Economic Development Alliance

Business Webinar: Learn about ICHRAs
2025-10-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Zoom
Join us on Friday, October 24 at noon for a short online webinar about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or ICHRAs. This health insurance option helps businesses manage costs and lets employees choose the plan that works best for them.
Local insurance experts Merida Odiorne, Kristin Hoff, and Kevin Heckman will explain how ICHRAs work and help you decide if they’re a good fit for your business.
Register here
Hosted by Local First with support from the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Durango Chamber of Commerce, and Peak Health Alliance.

Investor Member Meeting
2025-10-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
Our monthly meeting is taking place tomorrow, October 14th — and as always it’s open to the public! Join us at the Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation to catch up on the workforce, economic, and community developments shaping our region.
This month we’ll hear from:

Randy Black, Chief of Durango Fire, will talk about Ballot Measures 2A & 7A and what they mean for maintaining emergency services.
Matt Salka, La Plata County Commissioner, will discuss Ballot Measure 1A and its long-term impact on county services.
Jeff Susor, Executive Director of The Powerhouse, joins us to share the organization’s new strategic direction and plan for the next chapter.
Symone Massey, Market President at Vectra Bank, will give an updates on their SBA loan program.

Meetings can also be attended via Zoom.
Our Alliance Investor Member Meetings are monthly meetings where the Alliance and our key partners provide information on significant economic development progress in La Plata County. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month at the FLC Center for Innovation at the Durango Downtown Mall. All meetings are begin at 8:00 AM with doors opening at 7:30 AM.

2025 Alliance Summit
2025-09-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Sky Ute Casino, 14324 CO-172, Ignacio, CO, 81137, United States
The 2025 Alliance Summit invites you to explore this year’s theme: Rooted in Community. As we gather at the heart of Southwest Colorado, we will delve into the unique strengths of our region, celebrate the resilience of our communities, and walk away with tools that deepen our collective efforts to support a thriving La Plata County.
Sponsorship Opportunities available! Learn more here.

Investor Member Meeting
2025-08-12 08:00 - 09:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
The Alliance Investor Monthly meeting is taking place Tuesday morning, August 12th — and as always it’s open to the public! Join us at the Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation to catch up on the workforce, economic, and community developments shaping our region.
This month we’ll hear from:

Michael French, Chief Prosperity Officer at the City of Durango
Michelle Joy Abrams, Executive Director at USDA La Plata & Archuleta County Office
Michelle Lucero, Strategic Advisor of Children’s Hospital Colorado & 2025 Alliance Summit Keynote Speaker
Jeff Dickerson from the Leavitt Group

Doors open at 7:30 AM for coffee, pastries and early morning conversation (after you’re properly caffeinated). Meeting starts at 8:00 AM.
Meetings can also be attended via Zoom. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month at the FLC Center for Innovation at the Durango Downtown Mall. All meetings begin at 8:00 AM with doors opening at 7:30 AM.

RHA Board Meeting
2025-07-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Durango Chamber of Commerce, 2301 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81301, United States
July Meeting Change: To accommodate schedules of all board members and have a quorum for regular business, the July Board meeting will take place on Thursday, July 17th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at 2301 Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado.
The Regional Housing Alliance Board of Directors convenes every second Thursday of the month from 2:00 –
4:00 pm. These public meetings provide updates on housing initiatives and decisions that impact our community. Join
us in-person or via Zoom.

Investor Member Meeting
2025-07-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
Join us on July 8th for the Alliance Investor Member Meeting. All are welcome to the FLC Center for Innovation at 8AM to stay informed on the workforce, economic, and community developments shaping our region.
Speakers this month:
– Heather Shotton, President of Fort Lewis College
– Updates from Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
– Randy Black, Chief of Durango Fire Protection District
– Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman of Southern Ute Tribal Council
See you there!
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Our Alliance Investor Member Meetings are monthly meetings where the Alliance and our key partners provide information on
significant economic development progress in La Plata County. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month
at the FLC Center for Innovation at the Durango Downtown Mall. All meetings begin at 8:00 AM with doors opening at
7:30 AM. Meetings can also be attended via Zoom.

RHA Board Meeting
2025-06-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Durango Chamber of Commerce, 2301 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81301, United States
The Regional Housing Alliance Board of Directors convenes every second Thursday of the month from 2:00 –
4:00 pm. These public meetings provide updates on housing initiatives and decisions that impact our community. Join
us in-person or via Zoom.

