After several years of infrastructure investment, Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado is shifting its focus to business growth, entrepreneurship and economic diversification across the region.
This is according to Region 9 EDD’s Shak Powers, a lifelong Montezuma County resident and former county administrator, who was recently promoted to the organization’s deputy director role.
Powers cited several challenges: drought-related stress on regional farmland and agriculture, a decline in oil and gas activity in La Plata and Montezuma counties, recent flooding in Pagosa Springs and Vallecito, and reduced tourism at Mesa Verde due to the federal government shutdown.
He said the district is seeing a slowdown in local economies and facing significant challenges.
“However, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. Entrepreneurs are responding to real local needs with local solutions that will help drive our economy forward,” Powers said. “Housing is a great example. Companies like Higher Purpose Homes, Timber Age and Jiffy Block are scaling up to meet the demand for attainable housing.”
Powers has served as the district’s regional projects manager for the past three years, leading housing, broadband access and transportation initiatives. He succeeds Brian Rose, who is returning to the private sector after over seven years with the organization.
“Brian has been an anchor for our team and for communities across the region,” Powers said. “He leaves big shoes to fill.”
In his new role, Powers said his priority is to support Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino, staff and regional governments.
“My focus will be on strengthening internal systems, supporting staff capacity and making sure our projects deliver value to the entire region,” he said.
Powers said infrastructure funding received in recent years has laid the foundation for the next phase of economic development. Key investments include:
Region 9 communities received $35.6 million in Capital Project Funds for six broadband projects, representing 31.5% of all CPF funds awarded statewide.
Those builds are expected to supply and connect 5,400 homes in Montezuma, Archuleta and La Plata counties, as well as the Southern Ute Reservation.
Additional funding through the Colorado Broadband Office’s BEAD program, Powers said, totals $87.9 million in federal funding, alongside $32 million in local matching contributions and $27.5 million in state matches.
Workforce training programs, such as three broadband fiber installation trainings in Pagosa Springs, Cortez and Durango, are providing support for construction and maintenance of new infrastructure.
