EPIC’s team and membership are proud to serve as leaders, advocates, and partners to advance policy priorities that create positive outcomes for families and the economy. The 2024 Colorado legislative session was full of wins for children and families and our Legislative Advocacy Overview highlights those bills and key activities driven by EPIC.
PRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Denver International Airport (DEN) recently received approval from Denver City Council for a three-year Feasibility Study Contract to understand childcare needs at the airport and potential solutions associated. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) will lead to study to find an actionable approach to a childcare solution for DEN. “It’s really important for us to understand how we can better support our employees,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “As the airport continues to serve a higher volume of passengers with continued excellence, we need to understand how to recruit, retain and grow employees throughout all stages of their lives and careers, and addressing childcare needs is a major factor we must consider.” EPIC’s work will be spread across three phases, including the development of a small childcare center to serve temporary childcare needs associated with the airport’s Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) along with the feasibility of a larger on-site childcare facility and exploration of other potential childcare supports to align with DEN’s Vision 100 Plan. A variety of innovative childcare models and approaches will be explored, with a particular focus on accommodating our lowest-wage earners. The project will be completed over the course of three years. As the third largest airport in the United States, DEN would join other American airports that already offer childcare support, including Los Angeles International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. Read the full Press Release. Update as of June 2025 Chalkbeat Colorado spotlighted EPIC’s role in expanding access to childcare at Denver International Airport (DEN). Set to open in 2026, the drop-in childcare center will be part of DEN’s new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation. Developed in partnership with EPIC through a feasibility study, the center will offer drop-in and back-up care for up to 20 children to better support working families and strengthen the airport’s workforce. Check out more media coverage: Child care center for DIA employees’ family members in the works – FOX31 Denver KDVR Coming in 2026: A drop-in childcare center at the Denver airport – Denver 7 News New childcare center coming to Denver airport – 9News Denver DIA is getting a drop-in childcare center in 2026 – Denverite
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Your-paragraph-text-4.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2024-05-02 15:48:072025-07-09 17:21:18DEN Set to Begin Feasibility Study with EPIC to Understand Childcare Needs
In Colorado, the childcare crisis has reached a critical point, impacting not just families but also the broader economy. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility to address this challenge head-on. At Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), we are committed to catalyzing this movement by fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable childcare solutions. Here, we summarize insights and initiatives discussed in recent Denver Business Journal articles that can help guide our collective efforts. The Need for Integrated Childcare Solutions Our advocacy group has always emphasized the necessity of integrating childcare facilities within larger community developments, especially affordable housing projects. By doing so, we not only address the childcare shortage but also enhance family well-being and community stability. Developers are encouraged to incorporate childcare centers into their projects, leveraging financial incentives like tax credits to offset the high costs associated with these facilities. Business Leadership in Advocacy EPIC has long championed the role of executives in using their influence to advocate for better childcare policies. Recently, Colorado saw legislative successes with laws that incentivize the creation of childcare facilities through property tax credits and rebates. Business leaders are encouraged to engage actively with legislative processes like those for HB24-1237, advocate for increased funding and better policies, and collaborate on initiatives like the building of new childcare centers. On-Site Childcare: A Win for Employers and Employees On-site childcare is proving to be a beneficial strategy for businesses, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention while addressing childcare needs directly. Companies like Guild and Mile High United Way have developed on-site childcare facilities, substantially reducing childcare costs for employees and setting a valuable example for other organizations. The success stories from these companies highlight the dual benefits of employee welfare and enhanced business performance through such investments. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Building childcare facilities, whether on-site or within community developments, involves navigating complex regulatory and financial challenges. EPIC supports businesses by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise to overcome these barriers. Moreover, financial tools like new market tax credits and low-income housing tax credits are vital for making these projects feasible. The path towards solving Colorado’s childcare crisis requires a concerted effort from all sectors, especially from business leaders who can leverage their resources and influence for greater good. By investing in childcare, businesses are not just supporting their employees but are also contributing to the economic and social health of our communities. At EPIC, we remain dedicated to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every child and family in Colorado has access to quality, affordable childcare. Together, we can transform the landscape of childcare in Colorado, creating a model for others to follow and building a brighter future for our children and our state.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image001.jpg637519Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2024-04-24 18:52:572025-06-12 14:30:23Leveraging Business Leadership for Childcare Solutions in Colorado
