Louise Snodgrass, Author at Economic Development Alliance https://yeslpc.com/author/louiseyeslpc-com/ Live. Work. Learn. Play. La Plata. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:53:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Durango Herald: La Plata Economic Development Alliance advances workforce housing, child care efforts https://yeslpc.com/advancing-housing-childcare/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:42:14 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20658 Durango Herald highlights the Economic Alliance work to develop affordable housing and childcare. Read the full article.

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Durango Herald Writes: La Plata Economic Development Alliance advances workforce housing, child care efforts

In a recent front-page article, the Durango Herald highlights the efforts of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. At a City Council presentation, executive director Sarah Tober, presented recent efforts to advance affordable housing and expand childcare access.


Through strategic, data-driven economic development efforts, the Alliance is committed to strengthening La Plata County’s economy by addressing critical gaps in essential infrastructure such as housing, child care, and workforce education.

To learn more about the work of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, you can read our 2025 Annual Report.


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2025 Annual Report



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]]> Newsline: Alliance delivers $1M into economy https://yeslpc.com/newsline-2025-alliance-investment/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:40:35 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20591 Executive Director, Sarah Tober, details the 2025 impact of the Alliance.

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Sarah Tober writes: Alliance delivers 10x return, investing over $1M into local economy

Economic development in La Plata County can look like many things. It looks like unlocking key funding to develop attainable housing. It looks like building local business capacity by addressing the key challenges that stifle growth. It looks like strengthening workforce skills through industry-led career training and targeting gaps in our talent pipelines.

In this Opinion column, published in the Durango Herald on March 18th, 2026 the Executive Director of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance details the impact the organization has made on the local economy in 2025.


In 2025, the La Plata Economic Development Alliance measured our return on investment for our membership at 10x to the community. More than $1M invested in La Plata County reflects our commitment to three interconnected mission pillars — attainable housing, early childcare, and workforce development — woven into the fabric of our community’s economy.

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2026 is another opportunity to build a more vibrant and resilient economy. In the first few months of the year, the Alliance has launched an Economic Feasibility Study for light-industrial possibilities at the Animas Airpark, launched an Internship Funding program, and created two new industry-led microcredential supporting career development.

We welcome feedback on how we can help make our economy more prosperous and our community more resilient.The Alliance’s monthly Investor Member meeting is a forum to discuss community priorities, bringing together public, private, and philanthropic partners to shape our economic direction.



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]]> Durango Herald: Will Animas Air Park Development Take Off? https://yeslpc.com/herald-animas-airpark/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:55:42 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20553 Durango Herald highlights the joint economic feasibility study that is underway for Animas Air Park located in Durango, Colorado. Read the full article.

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Durango Herald Writes: Will Animas Air Park Development Finally Take Off?

In a recent front-page article, the Durango Herald covered the launch of a joint feasibility study evaluating the development potential of Animas Air Park south of Durango, Colorado. The study, supported by the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and regional partners, will analyze potential tax revenue, job creation, infrastructure needs, and economic benefits relative to county services and costs, with the goal of clarifying “what development is possible — and what it would take to make it happen.”


A major focus will be clarifying development requirements. Some owners cannot expand because their properties fall out of compliance with government standards, which can depress property values and limit business flexibility.

The study aims to compile a definitive list of requirements like access roads, turning lanes and design standards so property owners know exactly what must be met and the goal post does not keep moving, Tober said.

Infrastructure costs are another key question. Tober said analysts will examine what investments, such as a multimillion-dollar secondary road, might yield in tax base and economic activity, and whether funding should come from public sources, private sources or a combination.

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Through strategic, data-driven economic development efforts, the Alliance is committed to strengthening and diversifying La Plata County’s economy by identifying clear, collaborative pathways for responsible growth.

To learn more about the Animas Air Park feasibility study and follow its progress, read the full Durango Herald article or connect with the Alliance for updates as the study moves toward completion this June.


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]]> 2025 Annual Report https://yeslpc.com/2025-annual-report/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:27:12 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20511 Marking 25 years of advancing a vibrant economy, the La Plata Economic Development Alliance deployed $1M+ in 2025 to address housing, workforce, and business capacity in La Plata County. Read our full 2025 Annual Report to learn more.

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2025 Alliance Annual Report

In 2025, the La Plata Economic Development Alliance marked 25 years of advancing a vibrant and resilient economy in La Plata County. This milestone year reflects not only longevity, but measurable results.

