Colorado urged to bolster digital infrastructure to avoid economic bypass

In a guest column for Colorado Politics, Taylor Henderson, founder of Outshine, warns that Colorado is at a critical juncture regarding digital infrastructure, akin to the state's 1867 railroad moment when Denver was bypassed. Henderson argues that while Denver houses many data center developer headquarters, actual projects are increasingly being built in neighboring states like Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Kansas. The core issue, according to Henderson, is Colorado's aging electricity grid, much of which dates back to the 1960s and struggles to support a modern economy. He highlights the economic benefits of energy infrastructure, citing Lincoln County where state-assessed property taxes from wind farms account for 45% of its budget. To counter this trend and secure Colorado's economic future, Henderson advocates for the passage of House Bill 26-1030, with proposed amendments. He describes it as a strategic, opt-in framework designed to solve multiple problems and calls on state leaders, including Governor Polis, the legislature, and local officials, to show similar resolve to past leaders who saved Denver's economy.