Summit - Summary Report - County Economic Development Self-Assessment Survey1

Summit -Summary Report
Survey: County Economic Development Self-Assessment Survey
Your County's Economic Strengths: Please select up to five (5) from the following that you
think best characterize the greatest economic development strengths of your home
county:
Value Count Percent % Statistics
A well-trained workforce 57 30.5% Total Responses 187
Access/proximity to markets 24 12.8%
Transportation network 42 22.5%
Raw materials/natural resources 25 13.4%
Renewable energy potential (wind, solar, geothermal, hydro,
33 17.6%
biomass)
Tourism assets 181 96.8%
Strong existing businesses 59 31.6%
Strong community leadership 76 40.6%
Effective economic development organization 7 3.7%
Designated Enterprise Zones 2 1.1%
Local resources for capital – business loan funds, etc. 3 1.6%
Local health care facilities 82 43.9%
Technology/communications 6 3.2%
Quality local/regional school system 57 30.5%
Housing options 9 4.8%
Attractive, livable communities 110 58.8%
Other (please specify) 7 3.7%
Your County's Economic Weaknesses: Please select up to five (5) from the following that
you think are the most significant economic development weaknesses or deficiencies in
your home county:
A well trained workforce 42 22.5% Total Responses 187
Renewable energy potential (wind, solar, geothermal) 22 11.8%
Strong existing businesses 30 16%
Effective economic development organization 86 46%
Quality local/regional school system 28 15%
Economic Threats or Limitations: Please select up to five (5) from the following that you
think most threaten or limit the economic development potential of your home county
Lack of affordable housing 133 71.1% Total Responses 187
Infrastructure deficiencies (i.e., roads, water/sewer, transmission
48 25.7%
lines, etc.)
Lack of labor force training opportunities 38 20.3%
Lack of developable land and/or suitable buildings 65 34.8%
Lack of community amenities (i.e. parks, community center, etc.) 4 2.1%
Vacant Main Streets, town centers and/or shopping areas 36 19.3%
Volatility of business cycle (boom/bust) 116 62%
Declining industries 22 11.8%
Lack of access to capital 62 33.2%
Flight of younger generation from our community 21 11.2%
Excessive permitting fees & hostile regulatory environment 55 29.4%
Ineffective existing government (local, state, federal) 42 22.5%
Limited water resources and impacts on local industries and/or
14 7.5%
agriculture
Economic Opportunities: Please identify the economic opportunities that provide the most
potential for your county. Please select the top five (5) opportunities.
Population growth 41 21.9% Total Responses 187
Skilled labor force 44 23.5%
Available land 15 8%
Access to transportation, air, highway, rail 43 23%
Anchor industries or clusters 33 17.6%
Proximity to research university 7 3.7%
Specific demographic group – students, retirees, etc. 48 25.7%
Tourism attractions 168 89.8%
Vital Main Street or downtown 111 59.4%
Natural resource base 50 26.7%
Attractive communities/quality of life 149 79.7%
Availability of water resources 36 19.3%
Economic Development Goals: What should be your home county's top measureable goals
or strategies for economic development? (What would the county like to achieve?) Please
select up to five (5) strategies.
Diversify the economic base 96 51.3% Total Responses 187
Create new jobs 80 42.8%
Encourage the growth of existing businesses and industries 100 53.5%
Create a strong entrepreneurial climate 91 48.7%
Increase access to capital for new and existing businesses 73 39%
Improve transportation infrastructure 78 41.7%
Create a more business-friendly climate 45 24.1%
Increase job skills of local labor force 28 15%
Increase tourism activity 74 39.6%
Assure access to technology resources and infrastructure 36 19.3%
Encourage Main Street, downtown or town center revitalization 51 27.3%
Improve the quality of life and community amenities 16 8.6%
Improve the local/regional school system 38 20.3%
Public/Private Partnerships: Partnerships between business and government can be

important to improve the economic climate. To your knowledge, what partnerships have
formed in your county to work together to solve economic development issues? Check all
that apply
Economic Development Council 37 19.8% Total Responses 187
Regional advocacy groups 43 23%
Local government 74 39.6%
Civic clubs 34 18.2%
Don't know if one exists 78 41.7%
Local Partners in Economic Development: What key community organizations should be

involved in the creation and implementation of the economic development plan? Check all
that apply.
