Colorado Future Systems Policy Sprint
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is partnering with the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to launch our first ever state sprint. This effort is part of a larger Public Impact Science & Technology (S&T) initiative aimed at strengthening the science, research, and innovation enterprise through systemic, good faith reforms to deliver broad societal benefit. This sprint aims to demonstrate how participatory policymaking can generate durable sub-national impact, while informing broader reform conversations nationally.
Colorado is entering a decisive transition period. Emerging technologies, labor market transformation, and climate-driven resource constraints are reshaping the state, including its economic landscape and communities within it. Across industries, the skills demanded of workers are shifting faster than training and education systems have historically been designed to accommodate. The rapid change and adoption of new technologies is outpacing existing governance structures, raising questions about workforce displacement, public safety, the distribution of economic benefits, and long-term fiscal stability. Concurrently, Colorado faces growing pressures from wildfire risk, water scarcity, and grid vulnerability while needing to maintain economic momentum across both its urban centers and rural communities. These critical and often interconnected challenges require forward-looking, systems-level policy interventions.
The 2026 gubernatorial transition and subsequent legislative cycles offer a rare window to define Colorado’s long-term policy architecture. As new leadership establishes its priorities and agencies refine their implementation strategies, there is a strategic opening for ambitious, evidence-based ideas. Decisions made over the next several years will shape how Colorado governs emerging tech sectors, develops durable talent pipelines, and modernizes infrastructure while stewarding its natural resources. This period demands proposals that are technically sound, responsible, operationally viable, and well-posed for near-term implementation.
The Colorado Future Systems Policy Sprint is a three-month initiative designed to harness subject matter expertise and localized community insights to develop actionable policy solutions for Colorado’s executive and legislative leaders. We invite participants from diverse sectors and disciplines to submit their policy ideas that address one of the following priorities:
- Workforce Upskilling and Reskilling: Strengthening upskilling and reskilling systems, reinforcing talent pipelines across key industries, and addressing structural barriers to long-term career mobility statewide.
- Emerging Technology: Encouraging responsible growth of emerging technologies, developing governance frameworks to strengthen competition and ensure safeguards for consumers, and creating a method to measure the impact of existing technology policy.
- Land, Climate & Energy: Accelerating climate resilience, grid modernization, and water and land stewardship while maintaining affordability, reliability, and economic vitality.
Why Participate?
- Shape Policy: Contribute to Colorado’s workforce, technology, and climate policies at a critical moment for the State.
- Collaborate with Experts: Join a network of thought leaders and policy entrepreneurs.
- Recognition and Impact: Make a tangible impact on Colorado’s future systems while being recognized for your expertise.
How to Apply
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to Colorado’s policy future. Submit your application by April 3rd 2026 at 12PM MT.