Local voices make all the difference. Region 9 Economic Development District, as part of its economic development strategy conducted every two years, is seeking community input through a well-being survey, according to a Friday press release.
“The (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) isn’t just a compliance document, it’s our chance to define what resilience and prosperity look like in our region,” said Audrey Royem, economic development coordinator for Region 9.
“By combining local data with lived experience, we can ensure that investments and strategies truly reflect community needs,” said Royem, who is leading the assembly of the report.
The Region 9 group oversees economic development in Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, Dolores and San Juan counties, as well as the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes.
Local residents, governments and businesses can offer their insights as part of the development strategy.
A community well-being survey will help guide the process and inform planned community engagement events.
“By sharing your perspective, you are helping identify challenges, highlight opportunities, and shape decisions that will guide investments in our region,” the survey’s introduction reads.
“This survey looks at how well communities meet basic needs (housing, food, healthcare), provide safety and stability (infrastructure, public services, disaster resilience), foster belonging (community identity, civic engagement), and create pathways to prosperity (education, workforce, entrepreneurship, recreation, and quality of life).”