Chambers of Commerce 146 78.1% Total Responses 187
Visitor and Convention Bureaus 101 54%
Civic/Service organizations, i.e. Rotary, Kiwanis 71 38%
Main Street or downtown marketing organization 105 56.1%
County government 137 73.3%
Utilities 25 13.4%
Elected officials 88 47.1%
Small Business Development Centers 105 56.1%
School Boards/PTAs 58 31%
State of Colorado Economic Development Resources: What resources/actions from the

State of Colorado would be most helpful to your home county in order to implement its
plan? Please select up to five(5) resources.
Strategic grants to leverage economic development projects 83 44.4% Total Responses 187
Business loan funds/micro loans/access to capital 102 54.5% Sum 5.0
Incentives for job growth 86 46% Average 2.5
Tax credits for job growth 83 44.4% StdDev 1.50
Streamline regulations and permitting 66 35.3% Max 4.0
Technical assistance and assessment visits to develop local
40 21.4%
action plans
More worker training programs 32 17.1%
Entrepreneurial programs 78 41.7%
Better information about existing state programs 88 47.1%
One Action That the State Could Undertake: If there was ONE action that the State of Colorado
could undertake to help advance economic development in your home county, what would it
be?
Count Response
44
1 Improve transportation along Rt 70.
1 Additional state tourism marketing dollars/efforts
1 Affordable housing options
1 Affordable housing.
1 Better mass transit to mountain communities
1 Better technology access for telecommuting
1 Bigger $$$ commitment to improved highway infrastructure, repair, mtc, improvements
1 Build the I-70 maglev transit system from DIA to Vail
1 Business loans
1 Continue to fund tourism to a high degree
1 Correct the I-70 corridor problem to Denver
1 Create a level playing field between national big boxes / chains and local small businesses.
1 Create incentives for affordable housing - especially long-term rentals.
1 De-regulate, then get out of the way!!!
1 Develope a lightrail system that conncets big communities to small ones.
1 Disband the state government including all state agencies
1 Efforts to support small independent businesses and help them thrive.
1 Entrepreneurial programs including low or no interest loans to startups.
1 Equal taxation (repeal of Tabor),
1 Extending more loans and grants to our local transportation system.
1 Facilitation of local efforts to create solid and targeted EDC plans.
1 Find a way to bring in large businesses for home improvements and electronics
1 Fix I-70
1 Fix I-70 corridor west of Denver!!!
1 Fully fund education (both K-12 and Higher Ed)
1 Get the government out of the way of small businesses and let them grow.
1 Help create affordable housing
1 Help develope stong local leadership.
1 Help existing businesses and individuals.
1 Help with loans for affordable housing options.
1 High level of communication from the State regarding available funds and resources.
1 Housing for workers
1 I am not sure I know.
1 I-70 corridor transportation improvement needed.
1 I-70 rail transportation
1 IMPROVE HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE AND MASS TRANSIT.
1 Improve I-70 infrastructure.
1 Improve I70 transportation issues
1 Improve traffic flow on I-70 to Denver.
1 Improve transportation from Denver to the ski resorts
1 Improve transportation options to and from the county
1 Incentives for job growth
1 Incentives for year round green energy manufacturing that creates jobs and accessory business
1 Increase Tourism marketing
1 Increase marketing for touism related industries
1 Infrastructure repair. Roads, Bridges, Water, Sewer, etc
1 Light rail system on I70.
1 Local Food Production
1 Low cost housing
1 Lower taxers on businesses and reform health care.
1 Lower taxes, streamline regulations
1 Maintain and increase tourism funding
1 Make govt smaller, let private individuals be the engine for growth.
1 Marketing tourism and the ski industry
1 More tourism marketing
1 Multi-modal solutions to I 70
1 Profide funds to fix the I-70 corridor.
1 Promote and encourage tourism.
1 Promote local small business and main street programs
1 Promote tourism
1 Provide affordable office space for nonprofits filling critical community needs
1 Ptomote Weatherization and Renewable Energy
1 Put in a third lane or rail system to get fols in/out of the mountain communities quicker.
1 Reduce State Government expenses which would lead to a reduction in taxes.
1 Reduce taxes
1 Reduce taxes and eliminate paper work.
1 Reduce the number of layers of overlapping government entities taxing small business.
