Southwest Colorado Liveable Wage Report

Region 9 Economic Development District released its Livable Wage Report in February. The report found that livable wage varies by geographic location. In Region 9, Montezuma County is the least expensive ($91,519 annually), and Archuleta County is the most expensive place to live ($105,919 annually) for a family of four.  Using housing costs specific to

New URA Likely in Durango

A new urban renewal area is getting closer to fruition at Durango Crossings. Durango Renewal Partnership is moving towards a URA at Florida Road and CR 250, where the proposed Durango Crossings project is forecasted to have more than 150 residential units. It’s envisioned to have at least 80% priced at or below 120% AMI,

LPC Land Use Code Update

La Plata County is amending its Land Use Code to align with new state laws regarding family occupancy and tribal consultation. HB24-1007: The County can no longer limit the number of people living together in a single dwelling based on familial relationships, requiring updates to related code language. SB24-212: The County must consult with the

LPC Community Development in 2024

Community Development gave the LPC Commissioners an annual report for 2024. According to Senior Planner Dan Armentano, more permit applications were concluded in 2024 than the number received. Right now, 15 are awaiting a planner assignment, which is more than they hope for, but better than it used to be. Director Lynn Hyde noted the

Economic Alliance Report on Childcare

Sarah Tober, Executive Director of the Economic Development Alliance, told La Plata County Board of County Commissioners that childcare is a top issue of the local workforce. In presenting the findings of the recently released Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, she said 60% of employers have lost employees because of it. Heather Hawk, the Executive

Durango Affordable Housing Update

● Residences at Durango will bring on 72 affordable housing units expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of January. The first phase of the project involved renovation converting the old Best Western motel located at 21382 US Highway 160 into 44 studio apartments, 27 one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom apartment. The second

January Update on the Colorado Legislative Session

● The Colorado Legislative session began January 8th. ● Democratic Sen. James Coleman of Denver officially took the gavel as Senate president. In the House, Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, was selected again as speaker. Southern Ute Chairman Melvin J. Baker was invited by President of the Senate, James Coleman to provide remarks during

Durango Election Info and State Governor’s Race

Governor’s Race ● Current Governor Jared Polis is term-limited. ● On January 2nd, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) announced his plans to run for Governor. Attorney general is Weiser’s first elected office. He previously served as dean of the University of Colorado law school. Durango Election ● Three seats are up for grabs in

2024 Grant Recipients

Boys & Girls Club of LPC https://bgclaplata.org/ IAM MUSIC – https://iammusic.us/ The Hive DGO – https://www.thehivedgo.org/ Durango Pregnancy Center  –  https://www.durangopregnancy.com/ Sexual Assault Services Organization – https://www.durangosaso.org/ Alternative Horizons – https://alternativehorizons.org/ La Plata Family Centers Coalition – https://lpfcc.org/ Grief Center of Southwest Colorado – https://www.griefcenterswco.org/ Neighbors in Need Alliance – https://www.ninadurango.org/ Housing Solutions for the