A Snapshot of the Colorado Economy - 2019 NCS
Key Industries, Areas of Strength and Weakness, and Opportunities for Regeneration
Jock Gilchrist, Research Fellow
Hunter Lovins, President
Natural Capitalism Solutions
Executive Summary
“This report uses the concept of “regenerative” as a framework for our analysis of Colorado’s economy. “Regenerative” here refers to a system that enhances ecological, economic, and social health. Regenerative systems incorporate design principles that mimic those found in natural systems. They transcend false dichotomies (e.g. economic health or environmental protection; social well-being or sound business practices) and outdated narratives (e.g. economic success is based on competition and zero-sum scenarios; we can’t solve climate change and build a prosperous economy at the same time).1
Our economic analysis assessed Colorado’s economic sectors on a spectrum of more regenerative to less. We began this research with the hypothesis that several regenerative industries, businesses, and systems already exist in the state and make major economic contributions. We also examined whether the historically significant but less regenerative sectors, businesses, and systems are a shrinking share of Colorado’s economic performance. While this report was not written to offer policy or business prescriptions, given the confirmation we found of these hypotheses, we believe that nurturing Colorado’s regenerative systems and ensuring their continued upward trajectory is the best way to achieve a healthy economy, populace, and planet.
Colorado’s is a diverse and unique economy. We surveyed its economic landscape to assess the relative size and strength of most sectors. While our statistics often highlight Metro Denver, with emphasis on the Boulder-Denver region (roughly 85 percent of the state’s economy), we give statewide statistics throughout the report. When relevant, we also offer national statistics. For each industry, we focused on employment size, contributions to GDP, and noteworthy trends. Our statistics paint a picture of key divergences from common claims about Colorado’s economy.”