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Southern Colorado Economic Development District tells Pueblo City Council it supports infrastructure projects, collaborates with economic development partners
Summary
At the July 7 work session, Southern Colorado Economic Development District Executive Director Leslie Mastrayani and Tracy Gutierrez described the EDDs role as a conduit for federal and state resources, its 13-county membership and how it complements local economic development organizations.
During the July 7 Pueblo City Council work session, representatives of the Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) briefed councilors on the district's role supporting local infrastructure and community development across 13 counties, including Pueblo County.
Leslie Mastrayani, executive director, said the district was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in the late 1970s and has operated for more than 50 years. Mastrayani said there are about seven Economic Development Districts in Colorado and roughly 400 in the United States. Tracy Gutierrez, senior program manager, and Mastrayani provided handouts summarizing SCEDD programs.
What SCEDD told council: - Membership and scope: Mastrayani said 12 of the district's 13 counties pay dues and receive member benefits; Fremont County does not pay dues but remains in the geographic designation. Because Pueblo County is a dues-paying member, Mastrayani said the city of Pueblo receives the same member benefits as the county. - Role and approach: SCEDD described itself as a community development organization rather than a traditional economic development corporation. Mastrayani said the district serves as a conduit between federal and state agencies and local governments, providing planning assistance, grant navigation and capacity support. Mastrayani emphasized that local governments are the district's primary constituents and that SCEDD does not compete with local economic development corporations such as PEDCO; instead the organizations complement each other. - Example activity: Mastrayani described a hypothetical example in which a local economic development organization identifies a manufacturer that needs an upgraded collection system for an existing building. In that case, SCEDD said it would pursue EDA or other funding to support infrastructure upgrades so the company could move in and create jobs.
Why it matters: The district's stated focus on supporting municipalities and counties through planning and funding assistance can affect local infrastructure projects and economic recruitment by enabling capital improvements that local governments or private firms may not be able to fund alone.
Ending: SCEDD's presenters provided councilors with informational materials and invited follow-up; no formal action was recorded during the update.
