The 19th Annual Alliance Summit, Fueling Our Economy: Leveraging Public Wealth for Shared Prosperity, will take place Sept. 10 at Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio. The Summit is designed for business owners, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, educators, students, entrepreneurs and residents interested in the future of the Four Corners economy. Registration is now open at yeslpc.com/events/summit, where attendees can also find the full agenda and sponsorship information.
This year’s Summit will explore how energy, infrastructure, business and investment shape a resilient regional economy. Together, leaders from across the Four Corners will examine how communities can intentionally leverage public wealth and local assets to build long-term prosperity. Public wealth includes everything from our public lands and water systems to roads, schools, infrastructure and the investments communities make together.
When our team considered this year’s Summit, we wanted to better understand what is truly “fueling our economy” and how our region views public wealth. In Southwest Colorado, we often think first of our public lands and natural resources. But our shared assets extend far beyond that to include highways, bridges, water and wastewater systems, schools, public policy and the investments communities make together to create places where people and businesses can thrive.
Energy and water are central to Southwest Colorado’s economic future. Summit speakers will examine the trends and economic impacts expected over the next five to 10 years, while Colorado State Demographer Neal Marquez will present new data on population change, workforce needs and business growth. Together, those conversations point to one of our region’s greatest challenges: attracting and retaining young workers and families by expanding access to attainable housing and early childhood care.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, U.S. national wealth grew from $69 trillion to $153 trillion between 2012 and 2021. That shared wealth consists of household assets, corporate wealth and government-owned land and infrastructure. Another Summit keynote speaker, Theo Wilson, explores through powerful storytelling how historical housing and economic policies continue to shape opportunity today. His perspective on the history of American public wealth and economic systems challenges audiences to think differently about housing, opportunity and shared prosperity.
The Alliance Summit has become the Four Corners’ signature gathering for leaders shaping the future of our regional economy. Prompted by a Visit Durango/city of Durango marketing grant, the Alliance now measures the event’s economic impact each year. Last year’s Summit welcomed 350 attendees, including executive leaders from throughout the region, and generated more than $41,000 in direct spending with local businesses. When a local CEO told me the Summit is where her team has conversations they would not normally have – and that everyone leaves inspired – it reinforced why this regional event continues to matter.
Whether you are interested in public policy, economic development or community leadership, the Alliance strives to offer something for everyone. We are especially excited to welcome Kyla Scanlon, Gen Z economist and author of “In This Economy?” The first 100 registered attendees will receive a complimentary copy of her book, and she will sign books after her presentation. Her insights into today’s economy are sure to resonate with Fort Lewis College students, young professionals and anyone seeking to better understand the forces shaping our financial future.
When we understand what we collectively own and how we can shape our communities around shared values – including a prosperous economy and vibrant quality of life – we are better equipped to protect and strengthen those assets for future generations. The Alliance Summit provides that space to learn, listen and work together with regional leaders and subject-matter experts.
Registration is now open at yeslpc.com/events/summit. We hope you’ll join us Sept. 10 as we explore how Southwest Colorado can build a stronger regional economy together.
Sarah Tober is executive director of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance.