Who We Are

Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) provides retirement and other benefits to the employees of more than 500 government agencies and public entities in the state of Colorado. Established by state law in 1931, PERA operates by authority of the Colorado General Assembly and is administered under Title 24, Article 51 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. In accordance with its duty to administer PERA, the Board of Trustees has the authority to adopt and revise Rules in accordance with state statutes.

Members of PERA include employees of the Colorado state government, public school teachers in the state, many university and college employees, judges, many employees of cities and towns, State Troopers, and the employees of many other public entities.

PERA is a substitute for Social Security for most of these public employees. Benefits are pre-funded, which means while a member is working, he or she is required to contribute a fixed percentage of their salary to the retirement trust funds. Employers also contribute a percentage of pay to the trust fund.

The trust funds are then invested by PERA under the direction of the Board of Trustees. PERA's investment strategy uses actuarially established investment objectives with long-term goals and policies.

PERA Mission and Vision Statements

Mission

To provide retirement security for our members while ensuring the sustainability of the fund.

Vision

To innovate and build on a tradition of service by being a trusted partner in order to meet the changing needs of our diverse membership.

Guiding Principles:

• Be good stewards by emphasizing sustainability in all operations.
• Serve member needs by delivering quality service and performance amid changing environments and expectations.
• Build strong relationships and deepen trust among all stakeholders by exercising good governance, valuing transparency, upholding ethical conduct, enhancing communications, and providing excellent customer service.