Proposition 137 Campaign Spending Reaches $5 Million

Supporters of the Colorado conservation measure have outspent opponents by a significant margin ahead of the election.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy

Proposition 137 Campaign Spending Reaches $5 Million

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Should large interest groups be allowed to heavily outspend local residents on ballot measure campaigns?

Campaign spending for Colorado's Proposition 137 has reached $5 million, with the vast majority of funding coming from major environmental advocacy groups. In comparison, opponents of the measure have reported spending just $6,300 during the current election cycle.

Why it matters

The measure seeks to establish a $175 million pool for state conservation and outdoor programs, though its passage would lead to a reduction in Taxpayer Bill of Rights refunds for some residents. Voters are weighing this environmental investment against a potential decrease of $26 to $83 in annual refunds for single filers.

Supporters have raised $5 million, including over $2 million from The Nature Conservancy and $900,000 from Western Resource Advocates. The campaign spent $1.6 million on advertising since mid-September and over $3 million on signature gathering and consulting.

The players

The Nature Conservancy

This global environmental nonprofit works to protect lands and waters through land acquisition and scientific research.

Western Resource Advocates

The organization focuses on protecting the environment and public health in the interior American West.

Environmental Defense Action Fund

This entity acts as the advocacy and political arm of the Environmental Defense Fund to promote climate-friendly policies.

The details

The pro-Proposition 137 campaign has received significant financial backing from organizations including the Environmental Defense Action Fund and The Fund for a Better Future. These funds are designated for creating a substantial pool of capital for state-wide conservation efforts.

Mid-September 2026: The campaign began its advertising expenditures.
October 19, 2026: Campaigns filed their most recent updated financial reports.

Market Landscape

This ballot measure reflects a broader industry trend where environmental groups heavily capitalize political campaigns to secure public funding for conservation. It positions these organizations as primary competitors for influence against traditional fiscal conservative interests in Colorado state policy.

Residents may see their Taxpayer Bill of Rights refunds reduced by $26 to $83 if the measure passes. This direct impact on household budgets is a primary trade-off voters are considering alongside the goal of creating a $175 million conservation fund.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific fiscal implications for their own tax brackets alongside the stated conservation goals. Monitoring financial report updates can offer insight into which advocacy priorities are gaining the most traction before the final vote.