The Department of Local Affairs awarded a total of $780,000 to 10 projects across Colorado as part of the Rural Economic Development Initiative program. Mancos and Durango are among the recipients.
REDI helps rural communities diversify their economies and build resilience. Mancos received $46,000 to develop a single comprehensive community development strategy, according to a news release from Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
The economic development plan includes “development of coworking spaces, incubators, and exploring light industrial zones,” according to the release.
The funds would also help Mancos apply to become a Main Street Community, a state-run program that offers technical assistance, training, consulting services, mini-grants and scholarships, according to DOLA’s website.
Durango received $55,000 to go toward Childcare Investment Strategy Development Project, which will develop a multiphase child care survey and investment plan to determine how to address child care issues based on the needs of the population.
The funds would create at least 20 child care provider jobs. The applicant predicted that creation of other jobs and job retention could be a result of this grant, according to the release.
“Investments like these are crucial for fostering the growth and resilience of rural communities in Colorado,” said Maria De Cambra, executive director of DOLA. “From business accelerators to ice walls, these funds reward innovation through projects that will strengthen local economies, create jobs, and ensure that all regions of our state can thrive and adapt to evolving economic landscapes.”
The next cycle of grants will open in March 2025. Updates about the program can be found on the REDI’s website at https://dlg.colorado.gov/rural-economic-development-initiative.
