Why some tech leaders are sounding the alarm about Colorado’s ‘deteriorating’ business climate

About this episode

The episode discusses concerns from tech leaders about Colorado's declining business climate and the potential impact of regulations.

Colorado has been a magnet for businesses over the past two decades. In the past seven years, the state attracted dozens of companies and more than 40,000 jobs, according to the governor’s office. But that trend appears to be shifting . Nearly a hundred companies are thinking about leaving Colorado – or have already done so. That’s according to a recent report from the Colorado Chamber Foundation. And earlier this month, a group of business and tech leaders signed an open letter to Gov. Jared Polis and other state officials. The letter warned that Colorado’s business climate is heading in the wrong direction. They pointed to too many regulations on businesses – and especially companies that use AI to do things like set prices. Axios Denver reporter John Frank recently wrote about what’s driving the departures . He joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the details, and what business leaders think might help reverse the trend. * * * * * Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks! Host and Producer…

People in this episode

Host: Erin O'Toole

Guest: John Frank

Topics covered

• business climate
• technology
• regulations
• job market
• Colorado

Keywords

• Colorado
• business climate
• tech leaders
• regulations
• job market
• AI

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Colorado Chamber Foundation, KUNC

Places: Colorado

More episodes of In The NOCO

• In 1975, Boulder County’s clerk issued a marriage license to a gay couple. What happened next made history · June 12, 2026 · 9 min
• Why federal officials are taking a new approach to distributing water from the drought-stricken Colorado River · June 11, 2026 · 9 min
• A retired Air Force Academy teacher considers hard lessons from Iraq, and why they matter now · June 10, 2026 · 9 min
• Why a federal judge handed NCAR’s supporters a (temporary) victory in court · June 9, 2026 · 9 min
• An encounter with a moose can be dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe on the trail · June 5, 2026 · 9 min
• The air inside your home can affect your health. A CSU expert explains how to keep it clean and clear · June 4, 2026 · 9 min