Colorado Local Governments Advance Fees, Housing Plans, and Infrastructure Projects
Local governments approved fee increases, housing initiatives, and major infrastructure planning in February. Eagle County adopted a $50,000 General Assistance Program and outlined a three‑year housing strategy. Aspen, Breckenridge, and Buena Vista advanced fee and code updates, while Fremont and Eagle launched new permitting systems. Gunnison prepared to consider multimillion‑dollar water and fire station contracts. Del Norte, Custer, Pitkin, and Mineral addressed licensing, policy updates, and long‑term fiscal planning.
No Billionaires*
Attorney General Phil Weiser claims “no billionaires” backing his campaign while his super PAC collects $50,000 checks from Goldman Sachs partners and private equity executives. Colorado’s next Parks and Wildlife director brings zero wildlife management experience. Polis bans soda from SNAP for health while allowing McDonald’s for convenience. Minnesota AG caught helping fraudsters—Colorado lost $300 million in federal funding. Companies cut costs 30-70% with AI. You still pay pre-automation prices. JBS workers vote 99% to strike.
Colorado Legislature: Week of February 9-13, 2026
The legislature introduced 13 bills and acted on two others during the week of February 9-13, 2026. Democrats fractured when three members joined Republicans to kill HB26-1036, a vacant homes tax proposal. The House Finance Committee advanced HB26-1005, repealing Colorado’s 1943 Labor Peace Act despite Governor Polis’s 2025 veto. Rare bipartisan support emerged for SB26-070, banning warrantless government access to location tracking databases. Total: fifteen bills—eight Democratic, seven Republican.
Republicans Control Everything, Shut Down DHS Anyway
DHS shuts down Saturday after Senate Republicans failed to advance appropriations 52-47 under filibuster rules requiring 60 votes Majority Leader John Thune won’t eliminate. 92% of DHS employees work without pay. Six House Republicans defied Trump’s explicit primary threat Wednesday, voting against Canada tariffs. The SAVE Act requires citizenship documents every American already possesses. Congress left town for ten days.
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