As the needs of our region evolve, the Alliance’s work continues to scale in both impact and complexity. In the last year alone, the Alliance deployed $1,075,395 into workforce housing, workforce development, and business capacity initiatives. Our Catalyst Fund and Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund supported 79 below-market housing units in Durango and advanced housing progress in Bayfield and Ignacio. A $2M federal award positioned Bayfield for a new early childcare center in a community with no licensed infant care. Across Region 9, Project RUN and the Healthcare Workforce Pipeline supported 49 individuals pursuing healthcare careers, with 27 accepted into certification, graduate, or licensing programs.

The 2025 Annual Report outlines the outcomes, partnerships, and investments shaping the economic trajectory of our region. Read the full report to learn more about how the Alliance is leveraging our public-private partners to shape a vibrant, resilient La Plata.


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]]> Newsline: Growing Talent Locally https://yeslpc.com/newsline-grow-talent-locally/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:17:27 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20402 FLC Intern, Emaliah Sawyer, shares why internships are essential to strengthening La Plata County's economy.

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Emaliah Sawyer writes: “Build the workforce you wish you had.”

Durango’s biggest export isn’t craft beer or mountain views – it’s our young people. Every May, when graduates receive their diplomas, they often also pick up a one-way ticket out of town.

In this Opinion column, published in the Durango Herald on January 7, 2026, Emaliah Sawyer reflects on her experience interning with the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and makes a clear case for why internships and early-career opportunities are one of the most effective ways to strengthen our local workforce.


For young professionals and businesses alike, internships should be a high-return investment for all parties involved. They allow students to be trained early in industry-specific skills and businesses to “test drive” potential employees before committing to hiring. When businesses invest in the development of local talent who want to remain in our community, they ultimately reduce their onboarding costs over time. In a region where recruiting externally is expensive and often unsuccessful, growing talent from within is not just smart – it’s necessary.

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At the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, strengthening our regional workforce is essential to long-term economic prosperity. We are dedicated to building strong talent pipelines that connect local people to local opportunities, support early-career growth, and help businesses develop the workforce they need to succeed.

By focusing on upskilling, career pathways, and partnerships with education and employers, the Alliance works to ensure our economy can grow from within. To learn more about our current workforce development efforts, visit projectrunco.work



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]]> Southern Ute Drum: Project RUN Hones Leadership Skills for Tribal Employees https://yeslpc.com/southern-ute-drum-project-run-hones-leadership-skills-for-tribal-employees/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:57:51 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20386 The Southern Ute Drum highlights Project RUN and the 17 employees of the Southern Ute Permanent Fund who honed their leadership skills through our Leadership microcredential.

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The Southern Ute Drum Writes: Project RUN hones leadership skills for tribal employees

In an article published December 23rd, 2025, The Southern Ute Drum highlight Project RUN and the 17 employees of the Southern Ute Permanent Fund who honed their leadership skills with Project RUN’s Leadership micro-credential training.


“I went into the Project RUN cohort with every intention of honing my managerial skills while transitioning into my role as the Museum Director. I was genuinely surprised by the content that was introduced during the six weeks as I was able to learn skills relating to handling conflict and putting forth meaningful conversations with my staff.” 

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The La Plata Economic Alliance is proud of our collaboration with Fort Lewis College through the program Project RUN. By creating microcredentials for industry, by industry, Project RUN is able to strengthen local leadership development and expand opportunities for both employers and opportunity seekers in our region.
Project RUN’s Fundamentals of Leadership & Management 1: People is a six-week training designed to build the leadership capacity that a strong regional workforce depends on. Led by professional leadership coaches, the training helps participants clarify their leadership style, communicate with intention, support team accountability, and navigate workplace dynamics. The training has been offered three times, with the most recent taking place from October 15 to November 19, 2025. Project RUN hosted cohorts in Pagosa Springs, Ignacio, and Durango to ensure leadership development is available across the region.

Learn more by visiting Projectrunco.work



Full Article

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]]> Childcare Investment Fund launches with $50,000 local contribution https://yeslpc.com/childcare-fund-launch/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:33:15 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20298 The Early Childcare Investment Fund launches with first local contribution and will be matched with public revenue sources to create an additional 420 childcare slots over the next three years in La Plata County.

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Childcare Investment Fund Launches with $50,000 philanthropic contribution

Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation Challenge Public and Private Partners to Join In

The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County (ECC) has officially launched the La Plata Childcare Investment Fund with a $50,000 matching contribution from the Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation. This philanthropic gift marks the first local contribution to the fund and will be matched with public revenues such as La Plata County’s lodging tax reallocation and the City of Durango’s discretionary lodging tax.

By combining public, private, and employer investments, the Fund aims to create 420 new childcare slots over the next three years in La Plata County. In its first year, the Fund seeks to raise $2.2 million—$1.2 million dedicated to increasing wages for early childhood educators and $800,000 to expand and stabilize childcare facilities.


