-main breaks that have damaged their properties. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating suspicious mail containing white powder sent to Colorado officials, including Reps. Joe Neguse and Jason Crow. Growth: Denver has launched a working group to develop rules for data center projects, while Littleton considers a six-month moratorium.