June 17, 2022

DENVER—The Colorado PERA Board of Trustees today approved the release of PERA’s 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The ACFR is a detailed report of PERA’s investment performance, funded status and membership information for the 2021 calendar year.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, the total fund’s investment portfolio earned a return of 16.1% net of fees. The total fund was valued at $65.6 billion compared to $58.3 billion at the end of 2020.

“While 2021 was a strong year financially, investment performance is just one factor among many that determine how much progress PERA is making toward its goal of full funding,” said PERA Executive Director Ron Baker. “Other factors, such as the economy, workforce changes, and demographics also play a major role, and it’s vital that we continue to monitor and measure those factors and react to any changes to keep PERA on track.”

The package of PERA reforms enacted under Senate Bill 200 in 2018 included an automatic adjustment provision that adjusts benefits and contributions to keep PERA on-track to reach full funding. That calculation is made on an annual basis, to take effect the following year. Based on 2021’s financial results, adjustments will not be needed in 2023.

PERA’s ACFR is available online here. Highlights from the ACFR are also available in an interactive format here.

Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to nearly 650,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado’s economy, distributing more than $4.3 billion in 2021 to more than 110,000 retirees who live in Colorado.

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