La Plata Economic Development Alliance

High upfront rental costs shouldn't stand in the way of living where you work.?? Since 2022, the Workforce Rental Assistance Micro-loan Program has been helping renters in La Plata County cover critical expenses like first and last month’s rent and security deposits. This micro-loan program, a collaboration between La Plata Economic Development Alliance, First Southwest Bank, and La Plata County, provides a practical solution for those earning up to 80% of AMI. To date, $71,588 has been loaned to support 18 renters, and $33,460 is still available! Here are some details: - Flexible loans up to $5,000, no collateral required. - 4% interest rate, payable over three years with no pre-payment penalties. - Borrower must make 80% or less of AMI and meet minimum of 660 FICO score As Sarah Tober, MBA, our Executive Director, put it: "Our mission to foster a strong local economy includes providing pathways for community members to live where they work. This program offers a viable solution for those seeking stable housing." If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, learn more and apply at FSWB.bank or call First Southwest Bank at (970) 375-1100.

Another great opportunity for individuals passionate about housing and community development! Our partners at the Regional Housing Alliance are looking too fill their new Director role. Interested? Details below.

Looking for a new opportunity? HomesFund is seeking a full-time Homeownership Program Counselor! Check it out ??

“How do we purposefully and proactively move toward the future? By asking questions, engaging with colleagues, and exploring possibilities together.” AI is transforming industries, education, and everyday life at an unprecedented pace. Mario Martinez, Provost at Fort Lewis College, dives into the urgency of understanding AI’s implications in his recent article published in the Durango Herald. From AI's role in workforce readiness to its challenges in ethics and implementation, Mario highlights why we must engage as a community to address both the opportunities and the questions these technologies bring to our region. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8abp59C Be a part of the conversation at the Four Corners AI Conference, happening December 6th at FLC! Register for free at 4cornersAI.eventbrite.com

?? We’re thrilled to be featured in the latest episode of Community Insights by the Local NEWS Network! In this story, Executive Director, Sarah Tober dives into our core focus areas—workforce housing, development, and business capacity—sharing how we leverage our partnerships to shape real impact. Catch the story at https://lnkd.in/ezHEC5Qs Thanks again, Local NEWS Network and Sadie Smith, for helping us shine a light on these efforts!

Be sure to sign up to attend the Four Corners AI Conference! Our journey into AI begins December 6th. https://lnkd.in/eBAFjM5D

Be a part of the conversation! Join us Tuesday, November 12th at Fort Lewis Center for Innovation in the Main Mall for our monthly Investor Member meeting. This month, we’re excited to host guest speakers from the? Durango Chamber of Commerce - Colorado (Business Development | Networking | Leadership Growth), Pueblo Community College Southwest, HomesFund,?and more! Doors open at 7:30 am—come early to grab a cup of?Desert Sun Coffee, enjoy some breakfast pastries, and connect with partners from across industries!

Does your housing project address the region’s workforce housing needs? We've extended our deadline for Round 4 of the Housing Catalyst Fund. Applications will now be accepted until?November 21st, 2024. The Housing Catalyst Fund,?managed by the?La Plata Economic Development Alliance, provides crucial early-stage funding to help workforce housing projects in La Plata County get off the ground. Since its inception, we’ve awarded?over $500,000?to workforce housing projects, resulting in?464 units developed or preserved. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gYmA95fv

Here's a reminder for the start of your week: You matter! ?? Rewatching Matthew Emerzian's impactful keynote from our 2024 Alliance Summit, we're reminded that people are the heart of everything we do. Thanks again, Matthew, for sharing your message with the folks of La Plata County! https://lnkd.in/eapqBDKi

Childcare is a critical need in La Plata County, and we’re excited to see progress being made! The Powerhouse in Durango is stepping up by launching a new licensed prekindergarten center, creating 44 spaces for toddlers and preschoolers—a much-needed expansion in our community. At the Alliance, we believe supporting working families through increased childcare options is key to our community’s growth and economic health. Alongside the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and the City of Durango, we are working hard to identify sustainble solutions to our county's childcare gap. A big congratulations and many thanks to the Powerhouse for their efforts in expanding access to childcare and supporting local families! https://lnkd.in/eP6qmprR