FnF News
Governor Jared Polis Faces Mounting Criticism Over Colorado’s Decline: “He Has Destroyed Everything in This State”
By Khadija Khan | FNF News | June 2, 2025
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, once hailed as a progressive trailblazer and tech-savvy entrepreneur, is now facing a growing wave of criticism as residents and officials alike point to a series of state-wide crises unfolding under his leadership. From rising crime and housing costs to deteriorating infrastructure and a perceived decline in quality of life — even his hometown of Boulder, long considered a liberal haven, is showing signs of strain.
Opponents claim that Polis’s ambitious policies on gun control, sanctuary protections, drug decriminalization, and housing development have not only failed to solve pressing problems, but have in fact made them worse.
Boulder’s Decline Symbolizes Wider State Issues
Once viewed as a progressive utopia nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Boulder is now facing the same problems plaguing larger urban centers: homelessness, petty crime, and skyrocketing living costs.
“Even Boulder has become unrecognizable,” said local resident and former University of Colorado professor Michelle Lang. “Governor Polis may call it reform, but for those of us living here, it feels like collapse.”
Over the past two years, Boulder has seen a 23% increase in property crime, alongside a visible uptick in public drug use and encampments in public parks. The city’s housing prices continue to soar, pushing out longtime residents and middle-class families.
Statewide Crime and Public Safety Concerns
Statewide, Colorado’s violent crime rate has increased for the third consecutive year, with Denver and Aurora recording some of the highest rates in decades. Law enforcement officials blame a lack of support from the governor’s office, particularly after Polis signed multiple criminal justice reforms that critics say prioritize offenders over victims.
Sheriff Justin Smith of Larimer County told FNF News, “We warned the governor that these policies would reduce police effectiveness and embolden repeat offenders. He didn’t listen.”
Controversial Policy Moves Fuel Backlash
Governor Polis has made headlines for pushing a variety of progressive policies that have come under increasing fire:
- Gun Control Laws: Polis signed SB25-003, which bans a broad range of semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. Rural counties have vowed to resist enforcement, calling it unconstitutional.
- Sanctuary State Status: The governor expanded protections for undocumented immigrants, preventing local police from cooperating with ICE without a judicial warrant.
- Drug Decriminalization: Critics say Polis’s soft approach to drug use has led to more overdoses and open-air drug markets in major cities.
- Housing Legislation: The governor’s push for “density reform” to allow multi-family housing in traditionally single-family neighborhoods has sparked fierce resistance from local governments.
“His idea of progress has turned into chaos for average Colorado families,” said Republican State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer.
Polis’s Response: “This Is the Future of Colorado”
Despite mounting criticism, Governor Polis remains defiant. In a recent press conference, he defended his record: “Colorado is leading the way on housing, climate, and equity. Change is always difficult, but necessary.”
But even some Democrats are starting to express concern. In a recent closed-door caucus meeting, one anonymous Democratic lawmaker was quoted saying, “If we lose the next election, it will be because of backlash to Polis’s overreach.”
Economic and Educational Struggles Add to Pressure
Colorado’s public school system, once ranked among the best in the nation, has seen significant declines in standardized test scores and graduation rates over the past four years. Meanwhile, inflation and housing costs have driven many residents out of the state or into poverty.
Small business owners also report growing frustration with what they call “anti-business policies,” including mandates and rising property taxes.
“I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life, and I’ve never seen it like this,” said Denver café owner Ray Martinez. “Polis promised modern solutions, but all we got was chaos and taxes.”
Conclusion
Governor Jared Polis may still enjoy support among the state’s most progressive voters, but the tide appears to be turning. With Boulder itself now facing the consequences of policies once cheered by liberals, and discontent rising in both rural and suburban areas, Polis faces a growing political reckoning.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the question isn’t just whether Democrats can maintain control — but whether Colorado residents will continue to tolerate the transformation of their once-thriving state under Jared Polis’s watch.
Tags: Jared Polis, Boulder Colorado, Crime in Colorado, Gun Control, Housing Crisis, FNF News, Progressive Policies, Sanctuary State, Colorado Politics