1 Rescind Tabor.
1 Revenue enhancement via business growth... how to attract, support good paying YEAR-ROUND jobs
1 Solve the I70 transportation problem getting to the mountains
1 Somehow help the county to diversify. Tourism does not serve *everyone* who lives here.
1 Support Regional Economic Development Planning and Coordination
1 Technical Assistance and assessment visits to develop local action plans
1 The Regulatory Agencies should be encouraging growth and need to be motivated from the top.
1 Transportation Upgrades - roads, I-70, Rail
1 accelerate the 1-70 corridor transportation issue - get high speed rail option going
1 affordable housing
1 build light rail system into central and western colorado
1 clean up/improve transportation corridor roads in general i-70 i-25
1 continue with tourism tax to market tourism to the destination visitor who will spend more $
1 encourage small business growth and creation
1 fire mitigation for pine beetle, would offer a new jobs in a different makets
1 firefighter training
1 fix the i-70 corridor
1 get the hell out of the way and stop spending what you don't have.
1 help market skiing in Colorado in the winter and all the other recreation in the summer.
1 improve transportation access, maintenance, and alternatives
1 incentives for job growth (year round jobs)
1 increase tourism in shoulder seasons (fall, spring).
1 more affordable housing opportunities
1 pay attention to the potential of rural areas
1 rax incentives
1 reduce taxes and reduce size of government - get out of the way of private enterprise
1 reinstate advertizing Colorado as a Great Place to visit nationally.
1 tax breaks for small buisness growth or prevent the new health care bill taxes from taking place
1 tax code simplifacation
1 transportation means to and from this county
1 Local Governments need to streamline the review of submittals for development. Due to the lack of
development, review times and the amount of information requested has increased as a form of job security
for government and reviewing agencies.
1 Support initiatives that lead to more permanent residents and less second home owners (i.e. access to
affordable housing).
1 Create an environment that causes both the number and wage scale of jobs to increase through incentives
for high quality year round tourist and nontourist job creation (attract business, educational, corporate and
military campuses or headquarters).
1 Enforce Illegal Immigration, stop allowing Illegal immigrants to be in our school system and job market.
1 Improved transportation options to and from Denver - lower gas prices and high speed rail options to the
resort areas
1 Raise revenue to pay for what we already owe. Yeah... that means screw the lyin' Repubilicans and
Colorado Springs and raise the damn taxes. Oh, and fix I-70 so people can get here. Raise and spend some
money and get it done.
1 help create a fair playing field with internet sales tax paid to local govts. Amazon, etc sales are draining our
local sales tax dollars and creating an unfair playing field for local biz
1 Improve I 70 traffic conditions-big infrastructure project would employ lots of people right now as well as
grow the community and economy long term.
1 Recruit Corporations to be based in Colorado... More people in the state means more people coming to ski,
which is our economic base.
1 The state of Colorado should market for more tourism dollars. When people are on vacation they tend to
spend.
1 Quickly implement I-70 Corridor improvements for rail and mass transit, take 18 wheelers off the corridor
during peak travel times and have more enforcement of chain laws.
1 restrictions on the Oil and Gas industry need to be lifted, while we are persuing alternate energy. Also, revisit
TABOR and Gallegher. Too restrictive.
1 Increase communication and information sharing about economic development successes in other similar-
size communities.
1 Create overarching marketing strategy and focus based on the entire community and not just one business
within it (Vail Resorts).
1 We must solve the I-70 issue. I believe opening up a land lease option for high speed rail development from
Eagle to Denver would attract private investment and fix our problem. Hasn't anyone visited Europe? It is
done all over their mountain communities.
1 There is a huge shortage of qualified workforce due to extraordinary housing costs in Summit county. The
wage scale does not match the cost of living, it makes it very hard to afford to stay in the county long term.
