Speakers and commissioners call for coordinated economic development strategy for Pueblo County
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Summary
Public commenters and commissioners urged a coordinated county-city economic development strategy and more county leadership on workforce and industrial jobs. Commissioners also publicized upcoming town-hall meetings and noted local projects including an Avondale water treatment effort funded with ARPA dollars.
PUEBLO, Colo. — Multiple public commenters and commissioners at the July 24 Pueblo County meeting urged more coordinated economic and workforce development planning between Pueblo County and the City of Pueblo.
Ted Freeman, a frequent participant in local government meetings, told the commissioners that the county and city should develop a shared short- and long-term strategy rather than rely primarily on the 13-county Southern Colorado Economic Development District’s 477-page plan. “Pueblo is the hub of that whole district in population, in funding,” Freeman said, and “we need to communicate together and work together.”
Commissioners responded that the county should play a leadership role on workforce and industrial job attraction. Commissioner Paula McPheeeters said she is “working towards workforce development for our entire community” and stated, “I do believe the county should be a leader in economic and workforce development. We shouldn't be a follower of the city.” She added the county seeks opportunities to attract higher-paying industrial jobs to support the local economy.
Commissioners also highlighted outreach opportunities and local projects. One commissioner noted the Avondale water treatment facility project had received county investment from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and was approaching groundbreaking and early site work. The commissioners announced public engagement events: a town-hall-style meeting at the SRDA the morning after the July 24 meeting (breakfast 7:30–8:30 a.m., social 8–8:30 a.m.) and a Pueblo West town hall scheduled for Aug. 7 at Fire Station No. 3 from 5:30–7 p.m.
Discussion vs. decision: these remarks were part of public comment and commissioner comments; no formal policy or funding decision was recorded in this meeting on the new strategy or projects beyond noting existing investments and upcoming engagement opportunities.
Details and context: Freeman said Pueblo County participates in the Southern Colorado Economic Development District as one of 13 counties but argued the county needs its own focused plan. Commissioners emphasized collaboration with the city where possible and county-led initiatives where necessary. The Avondale water treatment project and the Susan Kleinman Community Center in Colorado City were mentioned as examples of county-involved projects.