ALCC Denver Chapter Lunch 'N Learn

Legislative Updates

Presented by Jay Hicks, Hicks & Associates

Join us at this Lunch 'N Learn for an update us on our legislative advocacy efforts, including:

• Proactively Addressing Legislative Threats: We are actively working with a legislator to mitigate the proposed bill requiring 50% native plants in state projects, ensuring they understand the limits of this plant palette and these plants and trees are limited in availability.

• Pesticide issues return in 2026: GreenCO will continue to advocate for balanced, science-based pesticide policy. The pesticide issue has been a recurring topic in recent legislative sessions, even though in 2025 we were able to hold off any such legislation, that will not be the case in 2026.

• Vigilant Legislative Monitoring: With new legislative challenges arising every year, we constantly monitor bills that could impact our industry, preparing to act swiftly when needed.
• A Proven Track Record of Success: Last year, GreenCO and our lobbyist group successfully advocated for a bill reversing recent backflow prevention device requirements, ensuring they are practical, fair, and beneficial for the industry. We are working with state agencies, legislators, and stakeholders to resolve outstanding backflow prevention issues.
• Building Relationships with Lawmakers: This fall, we will interview legislators running for re-election as well as new candidates, endorse candidates, and provide financial support to those advocating for our industry's interests.
• Empowering the Industry to Shape the Future: We are leading efforts to monitor and address potential legislative threats, keeping our members informed and prepared for impactful developments.

Politics – legislation, regulation, executive order – affects nearly every aspect of our business. In these politically volatile times, we must stay engaged as an industry to meaningfully influence federal legislation, regulation, and public policy.

Jay Hicks has over a decade of experience lobbying the Colorado General Assembly. He joined the firm in 2003, after years working in Public Relations and Communications. Since 2003, he has built key relationships with House and Senate Leadership on both sides of the aisle.  His areas of expertise are; business operations, business insurance, business regulation, transportation, construction, information technology, water, recycling operations, business tax and credit programs, and economic development. He also works with a number of organizations such as NFIB, CACI, BJ4C, and others to collaborate on emerging and current issues at both the local and state level. Jay has authored several significant pieces of legislation and lobbied successful passage on behalf of numerous clients. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Business.

Thanks to our generous sponsor, Ewing Outdoor Supply, this event is free to ALCC members and includes lunch! 

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Littleton Public Schools EPIC Campus
Address: 190 E Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO 80121
Registration: Register online or call 303 757-5611. Space is limited and registration is required. RSVP deadline 03/10/26.

Sponsored by Ewing Outdoor Supply

Do you know someone who is not a member yet? This is the perfect opportunity to check us out. Please contact Tammy DiFalco to inquire about a nonmember trial pass.