Rural Development

LONE Program Accelerates Pax8’s Rural Initiative

In early 2020, Pax8, a homegrown cloud distribution technology company based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, developed an initiative that would expand its workforce to rural areas of Colorado. The goal was to create a positive social impact in the state while also growing the company's diversity. By increasing its recruiting efforts outside of Denver, Pax8 hoped to attract people with different backgrounds and experiences, driving the progression of Pax8's diversity-driven culture.

Colorado’s Outdoor Industry Leaders Team Up to Remove Accessibility Barriers

DENVER -- Colorado’s western slope offers limitless outdoor adventure opportunities, and a new partnership among national, state and local entities, including the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is addressing accessibility barriers. The Glenwood Springs Gear Library provides free outdoor gear and additional information to help remove barriers to participation. 

EDA Awards State of Colorado Grant to Support Two Economic Recovery Programs

Colorado was awarded two CARES Act Recovery Assistance planning grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support Colorado’s economic recovery, including tourism, from the impacts of COVID-19.

The two programs are outlined below to help our partners identify which programs are relevant for their communities. Communities are eligible to participate in both programs.

Broadband Access is a Team Sport

This article first appeared in the Grand Junction Sentinel on March 14, 2021. 

The COVID-19 pandemic not only presented a public health crisis, but also highlighted the inequities of access to broadband for those who live and work in rural parts of the state. Remote workers, students, and companies pivoting to work-from-home models all depend on internet access and the need for statewide broadband was brought sharply into focus.

Fading West Development - The Power of Public/Private Partnerships

Fading West Development is building a new 110,000 square foot home construction factory in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley with the mission of providing attainable housing throughout the western United States and increasing employment in Chaffee County Colorado. 

When fully operational, the production facility is expected to create over 700 homes, townhomes and apartments each year, addressing the nationwide housing shortage while creating more than 100 well-paying jobs in the Buena Vista community. 

Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Partners with 2021 GoPro Mountain Games

Largest Celebration of Adventure Sports, Arts and Music Provides Outdoor Opportunities for All


DENVER - March 5 - The GoPro Mountain Games is returning to Vail for 2021. Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) has partnered with The Vail Valley Foundation to engage Colorado’s abundant outdoor enthusiasts. After a 2020 hiatus, the GoPro Mountain Games will be held June 10-13, 2021.