Economic Vitality and Business Support Organizations Conduct Outreach on Federal Administration Transition Impacts  

In a collaborative effort to understand and respond to the economic and community impacts of decisions associated with the current federal administration transition period, the Boulder Chamber is teaming with CO-LABS and Workforce Boulder County to collect data on specific funding disruptions and policy changes that are impacting Boulder regional research laboratories, government agencies and businesses and to offer guidance to impacted individuals and organization. 

Through the following Federal Transition Analysis & Resources web page - https://www.boulderchamber.com/federal-transition/ - individuals with direct knowledge of federal funding disruptions and policy changes are being asked to share the workforce and program implications. This web page also will serve as a resource for data analysis on the economic and workforce impacts to the Boulder region of federal administrative actions during this transition period. Support resources and information also will be available, and updated regularly, on this web page to assist both affected employees and agencies.   

“Every transition in presidential administration occasions adjustments in priorities with implications for federal funding and policies that concern institutions and businesses in Boulder,” said Boulder Chamber President and CEO John Tayer. “The scope and scale of changes we are witnessing during this current transition period, though, are unprecedented and call for a full understanding of the regional consequences and the development of effective responses. In collaboration with CO-LABS, Workforce Boulder County and other partners, the Boulder Chamber wants to make sure we’re doing everything we can to resist detrimental impacts for our local workforce and the critical research and government functions they perform, while providing effective relief and support. It’s important to note, as we confront the current administrative transition actions, that federally funded research, government services and business collaboration in the Boulder region account for over $2.3 billion in economic activity and support a workforce of over 12,000 employees.”  

Speaking on behalf of CO-LABS, Executive Director Dan Powers had this to offer:  

“The scientific research occurring at federal labs in Boulder and the Front Range ensure our most basic societal needs are provided for, such as clean water, food production, extreme weather mitigation and public health programs. Research in Boulder labs and institutes also serve our country’s more aspirational goals in quantum computing, renewable energy provision, bioscience, aerospace technologies and much more. We’re alarmed at the Administration’s legally dubious funding freezes, indiscriminate layoffs and unclear Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) processes that have caused turmoil in our national research agencies and hobbled projects with private-sector partners. This is a self-inflicted setback to the United States’ innovation leadership that our country cannot afford.”

“Even worse is the intangible effect of losing deeply talented and brilliant scientists and dedicated public servants. As was discussed on February 5, 2025 at a Congressional Space, Science and Technology Committee hearing on U.S. Competitiveness, America’s global leadership position in the majority of the critical technology fields has been overtaken by China. The U.S. still holds the clear lead in 7 of 64 technology categories, whereas China is currently leading in the rest.”

“Without a commitment to scientific research, the United States risks falling behind further in critical scientific domains. As federal research investment is the foundation of our national economic prosperity, the dissolution of knowledge from our country’s scientific agencies and universities will further enable global competitors, and weaken our international standing in science - this is ultimately a national security issue.”

According to Workforce Boulder County, Executive Director Erin Jones, “Workforce Boulder County (WfBC) is here to support our community through employment disruptions and to navigate the way to activate the connections between talent and employers.” 

About the Boulder Chamber  

The Boulder Chamber is the leader that strengthens business and advances economic vitality to cultivate strong communities in the Boulder region. With 120 years of dedicated service to its members and the Boulder community, the Boulder Chamber’s flagship programs work together on behalf of members and the community to holistically elevate the region’s vitality. Whether you’re looking for economic data, help navigating—or advocating—local policy, or something else entirely, Your Chamber does that. For more information, visit boulderchamber.com. 

About CO-LABS 

CO-LABS, incorporated in 2007, is a 501(c)3 non-profit consortium of federally funded scientific laboratories, research universities and colleges, business leaders and economic development experts organized to nurture and champion Colorado as a global leader in scientific research, technology, and related commercialization of discoveries. Through lab tour, events, economic analyses, strategic communications and networking activities we work to:  

• PROMOTE Colorado’s research ecosystem as a global center in research and technology
• EDUCATE the public about the labs’ impact and importance of sustained funding for research 
• CONNECT the labs, universities and businesses to facilitate partnerships and technology transfer

See more at www.co-labs.org.  

About Workforce Boulder County 

WfBC’s mission is to drive employment and education opportunities that enrich individual growth, economic health, and community connection. Our vision in Boulder County is a flourishing community where everyone including businesses have an abundant opportunity for meaningful employment.