Is Colorado the New California? How Progressive Policy Has Hijacked the Centennial State

Jun 16

Over the past decade, Colorado has undergone a dramatic political and cultural transformation—one that has left many longtime residents wondering whether the state they once loved still exists at all. Once known for its rugged individualism, strong economy, and balance of urban progress and rural tradition, Colorado has increasingly begun to resemble the very state so many of its newest residents fled: California.

For years, Californians packed up and headed east in search of more affordable living, greater personal freedom, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. But somewhere along the way, Colorado became the very thing it promised to save people from. From energy policy to criminal justice, education to gun rights, the parallels are now impossible to ignore.

The Rise of Soft-Tyranny in the Rockies

Under Governor Jared Polis, Colorado has aggressively leaned into a progressive agenda that mirrors California’s failed policies almost line for line. The state has passed sweeping regulations that undermine property rights, restrict Second Amendment freedoms, increase energy costs, and erode local control.

And much like California, Colorado’s leadership insists these policies are necessary for the environment, public health, or “equity”—regardless of how much they cost working families or how many businesses are forced to leave.

Let’s break it down.

Energy: “Green” in Name, Red in Cost

Governor Polis has championed Colorado’s transition away from fossil fuels toward so-called “clean” energy. In theory, that might sound forward-thinking. In reality, it’s a disaster. The state’s 2021 legislation (SB21-264) mandates greenhouse gas reductions for utilities, echoing California’s zero-emissions targets [1].

The result? Higher energy prices, less grid reliability, and greater dependence on federal subsidies and out-of-state power purchases. Colorado’s utility rates have risen steadily, especially since the retirement of coal-fired plants was accelerated [2].

Worse still, rural communities that once relied on oil and gas jobs are being gutted to satisfy the green fantasies of urban politicians.

Crime: Legal Chaos, No Consequences

Colorado’s once-safe communities are now facing rising crime, declining arrest rates, and dangerous soft-on-crime policies straight out of San Francisco’s nightmare. In 2019, Polis signed HB19-1263, downgrading possession of up to four grams of fentanyl to a misdemeanor [3]—a move that helped fuel Colorado’s 300% increase in fentanyl deaths between 2019 and 2021 [4].

Like California’s Prop 47, which decriminalized theft under $950, Colorado also relaxed sentencing guidelines and reduced penalties for “low-level” crimes, contributing to major spikes in car thefts and burglaries [5].

Education: Indoctrination Over Instruction

In California, public education is now synonymous with political activism. Colorado is catching up fast. The state has implemented equity-based curriculum mandates, and in 2023 passed HB23-1003 requiring all educators to undergo LGBTQ+ “inclusivity” training [6].

Parents who object to controversial topics being introduced in classrooms often find themselves ignored—or labeled as threats. Charter schools face increasingly hostile legislation aimed at reducing their autonomy [7].

Gun Rights: Death by a Thousand papercuts

Colorado’s stance on gun rights has shifted dramatically. The state has passed red flag laws, mandatory waiting periods (HB23-1219), and expanded background checks, and banned so-called “ghost guns” [8]. These laws echo California’s patchwork of restrictions—and they’re just as confusing for citizens and small businesses.

Amazon and other retailers now restrict gun accessory shipments to Colorado due to legal ambiguities [9]. Magpul, once headquartered in Colorado, moved to Texas and Wyoming in response to sweeping magazine bans in 2013 [10].

Taxation, Regulation, and the Cost of Living

Though Polis claims to be fiscally moderate, he’s increased revenue through “fees” and “surcharges” like those attached to vehicle registration and deliveries under SB21-260 [11]. Property taxes in many counties have surged following reappraisal, with assessments jumping as much as 40% in 2023 alone [12].

Combined with escalating housing prices and inflation, these hidden taxes squeeze the middle class. Meanwhile, strict land-use and zoning proposals (like HB24-1313) mirror California’s push for urban density at the expense of private property rights [13].

The Illusion of Escape—and the Case for Real Change

Many who left California for Colorado believed they were choosing sanity over dysfunction. And for a while, that was true. But political ideology travels faster than U-Hauls. As the California diaspora flooded into Colorado, they brought their votes, their values, and their activists with them.

Now, the battle is no longer just about policy—it’s about identity.

Is Colorado still a place for liberty-minded, self-reliant Americans? Or is it simply California with a ski pass?

For many families, the answer is becoming increasingly clear. That’s why RedRefuge exists: to help you make your next move before you’re trapped in a state that no longer represents you.

We connect you with freedom-first real estate agents, lenders, and communities in states where individual rights still matter—places that aren’t trying to reinvent America, but preserve it.

Don’t Wait for the Avalanche

Colorado hasn’t hit bottom yet. But if current trends continue, it won’t be long before it’s indistinguishable from the state so many of us left behind. You don’t need to wait for the next crime surge, tax hike, or education mandate to realize it’s time to go.

If your family deserves better—and you know it does—there are still places in this country that honor your values.

We’ll help you find them.

Sources:

Colorado Senate Bill 21-264: leg.colorado.gov
Colorado PUC Electric Rate Filings: puc.colorado.gov
Colorado House Bill 19-1263: leg.colorado.gov
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: cdphe.colorado.gov
Colorado Crime Statistics: coloradocrimestats.state.co.us
House Bill 23-1003: leg.colorado.gov
Colorado Charter School Institute Reports: csi.state.co.us
Gun legislation summary, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners: rmgo.org
Amazon firearm accessory restrictions: amazon.com
Magpul Industries relocation: magpul.com/news
Senate Bill 21-260 Transportation Funding: leg.colorado.gov
Colorado Property Tax Reassessment Reports: dola.colorado.gov
House Bill 24-1313: leg.colorado.gov

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