Commissioners decide to exit Accelerate Colorado membership; will study NACo engagement instead

The Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 4 discussed whether to continue the county's membership in the lobbying coalition Accelerate Colorado and whether the county should instead focus engagement through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Commissioners and staff scrutinized the perceived return on investment for Accelerate Colorado — a membership that includes an annual fee and an offered Washington, D.C., fly-in — and whether it fit the county's immediate priorities and tight fiscal position. One commissioner who had attended an Accelerate Colorado event said the value of the D.C. fly-in was limited unless participants arranged their own targeted meetings in advance.

County staff reported NACo membership had already been paid and reminded the board NACo holds regular legislative conferences and fly-ins; the NACo conference registration figure discussed in the meeting was approximately $530 per person plus travel and lodging. Given current budget constraints and the county's need to prioritize staff time and resources, the board directed staff to notify Accelerate Colorado that Clear Creek County would not renew its membership for the current year. Commissioners also requested a follow-up work session to review NACo participation options and whether the county should plan targeted congressional meetings through NACo or directly.

Ending: Staff will inform Accelerate Colorado of the county's decision not to continue membership for 2025 and will prepare materials on NACo’s offerings and costs for a future board discussion.