Professionals from all across the state are pouring into Durango this week to learn about developing a vibrant local economy.
Nonprofit Downtown Colorado Inc. is hosting its annual conference in Durango, expected to draw about 200, including people from local governments, development authorities, developers and others, said Tim Walsworth with the Business Improvement District.
“My organization worked hand and hand with the city leading up to today... to show off all the great things we have in the Durango,” Walsworth said.
The city will be highlighting its parks and recreation amenities, the Transit Department and how downtown has developed with a historic flavor, he said.
“We do a lot of innovative things. I think part of that is part of our isolation geographically,” said Sherri Dugdale, assistant to the city manager.
The conference will also showcase Durango’s diverse economy that is not totally reliant on tourism, Walsworth said.
Downtown Colorado Inc, is also bringing in other experts, including keynote speaker, Joe Minicozzi, owner of Urban3, a company that analyzes the relationship between development and tax production.
Minicozzi has also been hired by American Booksellers Association and local businesses and business-oriented groups to do a study on Durango’s economy.
“Durango is a great example of vibrant local economy,”said Dan Cullen with the association.
Peter Schertz, owner of Maria’s Bookshop, helped organize local support for the study and is interested in what the study will show.
Downtown is home to a lot of locally owned businesses, but Durango is looking to add new big-box stores and it also has an issue with people going to New Mexico to shop, Schertz said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
