Steve Swinney on Colorado’s Regulatory Climate

Colorado businesses are operating in one of the most complex regulatory environments in the country. According to updated research from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the state remains the sixth-most regulated in the nation — a ranking that carries measurable implications for job growth, affordability, and long-term competitiveness.

In a newly published opinion piece, Steve Swinney, CEO of Kodiak Building Partners, joins Loren Furman, President and CEO of the Colorado Chamber, to examine what this regulatory standing means for employers and communities across the state.

The article draws on updated chamber data and real-world industry experience to outline how cumulative regulations — layered across state, local, and federal levels — shape business decisions every day. Permitting timelines, overlapping agency requirements, and rising compliance costs influence when companies expand, how they hire, and whether new projects move forward.

For Colorado’s building and construction sector, these pressures are particularly visible. Housing demand continues to exceed supply, while regulatory requirements add cost and complexity to development. Over time, these factors affect not only project feasibility but overall affordability in communities throughout the state.

The piece also highlights similar dynamics across industries, from assisted living to retail and hospitality. As compliance demands grow, resources shift toward administration rather than investment — a trend that influences wages, expansion plans, and broader economic momentum.

At its core, the op-ed calls for greater transparency and a more consistent review of existing regulations to ensure they are functioning as intended. The goal is not deregulation for its own sake, but a process that maintains standards while minimizing unintended consequences that hinder growth and opportunity.

As a member of the Colorado Chamber’s Board of Directors, Steve’s perspective reflects both industry experience and broader engagement in statewide economic discussions.

Read the full opinion piece here.