Writing our calling your legislators is the best way to ensure that they will act to support public service in Colorado. You can find your state legislators here. Some ideas to include when you speak with them are:

Offer Relief for unemployed federal workers and contractors:

• Support mortgage/rent relief for affected families. Colorado can use emergency funds or direct housing assistance programs to supplement/expand initiatives like the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP) for federal workers.
• Extend unemployment benefits. Colorado can provide supplemental benefits or extend eligibility periods.

Support Recruitment / Talent Retention

• Offer specialized workforce development support and fast-tracking for city/state roles. State workforce centers already exist and could be mobilized to support laid-off development sector professionals.
• Create a Colorado Development Corps or Fellowship Program. A temporary state-funded initiative to employ skilled development professionals on local/global challenges (e.g., refugee resettlement, disaster response, climate adaptation). This leverages their skills for public good and keeps them engaged.
• Emergency state fund for nonprofits and contractors impacted by federal cuts. Many organizations doing development work are based in Colorado. A relief fund could help sustain operations and retain skilled staff.