News

Colorado’s Economic Forecast for 2026: Steady Growth Despite Headwinds

Kelsey Cipolla — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:47:52 +0000

Colorado’s Economic Forecast for 2026: Steady Growth Despite Headwinds Kelsey Cipolla Mon, 12/08/2025 - 08:47

Amid a shifting economic landscape and slowing population gains, Colorado’s economy will continue to grow steadily in 2026, according to a forecast released by Leeds' Business Research Division.

Traditional

White

Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:03:40 +0000

Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 11/21/2025 - 11:03

Jane Majkiewicz

Rodger Hara, an authority on affordable housing, came to Leeds as part of the Etkin Symposium speaker series to explain the inner workings of the affordable housing market, reveal how projects get funded, and look toward the future.

Picture an upside-down, multitiered wedding cake. That’s the image Rodger Hara used to illustrate the “capital stack” behind financing affordable housing projects. Each layer represents a different stakeholder—from lenders and investors to property managers and everyone in between (each with their own lawyers, which adds to the complexity). The challenge? “The cake isn’t done until the smallest layer is baked."

And there’s another caveat: “Things are changing very rapidly”—a reality Hara has witnessed repeatedly, especially in the past year.

How affordable housing works

Hara is the consummate authority on affordable housing, consulting in the field since 2008. Julie Gibson, the executive director of the Klump Center for Real Estate at Leeds, introduced him at the latest Etkin Symposium with this endorsement: “In Colorado, Rodger IS affordable housing.”

With decades of experience at local, state and federal levels, Hara delivered a presentation that walked symposium attendees through the evolution of affordable housing—from the milestone 1934 National Housing Act to the HUD Act of 1965 and beyond. Notably, one of the country’s first affordable housing projects happened in Colorado: Lincoln Park in Denver. Today, the story continues to unfold, influenced by modern legislation such as H.R. 1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The hourlong session was a crash course on the challenges, obstacles and opportunities shaping the affordable housing market. Both undergraduate and graduate real estate students attended—some with aspirations to serve communities in need.

Hara introduced key concepts such as the “missing middle”—those earning too much for low-income housing but not enough for median-priced homes—and “redlining,” the discriminatory practice of denying credit based on where people lived, symbolized by development maps with red lines drawn around certain neighborhoods. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 aimed to end such practices.

Financing and a look ahead

Hara shared a data-packed presentation highlighting details such as income levels, market dynamics, tax credit funding, and the growing demand for affordable housing. A diagram illustrated the financing flow: state agencies like the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) receive federal funds and allocate tax credits to developers, who sell them to investors. Investors buy the credits for various reasons, including economic yield, tax shelter and social impact.

He closed with both caution and optimism. While the ripple effects of H.R. 1 remain uncertain, he believes that cuts to HUD voucher funding, immigration-related labor shortages, tariffs and other changes could pose serious threats to the industry.

"You're going to have to figure out how to get things done after those of us who started this are gone. It’s a challenge that can be met, but it won’t be easy."

Rodger Hara, affordable housing consultant

Yet, while the funds for affordable housing are decreasing just as the need is increasing, Hara said creative solutions persist. As one example, he cited Veterans Village in Denver, funded by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation without relying on tax credits.

Other strategies include modular construction, adaptive reuse of former offices, schools or churches, preservation projects, higher-density development and leveraging public land.

In addition to the challenges, affordable housing projects can take a long time, Hara explained. "You're going to have to figure out how to get things done," he said, "after those of us who started this are gone. It’s a challenge that can be met, but it won’t be easy."

Finally, Hara reminded students of their own influence. His advice: keep learning, think creatively—and most importantly, be sure to vote.

Rodger Hara, an authority on affordable housing, came to Leeds to explain the inner workings of the market, reveal how projects get funded, and look toward the future.

Traditional

White

The Way You Say ‘Thanks’ Matters at Work

Kelsey Cipolla — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:38:58 +0000

The Way You Say ‘Thanks’ Matters at Work Kelsey Cipolla Fri, 11/21/2025 - 08:38

Not all thank-yous land the same. Leeds research shows the right kind of appreciation can boost morale and encourage open communication.

Traditional

White

Advice in the Age of AI at NextGen Finance Symposium

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:53:12 +0000

Advice in the Age of AI at NextGen Finance Symposium Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 11/17/2025 - 15:53

Grace Garfoot

On Nov. 12, the Burridge Center for Finance hosted NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services, bringing together industry leaders to share insights on launching startups in the era of artificial intelligence.

The future of finance is being rewritten by technology—and students got a front-row seat to the conversation at NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services, a panel discussion about what it takes to build startups in an AI-driven world. The event also offered accounting and finance students a valuable opportunity to network and explore emerging trends shaping the future of financial services.