Through many conversations with childcare providers, businesses, and developers, EPIC has heard about the challenges communities face in trying to create new childcare supply. These conversations led us to the development of a white paper: Clearing the Path for New Childcare Supply: Solutions for Child-Friendly Planning, Housing, and Community Development (read the executive summary here). We talked to many different partners who are interested in creating new childcare, and learned more about what gets in their way. We also looked at existing models of support in Colorado and across the country. Through this work, we identified many opportunities to leverage the existing spaces in communities for childcare facilities while reducing costs and regulatory challenges for new operators, including the following recommendations: Establish community value by explicitly recognizing and supporting childcare within planning efforts and committing to policies that elevate this value. Mitigate regulatory barriers by identifying opportunities to streamline and align the various regulations that a potential childcare provider is subject to. Provide support for facility development with technical assistance and access to capital. EPIC is excited to champion 2024 legislation at the Colorado State Capitol that will create a pilot program to support the development of childcare facilities and make Colorado a leader in implementing these solutions to pave the way for new childcare supply. HB 24-1237 Programs for the Development of Childcare Facilities creates 3 programs in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA): Childcare Facility Development Toolkit and Technical Assistance This program will provide technical assistance from consultants and related professionals to enable interested community partners, developers, and local governments to understand the technical aspects of planning, developing, building, and co-locating childcare facilities. This program is important because the people who understand childcare requirements and the people who specialize in building and development are often two separate groups. This program will help to bring these two specialized areas of knowledge together. Childcare Facility Development Planning Grant This program will help to incentivize and support local governments in identifying and making regulatory updates or improvements to community planning, development, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes to support the development of childcare facilities. Many local governments understand and recognize the importance of childcare for their communities, and this grant will enable them to investigate and implement policy and regulatory tools to make it easier to create new childcare facilities. Childcare Facility Development Capital Grant This grant program will provide local governments or public-private partnerships with money to construct, remodel, renovate, or retrofit a residential or commercial childcare facility to meet a demonstrated need for childcare in the community. This program provides much-needed access to capital funding, which is a significant challenge for communities. Why Facilities? EPIC developed the Building Up initiative to change the childcare business model in a way that supports a healthy, sustainable bottom line while ensuring access to high-quality early learning experiences for children and the ability for families to work. This initiative is focused on decreasing operating expenses, increasing revenue, and eliminating barriers to entry […]
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Your-paragraph-text.png10801080Cassie Leyva/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngCassie Leyva2024-02-28 11:03:282025-06-12 14:30:18EPIC Champions Bill to Support Child-Friendly Communities and the Development of Childcare Facilities in Colorado
As the Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit, the David and Laura Merage Foundation led the way for this critical national work, cementing their vision and commitment to affordable and accessible high-quality childcare for all children across the nation. For the past 18 years, the David and Laura Merage Foundation has been a steadfast champion of early childhood care and education (ECE). Their philanthropic efforts, policy advocacy, and innovative initiatives have not only transformed the landscape of ECE in Colorado but have also had a significant national impact. The David and Laura Merage Foundation’s journey in the realm of ECE is driven by their deep understanding of the critical role early childhood education plays in a child’s development. Their commitment to this cause has only grown stronger over the years. Early childhood education is not just a priority; it’s a passion for the Foundation. While the Foundation’s roots are in Colorado, its impact reaches far beyond state lines. Through a combination of philanthropic support and direct engagement, the Foundation has become a national force. Their initiatives have been models for similar efforts across the United States. A key strategy is advocating for policy reform at both the state and federal levels. They have been instrumental in pushing for changes that benefit children and families. Their efforts have contributed to significant advancements in early care and education policies, making quality childcare more accessible to all. The Foundation’s initiatives, like Early Learning Ventures, have made a discernable impact on early childhood care and education. Early Learning Ventures is dedicated to supporting childcare entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to provide high-quality childcare services. This innovative initiative has not only created a network of support for childcare providers but has also improved the overall quality of early education programs. As with other issues, David and Laura have applied their entrepreneurial experience and innovative thinking to the issue of early care and education. Their advocacy and commitment to the cause are evident through numerous sponsorships, speaking engagements, and contributions to articles and publications. They understand that the future of our nation depends on our ability to support the earliest developmental years of our children. Additionally, as a founding member of EPIC, David has been at the forefront of advocating for the business community’s commitment to family-friendly solutions. Together, David and Laura have brought together leaders from various sectors to prioritize early care and education as a crucial investment for our nation’s future. With leaders like David and Laura Merage at the helm and their continued support of EPIC, their commitment to the well-being of our nation’s youngest citizens remains unwavering, and the Foundation’s impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Summit-PPt-Header-scaled.jpg14222560Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2023-11-15 16:36:562025-06-12 14:30:03The David and Laura Merage Foundation Spearheads National Impact as Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit
2024 Policy and Advocacy Report
/in BlogEPIC’s team and membership are proud to serve as leaders, advocates, and partners to advance policy priorities that create positive outcomes for families and the economy. The 2024 Colorado legislative session was full of wins for children and families and our Legislative Advocacy Overview highlights those bills and key activities driven by EPIC.
