WESTMINSTER - On October 16, 2024, Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s leadership in transit, housing, and workforce, and visited Colorado STEM Academy in Westminster, a Governor’s Bright Spot Award-Winning Middle School.

Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s leadership in creating more housing Coloradans can afford and expanding transit access remotely at the Vision Zero 2024 Conference in New York. Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed legislation to break down barriers and expand access to housing Coloradans can afford, by giving Coloradans the freedom to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their own property, expanding housing near transit and job centers, eliminating costly parking requirements and discriminatory occupancy limits, and creating more housing supply that’s affordable to fill critical gaps in our communities. The Governor also signed legislation to expand transit access in Colorado.

“Colorado is breaking down barriers to access to housing Coloradans can afford while continuing to expand transit opportunities across the state, helping people get where they want to go while saving time and money,” said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis then attended the 2024 Americas Leadership Luncheon, hosted by the Biennial of the Americas, where he discussed the importance of state and national collaboration on the issues that matter most to Coloradans and people around the world. He then spoke at the Apprenticeships for America convening, and focused on the state’s work to strengthen Colorado’s workforce by increasing apprenticeship opportunities to help Coloradans gain skills needed to fill good-paying jobs and power Colorado’s already thriving economy. To continue building on the progress of apprenticeships in Colorado in the public and private sector, Governor Polis signed House Bill 24-1439, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Eliza Hamrick, and Senators James Coleman and Rachel Zenzinger, which invested $2 million in Scale Up grants so that businesses interested in apprenticeship had the cash to build a great program. Additionally, Governor Polis signed legislation creating $15 million in refundable tax credits to help employers hire and retain apprentices in their business.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for Coloradans to build skills that will lead to a career and earn money while doing it. In Colorado we are committed to making our workforce even stronger, and ensuring Coloradans have the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs and businesses have the talent needed to drive our economy forward,” said Governor Polis.

The Governor then toured the Colorado STEM Academy, a Governors Bright Spot Science Award Recipient. The Bright Spot Award recognizes schools that excelled academically since 2019. Providing Colorado students with a high-quality education remains a priority for Governor Polis. As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis’s Chair Initiative “Let's Get Ready: Education All Americans For Success” focuses on ensuring that students and Americans have the skills needed to power the economy.

“I was excited to visit the Colorado STEM Academy and see all the amazing things Colorado students are learning and collaborating on. Education is the foundation to success, and Colorado is committed to ensuring every student and teacher has the resources needed to thrive in and outside of the classroom,” said Governor Polis.