Governor Jared Polis announced last week that he has nominated the Pueblo Chile to be featured on Colorado's 2028 American Innovation Coin, drawing praise from elected officials and community leaders across the Pueblo region.

The nomination would place the iconic pepper — long regarded as a symbol of Southern Colorado's agricultural heritage — on a nationally circulated commemorative coin. Pueblo Chile farmers, growers associations, and state legislators welcomed the announcement.

"As a Pueblo Chile farmer, this selection is something to celebrate. The Pueblo Chile is part of our identity, and I'm excited to share our iconic chile pepper with the rest of our country. I look forward to seeing the final design that highlights Pueblo's famous agriculture industry, Colorado history and the people who work tirelessly to put Pueblo Chiles on our tables," said Representative Tisha Mauro (HD-46).

"This is a well-deserved spotlight on the Pueblo community and the hardworking people who have carried on the tradition of growing Colorado's iconic Pueblo Chiles. The Pueblo Chile is one of the most notable agricultural products in our state and is a major economic driver for Southern Colorado. From salsas and hot sauces to beer, the Pueblo Chile is a versatile food that is essential to our economy and helps put Pueblo on the map nationally," said Representative Matthew Martinez (HD-62).

"What better way to recognize Colorado's contribution to American heritage and innovation than the iconic, unrivaled Pueblo chile?" said Senator Nick Hinrichsen (South Dakota-3). "Pueblo's unique climate and soil composition create the perfect incubator for some of the best culinary and agricultural exports our state has to offer. I'm thrilled that Governor Polis has decided to represent Colorado with this esteemed pepper."

"I am ecstatic that Governor Polis has nominated the Pueblo Chili for the Innovation Coin in 2028 this recognizes the tremendous role that agriculture plays in the economy of Pueblo and the surrounding area," said Former Pueblo Mayor Nicholas Gradisar.

"Having a Pueblo chile-inspired quarter minted is a monumental victory and a historic tribute to the agricultural legacy of Pueblo, Colorado. This coin represents the generations of local farming families on the St. Charles Mesa and across the Arkansas Valley whose grit and passion transformed a single pepper into a national culinary icon. For our community and the Pueblo Chile Growers Association, this coin is a symbol of profound hometown pride. It permanently elevates Pueblo's cultural identity into a timeless piece of American history that will be carried in the pockets of millions for generations to come," said Donielle Kitzman, VP Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Pueblo Chile Growers Association.

"Michelle Lujan Grisham has spent years saying New Mexico chile is better. Now she'll have Pueblo chile in her pocket. New Mexico can keep arguing, but we'll point to the coin. Sometimes you have to know when you've lost the toss. And if she still needs convincing, we'll save her a Pueblo slopper — smothered in the country's best green chile, of course," said Sal Pace, former Pueblo County Commissioner and Former Colorado House Minority Leader representing Pueblo.

"Pueblo is at the center of agricultural excellence, and I am thrilled that our beloved Pueblo Chile will be proudly displayed on Colorado's 2028 American Innovation Coin. For generations, the Pueblo Chile has been a symbol of resilience, community, and strength in Southern Colorado and I look forward to the entire nation getting to celebrate the legacy and future of the superior Pueblo Chile," said Daneya Esgar, former Majority Leader and Pueblo County Commissioner.