|
Colorado - Fri. 08/21/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
|
|
View in Browser
|
|
|
| |
DENVER NAMED FINALIST FOR 2028 DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION SITE
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
The list of cities being considered to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention has narrowed even further, with Denver making the cut as one of the final three, along with Boston and Philadelphia. Party leaders expect to make a final decision later this year. Republicans have already selected Houston as their 2028 host city. The Democratic convention, set for Aug. 7-10, 2028, is traditionally the moment the party formally introduces its presidential nominee. Denver hosted the DNC in 2008, when the party officially nominated former President Barack Obama, with Joe Biden as his running mate. In announcing Boston, Denver and Philadelphia as the final three finalists, the DNC eliminated Atlanta and Chicago from contention without specifying a reason.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
SUNDANCE BRINGING ALL-STAR FILM FEST EVENT TO UNIVERSITY OF DENVER AHEAD OF COLORADO DEBUT
|
| |
|
|
| |
Coloradans buzzing with anticipation for Boulder’s first time hosting the Sundance Film Festival can get a taste of what’s in store at an upcoming event at the University of Denver featuring artists, writers, directors and producers from festivals past. “Mostly True Stories from the Sundance Film Festival” will explore the festival’s story through the perspective of artists who have influenced and been influenced by the event. The event will feature filmmaker and Sundance Institute board member Amy Redford (“The Guitar,” “What Comes Around”); writer/director Rian Johnson (“Knives Out,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Brick”); writer/director Dee Rees (“Mudbound,” “Pariah”); producer Christine Vachon (“Past Lives,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”); and others.
The Sept. 8 event at DU’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts will highlight “rarely heard” stories from past festivals. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $15 for students and are available online. Colorado’s debut of the Sundance Film Festival is set for Jan. 21 to Jan. 31. More information about festival passes and tickets will be released in September.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
URSA MAJOR OPENS FACILITY IN LONGMONT
|
| |
|
|
| |
Berthoud-based missile- and rocket-propulsion company Ursa Major Technologies Inc. unveiled a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in southwest Longmont Thursday, where 125 employees will build avionics and in-space systems. Some of those workers will come from Berthoud, said CEO Chris Spagnoletti, but others will be new hires, and the company has 100 job openings. The space at 2500 Trade Centre Ave., which Ursa Major initially leased for 26 months from Sentinel Property Management, was previously occupied by Areté Associates, an advanced science and engineering company specializing in electro-optics and laser solutions, but it was vacant when Ursa Major acquired it. The Longmont building includes five avionics labs, a clean room, laser welding facilities and an environmental test lab.
Ursa Major late last year was offered a state incentives package that could be worth more than $35 million aimed at enticing the firm to expand operations in its own backyard rather than move out of state. Gov. Jared Polis, who participated in Thursday’s ribbon-cutting, hailed Colorado as being “No 1 in aerospace” thanks to the work of the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University “and our community college partners.” CU Boulder, he said, “produces nearly a quarter of all astronautical engineers in the entire country. It’s one of the best programs, and they’re doubling down on that.” Ursa Major’s new plant follows the opening of a 400-acre facility in the Weld County community of Galeton in March.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
ASPEN PUBLIC RADIO TO HOST 4TH ANNUAL NONPROFIT VOLUNTEER FAIR
|
| |
|
|
| |
Aspen Public Radio will host its fourth annual Nonprofit Volunteer Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, to connect residents with nonprofit organizations operating throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. The free, family-friendly community event will take place at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 815 Cooper Ave. Live DJ sets and local band performances will be presented by AZYEP, with the afternoon lineup also featuring live entertainment by Dance Initiative with Claire Hardaker, the 970 BeatKicks Breakdance Crew, Folkórico and K-Pop classes. Attendees will be able to earn tickets during the event for complimentary food and beverages, which includes treats from Aspen Mini Donuts, Señor Mango, Taqueria el Yaqui and Everybody Water.
All participating vendors will also have items available for purchase. Aspen Public Radio’s Sage Smiley will anchor a live broadcast of “All Things Considered” at 4 p.m. from the venue. The broadcast will feature interviews with local nonprofit leaders discussing community impact and volunteer opportunities. Attendees can bring canned or non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of the Rockies by simply delivering your donation to one of the available food collection bins.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
STATE, UTE MOUNTAIN UTE TRIBE FORMALIZE GRAY WOLF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
|
| |
|
|
| |
The State of Colorado has finalized a memorandum of understanding with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe over the release and management of gray wolves in the state. The state, through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, negotiated the MOU, which ensures that a minimum 60-mile buffer exists between wolf release sites, the Utah state line and the exterior boundaries of the reservation in southwestern Colorado. This buffer was included in the state's restoration plan. The agreement also states that CPW will not conduct wolf releases within the boundaries of the Brunot Area and will maximize distance between wolf release sites and the Brunot area. The Brunot Area is a 3.7-million-acre area in Colorado's San Juan Mountain region established by the 1873 Brunot Agreement.
