In an era where speed matters to businesses making site decisions and bringing jobs to communities, Douglas County, Colorado is taking bold steps to streamline government processes and reduce bureaucratic delays that slow economic growth. At the center of this effort is the Red Tape Reduction Commission, a new initiative spearheaded by Ellie Reynolds, President & CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

 

What Is the Red Tape Reduction Commission?

Announced in late 2025, the Red Tape Reduction Commission is a collaborative effort designed to analyze and reform permitting and approval processes that can delay business launches and expansions. The commission will bring together industry leaders, county officials, and partners to pinpoint bottlenecks in the current system and recommend actionable solutions to get companies open for business faster.

This initiative aligns with broader county goals of accelerating “speed to market,” identifying “shovel-ready” sites, and removing “burdensome and duplicative regulations.” It reflects a concerted effort to make Douglas County one of the most business-friendly places not only in Colorado, but nationally.

 

Leadership and Vision: Ellie Reynolds

At the helm of the commission is Ellie Reynolds, whose leadership has been central to shaping economic policy in Douglas County. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of reducing red tape not just as a slogan, but as a strategic tool to drive competitiveness and growth.

“Our goal for business permitting in Douglas County, for 2026, really is to be not only the most competitive place to do business in Colorado, but the leader in the nation.”
— Ellie Reynolds, Douglas County EDC CEO

Reynolds has repeatedly framed the reduction of bureaucratic delays as vital to giving businesses what they most value — reliable, predictable, and swift access to market. According to her comments to local media, the commission will “figure out what slows the process down” and work with private partners to resolve these issues collaboratively.

The Douglas County EDC’s own business-focused outreach also reinforces this priority. In a November 2025 blog post, Reynolds reiterated her commitment to cutting unnecessary red tape as a cornerstone of the county’s economic strategy — one that will make Douglas County “a destination of choice for companies looking to grow and innovate.”

 

Support from Douglas County’s Leadership

The Red Tape Reduction Commission has strong backing from County leadership. During the December 2025 State of the County event — where the commission was highlighted, all three Douglas County Commissioners publicly reaffirmed their priority of supporting local business growth:

• Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle highlighted how eliminating unnecessary barriers helps businesses “begin growing their business — and contributing to our local economy — without delay.”
• Commissioner Abe Laydon spoke to streamlining processes while maintaining public safety and quality standards.
• Commissioner George Teal emphasized speed to market as a competitive advantage for the county.

This unified public-sector commitment signals strong alignment between the EDC’s goals and county government. It also enhances confidence among local and prospective businesses that Douglas County is proactively working to lower administrative hurdles that typically slow development and job creation.

 

Why It Matters to Businesses

The conversation around red tape isn’t theoretical — site selectors and commercial developers increasingly cite permitting timelines as a key factor in location decisions. According to Reynolds, competitive permitting times — often measured in weeks in other regions — are now among the most influential factors businesses consider when choosing where to locate.

By forming a commission focused on practical solutions, Douglas County aims to:

• Enhance its attractiveness for new investors and primary employers
• Strengthen long-term economic resilience
• Create and retain high-quality jobs
• Improve predictability for business planning

This focus on process reform complements other economic initiatives in the county, including incentive programs and partnerships designed to drive broader economic development.

 

Voices from the Business Community

While direct quotes from private business leaders specifically about the Red Tape Reduction Commission are limited in press coverage so far, business community sentiment aligns with the initiative’s goals. Industry experts regularly emphasize that predictability and efficiency in government permitting are among the leading factors for successful site selection — reinforcing the commission’s strategic relevance.

Douglas County’s business-focused events and collaborations, including site selector conferences and partnerships at the state and regional level, further underline this shared priority across public and private sectors.

 

Looking Ahead

As the Red Tape Reduction Commission begins its work in 2026, Douglas County positions itself at the forefront of pro-growth policy and pragmatic reform. With committed leadership and community support, the initiative represents more than red tape cuts — it’s a model of collaboration between government and business designed to respond to the real needs of today’s economy.

For businesses looking for a community that understands the importance of efficiency, competitiveness, and responsiveness, Douglas County’s approach may set a new standard.