In the late 1990's, the trend has changed. This is largely a result of the difficulty in recruiting workers with the skills the high tech industry needs coupled with the fact that Colorado's cost of living has increased substantially, particularly for housing. Mr. Dunn believes that residential construction is being overbuilt and the rate of home construction will begin to slow. Mr. Dunn testified that growth will continue around interstate highways, particularly in the southeast corridor along I-25. It is projected that the Colorado economy will continue to be healthy although it will slow slightly.
Tax incentives are a major mechanism for states to encourage business growth.
However, given the high costs of leasing business space, the high cost of homes, and the competitiveness for high tech professionals nationwide, it is becoming more difficult to attract businesses and workers to Colorado. Colorado Forum is a group of Colorado professionals working to collectively address important public policy issues. Colorado Forum has brought together professionals from all aspects of the growth issue to attempt to reach concessus on how growth can be addressed statewide. Geoie Writer, CEO of the Writer Corporation, addressed the committee on the growth issues Colorado is facing. Mr. Writer, a developer, emphasized the need for coordination of growth throughout the state.