Overview
- The governor-released report proposes a Colorado Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development by consolidating functions now spread across seven state agencies, including higher education oversight, federal workforce funds, apprenticeships, labor market data and adult education.
- Lawmakers must authorize the reorganization; Polis wants a bill introduced next session, with House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Sen. Jeff Bridges and Rep. Rick Taggart identified as sponsors.
- The plan promises a single “front door” for training options and shifts accountability from counting credentials to measuring employment outcomes such as hiring, job types and pay.
- The report cites a fragmented system—about 10,000 degree programs, 4,500 trainings and 300 apprenticeships—as Colorado faces talent shortages, rapid skill change from AI and an aging workforce.
- If approved, initial steps could start July 1 and the multi-year transition may extend into 2027; the announcement comes as higher education director Angie Paccione prepares to leave in January.