Spring has officially sprung! I could easily discuss how insane everything is during the springtime in this industry, but we should all know that by now! Phones start ringing off the hook and while we have full staff back and ready to go, mother nature throws some pretty amazing curve balls at us in the spring in Colorado. It is important to remember that other than the weather, nothing affects your business more than the government - likely more than you are aware! Governmental regulations affect everything from pesticide regulations and water-wise landscape requirements to licensing requirements/fees and immigrant worker availability. Regulatory impacts can make or break a company and that's why being involved with the ALCC, supporting advocacy efforts, and keeping educated on potential changes is extremely important to this industry. Your voice does matter and can make a difference. 

The ALCC is wonderful at keeping members informed of bills that come up that affect our industry, promoting participation in "Day on the Hill" events at the State Capital and fly ins to DC, and raising the alarm bells with "Calls to Action" when our representatives need to hear from us to educate them on how a bill affects landscapers. They truly provide all the information and the tools we need to take action and make an impact on law makers. It may be intimidating, but ALCC makes sure you're equipped with procedural expectations and excellent talking points to portray the message they need to hear.  

ALCC is not only a force at the state level for our industry, but we are nationally as well because of our efforts with the NALP in advocacy in Washington D.C. I plan to attend the fly in event to DC in May this year for the first time. In the past, I didn't care much about what happened with H-2B program changes because my company doesn't utilize it, but through my involvement with ALCC and information from other board members, I have learned that H-2B changes greatly affect my company. If another company in my area doesn't receive their workers, then that means we're competing against each other for available workforce. I have just as much interest in the viability of the H-2B for that reason and my voice may be more impactful to lawmakers when they understand that why I support it even though I don't use it. H-2B is especially important in Colorado because we are the highest user per capita in the country because of the seasonality of our state. One of the pillars of the ALCC is the idea that if the industry is supported and successful, each individual company will be too and support of the H-2B program is an excellent example of that. 

There are several major issues moving through the State Capitol right now that could significantly impact our industry—and it’s time to make our voices heard, stay engaged and speak up!

Here is something quick to consider: Why Your Engagement Matters: Protect Your Landscape Business in Colorado

Being actively engaged with ALCC and GreenCO is more than just membership—it’s your business’s frontline defense in shaping smart, practical policy that affects your ability to operate, grow, and succeed in Colorado.

Our industry is facing unprecedented regulatory pressure, and staying on the sidelines is no longer an option. ALCC and GreenCO are leading the charge to protect your interests and ensure the voice of landscape professionals is heard loud and clear at the Capitol, in state agencies, and in key public policy discussions.

Here are just a few of the critical efforts we’re driving forward right now:

• Backflow Prevention Rollback Bill – We’ve worked to reverse an overly burdensome mandate that would have added cost and complexity to your operations. On Friday, March 28^th, the Governor signed this new bill into law thanks This rollback is now sitting on the Governor’s desk thanks to strong industry advocacy. https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-signs-bills-law-administratively
• Residential Turf Limitation Bill Amendments – Through targeted lobbying, we’ve secured amendments to protect landscape companies’ ability to offer water-smart, beautiful outdoor spaces without significant restrictions.
• Smart Controller Rules with CDPHE – We’re working with our suppliers and manufactures to communicate the practical realities with CDPHE to fully understand the implications of the bill that passed last year. There may be a further need to amend the bill in 2026.
• ZEE Equipment Implementation with RAQC – We’re partnering to ensure zero-emission equipment regulations are phased in with real-world feasibility in mind—preserving your ability to compete and serve customers.
• Pushback on the Extreme Heat Bill – We’re actively opposing legislation that, while well-intentioned, would impose unrealistic and costly mandates on landscape crews across the state.

None of this happens without your support and involvement. Your engagement gives us the strength to fight for reasonable, science-based, business-friendly outcomes—and to protect the future of Colorado’s landscape industry.

This is your opportunity to make real and lasting change—don’t sit this one out.

Member involvement with GreenCO and advocacy efforts is extremely valuable in making real and lasting change. 

I hope this letter appeals to those of you who have never been involved with advocacy to take the leap and make your voice heard. ALCC provides all the information you need to stay involved and educated. Keep up to date on the GreenCO Bill Tracker on their website to see what's coming down the pipeline, attend GreenCO events and talk directly to our lobbyists to learn what you can do to help, participate in Day on the Hill or Fly In events in the future. At minimum, respond when there is a "Call to action" by contacting your senators and representatives to help educate them on how a bill will affect this industry and your business. I was ignorant to the strength of my voice and the impact of my involvement in advocacy efforts. I hope my story shows you that you can make a difference and motivates you to start shouting from the rooftops to make lasting change for this industry. 

Sincerely,