The MOU was signed by the Chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council, Director Clellan and Governor Jared Polis. This move builds upon a previous MOU signed in 2013, concerning wildlife management and enforcement in the Brunot Area. The State, through CPW, also has an MOU on gray wolf restoration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, which is located in Ignacio, southeast of Durango, that was finalized in 2024.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVES BOLSTER DURANGO STUDENTS & TEACHERS
|
| |
|
|
| |
Most elementary schools share similar supply lists, but certain items appear less frequently than others. Standard items include No. 2 pencil packs, erasers, pens, crayons, notebooks and folders. Some schools, such as Riverview Elementary, do not require students to provide their own supplies. Families who need assistance for supplies can also contact their school so staff members can connect them with available resources, and several community drives are underway to fill in the gaps. “No student should be excluded from classroom learning or activities because their family is unable to purchase an item on a supply list,” said Karla Sluis, Durango School District spokeswoman.
The Durango Chamber is hosting a school supply and food drive through Saturday. Drop-off locations include the school district administration building, Alpine Bank, Durango Chamber of Commerce and EsoTerra Arboretum. Each school’s supply list can be found on the Durango School District’s Back to School Hub. Supplies are still available at the La Plata Family Centers Coalition. Families and students are welcome to stop by during business hours to pick up remaining materials, the coalition said. Durango School District schools start back on Tuesday. The Durango Education Foundation is hosting a Back-To-School Resource Fair from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Families looking to further supplement their school supplies can stop by for free supplies, food and giveaways.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
FRISCO EARNS DARK SKY CERTIFICATION, WITH CHANGES TO ROLL OUT THROUGH 2036
|
| |
|
|
| |
On Wednesday morning, Aug. 19, the town of Frisco announced its certification as an international Dark Sky community through DarkSky International. Lighting changes to the town began in 2025 and will continue to roll out through 2036, with town-owned lighting required to come into compliance first, followed by private property. Certified Dark Sky communities have gone through a rigorous approval process in which they demonstrate a commitment to protecting their night skies. For Frisco, that journey began in 2023, when Dark Sky advocates reached out to the town to consider pursuing certification.
In 2024, the Town Council directed the town to start working toward that goal, and the first changes took place the following year, when Frisco brought streetlights along Main Street and South Summit Boulevard into compliance. That work continued into 2026; In February, Frisco adopted updated lighting regulations, including lighting height restrictions and requirements for certain lights to be shielded. Now — with an official certification under its belt — the town has become Summit County’s second official Dark Sky community, following Breckenridge, which became certified in August 2025. For more information about Frisco’s new dark sky certification, including requirements for homeowners and businesses, visit FriscoGov.com.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CITY OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS REPORTS 2% INCREASE IN JUNE SALES-TAX REVENUES
|
| |
|
|
| |
The city of Steamboat Springs has released its final sales, accommodation, use and short-term rental tax report for the month of June. June 2026 collections were up a total of 2.09 percent over the same month last year, representing an increase of $69,621, according to a Tuesday news release. Despite the uptick in June, city year-to-date collections are $815,174 below the same period last year, a 3.59 percent decrease. Compared to June 2025, liquor and marijuana sales decreased by almost 8 percent, lodging decreased by almost 7 percent and sporting goods decreased by 2 percent. Miscellaneous retail increased by almost 13 percent. Accommodation tax revenue, which helps fund parks, open space, environmental initiatives and community amenities, declined 0.13 percent from June 2025, a decrease of about $141.
Short-term rental tax is dedicated to retaining and expanding affordable housing incentives for projects such as Slate Creek/Brown Ranch. STR tax collections in June 2026 were almost 4 percent lower than in June 2025, a decrease of about $26,000. Building use tax is used to fund projects within Steamboat Springs. In June 2026, tax collections decreased by almost 30 percent, or $298,069. Use tax can fluctuate based on when building permits are issued, when reconciliations are completed and size and number of developments in the city. To view the full report, visit TinyURL.com/322sbjtd.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
YAMPA VALLEY HOUSING AUTHORITY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Yampa Valley Housing Authority has officially launched its search for a new executive director as of Thursday, Aug. 20, according to Interim Executive Director Elliot Lawrence. The search comes following the mutual separation agreement signed in the spring between former Executive Director Jason Peasley and the YVHA Board of Directors. YVHA’s Executive Director Search Committee, which has utilized search firm Bridge Partners, includes Steamboat Springs City Council President Steve Muntean, Routt County Commissioner Angelica Salinas, Michael Ann LaMotte, YVHA Development Project Manager Emily Katzman and Lawrence. The search is expected to take 6-10 weeks, with initial interviews beginning in mid-October. The candidates will be narrowed down to a short list of three or four after background, academic and reference checks are completed.
At that point, the short list of candidates will be invited to Steamboat Springs to interview with the YVHA board and to meet staff and community members. The new executive director, selected from that list, is projected to start in their role in either late 2026 or early 2027. Base-pay range, according to the LinkedIn job posting, is $180,000-$220,000. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. The job description says that the executive director is the CEO and “public face” of the organization, reporting to the board and supervising all “programs, staff, finances, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.” Those interested in learning more about the role can contact Janet Albert at janet.albert@bridgepartnersllc.com.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
COLORADO EXTENDS $9.6 MILLION IN INCENTIVES FOR 741 AEROSPACE & DEFENSE JOBS
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday approved $9.6 million in state incentives for five aerospace companies planning to create 741 net new jobs as they expand or establish new operations in metro Denver. The new positions are high paying, with average salaries ranging from $102,000 to $151,000. The incentives, mostly state tax credits, average $12,980 per job created.
