During CSG West’s recent state visit to Colorado, one theme dominated conversations at the Capitol: water.
With snowpack levels at record lows across much of the state, legislators and staff expressed growing concern about the cascading impacts of prolonged drought. From tourism and outdoor recreation to drinking water supplies, environmental health, and the future of the Colorado River, water scarcity is touching nearly every policy area. Compounding these challenges, officials are already bracing for a potentially severe wildfire season this summer, driven by dry conditions and limited runoff.
These realities underscore the increasing importance of CSG West’s regional water and resilience work. Programs like the Colorado River Forum and the efforts of the CSG Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Committee are proving more vital than ever—supporting lawmakers as they navigate complex, interconnected challenges that don’t stop at state borders. As conditions across the West continue to evolve, collaboration and shared learning will be essential to protecting communities, economies, and natural resources throughout the region.
Water concerns also surfaced in less traditional—but equally urgent—policy discussions. Lawmakers spent significant time talking about energy use and infrastructure, particularly as it relates to the rapid growth of data centers. Data centers are quickly becoming a focal point in Colorado and across the West, raising important questions about water demand, energy consumption, and workforce development. As one legislator put it, “Everyone is talking data centers this year.”
Beyond natural resource and infrastructure issues, we also heard strong interest in work underway to address human trafficking, with a particular emphasis on child safety and prevention. Policymakers highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen protections, improve coordination across agencies, and ensure vulnerable populations are better supported.
Overall, CSG West’s Colorado visit reinforced both the urgency of today’s policy challenges and the value of regional collaboration. We remain committed to convening leaders, sharing best practices, and providing nonpartisan support as Western states confront shared issues—especially as water, climate, and resilience concerns continue to rise to the top of the agenda.
