In December of 2013, the Lake County Economic Development Corporation was formed. It is a private, membership based organization with 14 Board members and a Director. Tonight, they will be holding a community meeting at Colorado Mountain College in the Climax building, room 401 at 5:30. They will be discussing ideas for the downtown core of Leadville.
Do they have the answers to what Leadville needs as a community?
The following excerpt is from Leadville Today in December 2013, written by the Director, Nicole Thompson:
“Economic development is all about building a strong and diverse economy which leads to a stronger and healthier community for its residents and businesses. Typically when one hears “economic development” phrases like “business retention”, “business development”, “business attraction”’ “business expansion” immediately pop to mind. The LCEDC will play a key role in creating an environment where these phrases become reality-where entrepeneurs feel comfortable and confident in opening a new business and where existing businesses see viable opportunities to expand. As with any location there are challenges but there are also amazing opportunities.
LCEDC will provide assistance and services to facilitate the success of the new start up business, the struggling entrepreneur, and the existing business. This could include helping to develop an effective business plan, assisting in securing financing, monitoring and, where appropriate, suggesting modifications to existing economic policies and procedures to encourage business growth while keeping the quality of life in our community. The LCEDC will seek out creative partnerships and relationships with organizations, investors, and neighboring communities to create economic synergies that might not otherwise exist.”
What is Responsible Growth and why is it important?
Responsible Growth is defined as economic, social and environmental development that incorporates land use and resources in ways that enhance the long-term quality of life for current and future generations of Leadville residents. Responsible Growth supports a vibrant and resilient economy, preserves natural resources, and maximizes previous investments in existing infrastructure while preserving distinctive landscapes, historic structures, landmarks, and villages.
In the past, Leadville has seen it’s share of Economic Development consultants, and the skepticism of the community is shown by the passage below from Steve Voynick of the High Country News in 2003:
“I’m waiting for a consultant to come to Leadville and, before collecting his or her check and riding into the sunset, look everyone squarely in the eye and say: “Folks, you’ve got some real problems up here that building an industrial park won’t cure. You’re relatively isolated, you’ve got no railroad and lousy highways, and you’re 30 miles and two snowy passes off the interstate. You’ve got a 10,000-foot elevation, seven months of winter and a little airport that closes a lot with winter blizzards and thin, summer air.
“Frankly, it seems unlikely that you will again become what you once were. That’s not necessarily a fault of your own. It’s just that not every town is destined for successful economic transition. And if it makes you feel better, there is no shame in being smaller, or in adapting to a lower economic level.
“But don’t spend money that you don’t have chasing dreams of jetports and industrial parks. Look around you, see what you do have and what works. Build from there.”
Wow. That’s straight to the point. Is this time around different? It seems so. New businesses are arriving in town and old business are getting facelifts. Want to know what’s going on? Get involved. Go to the meeting tonight! Be a part of the solution!