AI and entrepreneurial advice

Patrick Harrington, head of AI and machine learning at MetaRouter, kicked off the symposium by underscoring that almost 92 million jobs will be replaced by AI—which is 8% of jobs globally. Leeds is preparing students to consider AI’s impact on the workforce and their potential professions. The symposium gave students a unique chance to learn directly from entrepreneurs who have successfully launched startups in an AI-driven era—and to build connections that could shape their own careers.

"This is a profound point in our journey as a society, and it’s a point of leverage that no other human being has had today,” Harrington said. “Five years out with this knowledge base that can support and augment your thought processes, your critical thinking skills are going to become even more important.”

Panelists discussed careers in the age of AI, sharing tips for success and essential skills required to meet evolving demands. They displayed live demos of their platforms, giving the audience a clear picture of how their startups work and the technology’s real-world applications. Through the stories of their own ventures, the speakers illustrated how finance and accounting firms are already embracing AI to transform the industry.

Innovative products that move our industry forward emerge when they address a pain point and deliver a real solution that impacts the people, services and industries facing those challenges, noted Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil.

Networking toward the future

A key highlight of the event was helping students build confidence in networking. Dressed in professional attire, they were encouraged to introduce themselves and engage in meaningful conversations with the entrepreneurs in the room.

Elizabeth MacBride and Seth Levine, authors of Capital Evolution: The New American Economy, joined the event and invited students to ask questions, share ideas and connect with them about the book’s themes—many of which echoed the symposium’s topics.

Capital Evolution is a compelling look at the changes taking hold in America’s political system, information environment and society, according to MacBride. The book asks tough questions about the rising power of business in our economic system. Students left not only with fresh perspectives but also with a signed first edition—a tangible springboard for deeper exploration.

Advice from the Experts

Remember the importance of the human element when considering AI systems. There will always need to be a human in the loop.
Be curious about AI tools and proactively experiment with them. That is how you will learn to use them and be prepared when you enter the workforce.
Do not lose your creativity.
Prioritize building relationships.
Be humble and optimistic, no matter what the circumstances are.
Network! Start conversations and put yourself out there. You never know who you will meet.

On Nov. 12, the Burridge Center for Finance hosted NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services. The event brought together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to share insights on business in the era of AI.

Traditional

White

Labubu 'Blind box' Trend Reveals Why Surprise and Scarcity Keep Us Shopping

Kelsey Cipolla — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:39:52 +0000

Labubu 'Blind box' Trend Reveals Why Surprise and Scarcity Keep Us Shopping Kelsey Cipolla Mon, 11/17/2025 - 10:39

Marketing professor Ying Zeng explains the psychology behind blind-box toys and how they engage our curiosity, identity and social instincts.

Traditional

White

Government Reopens But Economic Uncertainty Lingers: What Consumers Should Know

Kelsey Cipolla — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:07:19 +0000

Government Reopens But Economic Uncertainty Lingers: What Consumers Should Know Kelsey Cipolla Thu, 11/13/2025 - 09:07

Even as the shutdown ends, shoppers and businesses face a murky economic picture heading into the holidays.

Traditional

White

10 Things to Know About Leeds’ New Master’s in Sustainable Business

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:21:15 +0000

10 Things to Know About Leeds’ New Master’s in Sustainable Business Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 11/12/2025 - 13:21

Jane Majkiewicz

Leeds is now accepting applications for its first cohort in the new Master’s in Sustainable Business program, starting in fall 2026. Approved by the University of Colorado Board of Regents in June 2025, the new degree program is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainability expertise.

Drawing on faculty and resources across CU ��ý��, the new sustainability degree program offers an interdisciplinary experience that prepares graduates to lead on climate-related challenges. "What sets this program apart is the way it brings together expertise across campus to prepare graduates to embed sustainability into business strategy,” said Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean Vijay Khatri. In addition to Leeds' Master's in Sustainable Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Science is offering a Master's in Sustainable Engineering.

Wondering if it's the right fit for you? Here are 10 reasons why graduating seniors, graduate students, early career professionals and those looking to upskill or reskill should consider building their sustainability skillset.

1. It’s a fast track.
Complete the degree in just nine months and enter a growing field. LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2024 warns that the global workforce is falling short of sustainability targets and calls for doubling the green talent pool.

2. CU seniors are eligible for automatic admission.
Current CU seniors with a Leeds major or minor and a 3.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admission. GMAT/GRE test scores are optional.

3. It’s interdisciplinary.
Students tackle sustainability challenges through scientific, technical and strategic lenses, with coursework spanning the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and Leeds.

4. It’s immersive.
Hands-on learning includes a real-world capstone project and access to case competitions, networking events and workshops through the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR).

