Hundreds of Colorado Business Leaders Call for Action as Nearly 100 Companies Leave State

Colorado is losing businesses and jobs at an alarming rate, prompting calls for a bipartisan 20-year strategy to make the state more competitive.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:27am

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a sleek, geometric metal sculpture or abstract corporate symbol floating on a clean, monochromatic background, conveying the complex issues facing Colorado's business climate through dramatic lighting and shadows.A symbolic sculpture reflects the challenges Colorado faces in retaining and attracting businesses amid a shifting economic landscape.Denver Today

Colorado is experiencing a concerning exodus of businesses and jobs, with nearly 100 companies leaving the state or scrapping plans to move there since 2019, resulting in over 13,000 lost jobs. In response, more than 200 business and civic leaders have signed a letter urging state leaders to take action and implement a long-term, bipartisan strategy to make Colorado the "premier technology and innovation ecosystem." The letter cites Colorado's high regulatory burden as a key factor driving companies away, and calls for a thorough assessment of all competitiveness factors.

Why it matters

Colorado's business climate struggles are having a significant impact on the state's economy and job market, with major implications for both current and future generations of Coloradans. The loss of high-profile companies and headquarters is a troubling trend that threatens to undermine Colorado's reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated, bipartisan effort to improve the state's competitiveness and make it a more attractive destination for job creators.

The details

According to data from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, since 2019 a total of 98 companies have either left the state, expanded elsewhere, or scrapped plans to move to Colorado. This has resulted in the loss of more than 13,000 jobs. The state has also seen a net loss of 34 public company headquarters since 2022, with some of the beneficiary states including Texas, California, and North Carolina.

  • Since 2019, 98 companies have left Colorado, expanded elsewhere, or canceled plans to move to the state.
  • Since 2022, Colorado has had a net loss of 34 public company headquarters.

The players

Colorado Chamber of Commerce

The state's chamber of commerce, which has been sounding the alarm about excessive regulation and business flight from Colorado for years.

Dan Caruso

A tech entrepreneur and investor who led the letter calling for a bipartisan 20-year strategy to make Colorado the "premier technology and innovation ecosystem."

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado, who says he is in favor of reviewing regulations and supports a bill that will require state agencies to review their rules and regulations every five years.

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What they’re saying

“We are going to be hurting Colordans not just now, but the next generation, the next generation after that. And we just want to course correct.”

— Dan Caruso, Tech entrepreneur and investor

“Certain states are winning and other states are losing. And let's make no mistake about it, we're in the losing camp right now.”

— Dan Caruso, Tech entrepreneur and investor

“The lack of predictability is absolutely a problem -- not knowing what comes next. I think it speaks to more than just the legislature. It goes to the fact that people can put things on the ballot and sometimes they can pass.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado

What’s next

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce and Governor Polis are supporting a bill that will require state agencies to review their rules and regulations every five years and conduct a cost-benefit analysis. The governor also hopes the proposed 20-year strategy will serve as a roadmap for his successor to continue improving Colorado's business competitiveness.

The takeaway

Colorado's struggle to retain and attract businesses highlights the need for a comprehensive, bipartisan approach to improving the state's regulatory environment, infrastructure, and overall competitiveness. Failure to address these challenges could have lasting negative impacts on Colorado's economy and its ability to remain a hub for innovation and job creation.