Colorado’s Credit Union Day at the Capitol Showcases the Power of People-First Finance

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 11, 2026

On Thursday, Feb. 5, more than 215 credit union advocates from across Colorado took their message to the Capitol in Denver, engaging with legislators to share the credit union difference and its daily impact on nearly 2.8 million Coloradans.

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, credit union members — the legislators’ constituents — 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.

“As a credit union leader, I see firsthand how state policy decisions impact our members and employees,” said Lisa Mixon, Vice President of Operations, Credit Union of Colorado. “Colorado Day at the Capitol creates space for meaningful dialogue with legislators so they understand those impacts beyond headlines. Our advocacy ensures credit unions can continue to do what we were created to do: serve our members and our communities.

Advocacy in Action — Protecting Colorado’s Seniors

“Colorado families work hard for every dollar they earn, and they deserve to know their savings are protected from scammers and financial abusers,” said Katie March, GoWest’s VP of Legislative Affairs for Colorado.

Through 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.

“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,” explained said March. “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.”

“The 2026 Colorado Credit Union Day at the Capitol was an important opportunity to discuss priorities like the ASSET Act and to help legislators better understand the vital role credit unions play in Colorado’s economy,” added Chris Wallace, President and CEO, Credit Union of Denver. “These conversations are essential to ensuring policies support strong local communities and financial well-being across the state.”

Celebrating Advocacy Leadership

After the legislative meeting, advocates gathered for lunch and a presentation by GoWest leaders. 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

“I loved the opportunity to meet with elected officials and encourage them to think about credit unions in their legislative efforts,” shared Liam Sabot, Marketing Coordinator, Westerra Credit Union. “I felt like I was making a positive impact on the credit union movement as a whole. I also learned that many of our state legislators are super friendly and they care about the efforts and the impacts we have made on the community.”

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.

Posted in Advocacy, Colorado, Events, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines.