Office of Future of Work

C.R.S. tit. 8, art. 15.8
in effect

C.R.S. § 8-15.8-101 Legislative declaration - intent

8-15.8-101. Legislative declaration - intent. (1) The general assembly hereby: (a) Finds and determines that: (I) Colorado's policymakers from all backgrounds face significant challenges in responding to the rapidly changing nature of work; (II) A changing global economy, rapidly emerging technology, demographic changes, new economy demands, shifting skill needs, and the rising cost of education, health care, and housing are just a few factors leading to labor disruptions; and (III) While these changes have brought immense economic benefit for some, they have also contributed to stagnant wages, declining worker benefits, weakened workplace protections, and, in some cases, permanent job losses; and (b) Declares that: (I) Policymakers, government officials, employers, education and training institutions, and other stakeholders must: (A) Work together to create an economy that helps workers adapt to the new and changing job landscape; and (B) Use all tools available to ensure that workers and employers withstand future job disruptions caused by changes in technology, trade, and organizational structure; and (II) Colorado must understand, prepare for, and develop effective strategies to respond to these changes. (2) It is the general assembly's intent that the office of future of work will: (a) Serve as the central point of contact for the state's efforts to respond to the rapidly changing nature of work; (b) Increase awareness of the challenges associated with the future of work and develop priorities to focus state resources on meeting those challenges; (c) Centralize responsibility and accountability for researching, analyzing, and developing recommendations on this issue; and (d) Encourage and convene participation from a variety of sectors and stakeholders in Colorado's economy.

C.R.S. § 8-15.8-102 Definitions

8-15.8-102. Definitions. As used in this article 15.8, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Department" means the department of labor and employment created in section 24-1-121. (2) "Executive director" means the executive director of the department. (3) "OFW" means the office of future of work created in section 8-15.8-103.

C.R.S. § 8-15.8-103 Office of future of work - creation - powers and duties - report

8-15.8-103. Office of future of work - creation - powers and duties - report. (1) There is created in the department the office of future of work, the head of which is the director of the office of future of work. (2) The OFW is a type 2 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105, and exercises its powers and performs its duties and functions under the department. (3) It is the purpose of the OFW to: (a) Identify opportunities for Colorado's communities to transition effectively to emerging industries and, where appropriate, consult with the just transition office, created in section 8-83-503, and other state agencies to align such efforts; (b) Ensure the inclusion of key stakeholders from all sectors and engage partnerships across public and private sectors, including industry, academia, employers, employees, nonprofit organizations, and government; (c) Host, organize, and convene task forces, summits, and other appropriate meetings with diverse stakeholders, designed to improve the state's understanding of the social and economic impacts of the changing nature of work; (d) Explore ways that the state can prepare for current and future impacts, including through the modernization of worker benefits and protections, the development of a skilled and resilient workforce through coordination of registered apprenticeship programs in Colorado, and the identification of new policy and program solutions; and (e) As funding allows, undertake studies, research, and factual reports to gather insight and to formulate and present recommendations to the governor, state agencies, and the general assembly related to issues of concern and importance to Colorado's future workforce. (4) The OFW shall contribute education and workforce data beginning in the 2025-26 state fiscal year, as necessary, to the Colorado statewide longitudinal data system consistent with the governance practices established by the Colorado statewide longitudinal data system governing board pursuant to section 24-37.5-125 (4).

C.R.S. § 8-15.8-104 Reports - recommendations

8-15.8-104. Reports - recommendations. (1) The OFW shall periodically make recommendations to the executive director to make adjustments to the scope and expected work product of the OFW, as necessary, to adjust to changing economic conditions. (2) At least once every calendar year beginning in 2023, the executive director shall submit a report to the governor that includes recommendations for potential policy initiatives.

C.R.S. § 8-15.8-105 Funding for the office

8-15.8-105. Funding for the office. The general assembly may appropriate money from the general fund or from any other available source to the department for allocation to the OFW for the purposes specified in this article 15.8. The OFW may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from private or public sources for the purposes of this article 15.8.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-08.docxFetched: 10/6/2026