On any given day during the 120 days of the Colorado Legislation Session, Joel Malecka can be found at the Colorado State Capitol navigating the halls of the golden dome, meeting with lawmakers, and poring over the fine print of newly introduced bills. As the Director of Government Affairs for the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), he brings with him not only years of experience but also the weight of responsibility for advancing the department's legislative and budget priorities that shape public safety policy in Colorado.
“My team is the tip of the spear to support, amend, or at times oppose policy according to our Department and Governor’s position,” Malecka explained in a recent interview. “While I often defer to subject matter experts for specific talking points, my role requires that I use those talking points to help educate elected officials and earn their support for our position.”
Malecka and his team, Natalie Seils, policy analyst, and Sergeant Brandon Nathlich, Colorado State Patrol liaison, are the bridge between the Colorado General Assembly and the complex network of agencies they represent in CDPS; the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). Malecka’s role requires both strategic finesse and an unwavering focus on outcomes, and has a direct impact on the safety and well-being of every Coloradan.
“He is often our main connection legislators have to our department,” said Matthew Lunn, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We lean on his expertise to ensure legislators not only understand our priorities but see the value in them.”
For Malecka, no two days are alike. His mornings begin with legislative briefings and analyzing new bills introduced in the Colorado General Assembly. As the Director of Government Affairs, he serves as the department’s voice and advocate, championing and ensuring the agency’s legislative and budget priorities align with the Governor’s vision for public safety.
“I meet with legislators, stakeholders, and subject matter experts daily,” Malecka explains. “But it’s truly an honor to represent the remarkable public servants in CDPS and help ensure they have the funding and policies necessary to do their work.”
Each legislative session, CDPS prioritizes approximately 10-20 agenda bills and budget priorities, but the legislature has run no fewer than 75 pieces of impactful legislation in each of the last four sessions. For context, the legislature runs about 700 bills in an average session.
“Our work related to DCJ spans everything from youth violence prevention, victims services, law enforcement data, and grant management,” said Malecka. “The scope is broad, but the goal is always the same: to make Colorado’s communities safer.”
Among the initiatives Malecka has championed are the SAFER Streets grants, which enhance infrastructure in high-crime areas, and Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention Programs that bring law enforcement and community organizations together to address systemic issues.
“SAFER Streets Grants are more than just funding- they're an incitement in the well-being of our communities; address key safety concerns like improvements to street lighting in neighborhoods, enhanced training for police officers, and community-driven solutions,” said, Lunn. “These grants empower neighborhoods to thrive and ensure every resident feels secure in the places they call home”
Malecka’s legislative accomplishments read like a roadmap for a safer Colorado. In 2024, he spearheaded efforts to secure a five-year renewal of the state Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), a critical entity for public safety.
Stark differences between stakeholders had kept the sunset renewal from passing for three years. Over three months, during the renewal of this bill, Malecka facilitated discussions, identified areas of agreement, and navigated numerous impasses. The result was nearly 50 amendments to the bill. Ultimately, efforts were successful and the bill renewed the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) with some meaningful changes.
In addition to extending the SOMB bill in DCJ, “I am very proud of the work I’ve been a part of that established the Office of the Liaison for the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (OMMIR), increased funding for victims, and created several grants designed to help law enforcement train and recruit new officers,” Malecka explained.
In the 2022 session, Malecka played a pivotal role in the passage of SB22-049, which made major updates to the Victims Rights Act. Specifically, the bill added two crimes to the act, updated the rights afforded to victims, and updated procedures to ensure the rights of victims are protected. In legislation, expanding victims rights can often bump against offender rights, and SB049 was no exception. The bill required nearly the entire session to negotiate key details with offender advocacy groups and legislators concerned about the balance of justice swinging too far away from offenders.
“SB22-049 is one of my proudest accomplishments for DCJ,” Malecka said. “The criminal justice system shifted in recent years, leaving behind victim’s rights. It was rewarding, championing change for the Victim Rights Act to the current needs; giving victims a voice and better access to services. In addition, the revised bill added first degree arson and criminal invasion of privacy to the VRA Act.”
Unlike many behind-the-scenes government roles, Malecka’s position places him at the forefront of public safety advocacy. His days are packed with meetings, legislative hearings, and strategy sessions, but the results of his work are visible and historical across the state.
“I approach every interaction with lawmakers and stakeholders mindful of our department’s strong reputation and storied legacy,” he said. “It’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
As Colorado enters a new legislative session, Malecka remains focused on sustaining the progress made in recent years while addressing emerging challenges. Key priorities include securing ongoing funding for youth violence prevention and crisis intervention programs, as well as tackling the rise in illegal firearms and other pressing issues.
“I appreciate how much the Department of Public Safety prioritizes investments in crime prevention grants and community partnerships that target at-risk youth in addition to the traditional public safety work we do. Under the leadership of Director Matt Lunn, and Executive Directors Jana Locke and Stan Hilkey, I think CDPS is poised to not only address today’s challenges but also build a foundation for future generations.”
Over the past four years, Malecka’s leadership has certainly helped transform Colorado’s public safety landscape. His ability to navigate complex legislative processes, build consensus among stakeholders, and advocate for impactful programs has left an indelible mark on the state.
“The talent, leadership and commitment from the CDPS team makes me play up to match that effort. It’s a privilege to represent this department and I am so proud of the work everyone in it does to make Colorado safer.”
For Joel Malecka, the role of Director of Government Affairs is not just a job—it’s a calling. And for Colorado, it’s a call that has brought meaningful, measurable change.