I’m delighted to share some extraordinary news: Governor Jared Polis and the other living Colorado governors have selected Laura Frank, COLab’s founding executive director, to receive the Governor’s Citizenship Medal for Public Service — the state’s highest honor for civic leadership and service.

This award recognizes individuals who have strengthened the very civic fabric of our state. It’s hard to imagine anyone who embodies that more than Laura.

A Colorado native and former investigative reporter, Laura spent decades telling stories that held power to account and gave voice to everyday Coloradans. When she saw local newsrooms struggling, she helped rally others who believed collaboration could make a difference. That spirit became COLab — a network now linking nearly 200 news outlets statewide.

As a longtime journalist myself, I can tell you that what Laura and COLab are doing is nothing short of transformational. They are rebuilding trust, innovation and civic connection at a moment when those things matter most.

When she found out she was being awarded this medal, Laura said she was “stunned…and really, really moved…To see journalism honored for public service means so much. This award really belongs to all the people who work so hard to keep their neighbors informed every day.”

Please join me in celebrating this well-deserved honor and in recognizing what it represents: a Colorado where strong local news strengthens all of us.

With pride and gratitude,

Judy Muller
Chair, Board of Directors
Colorado News Collaborative (COLab)

P.S. The Governor’s Citizenship Medal ceremony will take place later this month. If you’d like to honor Laura’s achievement, you can do so by supporting COLab’s work to help local news outlets keep Colorado informed and connected.

This post was sent as a letter to our email subscribers on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Join our email list to learn more about COLab and the work we are doing.