ABOUT THE EDC
The Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation monitors and advocates on behalf of its members for business-friendly public policy to support the creation of a thriving, diversified year-round economy.
OUR PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS
This work is conducted in a non-political, fact-based process that leverages a 7-member Public Policy Committee of EDC board members. This Committee meets bi-weekly to review policy proposals at each of our four local jurisdications: Chaffee County, City of Salida, Town of Buena Vista, and Town of Poncha Springs. The Committee reviews proposals, forms positions, and communicates these positions back to the relevant elected officials in a timely and professional manner.
ABOUT OUR PILLARS
The Public Policy Committee weighs its engagement on proposals against their relevance to seven (7) Committee-established Public Policy Pillars, or issues of relevance to the business community broadly. For 2022/23, the Committee has chosen to engage on policy proposals related to the following topics:
WORKFORCE HOUSING
The EDC encourages policies that increase affordable/accessible housing options that benefit the workforce in Chaffee County. This may include code changes, incentive policies, tax credits and public private partnerships.
WATER & WASTEWATER
The EDC supports inter-jurisdictional, proactive water planning that is focused on
the long-term future of this valley and prioritizes funding and acquisitions that keep
the valley’s water rights under local control to keep future development and
conservation options open.
CHILDCARE & EARLY CHILDHOOD
The EDC encourages public policies and investment strategies that increase access to childcare options and early childhood education for our workforce and residents, including the efforts of private, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners.
BROADBAND
The EDC encourages efforts at the local, state and federal levels that will bring better access to affordable, reliable broadband infrastructure to Chaffee County. This includes taking steps to ensure “shovel-ready” broadband projects exist as federal funding becomes available.
EDUCATION & TALENT PIPELINE
The EDC encourages efforts affirming a commitment to educational excellence and advancing Chaffee County’s ability to grow/support local workforce talent. We encourage public policy that helps to better align the output of local educational institutions with the needs of industry, with particular focus on work-based learning activities inclusive of reskilling and upskilling.
LAND USE
The EDC encourages land use policies that balance reasonable public input with decisive administrative action, and prioritizes projects that advance the economic vitality of our communities and support local workforce. We encourage efficiency in government processes and transparency for businesses and residents.
SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION
The EDC considers environmental stewardship and sustainability through the lens of innovation, public-private partnerships and application of technology. This sustainability is vital to the long-term viability of year-round life in the valley.
CHAFFEE COUNTY NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Stay in the know with the latest headlines in Chaffee County business and community news…
