Wednesday’s economic forum in Ignacio is a chance to share ideas and successes with those who want the county to have an even stronger economy that it does.
The keynote speaker, Kimber Lanning, will relay the experiences of Local First Arizona and the more livable communities it can produce, a concept which is already a strong part of Durango’s economy.
Breakout sessions will be centered on self-funded insurance, which Ska Brewing has implemented, organizational leadership and public-private partnerships.
It is the 11th annual Economic Summit organized by the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance. It takes place all day at Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, beginning at 8 a.m.
While conference content is heavy on local, as it should be, there should be plenty of side conversations about the many issues which play into making a strong economy.
Workforce housing, for one. The narrow river valley has made rents and home prices high in Durango, where many want to live. Affordable, quality child care, severely lacking in Durango as well as nationwide, jump starts economic productivity for young families.
Our air service is expensive and reliability is sometimes uncertain. That can discourage a major company headquartered elsewhere from bidding on jobs, creating or continuing a branch of its production in Southwest Colorado. Is there a fix?
Light industrial space is in very short supply. The number of permits applied for in the county has declined for thirty years (precipitously since 2011). When a firm expresses interest in expanding, relocating or starting up, permits and construction can take months, if not years, to approve. Can the permiting process be accelerated? Those close to the issue say the process should give a developer a sense of go or no go early in the process, before a lot of time and money are consumed.
And, there is the continual challenge of the city, towns and the county working together. Much more communication about areas where control and compatibility overlap is needed. County zoning would provide certainty and speed the approval process, but it is often viewed as government creating winners and losers.
Skilled positions especially may be difficult to fill because of the lack of opportunity for trailing spouses, of either gender. Today’s more and more common online connectivity offsets that to some degree, but reliable broadband remains elusive in all parts of the county.
And, how to provide and expand needed future transportation infrastructure when there is such resistance to taxes? The county’s mill levy may be fourth lowest in the state, but that fails to motivate voters to say “yes” to tax questions.
Most of the county’s business, non-profit and government leaders will be in Ignacio on Wednesday. For good reason, as all will benefit from focused conversations, new ideas and partnering for a stronger economy.
We recommend you join them.
