Improve public transportation. Adjust for a growing ethnic population. Open new lines of dialogue between communities and governments, retain the existing work force and convince residents to embrace a philosophy of economic interdependence.

These issues are only a few that comprise an ambitious list of concerns that Yampa Valley Partners is attempting to tackle throughout the ongoing “Living in a Community of Choice: Anticipating and Adapting to Changes” public forums.

Yampa Valley Partners is a nonprofit organization pledged with supporting the development of “healthy communities” in Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties. The first forum was March 9 in Hayden.

On April 7, the organization will host its second forum of the year from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Center of Craig, 600 Yampa Ave.

The theory that everyone, and everything, is intertwined and dependent on one another may sound new age to some, but for Yampa Valley Partners it’s the primary philosophy fueling the discussion series.

“We need a diverse group of people to talk to each other and realize that we’re all connected,” said Audrey Danner, executive director of the organization.

Last year, Yampa Valley Partners, in cooperation with several municipalities and organizations, released the “Community Indicators Project,” a comprehensive study of social, economic, environmental and civic trends used to measure the quality of life throughout the Yampa Valley.

Findings in the report reinforce the notion that happenings in one area have a domino effect on nearby communities.

“We believe the indicators are connected,” Danner said. “One is related to the other.”

For example, Danner said 21 percent of the Moffat County work force is employed in Routt County. Therefore, issues such as transportation arise for both counties as a priority for future planning, she said.

Another example, Danner said, is that Routt County is attracting new “location-neutral businesses” and homeowners of second residences. This influx of new wealth brings opportunity, she said.

“We have people and unprecedented dollars coming into our communities,” she said. “How do we tap into that?”

The public forums to address the concerns began in 2004 and have been highly productive, Danner said. Last year, participants began developing a process to find solutions to pressing issues.

That process includes:

Continued forums and focus groups,

A thorough communication network for the public and local officials,

Reaching out to young people,

Forming a permanent leadership group composed of key stakeholders for communication and

Long-term thinking and vision on a regional basis.

The agenda for next month’s meeting includes identifying common trends among each Yampa Valley community, re—-viewing the comprehensive plans of local cities and beginning to form a unified vision for the future of the region.

The group is slated to meet again this summer at the Depot Art Center in Steamboat Springs.

Danner said she hopes the forums will continue.

“It has to be ongoing,” Danner said. “The information will be helpful for planning.”

Josh Roberts can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 210, or at jroberts@craigdailypress.com.