STATEWIDE - The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) recently awarded $780,000 for 13 projects across Colorado through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program, which aims to help rural communities diversify their local economies and build resilience.

"Colorado is proud of our growing economy and especially the role that our rural communities play in driving us forward. This support for our rural communities will help  small businesses across Colorado," said Governor Jared Polis.

"The REDI program demonstrates DOLA's commitment to Colorado rural communities," said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs. "From childcare to main street revitalization, this vital funding helps communities attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for rural Coloradans."

2025 Rural Economic Development Initiative Awards
City of Alamosa - City of Alamosa Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center - $134,030

• This project funds the workforce infrastructure component of the Alamosa Early Care Learning Center. It includes six observation rooms and a resource room to support the recruitment, training, and advancement of early childhood professionals, aiming to credential 50 new professionals by 2027 through hands-on training and professional development.

Saguache County - Saguache County Launchpad - $15,000

• This project creates the Saguache County Civics Lab ("Launchpad"), offering paid high school internships on public sector projects to build workforce skills, local engagement, and economic resilience. The goal is to have 30+ internships/job placements and increase enrollment in technical colleges, apprenticeships, and colleges by 10%.

Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC) - Moffat County Geothermal Equipment Project - $62,470

• Funding is requested for High Altitude Geothermal to purchase a skid steer for company expansion and to retain former coal miners. This project aims to diversify the region's economy by providing the first dedicated geothermal drilling service in Northwest Colorado.

Town of Lyons - Lyons Maker Space and Retail Small Business Incubator - $16,500

• This project seeks to transform the Lyons Visitors Center into a hub for local artisans and entrepreneurs, initially improving the space for retail and maker activities and culminating in a plan for a larger expansion with workshops, creation space, a retail incubator, and potentially an artist-in-residence studio.

City of Sterling - Retread Expansion Phase 3 - $100,000

• This project funds the expansion of a tire retread facility with new equipment, allowing for the repurposing of more truck tires and keeping them out of landfills, benefiting Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska and creating 8-10 new jobs.

Morgan County - Morgan County MCEDC - Morgan County Innovation Center - $87,000

• This project seeks funding to renovate the Morgan County Economic Development (MCEDC) Innovation Center into a central hub for business training, networking, and expert consultation, supporting the Roots76 Workforce Development Program and the Revolving Loan Fund.

Town of Eagle - Town of Eagle Business Advancement Program (BAP) - $100,000

• This funds a Business Assistance Program to boost sales tax revenue and revitalize commercial areas by providing financial aid to small businesses for improvements, helping them establish and grow.

San Luis Valley Council of Governments (SLVCOG) - San Luis Valley Economic Outreach and Engagement Project - $25,000

• This project will establish a collaborative network of San Luis Valley economic development organizations and provide targeted resources to support local businesses in professional development, employee retention, and business resilience.

City of Victor - City of Victor Main Street Revitalization Initiative - $50,000

• The City of Victor, in partnership with the Victor Main Street Program, is launching a business grant program to revitalize the downtown business district through funding for façade renovations, outdoor dining areas, and public art installations.

Custer County - Custer County Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace - $100,000

• This project involves establishing a brick-and-mortar agricultural marketplace in downtown Westcliffe to directly connect local producers with residents and tourists, aiming to address economic hardship and support the region's agricultural heritage.

Town of Akron - Town of Akron Hotel Feasibility Study - $15,000

• The Town of Akron seeks funding to conduct a Hotel Feasibility Study to assess market demand, analyze economic leakage, and estimate the economic impact of a hotel, providing data to attract developers and drive long-term economic growth.

Elbert County -  Strengthening Community Spaces Study - $25,000

• The Elbert County Fairgrounds Feasibility Study aims to transform the fairgrounds into a more versatile and accessible community space. The study will comprehensively assess the current condition of the fairgrounds and identify improvements to better serve the community's diverse needs. By enhancing recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities, the project will boost local pride and stimulate economic activity, while fostering social, educational, and cultural engagement.

Kiowa County: Driver for Infrastructure Improvement and Resiliency - $50,000

• Kiowa County seeks funding to support its Economic Development Foundation by hiring a full-time director for three years. This leadership will manage the impact of incoming energy project workers by addressing infrastructure needs like housing and childcare, and by implementing economic development strategies. The director will also coordinate with regional partners to help local businesses access vital resources.

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