We believe it is important to fund early childcare education at the front end of a child’s life. These formative years are critical in getting children to learn and shape the rest of their lives.

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The La Plata Childcare Investment Fund is a key strategy within the La Plata Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, developed by ECC and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. The plan was shaped by input from over 300 community members, including most of the county’s licensed childcare providers, major employers, and local families.


Our county loses $34 million in wages annually due to childcare shortages. It is critical that our public, private, and philanthropic partners come together and invest in the clear solution this fund presents.

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The ECC, which has supported La Plata County’s early childcare system for nearly three decades, will administer the Fund. Since its founding, ECC has provided over $1 million in cash and $2.5 million in in-kind support to local childcare providers.

Community members are encouraged to read the full strategy and share feedback to help shape the future of childcare in La Plata County.

Learn more and provide comment at yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy.


Full Press Release Read the Strategy

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]]> 2024 Annual Report https://yeslpc.com/2024-annual-report/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:14:24 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19859 In 2024, the Alliance infused $1.13M into La Plata County thanks to the strength of our public-private partnerships. From advancing over 110 new housing units to expanding workforce training and launching new programs like the Rental Assistance Micro-Loan, every milestone reflects the power of collaboration. Our investor members make this work possible—building a more resilient and prosperous community, together. Read to learn more.

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2024 Annual Report

In 2024, the Alliance infused $1.13M into La Plata County thanks to the strength of our public-private partnerships and the support of our Investor Members. From expanding workforce housing and launching workforce trainings to addressing childcare access and convening nearly 400 leaders at our annual Summit, the year was defined by collaboration and community-driven impact.

Our annual report shares the stories behind the stats and the partnerships that made them possible. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of La Plata County, we invite you to explore the report and join us in the work ahead.

2024 Alliance Report-digital
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]]> Durango Herald: Community benefits from housing, child care focus https://yeslpc.com/housing-childcare-focus/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:46:50 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19847 Durango Herald highlights importance of community-first approach when addressing critical challenges, applauding our work in workforce housing and early childcare access.

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Durango Herald Writes: Community, economic growth benefits from housing, child care focus

In a recent editorial, the Durango Herald recognized the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and our partners for our strategic, community-driven approaches to solving the housing and childcare challenges our community’s face.


Addressing child care is as important as housing for economic growth. The Herald’s editorial board applauds this community-driven plan [Childcare Strategic Investment Plan] with three distinct strategies, and a $20M investment over five years, to reimagine La Plata County’s child care sector, doubling the number of child care slots for children 0-3.

Thanks to the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County, the City of Durango, La Plata County, the Town of Bayfield, the Town of Ignacio, nonprofit, philanthropic and other partners for your work in these areas. It really does take a village.

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Through our Workforce Housing Investment Strategy and Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, we are committed to expanding access and creating sustainable solutions that support families, businesses, and our regional economy.

If you are interested in learning more about the child care investment plan, attend the public meeting at the Durango Public Library on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. or review the entire plan and submit feedback at https://yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy/.



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]]> Newsline: The Hidden Cost of Childcare Gaps https://yeslpc.com/hidden-cost-childcare-gaps/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:41:32 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19831 Executive Director, Sarah Tober, details the hidden costs of our community's childcare challenges.

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Sarah Tober writes: Why Childcare? Why Now?

When we decided to tackle child care in 2024, people asked, “Why child care? Why now?” The answer? The hidden cost of our child care gaps.

In this Opinion column, published in the Durango Herald on March 2nd, 2025 the Executive Director of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance details the hidden costs of our community’s childcare challenges.


Our current child care capacity falls short, with a gap of 991 total licensed spots. Within this shortage, 576 spots are missing in licensed infant care (0–18 months), where there are only 80 licensed spots for 656 infants currently. Without intervention, our county’s early child care capacity is projected to drop below 1,000 total spots by 2030.

These shortfalls disrupt our business ecosystem and diminish our residents’ quality of life. In La Plata County, 60% of employers have reported losing staff due to child care challenges, exacerbating labor shortages and driving up recruitment costs. Meanwhile, 59% of parents report reducing their working hours or leaving the workforce entirely – resulting in La Plata County experiencing $34 million in lost wages annually.

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At the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, we’re known for tackling workforce housing and business capacity. That’s why we worked alongside the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and other key partners to develop the La Plata Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, the first county-wide initiative of its kind in Colorado.

Our plan calls for a $20M investment over five years to stabilize and expand child care access, double the number of slots available for children 0-3, and create sustainable solutions through public-private-philanthropic partnerships.

If you are interested in learning more about the child care investment plan, attend the public meeting at the Durango Public Library on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. or review the entire plan and submit feedback at https://yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy/.



Read the Full Column

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