2025 Colorado Election Results
Voters Clear Paths To Affordable child care, Other Key Wins
This election season, coalitions and community leaders across Colorado came together to champion nine local ballot measures designed to make child care more affordable and accessible for families. Gary Advocacy has been proud to stand with them from the start of their campaigns, through election night and on into the days ahead — as every vote is counted.
Unofficial results show voters passed seven of the nine child care measures that were on ballots across Colorado. The combination of measures passed in Larimer County and the new early childhood district from Parachute to Aspen will unlock $40M+ in local child care funding per year.
In addition to the incredible investments voters approved in child care and early education across the state, we’re excited by voters’ overall enthusiasm and willingness to support a variety of measures designed to make Colorado the best place to raise a family.
Big thanks to all those who joined us to support these efforts!
Local Investments in Our Child Care System
While we were disappointed not to see clear victories for every child care-related ballot measure, those that did pass were significant. They’re also a crucial first step towards addressing Colorado’s child care crisis on a local level.
Larimer County Child Care Initiative 1B
Won with 51% approval
1B will establish a significant new revenue source to fund child care solutions in Larimer County. This revenue will come from a 0.25% sales tax that is expected to generate $28 million annually to expand child care availability, affordability and quality — as well as teacher pay.
Confluence Early Childhood Education Effort 7A
Won with 59% approval
Garfield, Pitkin and Southwest Eagle counties will now use an expected $10-$12 million annually from a 0.25% sales tax to create Colorado’s first Early Childhood Service District, an idea Gary has long championed. This district will provide tuition credits to families, grants for providers to expand capacity and wage increases for teachers
San Miguel County Mill Levy 1A
Won with 72% approval
In San Miguel County, the local Early Childhood Education Fund will be allowed to collect the full 0.75 mills voters previously authorized to support child care availability, affordability and quality — as well as teacher pay.
Local Lodging Tax Measures Supporting Child Care
Six local ballot measures called for tourism and lodging taxes to help address child care labor and slot shortages that affect local workers in communities that rely heavily on a healthy tourism economy. Three passed, two were defeated and one was too close to call on Thursday.
Custer County Lodging Tax 1A: Lost with 33% approval
Voters also failed to pass this lodging tax aimed at generating approximately $90,000 annually for child care in a jurisdiction with limited providers.
Gilpin County Lodging Tax 1A: Won with nearly 55% approval
This lodging tax will help bolster child care solutions, among other uses.
Hinsdale County Lodging Tax 1A: Won with 76% approval
The revenue produced by this lodging tax measure will support child care and other county services.
Ouray County Lodging Tax 1A: Won with 57% approval
A new lodging tax in unincorporated areas will fund child care, among other uses.
Eagle County Lodging Tax 1A: Too close to call, but likely to win with 50.34% approval
This measure, up by just 55 votes as of Thursday, would increase the existing lodging tax from 2% to 4%, and 90% of the new revenue would support child care programs as well as the region’s early childhood workforce.
Chaffee County Lodging Tax 1A: Lost with 42% approval
Voters failed to pass a tourism destination lodging tax increase, with a portion that would have been earmarked for child care.
Other Investments to Support Colorado Families
Vibrant Denver Measures 2A – 2E
Won with nearly 66% approval
Voters extended an existing mill levy to fund transportation, infrastructure, parks, libraries, Denver Health facilities and affordable housing. We’re especially excited about the housing investments that will expand access to stable, affordable homes and homeownership opportunities.
Propositions LL & MM – Healthy School Meals for All
Won with 65% and 59% approval, respectively
Voters chose to continue and strengthen a vital program supporting student health, family budgets and learning. New updates also link the program with SNAP benefits to protect families from federal cuts.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools Mill Levy Override
Won with 53% approval
Voters chose to fund facilities, staff and expanded Career and Technical Education programs. These funds will prepare Colorado’s future workforce and close equity gaps in access to quality education.
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