Boulder Business Insider June Update

Boulder Chamber Boulder Business Insider

Your source for insight to policy and politics
affecting Boulder's business community

June 2010 Update

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Visit our Bike to Work Day Station on June 23!

The Front Burner

SmartRegs Discussion Highlights Complexity and Expense of Property Upgrades

On May 18 Boulder City Council took over three hours of public comment on the proposed SmartRegs requirements for residential multi-family rental properties. This first reading of energy efficiency standards prompted dozens of concerned citizens to articulate how they perceive the proposed upgrades, whose cost estimates range from $675 - $3200 per unit. Details>>>

WHY DO WE CARE?
Similar efficiency requirements for exisiting commercial buildings are being researched by a consultant hired by the City and should be made public this summer. The nature and scope of the residential energy conservation ordinance (RECO) proposal provide insight to the types of efficiency standards that commercial propoerty owners could see later this year.

How Chamber Members Can Help: Watch for the first public meetings this summer as the Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance draft details are revealed. (We'll notify our members when the next public hearing is scheduled as well). Provide comments directly and please share comments with the Chamber to aid with our advocacy efforts.

Boulder City Council meeting
2nd reading - Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 6:00 PM

City Council Chambers, 1777 Broadway, Boulder

November Ballot Measures Alarm Colorado's Business Community

Three ballot measures have united a wide spectrum of Colorado's business and economic development organizations. Analysis shows Amendments 60 & 61 and Propostition 101
could have devastating impacts on the state and local budgets.
Read more>>>

The Boulder Chamber Board will discuss these issues and may take formal positions this summer.

Click to listen to our Insider podcasts:

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Sponsor the Insider! Get in front of top business leaders - your website-linked logo can be here. Contact Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122.

The Big Picture

Governor Ritter Signs Numerous Business-Related Bills

The bruising 2010 Colorado Legislative session closed on May 12; over 700 bills were introduced and ultimately numerous changes to policies and tax issues affecting business were approved. The Legislature debated difficult programming cuts to address a $1.3 billion shortfall and many industries saw tax incentives repealed.

"We have asked everyone to share in the burden and share in the solutions so that no one group is unfairly or unduly impacted", said Gov. Ritter. He highlighted how 30,000 small businesses were exempted from the Business Personal Property Tax and the Colorado Credit Reserve Program was revived to help hundreds of small businesses get access to capital.

Other bills signed into law support creative industry jobs, prohibit financial incentives for denying medical insurance claims and increase political campaign donor transparency. New rules on teacher tenure will shape publilc education. The Governor also signed executive orders to promote clean technology job growth.

What This Means To Chamber Members:

Certain industries such as food service, direct mail and online retailers have seen immediate operating cost increases. Many companies will feel impacts of the ripple effects of these changes as their vendors' options or pricing changes. However, other industries may see increased investment interest as access to capital and other resources were boosted. Find information on many of the key business laws on the Governor's website.

Economic Impact of State
Ballot Issues Could Cost

Boulder Over $20 Million

This fall three ballot measures could have severe consequences for Boulder's city budget. Proposition 101 lowers the state income tax and reduces other state sales taxes and fees. Estimated 2011 City of Boulder impact is $5.8 million. Amendment 60 changes various aspects of property tax assessments. Estimated 2011 City of Boulder impact is $4.9 million. Amendment 61 prohibits long term borrowing by government and changes terms on current debt. Estimated 2011 City of Boulder impact is $11.1 million. Read the preliminary analysis by city finance staff on the detailed impacts of each ballot measure.

Visit www.DontHurtColorado.com to see information on these three measures and the opposition of many business organizations.

Click here for information supporting Amendment 60; Amendment 61 and Proposition 101.

What This Means To Chamber Members:

Potential changes in city spending are not yet known; the budget for 2011 will be provided for public comment later this summer. Any significant budget deficit could threaten programs of interest to various Chamber members and prompt discussion on more fees on business activity. Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam is implementing a Priority Based Budgeting protocol to identify the most crucial spending priorities in the event of additional revenue shortfalls. Please share your coments with Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Boulder Chamber is proud to host a Breakfast Station during Bike to Work Day on Wednesday, June 23 starting at 7:00 AM. Join dozens of avid cyclists and rookie riders getting into the spirit of alternative transportation in our parking lot - you'll enjoy breakfast snacks, juices, water (of course!) and other treats during your ride to work. Free for all riders. More information on Bike to Work Week.

More You Should Know

Colorado Business Tax Classes

The Colorado Department of Revenue offers no-cost educational classes regarding state sales and use taxes in Colorado. These three-hour classes include new and relevant information on a variety of sales and use tax topics, including laws and the liabilities businesses face when they are not in compliance with the laws.

Classes are held at several locations each month. For more information and registration, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue. Seating is limited, therefore pre-registration online is required for these classes.

Energy Efficiency Rebates for Businesses Cover 70% of Cost

Boulder County's new EnergySmart@Work program helps guide you through the process of implementing energy efficiency in commercial properties, and through July 12 rebates can cover 70% of the costs. Call 303-441-4565 for more information.

RechargeColorado.com is a new website with details to all available efficiency-related rebates.

Related: Boulder City Council is reviewing draft regulations requiring energy efficiency standards within residential multi-unit rental dwellings. Commercial property owners should follow this discussion as the city intends to review similar language for businesses later this summer.

Suggested Reading

Standing room-only crowd hears Boulder City Council discuss rental property upgrade requirements known as SmartRegs. More>>>

Colorado's small businesses are big players in the state's recovery, but remain cautious. More>>>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been given authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from businesses; a May ruling defers Clean Air Act enforcement for many small businesses for up to six years. More>>>

Regional Transit Update

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board has decided not to seek a sales tax increase on the ballot this November to fund the FasTracks program revenue shortfall.

Efforts to assemble grants and dedicated funds from various sources to build a new Bus Rapid Transit and managed vehicle lane from Boulder to help reduce congestion.Visit US 36 Commuting Solutions for the latest details and find resources for employers.

Also check the latest edition of the RTD Newsletter from District O Board member John Tayer for more information.

We Are Your Voice

Thank you for supporting the Boulder Chamber!

Your membership supports our advocacy efforts to create a strong local economy.

Please contact us with your concerns and ideas and know we are working behind

the scenes on behalf of the entire business community every day.

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Join today>>>