1 Develop a statewide program that simplifies the creation of business anywhere in the State, like a one stop
shop there a new business go through state, county and local processes with a consistent result
1 Improve access to Summit County on I-70 through both short term (education) and long term (AGS) solutions
1 help us get cooperation from Verizon to provide needed cell coverage in the north Lower Blue Area of the
county
1 Defer regulation to local governments, so that the State can realize a cost savings and local governments
can have more hands-on regulatory authority.
1 Escrow the sales tax collected on gasoline and let CDOT use it to fix our roads. Stop sending our gas taxes
to the Feds!
1 A train from DIA up to the central mountains as a suppliment for I-70 would be the best possible use of
money to solve the most problems for our major tourist areas.
1 Work with the Feds to come up with reasonable condo financing for those with front desk, commercial, and
short term rentals.
1 Prevent HOAs from prohibiting vacation rentals in subdivisions & complexes after the fact by amendment.
Private takings cost jobs, tax revenue, faith to invest in a community.
1 Sales Tax - An Out-of-County Vendor has a 5.375% advantage selling the same item in Breckenridge. That's
a lot of money on a construction project. Some Denver vendors charge the local tax & most don't - no rime
or reason to the tax law.
1 Invest in "new" long-term infrastructure such as I-70 high speed rail, community high speed internet access,
and innovative educational programs. These, and others, would create the backbone of an innovative
business climate that would create jobs.
1 mobilize funding to implement/plan collaborative approaches to local problem solving IE bring together school
district; state technology/science/engineering businesses, and fundraising specialists to improve schools. So
we don't have professional couples move away when kids reach middle school.
1 Build a transportation system that allows people to travel to and from our county easily, and at the same
time protects and preserves the natural resources Summit County offers.
1 Improvement of traffic conditiond on I-70 between Georgetown and Silverthorne, specifically banning larfe
rigs (trucks) during peak hours of travel
1 High Speed Train along I-70 to deal with the I-70 traffic issues between the Mountains and Denver.
1 In a tourist based community, it is best to get people to the community. I-70 expansion or mass transit
options are needed.
1 Help diversify a tourism-dependent economy that is subject to economic cycles, is dependent on energy
prices due to guests traveling to our county, and will likely be negatively effected by climate change.
1 Bid for the 2022 Olympics- This would be an excellent, long term economic development plan that would
create jobs across the state of Colorado, and also create cash to address I-70 solutions such as a train up
the mountain.
1 Either eliminate the 30% requirement for renewables which is making it very expensive to live or do
business. Or modify the bill to allow for nuclear power to meet the goal. Which is really all about reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, isn't it?
1 Provide the County with $$ to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy and conduct a
business retention and expansion program.
1 Create opportunities for small firms to compete in RFP's for architectural projects at the State level.
1 Help small local business owners keep afloat and expand their businesses. That includes affordable health
insurance for both full-time AND part-time employees, because Summit County has outrageous health
insurance rates due to active residents. It also includes affordable housing to keep people in the county for
reliable workforce.
1 REALIZE THE EVENTUAL NECESSITY OF MASS TRANSIT ALONG THE I70 CORRIDOR. TOURISM IS VITAL TO OUR
STATE AND WE NEED TO MOVE INTO THIS CENTURY WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSPORTATION.
1 Forget about the monorail, talk about unused capacity. We need an army of buses to help solve the I-70
mess, they are relatively cheap compared to the other options on the table and isn't a big deal if they sit in
a parking lot all week.
1 MANDATING THAT BANKS actually FUND LOANS to small (and I DO MEAN SMALL) businesses. IF they get
Federal or State funds that the Banks fund a % of their business to risky, to moderate risk, to no risk loans.
And be held accountable to it.
1 Address the bottlenecks on I-70 with streamlined assessments and approvals for construction of roadway
improvements in the near term. This must also include better management of the truck traffic at time of
peak automobile flows on the roadway
1 Create a rail line between DIA and Summit County...it is long overdue and it won't get cheaper the longer we
wait.
1 Repeal Gallagher Amendment to reduce the property tax burden on commercial properties and make
commercial rents more affordable.
