State takes economic Blueprint on road

Last January, Gov. John Hickenlooper launched Colorado’s Bottom-Up Economic Development Plan Initiative. The Office of Economic Development International Trade partnered with the Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension to start a statewide conversation on economic development, asking state residents, county by county, to share their stories, challenges and strengths. County officials were then asked to use these conversations to develop a strategic economic development plan that would be rolled into 14 regional economic development plans.

In April, Teller County Commissioners submitted their strategic plan that included a plea for government to limit regulations and unfunded mandates. Unlike most other county strategic plans, with the possible exception of Gilpin County, Teller also addressed gaming taxes and historic preservation funds.

Teller County’s and all the other county plans have been used to create the 2012 Blueprint that can be found at www.colorado.gov/coloradoblueprint. Creating buzz about the Blueprint is what the regional road tour is all about.

Ken Lund, executive director of the OED International trade unit stated in a news release: “It’s important for us to keep lines of communications open with all the people and businesses throughout Colorado and ensure that they are involved in encouraging growth in their local communities and helping businesses succeed.”