5. Sustainability is in CU ��ý��’s DNA.
CU ��ý�� consistently ranks among the nation’s most environmentally responsible universities, earning a 98/99 Green Rating from The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges. Initiatives like ��ý�� Climate Ventures reflect the university's commitment to sustainability.

6. Learn from trailblazing faculty.
Faculty in the program are leaders in sustainability strategy, climate finance, ethical leadership and corporate responsibility.

7. From the classroom to the boardroom.
Courses like Measurement and Accounting for Sustainable Systems and Social Entrepreneurship in the US and Global Economies blend business, policy, science and engineering. Bootcamps in statistics, Excel/Python and communication equip students with skills employers demand.

8. Career-ready connections.
Leeds’ strong corporate partnerships and alumni network open doors to roles across industries, such as renewable energy and impact investing. The Leeds Career Development Office is partnering with the Master’s of the Environment program to create key networking events.

9. Be ��ý��.
Live and learn in a city known for its climate tech innovation, access to startups and outdoor inspiration—all in a community committed to environmental leadership.

10. A degree designed for impact.
This program isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about shaping a future where business drives positive change. Deloitte reports that 85% of companies increased sustainability investments last year, and green roles are projected to grow 260% by 2030.

Ready to lead? Applications are open. Learn more >>

Leeds is accepting applications for its first cohort in the new Master’s in Sustainable Business program, starting in fall 2026.

Off

Traditional

White

Use AI to Shop Smarter—Not Spend More—This Holiday Season

Kelsey Cipolla — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:46:44 +0000

Use AI to Shop Smarter—Not Spend More—This Holiday Season Kelsey Cipolla Tue, 11/11/2025 - 09:46

Ying Zeng, assistant professor of marketing at the Leeds School of Business, shares how to make the most of AI and shopping platforms this holiday season by turning digital tools into an advantage.

Traditional

White

Mark Kroese on Climbing Toward Sustainability

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:58:02 +0000

Mark Kroese on Climbing Toward Sustainability Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 11/10/2025 - 12:58

Jane Majkiewicz

Former Microsoft sustainability leader Mark Kroese shared practical insights on innovation, skills and market-driven solutions for climate progress at CESR’s Sustainability Bootcamp.

At the Sustainability Bootcamp on November 7, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Sustainability, keynote speaker Mark Kroese (pictured above), former general manager of sustainability solutions at Microsoft, shared practical insights drawn from a career at the intersection of technology, leadership and environmental advocacy. Mark spoke to a packed room of over 180 Leeds students. He believes that we are “at a unique point in history, with unprecedented tools to develop creative and innovative solutions to the world’s biggest problems.” His talk blended actionable advice and optimism rooted in innovation.

Skills over process.
Complying with process is important, but igniting people with ideas and skills is how you go big, he believes. As an avid mountain climber, Kroese drew a parallel to elite climber Alex Honnold—famous for his free solo ascents: “Does he follow process? No. Is he crazy skilled? Absolutely.” His takeaway: Invest in skills. They’re what drive bold, transformative action.

Federal climate subsidies are a must-have to meet sustainability goals.
There’s no way sustainability progress can happen without federal support, believes Kroese. “The might of the federal government is massive. It’s a really big hole when they pull out, and it’s a really big accelerant when they are in.”

Invigorating the blue collar workforce.
Kroese voiced strong support for the blue-collar workforce. “I’ve long thought the trades are undervalued,” he said. “Welders, electricians—these jobs are essential. Data centers aren’t building themselves.” He believes market forces will help reinvigorate interest in these careers.

Career strategy: passion or paycheck?
On the perennial question of following one's passion or pursuing financial stability, Kroese offered pragmatic advice: “Work your tail off in your 20s and 30s. Accumulate assets early. That gives you options later.”

Climate progress and political setbacks.
Asked how to fix climate change progress that has been undone by the current administration, Kroese said what gives him hope is innovation. “It is sad that there is a lot getting undone—it’s shocking, it’s demoralizing,” he admitted. “But market solutions with low-grade premiums will carry the day. If someone builds a cheap, carbon-free fusion reactor, it’ll take off—regardless of who’s in the White House.”

He urged students to keep innovating, even if policy support lags. “Some ideas may sit dormant for a few years. But our time will come. We have to innovate our way out of this problem.”

AI: bubble or breakthrough?
While not an AI expert, Kroese shared a candid view: “AI is an amazing tool—for both good and bad. I hope the good wins, and I hope we have some guardrails.” He emphasized the need for industry-led ethics and regulation, even if the path forward remains unclear.

I can assure you that, in the long run, the thing that will set you apart is your personal brand of human traits and values.

Mark Kroese, former general manager of sustainability solutions at Microsoft

“I can assure you that, in the long run, the thing that will set you apart is your personal brand of human traits and values. We are, after all, called human beings—not human doings,” Kroese emphasized.

