Colorado largely led the nation in economic growth over the previous decade and a half. Now, though, we're just average.

Why it matters: The tint of the state's economic picture colors everything and sets the tone for the business community. 

By the numbers: Middling results are replacing the days from 2008-2023 when Colorado boasted the fifth fastest-growing gross domestic product and employment rates, and third largest increase in personal income.

• In 2024, Colorado's GDP grew just 1.6%, landing 41st in the nation, and personal income growth ranked 39th best, according to the Colorado Business Economic Outlook from the University of Colorado Boulder's Leeds School of Business.
• Job growth reached nearly 2% with 46,800 jobs added.

What we're watching: For 2025, economic growth is predicted to moderate with jobs increasing at 1.2%, or 36,700.

• Of the 11 industries tracked, all but the information and publishing sector are expected to see job growth in 2025.
• Education and health care will add the most positions in raw numbers, but the fastest growth will come in the natural resource and mining industry.

What they're saying: "We should expect and we will see slower job growth," Richard Wobbekind at CU Boulder said yesterday as he presented the report at a conference in Denver.

Between the lines: Housing saw the biggest whiplash in recent years.

• From 2008-2023, Colorado ranked first in the nation for home price index growth. In 2024, the state ranked 49th.

The bottom line: "Slower growth … may be the new reality for Colorado as population growth, especially through net migration, remains slow, creating headwinds for labor force and job growth," the report states.

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Leaders in Aurora, Castle Rock and Colorado Springs are committing to comply with what President-elect Trump has called "the largest deportation operation in American history."

Why it matters: Colorado law prohibits local police from working with federal immigration agents, setting up a conflict between state and city policies.

The big picture: Denver's neighbors sharply diverge from the capital city, where Mayor Mike Johnston has vowed to resist Trump's deportation efforts.

Driving the news: This month, the town council in Castle Rock unanimously passed a measure to "comply and assist" with federal immigration enforcement under Trump's plan.

• In Aurora — where Trump said he intends to start his immigration crackdown — Mayor Mike Coffman told CBS4 this month he wants statewide restrictions lifted so the city can cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on mass deportations.
• In Colorado Springs, the city council recently passed a second resolution reaffirming its status as a "non-sanctuary city.

The latest: Stephen Miller, Trump's incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, on Sunday revealed more details about the administration's immigration plan.

• It includes a "massive increase" in ICE officers and a "historic increase" in border agents to carry out deportations, Miller said.

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Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and her office violated state security protocols that allowed the disclosure of election equipment passwords, an outside investigation released yesterday finds.

Why it matters: The breach undermined trust in the state's voting system just days before the 2024 election and sparked an ongoing criminal investigation.

Driving the news: An independent investigation conducted by the Baird Quinn law firm on behalf of the Secretary of State's Office determined that election equipment passwords were "mistakenly, unknowingly and unintentionally" posted online.

• The secretary and the office were cited for violating state information security rules, but no repercussions are expected.

The intrigue: The secretary's office did not release the full report — making it difficult to gauge the extent of the investigation.

• A Griswold spokesperson refused to say whether any employees were disciplined.
• Griswold recently told lawmakers the investigation is expected to cost up to $30,000, but the full price tag is unknown.

What's next: The investigation made seven recommendations to avoid the disclosure of confidential information in the future.

Go deeper

🤩 "The Wild Robot," directed by Colorado Springs native Chris Sanders, is now among the most-nominated animated films in Golden Globes history, earning nods yesterday including Best Animated Motion Picture. (Denver Post 🔑) 

💸 Spending in the race for Colorado's highly competitive 8th Congressional District totaled about $40 million, with $24 million benefiting ousted incumbent U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a Democrat. (Colorado Sun) 

👀 Douglas County commissioner Lora Thomas has resigned, alleging "unrelenting attacks, harassment and punishment" from fellow commissioners. Douglas County yesterday released a statement downplaying her claims. (Colorado Politics) 

⚽ The No. 3 seeded University of Denver men's soccer team is headed to the NCAA College Cup for the second time in program history. The Pioneers will open the semifinals Friday against unseeded Vermont. (DU) 

University of Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter was named yesterday among four finalists for the Heisman Trophy.

Why it matters: Hunter, a junior, is considered by many as the favorite for the award, often deemed the most prestigious honor in all of college football.

• Winning could cement him as Colorado's greatest player ever.

The big picture: Hunter, who plays both wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes, helped lead Colorado to a 9-3 record this season for the school's best overall mark since finishing 10-4 in 2016.

• He's the first CU player named a Heisman finalist since the late Rashaan Salaam, who won it in 1994.

What's next: The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony airs on ESPN at 6pm Saturday.

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