AI Layoffs Hit Denver, Federal Job Cuts Ripple Through Golden

Workforce resilience and community adaptability are key as technology disrupts labor markets

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Two significant workforce shifts are in focus - the rising tide of AI-driven layoffs in the tech sector, and the economic ripple effects of federal job cuts in Golden. While the causes differ, both highlight the urgent need for workforce resilience and community adaptability as technology reshapes the labor market.

Why it matters

The AI-driven layoffs at Denver-based Angi Inc. and federal job cuts at the National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden underscore how emerging technologies and shifting priorities are disrupting local economies. As 90% of jobs face potential disruption, communities must find ways to help workers adapt and grow alongside technology rather than being replaced by it.

The details

Angi cited "AI-driven efficiency improvements" as the primary reason for 350 layoffs, projected to save the company up to $80 million annually. Meanwhile, the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly NREL) cut 134 employees on February 9, its second round of layoffs in less than a year. These high-earning professional cuts are trickling down to impact Golden's restaurants, retail shops, and property tax revenue.

  • Angi announced 350 layoffs in the first quarter of 2026.
  • The National Laboratory of the Rockies cut 134 employees on February 9, 2026.

The players

Angi Inc.

A Denver-based company that announced 350 layoffs due to "AI-driven efficiency improvements".

National Laboratory of the Rockies

Formerly known as NREL, this top-five employer in Jefferson County cut 134 employees on February 9, 2026.

Nola Krajewski

President of the Golden Chamber of Commerce, discussing how the federal job cuts are impacting the local economy.

Dr. Anoud Bani-Hani

From the CU Denver Business School, discussing why AI fluency is now a fundamental requirement for both boards and employees.

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What they’re saying

“AI-driven efficiency improvements”

— Angi Inc. (9news.com)

“As AI reshapes the labor market, the goal is to help people adapt and grow alongside technology rather than being replaced by it.”

— Dr. Anoud Bani-Hani, CU Denver Business School (9news.com)

“These high-earning professional cuts trickle down to Golden's restaurants, retail shops, and property tax revenue.”

— Nola Krajewski, President, Golden Chamber of Commerce (9news.com)

What’s next

As federal energy priorities shift, Golden is focused on diversifying its business base to protect the community against future budget swings.

The takeaway

The AI-driven layoffs in Denver and federal job cuts in Golden underscore the urgent need for workforce resilience and community adaptability as technology reshapes local economies. By helping workers grow alongside technology and diversifying their business bases, communities can turn uncertainty into strategic advantage.