Sarah Tober writes: Fueling our economy. Leveraging public wealth for shared prosperity

In Southwest Colorado, when we hear the phrase “public wealth”, we often think first of our public lands and natural resources. But our shared assets extend far beyond that to include highways, bridges, water and wastewater systems, schools, public policy and the investments communities make together to create economic prosperity for communities across the Four Corners.

In this guest column, published in the Durango Herald on July 15, 2026 the Executive Director of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance details how our 19th annual Alliance Summit will explore how energy, infrastructure, business and investment shape a resilient regional economy.

When we understand what we collectively own and how we can shape our communities around shared values – including a prosperous economy and vibrant quality of life – we are better equipped to protect and strengthen those assets for future generations. The Alliance Summit provides that space to learn, listen and work together with regional leaders and subject-matter experts.

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he 19th Annual Alliance Summit, Fueling Our Economy: Leveraging Public Wealth for Shared Prosperity, will take place Sept. 10 at Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio. The Summit is designed for business owners, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, educators, students, entrepreneurs and residents interested in the future of the Four Corners economy.

Registration is now open at yeslpc.com/events/summit, where attendees can also find the full agenda and sponsorship information.

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