THE GOVERNOR'S NEWSLETTER |
Announcing New Colorado Poet Laureate |
Today, I joined the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to announce that Crisosto Apache has been selected as the new Colorado Poet Laureate, succeeding the late Andrea Gibson. Apache, an indigenous poet and Associate Professor at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, will serve in the role for two years with a special emphasis on honoring America 250 - Colorado 150 in 2026, a year-long commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood.
Colorado’s Poet Laureate is our statewide ambassador of the arts, inspiring and uplifting the next generation of artists and poets in our state. Crisosto will be a strong advocate for the arts and art education, helping youth discover poetry, and bringing Coloradans together. I am grateful for Andrea Gibson’s service as our previous Poet Laureate and we posthumously continue to honor Andrea’s artistic influence and unwavering conviction as powerfully shown in the 2026 Oscar nominated film Come See Me in the Good Light.
The Poet Laureate is a celebrated position that serves as an ambassador for poetry, engaging with communities across the state, conducting readings and workshops, and inspiring a love for the art form. As the new Colorado Poet Laureate, Apache plans to help a diversity of youth discover poetry and collaboratively work with county Poets Laureate across the state.
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Unveiling New Stamp to Honor the Legacy of John Fielder |
I joined History Colorado to honor our state’s 150th anniversary with a new stamp showcasing the iconic, breathtaking photography of the late John Fielder.
John Fielder’s incredible talent and passion for our great outdoors continues to benefit our great state through his profound legacy. Colorado’s incredible open spaces and natural beauty are core to our history and our future, and are so closely woven into the fabric of our daily life. John’s imagery is so entwined with our visions of what makes Colorado so special, which makes it especially fitting that the Forever Stamp features John’s stunning work.
This stamp featuring Jagged Mountain will travel across the country and around the world, carrying a piece of Colorado with every letter sent.
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Making Housing More Affordable for All Coloradans |
I joined Colorado lawmakers to unveil the latest steps we are taking to drive down housing costs and unlock more housing Coloradans can afford where they want to live.
The high cost of housing is a top concern for Coloradans, which makes it a top concern of ours. It’s no coincidence then that the first bill introduced this legislative session, House Bill 1
, is the Housing Opportunities Made Easier, or HOME act, which will open the door to more housing centrally located in communities. By breaking down barriers, we can empower higher education, nonprofits, transit agencies, school districts, and housing authorities to build more housing Coloradans can afford on underutilized land.
At the same time, we are stepping up to ensure local governments have the resources they need to build and improve bus and train stations, and to pair these investments with more housing near transit.
Our housing goals go hand in hand with our transit goals, our affordability goals, and our climate goals. By working together and breaking down barriers that stand in the way of new housing, more and better transit, we can build an affordable, livable, sustainable Colorado. I look forward to the opportunities ahead to deliver more housing to more Coloradans faster and at lower cost.
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First Gentleman Marlon Reis is hosting regular educational events at the Governor’s Mansion. Experts on wildlife rehabilitation will present on the issue briefly, with plenty of time for audience Q&A afterwards.
Please join the upcoming Speaker Series focusing on wildlife rehabilitation.
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WHEN: Thursday, February 19th, 10:30am-12:00pm
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WHERE: The Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, 400 E 8th Ave, Denver, CO, 80203
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ABOUT: Join us to learn more about wildlife rehabilitation.
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Please submit the RSVP form if you plan to attend.
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🗺️ Inviting Local Businesses to Join the Colorado Passport Program
As Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary, the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission is building on the Digital Passport Program—a free, digital initiative designed to drive statewide participation and support local businesses.
Interested in participating?
Complete the Business Interest Form to be considered for inclusion in the 2026 Passport Program and help celebrate America 250 - Colorado 150 while connecting with new audiences statewide.
🎠 22nd Annual Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration
The 2026 Lunar New Year is approaching, and the Dan City Chinese School (DCS) and the Colorado Chinese Foundation (CAFC) will once again host the annual Colorado Lunar New Year Celebration (CNYC) to celebrate the Year of the Horse!
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Date: February 14, 2026
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Time: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
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Location: George Washington High School, 655 S Monaco Pkwy, Denver, CO 80224
🏮Lunar New Year 2026 at the Far East Center
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Dates: February 21st & 22nd, 2026
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Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Location: Far East Center - 333 S. Federal Blvd, Denver CO 80219
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Stay Updated with Governor Polis! |
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This email was sent by: Colorado Governor's Office Proper
200 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO, 80203, USA
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