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Adams County staff brief commissioners on 2026 legislative session and 2027 planning
Summary
County policy staff summarized the 2026 Colorado legislative session, highlighting recurring issues (affordable housing, data centers, county administration) and a roughly $1 billion state budget shortfall that will shape 2027 priorities and coalition strategy (CCI/CCAT).
Staff gave commissioners an overview of the 2026 legislative session and asked for direction on priorities for 2027.
"The legislature had about a billion dollar shortfall again this year," Peggy said, noting that budget constraints largely determined which proposals could advance and that the Joint Budget Committee would issue a new economic forecast soon. Staff said they reviewed nearly 700 bills this session and took formal positions on about 65 measures that were of importance to counties.
Key takeaways: staff identified recurring statewide priorities — affordable housing and workforce development, data centers, RTD/front‑range passenger rail, and county statutory authority questions — and recommended using county coalition partners (CCI and CCAT) to shape responses and potential compromises going into the next session.
Notable bills discussed: HB1260 (delays to CCAP implementation provisions until 2028), legislation establishing a transition advisory committee for post‑secondary talent development, a bill on federal disability benefits for foster youth (identified as carrying potential legal challenges) and HB26429 (county administration of public assistance) with Adams County representation on the implementation work group.
Board direction and next steps: commissioners flagged the county commissioner‑elections proposal as a priority they want CCI to take up and asked staff to continue monitoring data‑center legislation and Initiative 175/HB1430 in coordination with other Front Range counties. Staff noted the July 16–31 deadlines for submitting concepts to CCI/CCAT and asked commissioners to prioritize which topics Adams County should lead on.
Ending: Staff will circulate a digest of bills the county formally tracked and return with refined 2027 priority recommendations as the county coordinates with CCI and CCAT.
