The election is just the start

Dear Friends and Partners,

On Election Day 2026, Colorado voters made a historic investment in our state’s future by voting yes on Proposition NN. Coloradans have chosen to better fund our K-12 schools and transform our child care system, all without raising taxes. In a state known for fiscal responsibility, and at a time when households are needing to stretch every dollar, Coloradans recognized that investing in our children isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. 

Proposition NN is a turning point for Colorado kids and families. We have always believed Colorado should be the best place to raise kids and the best place to be a kid, and we are grateful to everyone who made this moment possible. 

For us, a victorious election night is just the start of our work to transform systems for Colorado kids and families. Ensuring these dollars make a meaningful difference for Colorado families and child care providers will bring us closer to making early childhood education accessible and affordable for all. Gary Advocacy and our partners at Move Colorado Forward will organize and stand together to ensure Prop NN’s Children’s Fund delivers on its promise. 

Join the Move Colorado Forward email list to stay connected and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also reach out to Sophie Mariam at sophie@movecoforward.com.

In Partnership,

Susy Bates
Initiative Director
Gary Community Ventures

PROJECTED OUTCOMES OF BALLOT MEASURES GARY ADVOCACY SUPPORTED

Proposition NN: Yes for Colorado Kids
Won with 55% of votes
By passing Proposition NN, Colorado voters put billions of dollars into our public schools – without raising taxes – for better teacher pay and retention and smaller class sizes. Additionally, Prop NN establishes the Children’s Fund to invest in school readiness priorities. The Children’s Fund could be the largest investment we have seen in early childhood education in Colorado’s history. 

Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A – Child Care Measure
Won with 58% of votes
At $30 million a year, this is one of the largest local child care investments in the state, addressing cost for families, too few infant and toddler slots, and a workforce that is underpaid and hard to keep. 

Summit County Ballot Issue 1A – Strong Future Extension
Won with 75% of votes
Voters approved the extension of Strong Futures, which will continue to increase capacity and expand access to child care in the county. 

Broomfield Ballot Issue 1A – Lodging Tax Increase
Won with 51% of votes
Voters approved an increase in the city’s lodging tax from 1.6% to 6%, which will generate approximately $3.3 million annually for affordable housing and housing stability. 

Denver Ballot Issue 4A – Denver Public Schools Mill Levy Override
Won with 68% of votes
The mill levy override will provide a $1,750 base salary increase for every DPS employee and also fund career expansion, technical education, and student mental health and special education services

Jefferson County Ballot Issue 5A – Jeffco Public Schools Mill Levy Override
Too Close To Call As Of 3pm On Nov. 4
Voters approved the $73 million mill levy override to increase teacher compensation and give students  more career-ready pathways.

Clear Creek County Ballot Issue 1A – Clear Creek County Lodging Tax Increase
Too Close To Call As Of 3pm On Nov. 4
Voters increased the lodging tax from 2% to 6%, which at least doubles the county’s current funding for child care. At least 20% of total lodging tax revenue will support child care for tourism-related workers and other workers in the community.