On February 4th, 2021 Rep. Donald Valdez convened with Governor Polis, members of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and other community members to discuss economic development in Southern and Rural Colorado.
Governor Jared Polis joined us to share some information about his “Recovery and Beyond” plan for Colorado. This program will include a focus on rural areas on their road to recover from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Polis says he plans on investing in infrastructure in rural Colorado, getting funding to businesses in rural areas, improving outdoor areas and main streets, helping to keep schools open, providing tax relief, and expanding broadband to the most rural areas of the state. The Governor also mentioned that he recognizes the unique challenges rural Coloradans face when trying to access healthcare. There are fewer choices with higher prices. We are optimistic that the Governor’s words and actions will lead rural Colorado to a bright future with renewed opportunity and prosperity.
Glen Plagens from OEDIT joined our zoom call to share some very important resources that have been designed with rural colorado in mind. OEDIT has been working on a website where individuals and business owners can easily find links to resources like PPP grants and loans. There will also be a hotline available for business owners to set up free one-on-one consultations with experts. OEDIT is also working on a program specifically for rural colorado which would provide rural education programs, rural technical assistance, and rural technical implementation to aid with things like remote work and accessing newly available funds and resources.
Other individuals on this zoom call, including members of Action 22 and the Board of Pueblo County Commissioners expressed a need for more state involvement on economic issues. There needs to be a definitive investment in rural Colorado for meaningful recovery and sustained economic development.
Overall it was refreshing and encouraging to hear from a range of concerned people across our state about what action is being taken to uplift rural Colorado and what further steps need to be taken to support and enhance our rural communities.