DEN Set to Begin Feasibility Study with EPIC to Understand Childcare Needs
/in Blog, NewsPRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Denver International Airport (DEN) recently received approval from Denver City Council for a three-year Feasibility Study Contract to understand childcare needs at the airport and potential solutions associated. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) will lead to study to find an actionable approach to a childcare solution for DEN. “It’s really important for us to understand how we can better support our employees,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “As the airport continues to serve a higher volume of passengers with continued excellence, we need to understand how to recruit, retain and grow employees throughout all stages of their lives and careers, and addressing childcare needs is a major factor we must consider.” EPIC’s work will be spread across three phases, including the development of a small childcare center to serve temporary childcare needs associated with the airport’s Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) along with the feasibility of a larger on-site childcare facility and exploration of other potential childcare supports to align with DEN’s Vision 100 Plan. A variety of innovative childcare models and approaches will be explored, with a particular focus on accommodating our lowest-wage earners. The project will be completed over the course of three years. As the third largest airport in the United States, DEN would join other American airports that already offer childcare support, including Los Angeles International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. Read the full Press Release. Update as of June 2025 Chalkbeat Colorado spotlighted EPIC’s role in expanding access to childcare at Denver International Airport (DEN). Set to open in 2026, the drop-in childcare center will be part of DEN’s new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation. Developed in partnership with EPIC through a feasibility study, the center will offer drop-in and back-up care for up to 20 children to better support working families and strengthen the airport’s workforce. Check out more media coverage: Child care center for DIA employees’ family members in the works – FOX31 Denver KDVR Coming in 2026: A drop-in childcare center at the Denver airport – Denver 7 News New childcare center coming to Denver airport – 9News Denver DIA is getting a drop-in childcare center in 2026 – Denverite
Leveraging Business Leadership for Childcare Solutions in Colorado
/in BlogIn Colorado, the childcare crisis has reached a critical point, impacting not just families but also the broader economy. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility to address this challenge head-on. At Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), we are committed to catalyzing this movement by fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable childcare solutions. Here, we summarize insights and initiatives discussed in recent Denver Business Journal articles that can help guide our collective efforts. The Need for Integrated Childcare Solutions Our advocacy group has always emphasized the necessity of integrating childcare facilities within larger community developments, especially affordable housing projects. By doing so, we not only address the childcare shortage but also enhance family well-being and community stability. Developers are encouraged to incorporate childcare centers into their projects, leveraging financial incentives like tax credits to offset the high costs associated with these facilities. Business Leadership in Advocacy EPIC has long championed the role of executives in using their influence to advocate for better childcare policies. Recently, Colorado saw legislative successes with laws that incentivize the creation of childcare facilities through property tax credits and rebates. Business leaders are encouraged to engage actively with legislative processes like those for HB24-1237, advocate for increased funding and better policies, and collaborate on initiatives like the building of new childcare centers. On-Site Childcare: A Win for Employers and Employees On-site childcare is proving to be a beneficial strategy for businesses, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention while addressing childcare needs directly. Companies like Guild and Mile High United Way have developed on-site childcare facilities, substantially reducing childcare costs for employees and setting a valuable example for other organizations. The success stories from these companies highlight the dual benefits of employee welfare and enhanced business performance through such investments. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Building childcare facilities, whether on-site or within community developments, involves navigating complex regulatory and financial challenges. EPIC supports businesses by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise to overcome these barriers. Moreover, financial tools like new market tax credits and low-income housing tax credits are vital for making these projects feasible. The path towards solving Colorado’s childcare crisis requires a concerted effort from all sectors, especially from business leaders who can leverage their resources and influence for greater good. By investing in childcare, businesses are not just supporting their employees but are also contributing to the economic and social health of our communities. At EPIC, we remain dedicated to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every child and family in Colorado has access to quality, affordable childcare. Together, we can transform the landscape of childcare in Colorado, creating a model for others to follow and building a brighter future for our children and our state.
