Colorado is considering a major change to its higher education and workforce systems. Lawmakers aim to merge seven state departments into a single agency to simplify services and boost economic growth. Democratic House Speaker Julie McCluskie supports the plan, saying the current system is confusing for residents. “We have a Department of Education, Department of Higher Education, Department of Labor and Employment, and Office of Economic Development and International Trade,” McCluskie said. “Coloradans clearly deserve better.”
Governor Jared Polis agreed, noting that even state leaders find the current structure hard to navigate. “If I can’t even name all the state agencies that are involved in programs, how can a job seeker possibly find what they’re looking for?” he said. “This will help provide one front door instead of navigating multiple agencies.” If approved, Colorado would become only the second state to adopt this approach. Missouri created a combined Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development in 2019.
Dr. Bennett Boggs, head of Missouri’s department, said the merger improved coordination between education and employment. Job centers are now located on college campuses, linking students directly to workforce opportunities. “It just opens up more conversations. Colleges and universities play a more direct part in economic development,” Boggs said. “You end up with healthier and broader discussions.” He cautioned that merging agencies requires time and careful planning. “Change is hard, even when goals are good and noble,” Boggs added.
Lawmakers estimate the plan could combine up to seven state departments into one entity. The new department has not yet been named. “We haven’t named it yet. If you have ideas, let me know,” McCluskie said. The proposal follows a state report ordered by Governor Polis earlier this year, which outlined a vision for a unified postsecondary system that aligns education, training, and employment.
State leaders point to concerning trends that drive the push for reform. About 936,000 Coloradans earn less than $25 per hour. More than 1 million adults have only a high school diploma, and around 500,000 started college but never finished. By 2031, nearly 73% of jobs in Colorado will require education beyond high school. Lawmakers say a unified system could help workers connect education to high-wage careers while making it easier for businesses to find skilled employees.
The bill to create the new department could be introduced as early as next year. Even if approved, the changes would not take effect until 2027 at the earliest. Lawmakers emphasize the plan’s goal is to link learning and earning and hope a single agency will provide a clearer path for students, job seekers, and employers across Colorado.
