DENVER ~ In a press conference held today, Governor Jared Polis announced that Alec Garnett will be stepping down as Chief of Staff effective Friday, September 13th. Garnett, who has served in the role since the beginning of Polis's term in office, will be succeeded by David Oppenheim, the current Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative and Policy Affairs.

Governor Polis expressed his gratitude for Garnett's leadership and hard work during his time as Chief of Staff. He highlighted Garnett's role in the successful special session that resulted in a property tax rate cut for homeowners and small businesses. The Governor also praised Garnett's commitment to public service throughout his career, including his time as Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.

During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Garnett played a key role in several significant accomplishments for the state. These include cutting income taxes, making housing more affordable for Coloradans, expanding transit options, and leading efforts to improve air quality. Governor Polis acknowledged that while Garnett will be missed, he is confident in Oppenheim's ability to continue moving Colorado forward.

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Alec Garnett has a long history of public service in Colorado. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, he represented House District 2 in central Denver and served as Speaker of the House. During his time in the legislature, he championed solutions focused on affordable housing, public education funding, gun violence prevention, and economic opportunity for all. Some notable achievements include passing legislation to provide universal preschool for all Coloradans and implementing a red flag law to prevent gun violence.

In a statement following the announcement, Garnett expressed his pride in the work accomplished under Governor Polis's leadership. He highlighted their efforts to lower property taxes and housing costs, improve air quality, make education more affordable, and enhance public safety. He also expressed confidence that Oppenheim will continue this important work.

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David Oppenheim joined the Governor's Office in 2019 as the Legislative Director and has since taken on additional roles, including Director of Operations and Cabinet Affairs. In his current role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative and Policy Affairs, Oppenheim has been instrumental in delivering key initiatives such as free kindergarten and preschool, tax cuts, and ambitious climate goals. He expressed his excitement to continue this work as Chief of Staff and help make Colorado a better place for all its residents.

Governor Polis concluded the press conference by reaffirming his commitment to making Colorado more livable, affordable, safe, and sustainable. He expressed confidence in Oppenheim's leadership and thanked Garnett once again for his service to the state. The transition of power will take place on Friday, September 13th, with Oppenheim assuming the role of Chief of Staff.

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