EPIC Champions Bill to Support Child-Friendly Communities and the Development of Childcare Facilities in Colorado
/in BlogThrough many conversations with childcare providers, businesses, and developers, EPIC has heard about the challenges communities face in trying to create new childcare supply. These conversations led us to the development of a white paper: Clearing the Path for New Childcare Supply: Solutions for Child-Friendly Planning, Housing, and Community Development (read the executive summary here). We talked to many different partners who are interested in creating new childcare, and learned more about what gets in their way. We also looked at existing models of support in Colorado and across the country. Through this work, we identified many opportunities to leverage the existing spaces in communities for childcare facilities while reducing costs and regulatory challenges for new operators, including the following recommendations: Establish community value by explicitly recognizing and supporting childcare within planning efforts and committing to policies that elevate this value. Mitigate regulatory barriers by identifying opportunities to streamline and align the various regulations that a potential childcare provider is subject to. Provide support for facility development with technical assistance and access to capital. EPIC is excited to champion 2024 legislation at the Colorado State Capitol that will create a pilot program to support the development of childcare facilities and make Colorado a leader in implementing these solutions to pave the way for new childcare supply. HB 24-1237 Programs for the Development of Childcare Facilities creates 3 programs in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA): Childcare Facility Development Toolkit and Technical Assistance This program will provide technical assistance from consultants and related professionals to enable interested community partners, developers, and local governments to understand the technical aspects of planning, developing, building, and co-locating childcare facilities. This program is important because the people who understand childcare requirements and the people who specialize in building and development are often two separate groups. This program will help to bring these two specialized areas of knowledge together. Childcare Facility Development Planning Grant This program will help to incentivize and support local governments in identifying and making regulatory updates or improvements to community planning, development, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes to support the development of childcare facilities. Many local governments understand and recognize the importance of childcare for their communities, and this grant will enable them to investigate and implement policy and regulatory tools to make it easier to create new childcare facilities. Childcare Facility Development Capital Grant This grant program will provide local governments or public-private partnerships with money to construct, remodel, renovate, or retrofit a residential or commercial childcare facility to meet a demonstrated need for childcare in the community. This program provides much-needed access to capital funding, which is a significant challenge for communities. Why Facilities? EPIC developed the Building Up initiative to change the childcare business model in a way that supports a healthy, sustainable bottom line while ensuring access to high-quality early learning experiences for children and the ability for families to work. This initiative is focused on decreasing operating expenses, increasing revenue, and eliminating barriers to entry […]
The David and Laura Merage Foundation Spearheads National Impact as Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit
/in BlogAs the Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit, the David and Laura Merage Foundation led the way for this critical national work, cementing their vision and commitment to affordable and accessible high-quality childcare for all children across the nation. For the past 18 years, the David and Laura Merage Foundation has been a steadfast champion of early childhood care and education (ECE). Their philanthropic efforts, policy advocacy, and innovative initiatives have not only transformed the landscape of ECE in Colorado but have also had a significant national impact. The David and Laura Merage Foundation’s journey in the realm of ECE is driven by their deep understanding of the critical role early childhood education plays in a child’s development. Their commitment to this cause has only grown stronger over the years. Early childhood education is not just a priority; it’s a passion for the Foundation. While the Foundation’s roots are in Colorado, its impact reaches far beyond state lines. Through a combination of philanthropic support and direct engagement, the Foundation has become a national force. Their initiatives have been models for similar efforts across the United States. A key strategy is advocating for policy reform at both the state and federal levels. They have been instrumental in pushing for changes that benefit children and families. Their efforts have contributed to significant advancements in early care and education policies, making quality childcare more accessible to all. The Foundation’s initiatives, like Early Learning Ventures, have made a discernable impact on early childhood care and education. Early Learning Ventures is dedicated to supporting childcare entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to provide high-quality childcare services. This innovative initiative has not only created a network of support for childcare providers but has also improved the overall quality of early education programs. As with other issues, David and Laura have applied their entrepreneurial experience and innovative thinking to the issue of early care and education. Their advocacy and commitment to the cause are evident through numerous sponsorships, speaking engagements, and contributions to articles and publications. They understand that the future of our nation depends on our ability to support the earliest developmental years of our children. Additionally, as a founding member of EPIC, David has been at the forefront of advocating for the business community’s commitment to family-friendly solutions. Together, David and Laura have brought together leaders from various sectors to prioritize early care and education as a crucial investment for our nation’s future. With leaders like David and Laura Merage at the helm and their continued support of EPIC, their commitment to the well-being of our nation’s youngest citizens remains unwavering, and the Foundation’s impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.