Days after a damning report about the state's economic climate, a bipartisan coalition of local tech and business leaders issued an open letter to state officials warning that "the foundation of Colorado's technology and business leadership is deteriorating."

Why it matters: The unprecedented letter, signed by more than 230 business and community leaders, reflects growing alarm about Colorado's eroding reputation as an innovation hub.

Driving the news: The ad-hoc organization, Ensuring Colorado's Innovation Future, cites Palantir's relocation and a new Colorado Chamber report showing rising business exits as signals that the state is at an inflection point.

• The letter lists nine demands to shift Colorado's direction with concerns specifically about pending restrictions on AI and other labor and environmental regulations that act as barriers to growth.
• Other recommendations urge Colorado leaders to publicly affirm their ambition to become a national leader in technology and innovation.

What they're saying: "The letter reflects real concern from founders, investors, and operators that Colorado's current trajectory could impact our ability to attract and retain companies, capital, and talent in an increasingly competitive environment," said Dan Caruso, a signee and founder of Caruso Ventures and Zayo Group.

What we're watching: The Polis administration — which initially defended its record on economic development in a statement to Axios Denver — is now taking notice.

In a statement, Polis, a former tech entrepreneur, promised to convene business leaders in the coming weeks to "identify actionable steps on the matters listed above to support long-term growth and competitiveness."

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Fifteen terms into her congressional tenure, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is reintroducing herself to Denver voters in the 2026 election as a progressive Democrat.

Why it matters: That she needs to do so is remarkable given her extended tenure, but it comes as she faces a well-organized primary challenge from Melat Kiros, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who nearly prevented DeGette from making the ballot.

State of play: In a new campaign commercial — first shared with Axios — DeGette talks directly to viewers as the visuals highlight her work in Congress to protect access to abortion, lower costs for working families and expand health care access through a Medicare for All program.

• The 30-second spot, airing on broadcast and streaming channels, doesn't mention the June primary, nor her opponent.

Between the lines: It is designed to remind Democratic primary voters in the 1st District — some of whom were born before she took office — about her progressive-minded credentials.

What she's saying: "Fighting back against Donald Trump and the MAGA agenda — that's job No. 1," DeGette says in the ad.

The fine print: Her campaign declined to say how much it spent on the commercial, so it's difficult to know whether it will reach the target voters.

Send to a voter

Former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is making a post-City Hall pivot into real estate investing.

Why it matters: After serving in public office and then as a political consultant, Hancock appears to be shifting toward a more lucrative second act.

Driving the news: The three-term mayor's first deal is a Five Points building, purchased from a company that previously did significant work with the city, Denver Business Journal reports.

• Earlier this month, Hancock bought the 7,600-square-foot historic building at 2413 N. Washington St., known as the Triangle Building.
• Hancock, his fiancée and three silent partners paid just over $1.4 million.

What he's saying: "Real estate is still one of the more sure investments you can make," he told the publication. "We're going to continue to look and speculate and create opportunities with partners, and hopefully continue to expand."

Between the lines: The estate of Carl Bourgeois sold the property to Hancock and associates, and provided seller financing.

• Bourgeois was a developer who worked to preserve the historically Black Five Points neighborhood. He died in 2022, and his daughters control the estate.
• His company, Civil Technology, did work on the Denver airport, Central Park redevelopment and the Webb Municipal Office.

What we're watching

🍺 A new brewery called Flower Shop Beer Werks is expected to open in the coming months in the building that previously housed Mockery Brewing off Brighton Boulevard. (BizDen 🔑)

⛪ The Archdiocese of Denver blasted President Trump yesterday for his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, saying the remarks "are not acceptable." (Denver Post 🔑)

👀 Two Democratic state lawmakers are facing a lawsuit for refusing to turn over records related to a glitzy Vail retreat. The lawmakers say the records don't exist. (Denver Post 🔑)

🤝 Union workers at JBS in Greeley ratified a new two-year contract that includes wage increases up to 33% and maintains the company's 401(k) plan. (Colorado Sun)

Sometimes, we get tough assignments. This isn't one of them.

State of play: Yesterday, I had the opportunity to taste dozens of Colorado wines and talk to the makers behind the bottles at a private showcase in Denver.

• Even though the state's wine industry is a mere shadow of California and Oregon, a number of sips proved intriguing.

If you go: Here are five I enjoyed from Colorado wineries.

🍷 Aquila Cellars in Cedaredge make a full-bodied Viognier as part of its 2023 geologic series that had stone fruit aromas and a nice dry finish.

🍷 Cab Franc is known as the state's signature grape, and Cliff Dweller in Palisade served a big-flavored version that would pair well with red meat.

🍷 Colterris, one of the better-known Palisade wineries, kept us guessing with its 2024 Coral — a white cabernet sauvignon.

🍷 Storm Cellar, led by a husband-wife team in Hotchkiss, impressed with its 2025 All the Flowers white blend that proved as floral as the name.

🍷 Restoration Vineyards in Palisade stood out with its limited-quantity 2024 Pinotage, grown on just one acre in the Grand Valley appellation.