Against the backdrop of changing demographics and economic landscapes, the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s regional forum in Craig served as a catalyst for community-driven initiatives and state-supported programs aimed at revitalizing Northwest Colorado.

The Wednesday, March 5 event at Colorado Northwestern Community College brought together dozens of stakeholders from across the state to exchange ideas and solutions for regional economic challenges, collaborate on initiatives to enhance local resilience and innovation, and discuss strategies for sustainable economic growth.

The one-day event, presented by the Colorado Secretary of State and sponsored in part by the CSU Extension Office, the Colorado Food Summit and Xcel Energy, was attended by farmers, ranchers, nonprofit partners, educators, elected officials and students alike. 

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Opening remarks included those from Kim Woodworth, executive director of the Economic Development Council of Colorado, and Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, who explained how economic development is a balance of people, place, and business and industry strategies.

Lieberman described the region as being at an “inflection point” and referenced the closing of power plants in Craig and Hayden. 

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Lieberman went on to discuss a few of the over 100 programs and funding opportunities the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade offers, including the CHIPS Community Support Program, which provides funding to communities to develop semiconductor and advanced industry ecosystems; the Freight Rail Tax Credit, which incentivizes freight-dependent businesses’ use of certain rail lines in the state; and the Rural Jump-Start Tax Credit, which helps businesses start or move into economically distressed communities and hire employees. 

“This area is not just adapting to change,” Lieberman said. “It’s creating a vision for the future with a purpose.”

Kate Watkins, state demographer with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, gave a comprehensive overview of the demographics of the area, both statewide and in the three counties that comprise Northwest Colorado. 

While population declines are expected in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, she said, Routt County is projected to see population growth. Similarly, while employment has stabilized in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, the state expects continued job growth and diversification in Routt County. 

In Routt County, the 65-plus age demographic is expected to grow the most. A faster-growing population of retirees matters, she explained, because it leads to tighter labor markets and shifts in demand for goods and services. She discussed the significance of balancing strategic growth and strategic shrinkage to address this, especially given that eldercare can dampen labor force participation. 

Jeff Engell, western extension regional specialist at CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension, moderated a panel, “Building a Thriving Business Ecosystem,” exploring the ways that fostering entrepreneurship can drive economic diversification, job creation and community revitalization in rural areas.

“Communities have programs, personnel and funding, but rarely all three at the same time,” said panelist Brittany Romano, executive director of StartUp Colorado, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in 53 rural counties statewide. StartUp Colorado offers a four-week accelerator program, pitch competition and an advisor network. 

Included on the panel was Jennifer Pieroni, founder and executive director of Harmonie House, an organization that fills the regional gap in servicing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

In addition to winning the Craig Business Plan Competition last year, an initiative Pieroni strongly encourages all new local entrepreneurs to participate in, she also applied for and was accepted into Rural Jump-Start.

“Taking advantage of all these programs has elevated us to a level I didn’t even know existed,” she said Pieroni urged attendees to look into the numerous existing programs already available through the state, such as those offered through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

A panel titled, “Food System Resilience,” was moderated by Dawn Thilmany, co-director, CSU Regional Economic Development Institute and CSU professor, agricultural and resource economics.

Panelist Debbie Fitch, owner of Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Co. in Craig, discussed the value of local resilience and longevity. To achieve that, she emphasized the need for businesses in rural communities to “communicate to collaborate.”