Across Colorado and the nation, workforce shortages present our most significant economic challenge. Employers in Eagle County consistently cite this issue as a primary barrier to growth.

Without a steady pipeline of skilled workers, businesses in sectors such as health care, construction, hospitality, and education cannot expand or maintain operations.

This is not unique to our valley. It is a national challenge. Waves of retirements are reshaping our labor force. Childcare and transportation gaps limit participation. The pace of technological change requires workers to learn new skills constantly. Despite these realities, the United States has chronically underinvested in workforce development. Compared to peer nations, we lag significantly in preparing workers for today and tomorrow.

For these reasons, I join business associations nationwide in urging Congress to maintain and increase federal funding for skills training and workforce programs in the 2026 budget. These investments are essential for economic competitiveness and community vitality.

In Eagle County, workforce shortages have tangible impacts. Construction projects are delayed when firms cannot hire electricians or plumbers. Hospitals face challenges in patient care when unable to recruit nurses or paramedics. Schools struggle to maintain quality education without sufficient teachers. The tourism sector is also affected when there are not enough chefs, mechanics, or IT specialists.

Federal workforce programs provide solutions. They support industry-aligned training that gives people the skills employers need. They fund partnerships between businesses, community colleges, and training providers. These partnerships ensure education translates directly into jobs.

They expand Pell Grants to cover short-term certificates. This makes upskilling affordable and accessible for those who need it most.

At Colorado Mountain College, for example, 40% of students are local high schoolers earning free certificates and degrees that prepare them for in-demand careers. With adequate federal investment combined with local voter support in November, programs like these can grow to meet shortages in health care, first responder preparation, and skilled trades. These are not abstract issues—they are the backbone of community safety and economic resilience.

The polling is clear: Americans across the political spectrum agree. More than two-thirds of voters support increased government funding for skills training. This is not a partisan issue; it is a workforce reality. Businesses want to hire. Workers want to learn and earn. Communities want to thrive. The missing ingredient is sufficient federal support to scale what works.

Critically, Congress must avoid cuts that would undermine existing programs. Maintaining current levels is the floor, not the ceiling. A robust, stable investment is required to match the magnitude of the challenge. Dedicated funding for sector partnerships is especially important.

These partnerships—whether between hospitals and nursing programs, or construction companies and trade schools—tailor training to real-world needs and provide wraparound supports like childcare, transportation, and mentoring that help workers succeed.

Eagle County knows firsthand that we cannot solve workforce shortages in isolation. We rely on federal partnerships to amplify local initiatives. The return on investment is substantial: workers gain upward mobility, employers gain skilled talent, and communities gain stability and growth.

As Congress sets priorities for 2026, I urge leaders of both parties to see workforce investment for what it is: an investment in America’s competitiveness, security, and future. In mountain towns and metropolitan cities alike, the path to economic health runs through workforce development.

The choice is clear: we can continue to underfund and fall behind, or we can invest decisively in people, our most critical infrastructure.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com