Providing Retirement Security for Colorado

October is National Retirement Security Month, and as we wrap up the month, we’re reflecting on how PERA has enabled generations of Coloradans who serve their communities to retire with dignity and peace of mind.

The state of retirement

Surveys often find workers who save for retirement on their own struggle to save enough to support their retirement goals. A recent survey by Schroders found more than 80 percent of workers with an employer-based retirement plan worry about outliving their savings, while more than half fear losing too much money if the stock market drops.

Social Security also faces an uncertain future; the latest forecasts show its trust funds are likely to run out of money in less than a decade, which would lead to future reductions in benefits unless Congress takes action.

PERA, however, is on a clear path. With continued support from the State of Colorado, we expect to reach full funding by 2048, a goal that reflects both our responsibility to our members and our long-term planning discipline. 

Pensions and retirement security

The value of a defined benefit plan—also known as a pension—is in the name: it defines what your benefit will be. A PERA member can calculate their retirement income from the day they’re hired because they know the factors that determine it—age, salary, and length of service. There’s no guesswork about how much to save, how to invest it, or when to withdraw. And most importantly, that income is guaranteed for life, no matter what happens in the stock market.

Retirement security is also economic security: When retirees spend their income—on groceries, housing, health care, and other goods and services—they’re supporting Colorado businesses and jobs. 

In 2023, PERA paid $4.56 billion to more than 114,000 retirees living in Colorado. According to an analysis by Boulder-based Pacey Nehls Economic Consulting, those benefit payments resulted in $7.1 billion in total economic output and supported 28,525 jobs. Retirees also paid nearly $382 million in local and state taxes on those benefits, helping support public services that make Colorado a great place to live. 

How can I promote retirement security?

PERA’s Ambassador Program engages members in the retirement security conversation by sharing the value of PERA to all of Colorado. You can sign up for the Ambassador mailing list to stay in the loop and be notified of any potential legislative changes that might affect PERA, as well as lend your voice to the conversation.

We love to hear from PERA members and retirees who have dedicated their careers to serving Colorado. Browse member stories and fill out our form to share your own PERA story with us.

In addition, independent member and retiree groups like Secure PERA advocate for strengthening and protecting retirement security for Colorado’s public employees. The National Public Pension Coalition does the same on a national scale.

Providing retirement security is what we at PERA have been doing for 94 years, and we plan to continue that work for many more generations to come. Colorado’s public employees deserve it. 

RELATED:

• How Private Equity Helps Us Secure Public Employee Retirement
• Study Confirms PERA a Valuable Tool for Recruiting, Retaining Public Workers