Governor Polis Discusses Colorado's Leadership in Workforce Development and Breaks Ground on New Recycling Facility

DENVER - On September 16, 2024, Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s efforts to become a leader in recycling and creating a more sustainable future, provided a keynote address on Colorado’s leadership on workforce development, and joined the Department of Commerce to break ground on the new Quantum Tech Park in Arvada after Colorado was recently designated as a Quantum Tech Hub.

Governor Polis joined a groundbreaking for Waste Management’s new Denver East Hauling Site & Recycling Facility, which will help expand recycling infrastructure and bring new jobs to Coloradans. This $100 million dollar investment will expand recycling capacity in Colorado and reduce waste.

“In Colorado we are focused on building a more sustainable future, and efforts like this one can help us reach that goal. I am excited to see businesses such as Waste Management finding innovative ways to reduce waste and recycle efficiently, while helping Colorado continue leading in clean energy and sustainability,” said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis also provided remarks at the Upskill 2030 Launch Event to discuss Colorado’s nation-leading efforts around workforce development. Upskill 2030 aims to place 30,000 underserved Coloradans into good job pathways by 2030, and Colorado has already taken many steps to connect Coloradan with the skills needed for good-paying jobs.  Earlier this year Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development (OEDIT) announced over $55 million in Opportunity Now Grants to better prepare Coloradans for in-demand, high-wage jobs and careers. This funding has helped more than 15,000 Coloradans gain skills for the innovative sectors of tomorrow that strengthen Colorado’s economy and expand opportunity. Governor Polis has also signed legislation to make two years of college free for Coloradans who make up to $90,000 per year, create Career Advance Colorado to make community college free for Coloradans pursuing in-demand jobs, create Care Forward Colorado to make community and technical college free for Coloradans pursuing healthcare careers, and more. This past year, Governor Polis also signed legislation to bring together industries, and state agencies at Regional Talent Summits to increase collaboration and identify the regionally specific training and skills needed to fill in demand jobs.

“September is Workforce Development month, and I am thrilled to be celebrating Colorado’s nation-leading work to create more jobs, and develop a stronger workforce. By investing in our workforce we are creating a Colorado where everyone can gain the necessary skills to get a good-paying job, and be successful,” said Governor Polis.