SB23-006 Summary

• Creates the Rural Opportunity Office within the Office of Economic Development to serve as Colorado's central coordinator for rural economic development matters, with staff physically located in rural communities across the state.

• The Rural Opportunity Office director reports to the Director of the Office of Economic Development and shall coordinate programs available to rural communities, connect them to grant writing support, and collaborate with other state agencies on rural economic development.

• Office shall work with coal transitioning communities to explore business and economic development opportunities and help access federal, state, and local funding sources.

• Appropriates $299,193 from the general fund for fiscal year 2023-24 based on an assumption of 3.0 additional FTE positions to implement the Rural Opportunity Office.

• Takes effect 12:01 a.m. on the day following the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly, subject to potential referendum petition requiring voter approval in November 2024.