January 24, 2023

The Superior Chamber only supports ballot issues we believe are in the best interest of our community, local businesses, and our members – it is our policy that we do not endorse candidates. Our priority is to keep our members to be informed.

We are current members of the Colorado Chamber and the Northwest Chamber Alliance (NWCA). Being a staff of only two, memberships in these organizations help us to keep up-to-date on various issues and initiatives at both the federal and state level. The Board of the Superior Chamber only joins coalitions and signs off on letters of support on issues that fit our policy positions.

Request Advocacy Support

If you have questions about a government policy/regulation or if there is an issue you feel the Chamber should be involved with through advocacy efforts or educating our membership, please contact the Chamber office at info@superiorchamber.com

Advocacy Updates

Press Release: Kaaoush announces campaign for State Representative

“I am proud and excited to announce my candidacy for House District 12. For the past year, I have been a serious community advocate and lead for the Marshall Fire recovery. Our community must have real representation and a leader within HD 12 who is actively involved in this recovery as it affects everything from infrastructure to affordable housing, community resources to insurability, air quality to transportation, as well as the mental health of our friends and neighbors.”

As the Co-Director of Superior Rising, a non-profit formed to support residents in their recovery from the Marshall Fire, Kaaoush has been directly advocating for them since the fire. This includes: streamlining government processes, sourcing funds and resources, pushing upwards to state and federal authorities to put people first, opening more funding, and removing all the obstacles that slow our community’s recovery and future planning efforts.

Kaaoush understands the high likelihood of another horrible event affecting Colorado in the future, and is using her knowledge, relationships, and experience to ensure other communities will not have to relearn all we have garnered in the aftermath of this disaster. Kaaoush has built a coalition of regional forces to address the needs of the residents in Boulder County.

Kaaoush stands firmly in the understanding that the next few years for our District will be about maintaining services while sustainably growing, activating long-discussed solutions to transportation, a real solution for the affordable housing crisis, and advocating at the state level to ensure that the necessary funds come to our communities.

Kaaoush currently serves on the Town of Superior Board of Trustees. She has also served on the Town’s Planning Commission, the Town’s Parks and Recreation Committee, and on the Board of the Democratic Women of Boulder County. Kaaoush is a fourth generation Army Veteran and a Former Diplomat having served in embassies in the Middle East region.

Letter from Jenn Kaaoush to Chamber Members

Ways you can support:

Submit a letter of support to the House District 12 Vacancy Committee: HD12@bocodems.org
Submit an endorsement on the official website: https://www.jennkforcolorado.com/make-endorsement

Superior looks at Marshall Fire recovery updates

The Superior Board of Trustees on Monday discussed lessons learned from the Marshall Fire and the need for better intergovernmental and community communications during a disaster. Allison James, disaster preparedness and recovery manager, and Taylor Smith, disaster recovery specialist, presented an update to the board regarding finished work, ongoing work, and plans and future opportunities that are being pursued.

Smith said that approximately 25% of all impacted residential and commercial properties have received rebuilding permits, with an additional 65 permits in progress. She also said that all but three businesses have reopened since the fire, with eight new businesses that have opened or plan to open as well. The Marshall Fire Recovery Milestone document and After Action Report provided a timeline of operational responses, highlighting what was done well and what could be improved.

Learn more

New Report Highlights Colorado’s Major Competitive Challenges: Affordability and Regulations

The Colorado Chamber released a new report on Colorado’s competitive economic landscape and outlook in collaboration with Dietrich Partners, a nationally recognized Colorado-based business consulting firm. The study assesses the state’s overall business climate and the factors impacting company decisions to expand or contract operations in Colorado.

In developing the report, Dietrich Partners conducted a series of confidential, qualitative interviews with C-suite executives typically lasting more than an hour. While Colorado has a well-earned reputation as a highly desirable place to live and work, key findings expose some of the state’s biggest economic vulnerabilities – from affordability and workforce concerns to state policies that have pushed some company leaders to expand operations outside of the state or consider leaving altogether.

Learn more

Employers are required to notify their employees about the FAMLI program by January 1, 2023.

Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in November of 2020, paving the way for a state-run Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. The FAMLI program will ensure all Colorado workers have access to paid leave in order to take care of themselves or their family during life circumstances that pull them away from their jobs — like growing their family or taking care of a loved one with a serious health condition.

Both employers and employees will contribute premiums to the program. Premium payments begin in 2023, so employees may start to see a FAMLI premium deduction on their pay stubs beginning January 1, 2023. FAMLI will start providing benefits to employees beginning January 1, 2024. Most eligible employees will receive up to twelve weeks of leave. Those who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications may receive an additional four weeks.

FAMLI Toolkit for Employers

Your Voice Is Needed for the Northwest Rail Peak Service Study!

RTD remains committed to working with local communities to provide a rail solution to northwest area communities, including Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, and Longmont. The Northwest Rail Peak Service Study advances the efforts toward this commitment. JOIN US! Attend one of RTD’s public open houses to learn more about the Northwest Rail Peak Service Study.

Option 1: Jan. 31, 2023

Anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Hampton Inn & Suites Boulder-North 6333

Lookout Rd., Boulder, 80301

Option 2: Feb. 2, 2023

Anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Westminster City Park Recreation Center, Longs Peak Community Room

10455 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, 80020

Community members are welcome to learn more and provide feedback. Study team members will be available to provide an overview of the study and answer questions. There will not be a formal presentation. Spanish interpretation will be provided at the open house.

Learn more

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