The imperative to invest in AI skills is most associated with productivity and GDP growth, he explained. “Certainly, these are important things, but I want to encourage you to also invest in something far less measurable: your humanity.”

It is unique human characteristics—”the nonalgorithmic miracle that is your whole, human self”—that build integrity, trust, empathy and principles, he advised.

“So go out into the workforce and be an AI-informed, but uniquely human, values-based leader.”

A Sustainability Focused Day

At the fall 2025 Sustainability Bootcamp, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Trent Yang (pictured left)—��ý�� Climate Ventures team member and Leeds entrepreneur-in-residence—spoke to attendees about climate tech investing. Kyri Baker (center), CU ��ý�� assistant professor of civil systems and architectural engineering, addressed climate-related challenges posed by AI. Branding leader Brenda Tuohig (not pictured), explored the future of media and advertising in an AI-driven world. Following the plenary session, students (right) gathered into collaborative working groups.

Former Microsoft sustainability leader Mark Kroese shared practical insights on innovation, skills and market-driven solutions for climate progress at CESR’s Sustainability Bootcamp.

Off

Traditional

White

Leeds Partners with CEAS to Launch Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering Program

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 23:00:26 +0000

Leeds Partners with CEAS to Launch Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering Program Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 11/06/2025 - 16:00

Claire Stewart

The new IBE undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles at the intersection of business strategy and technological innovation.

On November 6, the University of Colorado Board of Regents voted to approve the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) degree program jointly developed by the Leeds School of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) at the ��ý��.

Blending engineering’s analytical power with business’ strategic insight, this program will produce graduates equipped to lead, innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

“This program is a bold step forward in interdisciplinary education,” said Jennifer Bone, associate dean of undergraduate programs at Leeds. “Our goal is to cultivate leaders who can think strategically, solve complex problems and drive innovation across industries. The IBE degree equips students with the tools to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen—skills that are increasingly in demand.”

"The IBE degree equips students with the tools to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen—skills that are increasingly in demand.”

Jennifer Bone, associate dean of undergraduate programs

The inaugural cohort of students will begin the IBE program in fall 2026, gaining access to a distinctive curriculum that integrates the nationally recognized strengths of CU ��ý��’s business and engineering programs. Students will build a foundation of core business principles and engineering knowledge, with the opportunity to specialize in either Entrepreneurship or Sustainability.

"Employers consistently tell us they need engineers who can think beyond technical solutions to understand business strategy and market impact," said Kurt Maute, associate dean for undergraduate education at the College of Engineering and Applied Science. "This program gives our students that business literacy alongside their rigorous mathematical and engineering training, preparing them for the collaborative, cross-functional teams they'll join after graduation. This degree will provide an excellent launch pad for future entrepreneurs and leaders of tech companies.”

Leeds brings a strong foundation of thought leadership in both sustainability and entrepreneurship, making it the ideal home for the new IBE program. Students will benefit from access to the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibi lity, which champions values-driven leadership and sustainable business practices, and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, a nationally recognized hub for innovation and startup development. These centers, along with CU ��ý��’s broader commitment to sustainability—including the recent launch of two sustainability-focused master’s degrees—underscore the university’s dedication to preparing students for purpose-driven careers. CU ��ý��’s designation as an Ignition School for the second year in a row by Inc. and Fast Company further highlights its role as an advocate for entrepreneurial education, community impact and a strong innovative spirit.

The new IBE degree program emphasizes project-based learning, systems thinking and data-informed decision-making, ensuring students graduate with practical experience and a strong professional skill set. Students will progress through the program in cohorts, fostering collaboration and peer support throughout their academic journey.

To learn more about the IBE program, email LeedsIBE@colorado.edu

Leeds’ new Integrated Business and Engineering Program undergraduate degree is designed to prepare students for leadership roles at the intersection of business strategy and technological innovation.

Traditional

White

News

Colorado’s Economic Forecast for 2026: Steady Growth Despite Headwinds

Related Articles

Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara

How affordable housing works

Financing and a look ahead

Related Articles

The Way You Say ‘Thanks’ Matters at Work

Related Articles

Advice in the Age of AI at NextGen Finance Symposium

AI and entrepreneurial advice

Networking toward the future

Advice from the Experts

Related Articles

Labubu 'Blind box' Trend Reveals Why Surprise and Scarcity Keep Us Shopping

Related Articles

Government Reopens But Economic Uncertainty Lingers: What Consumers Should Know

Related Articles

10 Things to Know About Leeds’ New Master’s in Sustainable Business

Off

Use AI to Shop Smarter—Not Spend More—This Holiday Season

Related Articles

Mark Kroese on Climbing Toward Sustainability

A Sustainability Focused Day

Off

Leeds Partners with CEAS to Launch Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering Program

Related Articles