- Beehive Industries, a Centennial aerospace company, plans to invest $100 million in a new manufacturing facility to make engines for unmanned aircraft, including missiles. It received the largest award — $4.2 million in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits (JGITC). With active wars in Ukraine and Iran draining global missile stockpiles, Beehive has seen government demand for its rocket engines rise fourfold. The company expects to hire 220 employees in Arapahoe County at an average annual wage of $151,073. About 133 of the company’s 401 employees are in Colorado, which is competing with Ohio and Tennessee for the new facility.
- The second largest award, worth up to $1.8 million in state tax credits, went to a Colorado startup with 20 employees that applied under the codename Project Limestone. The company develops reusable satellites, building on reusable rocket engines to lower mission costs. Although the company wasn’t named, the most likely candidate is Lux Aeterna, an Adams County firm based in the Welby area. The company has targeted Broomfield and is also exploring Tulsa as a location for its R&D and manufacturing operations. It expects to pay an average annual wage of $124,833 with the new jobs.
- Voyager Technologies, which used the codename Project Scout, received approval for $920,000 in awards from the state’s Strategic Fund, which is being matched by local tax breaks and other incentives in Arapahoe County. Strategic Fund grants, while similarly linked to the number of jobs created, pay out in cash rather than in state tax credits, which aren’t that useful to companies reporting losses. Voyager is an aerospace and defense company looking to expand its Centennial headquarters and create 191 jobs paying an annual average wage of $130,500. It is also considering California, Alabama and Arizona. Matt Magaña, a Voyager executive, told commissioners that the company’s founders are based in Colorado and that Voyager is building a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Pueblo, where the EDC met on Thursday.
- Project Parsec, a startup with two employees, is also looking at setting up its headquarters in Arapahoe County, with plans to create 137 jobs paying an average annual wage of $102,007. The company is considering California, Alabama and Arizona as alternative homes.
- A fast-growing European aerospace startup, which applied under the name Project Trench, is looking at metro Denver for its U.S. operating base and 73 jobs paying an average annual wage of $119,795. Rival states include Louisiana, Ohio and Florida. The commission awarded the company $1.37 million in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
2026 CMAS RESULTS SHOW COLORADO STUDENTS MAKING GAINS IN MATH, FALLING BEHIND IN READING
|
| |
|
|
| |
The state administers annual tests in language arts and math, known as the Colorado Measures of Academic Success, to students in third through eighth grade annually. Language arts proficiency rates dropped for half of the grades that took Colorado’s latest statewide achievement tests, while rates in mathematics held steady or increased, according to 2026 results. In fourth grade, 25.6 percent of students met expectations, while 36.6 percent of seventh graders did. In high school, the share of students meeting expectations on the PSAT in 10th grade improved slightly for both math and language arts. Ninth graders improved in math and held steady in language arts, while a smaller percentage of 11th graders met the reading and writing standard on the SAT.
The share of students statewide who met or exceeded expectations for their grade level in language arts increased in grades four and five but was essentially flat in third grade and dropped in the middle school years. In contrast, math proficiency rose by a margin the Dept. of Education deemed significant for fourth, and eighth graders compared to 2025. While fewer than half of kids met or exceeded expectations in language arts, another roughly 25 percent fell in the "approached expectations" category.
Share of students meeting or exceeding expectations in language arts statewide
- Grade 3: 40.8 percent, down 1.2 percentage points
- Grade 4: 47.0 percent, up 5
- Grade 5: 49.9 percent, up 1.9
- Grade 6: 41.6 percent, down 2.6
- Grade 7: 46.6 percent, down 2.2
- Grade 8: 42.2 percent, down 1.7
Share of students meeting or exceeding expectations in math statewide
- Grade 3: 41.5 percent, up 0.3 percentage points
- Grade 4: 39.0 percent, up 2.5
- Grade 5: 39.3 percent, up 0.2
- Grade 6: 32.7 percent, up 1.3
- Grade 7: 32.9 percent, up 1.1
- Grade 8: 37.8 percent, up 3.1
Share of students meeting expectations on the PSAT or SAT in reading and writing
- Grade 9: 65.6 percent, up 0.2 percentage points
- Grade 10: 65.1 percent, up 1.6
- Grade 11: 59.6 percent, down 1.9
Share of students meeting expectations on the PSAT or SAT in math
- Grade 9: 40.5 percent, up 3.0 percentage points
- Grade 10: 38.9 percent, up 2.5
- Grade 11: 31.6 percent, down 0.9
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARKET UPDATE - 08/20/2026 Close
|
| |
|
(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
|
| |
|
Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 08/20/2026)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
| |
Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Make changes to your subscription or unsubscribe here. |
| © 2026 Alpine Bank. |
| |
|
|
