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Advocacy & Government Affairs

We represent ALL restaurants.

Every day, decisions are made at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver that can change the way local restaurant operators do business. As an owner/operator, you don’t have time to monitor every debate, discussion, and proposal that develops in the State Legislature. The CRA invests that time for you.

While you are busy building and running a profitable business, our Government Affairs team, which includes experienced lobbyists, is promoting and protecting your interests, influencing the legislative decisions that ultimately determine your success.

CRA membership gives you access to insider legislative updates and includes your voice as part of the leading restaurant advocacy organization in Colorado.

Advocacy is…

  • Educating lawmakers about what issues are important to you and your business.
  • Sharing your story with elected officials to help them understand how the policy they create affects restaurateurs.
  • Using your voice to influence change in the restaurant community.

Top 2025 CRA Wins

Passed HB26-1223

The CRA successfully amended this tax bill to provide restaurants a permanent increase to the Utilities Sales Tax Deduction and eight months of sales tax holidays in 2027 and 2028.

Passed SB26-134

The CRA supported and passed legislation that would have eliminated swipe fees on the sales taxes that restaurants and retailers collect and remit to the Colorado government. Unfortunately, Governor Polis vetoed the bill.

Protected Future Funding for the Hospitality Workforce Grant

 The Joint Budget Committee and the Legislature did not preserve grant funding for FY26–27, which keeps Colorado ProStart® strong, but after extensive outreach from the CRA, the CRF, and Colorado ProStart® supporters, they did leave the funding line item in the budget for future years.

Learn more about 2025 Colorado Law Updates

Why is Advocacy Important?

The CRA is the voice of Colorado’s restaurant industry, and even though our Government Affairs team works tirelessly to advocate on your behalf, we still need your help.

  • Lawmakers want to hear feedback directly from their constituents to help craft policy that reflects the needs of their community.
  • Legislators need you to educate them on what it takes to operate a restaurant.
  • They need to see that there are real people who are struggling every day to keep up with Colorado’s growing list of mandates, regulations, and pressures.

Top 2026 CRA Priorities

For a complete and updated list of bills that the CRA is tracking, visit here.

  • Expanding apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities to connect students and workers with opportunities in the hospitality industry

  • Decreasing or eliminating credit card swipe fees on all POS sales taxes for restaurants and retailers

  • Sponsoring a sales tax holiday bill for restaurants to save each thousands of dollars during their busiest months

  • Sponsoring a Utility Sales Tax Credit that would provide bottom-line relief for restaurants

  • Protecting the Hospitality Workforce Grant Fund that supports Colorado ProStart®

  • Opposing a proposed bill on extreme temperatures that would put more regulations on restaurants and their workers

  • Expanding apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities to connect students and workers with opportunities in the hospitality industry

  • Protecting the Hospitality Workforce Grant Fund that supports Colorado ProStart®

Legislative Priorities

Learn about our advocacy goals and track current industry-related legislation.

Learn More

Action Center

Make an impact by adding your voice to the CRA’s periodic grassroots campaigns.

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Get Involved

Support and influence our advocacy work on behalf of restaurants, and learn how to communicate effectively with representatives at all levels of government.

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Be a part of our advocacy team by joining the CRA today!

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Thanks to the CRA and CRF Partners for their support

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