Councilors urge study of peer towns and dedicated economic development capacity

At the start of the economic‑development discussion, Councilor Rachel said the ED Advisory Committee wants the council to learn how comparable towns budget and staff economic development. She told the group Dillon is “on the cusp of major redevelopment” and that a focused effort or a single staff position that houses marketing, events and business support could help implement EDAC proposals that staff lack time to pursue.

Rachel framed the item as an operational study request: “I would like to know more about, and I'd like the council to know more about, like, what communities of our size, how they budget for economic development, how they manage economic development,” she said. Other councilors recommended examining towns with similar redevelopment constraints (Leadville, Ridgeway) and looking at foundations used by Westminster to provide flexible funding for incentives.

No decision was made; staff and the presenter agreed to identify candidate communities and partners (CML/COGs) and return with suggested peer contacts and possible site visits linked to the council retreat.