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Southern Colorado Economic Development District briefs commissioners on Wheelhouse incubator, SEDS update and regional workforce summit
Summary
Tracy Gutierrez of the Southern Colorado Economic Development District updated Huerfano County commissioners on the Wheelhouse business incubator, the upcoming SEDS five-year comprehensive economic development strategy update and a regional workforce summit to be held April 2 in Pueblo.
Tracy Gutierrez, regional representative for the Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCED), briefed the Huerfano County commissioners on SCED activities and opportunities during the Feb. 25 meeting.
Gutierrez said SCED — a nonprofit designated economic development district that serves 13 counties in southern Colorado — has been working with the county on the Wheelhouse business incubator over the past two years and provided grant-administration support for that project. She also said SCED was awarded funds to serve as a regional grant navigator for IIJA and IRA funding opportunities; SCED staff will act as a point of contact for Huerfano, Pueblo and Las Animas counties to identify projects and assist with applications.
Gutierrez said SCED is beginning the five-year comprehensive economic development strategy (SEDS) update cycle (the last SEDS was completed in 2021). She said SCED staff will visit counties in July and August to hold stakeholder meetings and gather feedback for the 2026 SEDS, which the SCED office said is required to apply for Economic Development Administration funding.
Gutierrez also announced that SCED received funding to host a regional workforce talent summit in Pueblo on April 2; the summit will be limited to about 100 participants to facilitate productive conversation and will result in a 2- to 5-year workforce plan for the region. Gutierrez said counties and partners will be able to provide input on the resulting workforce plan and that she will leave informational packets and contact information with county staff.
Gutierrez noted that county staff member Carlton Croft had been delegated by the county to serve on SCED’s board; the commissioners later approved the formal Resolution 25-11 appointing Croft to the SCED board. Gutierrez said SCED meets quarterly, typically virtually, and that she and executive director Leslie Mastrioni will coordinate stakeholder outreach for the SEDS process.
Commissioners thanked Gutierrez for the briefing and asked about the workforce summit and attendee criteria; Gutierrez said funding covers hosting the event and that attendance is limited to decision-makers and key regional stakeholders. Gutierrez left print materials for staff and asked commissioners or staff to contact her with project ideas for grant navigation.
