To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners' Office
Prepared By:
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Cody O'Brien, Management Analyst I, Commissioners' Office
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presenter
Presenter: Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell, Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs
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Subject:
title
1:00 PM *Legislative Process and Lobbyist Update
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this meeting is to provide an overview of the county's internal legislative review process and provide an update on the current state of the 2025 legislative session and a preview of items of interest to the County.
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Background and Discussion: As a constitutional subdivision of Colorado state government, Arapahoe County can only exercise those powers specifically expressed in statute or in the constitution. Arapahoe County contracts with Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs for state advocacy activities. The Director of the Commissioners' Office coordinates federal and state intergovernmental relations, in partnership with the Director of Human Services, the County Attorney, the Director of Community Resources, the Director of Public Works and Development, and the Director of Public Health (staff legislative team).
Priorities and Process
In November, the Board identified nine specific state legislative priorities ahead of the 2025 session:
* Ensure the transition of domestic violence cases from the City of Aurora to the 18th Judicial District is adequately resourced to effectively manage the increase in case load.
* Support the creation of a comprehensive, state-wide System of Care that serves children, youth, and young adults.
* Support the overhaul of the Colorado Benefits Management System to ensure benefits and resources are administered in a timely manner.
* Participate in the triennial review process to ensure retail food establishment fees are reflective of actual costs.
* Advance and refine access to funding programs that increase affordab...
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