South Central Regional Talent Summit
2025-05-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO, 81301, United States
Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) will host Regional Talent Summits across the state from February to June 2025. These 7 Summits will convene key industry leaders to develop regional workforce plans that will shape Colorado’s workforce strategy over the next five years. To ensure ongoing accountability, annual progress reports will be published in the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report through 2030.
La Plata Economic Development Alliance, in collaboration with Fort Lewis College and the Attainment Network will host the fifth Summit for the South Central Region. The industry focus of this gathering will be Agriculture, Healthcare, and Technology. These convenings are invitation-only to foster an intimate dialogue among key industry leaders.
If you are interested in contributing to these collaborative regional workforce development efforts after the summits occur, OEDIT encourages you to complete the Workforce Development Interest Survey.
Summit #5: South Central Region
Counties: Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan
Host: La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Fort Lewis College, The Attainment Network
Industries: Agriculture, Healthcare, Technology
Date: May 16, 2025
Location: Fort Lewis College

Investor Member Meeting
2025-05-13 08:00 - 09:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
Our Alliance Investor Member Meetings are monthly meetings where the Alliance and our key partners provide information on significant economic development progress in La Plata County.
Join us Tuesday, May 13, at 8:00 AM at the FLC Center for Innovation to stay informed on workforce, economic, and community developments shaping La Plata County.
We’re looking forward to presentation by CommonSpirit Mercy, San Juan Mountain Association and more!
All meetings begin at 8:00 AM with doors opening at 7:30 AM with coffee and breakfast pastries served. Meetings can also be attended via Zoom.

Webinar: Catalyst Fund 101
2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | CO
Catalyst Fund 101 WebinarTuesday, April 23 | 10:00 AM | ZoomRegister to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7izD4H8ZR0Ow3XWxstf4Nw
If you’re working on a below-market housing development, or thinking about starting one, join us for a Housing Catalyst Fund 101 Webinar.
The Housing Catalyst Fund is managed by the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and supports predevelopment work: environmental reports, site studies, engineering, legal fees, and other costs that often keep good projects from moving forward. Awards range from $25,000 to $75,000.
Our team will walk through how the fund works, who can apply, and what types of early-stage costs are eligible for support. Expect a practical breakdown of what’s needed to submit a strong application and what to expect after you hit “send.”
Some topics we’ll cover:

What makes a project eligible
What the fund actually pays for
How much you can apply for
What to include in your application

Round 5 is now open. Applications are due May 16. Decisions will be announced June 30.
Join us on April 23 to get the details and ask your questions.

Investor Member Meeting
2025-04-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
Our Alliance Investor Member Meetings are monthly meetings where the Alliance and our key partners provide information on
significant economic development progress in La Plata County. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month
at the FLC Center for Innovation at the Durango Downtown Mall. Doors open at 7:30 AM—come early, grab a cup of Desert Sun Coffee, enjoy some breakfast pastries, and connect with leaders from across industries.
Join us for the month of April!

Nina Lundstrom, Get to know Maria’s Literary Foundation
Lynn Hyde, La Plata County Colorado – Updates from the Director of Community Development
Briggen Wrinkle, What’s new with Community Foundation serving SW CO
Brief presentation on the RHA Housing Summit and more!

Meetings can also be attended via Zoom.

Public Presentation - Childcare Strategic Investment Plan
2025-03-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Durango Public Library, 1900 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO, 81301, United States
Join us on March 12th at the Durango Public Library for a public presentation on the La Plata Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan—a $20 million framework designed to expand access to childcare, support early childhood educators, and strengthen the local economy.
Developed in partnership with the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County, City of Durango, and Regional Housing Alliance, and informed by over 300 community members, this plan provides a data-driven approach to addressing La Plata County’s childcare shortage. Key components include:

Market & Economic Analysis – Assessing current gaps and financial impact.
Case Studies – Learning from successful models in other communities.
Targeted Solutions – Expanding capacity, improving wages, and funding infrastructure.
Implementation Plan – A roadmap for sustainable, long-term change.

Be part of the conversation! Learn how our community is coming together to create meaningful, lasting solutions, and share your input to help shape the next steps.

Investor Member Meeting
2025-03-11 08:00 - 09:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
Set those calendar reminders! Join us on March 11th 8:00 am at the FLC Center for Innovation for insights from across the County.
Topics and speakers include:

Livable Wage Report from Heather Otter at Region 9 Economic Development Dist. of SW Colorado
Work-Based Learning Programs with Clara Raley, MBA at Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative
Get to know La Plata Electric Association’s new CEO, Chris Hansen
Brief insights into the 2A Ballot initiative for City of Durango’s April 1st election.

Doors open at 7:30 am, with coffee and pastries served!
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Our Alliance Investor Member Meetings are monthly meetings where the Alliance and our key partners provide information on significant economic development progress in La Plata County. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month
at the FLC Center for Innovation at the Durango Downtown Mall. All meetings begin at 8:00 AM with doors opening at
7:30 AM. Meetings can also be attended via Zoom.

Investor Member Meeting | Now at 9am
2025-02-11 09:00 - 10:00 | Center for Innovation,, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO, 81391, United States
Now at 9am! Our Alliance Investor Member Meetings are monthly meetings where the Alliance and our key partners provide information on
significant economic development progress in La Plata County. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month
at the FLC Center for Innovation at the Durango Downtown Mall. All meetings begin at 9:00 AM with doors opening at
8:30 AM. Meetings can also be attended via Zoom.
