A statewide nonprofit has recognized the city of Durango with two awards, including naming the city Small Community of the Year and naming a city employee Rookie of the Year.
The Economic Development Council of Colorado handed out the awards last month.
Durango Community Development Director Scott Shine said Durango was recognized as Small Community of the Year for its innovative economic leadership, collaborative economic development, urban renewal and housing incentives, and the city’s support for entrepreneurs and the creative economy.
Specifically, the city was considered for the award because of its urban renewal and innovative housing efforts, such as its Leasing for Locals subsidy voucher program for below market units.
Shine said in particular, the city was acknowledged for its “dramatic increase in arts and culture spending from $3 per capita to $29 per capita, given the lodgers tax efforts and other partnerships with the (Durango) Creative District.”
The city’s efforts supporting underserved food entrepreneurs also drew attention, he said.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of continuing to seek out the common good and to serve our entire community through cooperative and innovative programs,” Shine said last week at a Durango City Council meeting.
Tommy Crosby, city economic opportunity manager, was awarded Rookie of the Year for his work in innovative economic development initiatives, supporting the arts and the creative economy, and the city’s success with its urban renewal authority, regional collaboration and relationship-building.
cburney@durangoherald.com
