Credit Unions Bring People-First Advocacy – and Senior Protection – to the Colorado Capitol

Posted by Katie March on February 6, 2026

On February 5, more than 215 credit union advocates from across the state joined the GoWest team at the Capitol, meeting with legislators to share the credit union difference story—and the impact that story has on nearly 2.8 million Coloradans who rely on credit unions every day.

Built for People

At the heart of conversations with lawmakers was a simple truth: credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperatives—and that structure shapes every decision they make. Credit unions exist to serve people, not profits, allowing them to support families, respond in times of need, and strengthen local economies across Colorado.

As housing, transportation, and childcare costs rise, members feel the pressure first. Credit unions help absorb that strain, serving as a financial buffer that keeps hardship from becoming crisis. These real-world stories put a human face on the credit union difference and demonstrate the tangible value credit unions deliver in communities statewide.

Protecting Colorado’s Seniors

Credit union-led legislation, the Asset Act, would give financial services professionals stronger tools to help protect older Coloradans and other vulnerable adults from losing their hard-earned money to scammers and financial abusers. It builds on protections already in place—and closes a gap that currently limits how quickly financial institutions can intervene.

“Colorado families work hard for every dollar they earn—and they deserve to know their savings are protected from scammers and financial abusers. The ASSET Act empowers trusted financial professionals to step in when something doesn’t look right, helping prevent devastating losses for older Coloradans and vulnerable adults, said Katie March, GoWest’s VP of Legislative Affairs for Colorado. “Credit Union Day at the Capitol gave us the perfect opportunity to have this conversation with lawmakers and build support for a commonsense solution that protects Colorado consumers, their constituents.”

Celebrating Advocacy Leadership

During the program, Mike Williams, President and CEO of Colorado Credit Union, was named Colorado’s 2025 Advocate of the Year.

A tireless advocate, Williams consistently shows up where advocacy matters most—serving as a GAC co-chair, participating in countless Hike the Hill events, DACs, and GACs, and providing national leadership through NASCUS and the Division of Financial Services in defense of a strong state-chartered credit union system. His impact extends beyond policy, with a deep commitment to mentoring future advocates and developing the next generation of credit union leaders.

Elevations Credit Union and Northern Colorado Credit Union were also recognized as 2025 Top of the Hill Credit Unions, highlighting their leadership in advancing advocacy priorities at both the state and federal levels and their commitment to building strong internal advocacy programs.

Strong Representation, Strong Message

The robust turnout reinforced a clear message: Colorado’s credit unions are committed to protecting their members, strengthening communities, and advancing people-first policies—not profits.