By Matt VanAuken, DP Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director
Each year, the formulation of Colorado’s state budget serves as the foundational blueprint shaping the essential services and supports that tens of thousands of residents rely on across the state. From foundational public education and vital transportation networks to specialized programs that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the state’s financial allocations touch nearly every corner of public life.
On October 31, 2025, Governor Jared Polis released his comprehensive proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This official proposal marks the critical first step in a complex, months-long legislative and executive process that ultimately determines how Colorado prioritizes and allocates its shared public resources. For community organizations, advocacy groups, and the families who depend on state-supported safety net programs, understanding this proposal is vital to anticipating the fiscal landscape of the coming year.
Why This Matters for the Disability Community
Developmental Pathways operates at the intersection of community support and state administration, working closely with key state agencies including the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). As an established Case Management Agency (CMA) and Early Intervention Broker (EIB), Developmental Pathways holds direct contracts with these state departments to deliver vital services to individuals and families. Consequently, any shifts, adjustments, or constraints in departmental funding directly affect the operational capacity and the day-to-day lives of the people the organization supports.
This year, Colorado is navigating a particularly challenging budget environment characterized by competing financial demands and revenue limitations. Within this landscape, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing represents an enormous footprint, accounting for approximately one-third of the state’s overall spending. A closer examination of HCPF expenditures reveals a stark contrast between general Medicaid enrollment and the specific population requiring intensive, specialized care. While individuals receiving Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) make up just about five percent of all Medicaid members statewide, they account for roughly 42 percent of total program spending. This significant financial allocation exists because LTSS services are intensive, highly individualized, and profoundly vital to the health, safety, and independence of those who receive them.
As the state works through the intricacies of the budget proposal, organizations like Developmental Pathways are closely monitoring several critical HCPF budget requests. These pending decisions carry the potential to directly impact individuals and families who depend on these continuous supports, even as the department actively works to minimize painful cuts and maintain strict control over overall spending. For those seeking the most current and detailed updates regarding specific LTSS-related budget requests, official information is publicly accessible through the HCPF Medicaid Sustainability and LTSS resource pages.
How Colorado’s Budget Process Works
Unlike the federal government, Colorado operates under strict constitutional mandates requiring the state to pass and maintain a balanced budget. This fundamental fiscal rule means that the state legislature cannot legally spend more revenue than it collects, forcing difficult choices during years when revenue growth slows or economic headwinds emerge.
The release of the Governor’s proposed budget on October 31 initiates a protracted, collaborative cycle of review and revision. Following the Governor’s initial blueprint, the General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee takes up the mantle, holding extensive hearings, analyzing agency requests, and gathering public testimony. This proposal is strictly the beginning of the journey rather than a final destination. Significant modifications, compromises, and policy debates routinely occur during the legislative session before the General Assembly passes the final version of the budget, a milestone that typically takes place in May.
Because the budgeting process involves multiple layers of legislative scrutiny and executive oversight, a deeper comprehension of how the state’s financial framework comes together requires looking at broader governmental and fiscal resources. Understanding revenue forecasts, the Gallagher Amendment legacy, TABOR considerations, and specific fund allocations provides community members with a clearer picture of the constraints and opportunities facing state lawmakers.
Advocacy Resources and Community Engagement
Navigating the complexities of state government and fiscal policy can be daunting, which is why understanding the legislative process serves as the vital first step toward effective community participation. Colorado is fortunate to host a robust network of advocacy organizations, ranging from specialized disability rights groups to broader coalitions focusing on statewide fiscal policy, tax structures, and human services funding.
Engaging with these organizations offers individuals and families additional avenues to stay informed, voice their perspectives, and participate in the democratic process. While not an exhaustive list, numerous advocacy entities operate across the state to analyze policy impacts, educate the public, and advocate for sustainable funding models that protect vulnerable populations. Connecting with these networks helps ensure that the voices of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families remain prominent in the minds of policy makers.
Looking Ahead
As the legislative session approaches and the budget debate unfolds in the months ahead, Developmental Pathways will continue to track the state budget process closely. The organization remains committed to sharing timely, transparent updates regarding how these high-level fiscal decisions directly affect the individuals and families within our local communities.
We believe that informed communities are empowered communities. Taking the time to understand the state budget and its underlying mechanics is one practical way to ensure that Colorado’s support systems remain strong, financially sustainable, and firmly centered on the people they were created to serve.