1 Enhance education by developing stonger collaboration between education and business in our
communities. Defining goals and executing strategic plans.
1 I'd say 1/10th of 1% for the arts, but not the ONE thing... still the arts are very important in our county.
1 Cut back on over-regulation & work towards creating jobs (getting rid of pine beetle infested trees,
specifying land for wind & solar energy, water purifying stations built) DOW & BLM need to stop with so
much regulation & realize that JOBS is the priority not just protecting land.
Your Home County: Please identify your home county from the following list (limited to
one click):
Summit 187 100% Total Responses 187
Who Are You? Please categorize yourself as one of the following.
Business owner 41 21.9% Total Responses 187
Employee of Colorado business 31 16.6%
Elected official 3 1.6%
Government 47 25.1%
Non-profit 15 8%
Educator 13 7%
Self-employed 20 10.7%
Retired 6 3.2%
Student 1 0.5%
Unemployed 3 1.6%
Your County's Economic Strengths: Please select up to five (5) from the following that you
think best characterize the greatest economic development strengths of your home
county:
A well-trained workforce 57 30.5% Total Responses 187
Renewable energy potential (wind, solar, geothermal, hydro,
33 17.6%
biomass)
Tourism assets 181 96.8%
Strong existing businesses 59 31.6%
Effective economic development organization 7 3.7%
Quality local/regional school system 57 30.5%
Your County's Economic Weaknesses: Please select up to five (5) from the following that
you think are the most significant economic development weaknesses or deficiencies in
your home county:
A well trained workforce 42 22.5% Total Responses 187
Renewable energy potential (wind, solar, geothermal) 22 11.8%
Strong existing businesses 30 16%
Effective economic development organization 86 46%
Quality local/regional school system 28 15%
Economic Threats or Limitations: Please select up to five (5) from the following that you
think most threaten or limit the economic development potential of your home county
Lack of affordable housing 133 71.1% Total Responses 187
Infrastructure deficiencies (i.e., roads, water/sewer, transmission
48 25.7%
lines, etc.)
Lack of labor force training opportunities 38 20.3%
Lack of developable land and/or suitable buildings 65 34.8%
Lack of community amenities (i.e. parks, community center, etc.) 4 2.1%
Vacant Main Streets, town centers and/or shopping areas 36 19.3%
Volatility of business cycle (boom/bust) 116 62%
Declining industries 22 11.8%
Lack of access to capital 62 33.2%
Flight of younger generation from our community 21 11.2%
Excessive permitting fees & hostile regulatory environment 55 29.4%
Ineffective existing government (local, state, federal) 42 22.5%
Limited water resources and impacts on local industries and/or
14 7.5%
agriculture
Economic Opportunities: Please identify the economic opportunities that provide the most
potential for your county. Please select the top five (5) opportunities.
Population growth 41 21.9% Total Responses 187
Skilled labor force 44 23.5%
Available land 15 8%
Access to transportation, air, highway, rail 43 23%
Anchor industries or clusters 33 17.6%
Proximity to research university 7 3.7%
Specific demographic group – students, retirees, etc. 48 25.7%
Tourism attractions 168 89.8%
Vital Main Street or downtown 111 59.4%
Natural resource base 50 26.7%
Attractive communities/quality of life 149 79.7%
Availability of water resources 36 19.3%
Economic Development Goals: What should be your home county's top measureable goals
or strategies for economic development? (What would the county like to achieve?) Please
select up to five (5) strategies.
Diversify the economic base 96 51.3% Total Responses 187
Create new jobs 80 42.8%
Encourage the growth of existing businesses and industries 100 53.5%
Create a strong entrepreneurial climate 91 48.7%
Increase access to capital for new and existing businesses 73 39%
Improve transportation infrastructure 78 41.7%
Create a more business-friendly climate 45 24.1%
Increase job skills of local labor force 28 15%
Increase tourism activity 74 39.6%
Assure access to technology resources and infrastructure 36 19.3%
Encourage Main Street, downtown or town center revitalization 51 27.3%
Improve the quality of life and community amenities 16 8.6%
Improve the local/regional school system 38 20.3%
Public/Private Partnerships: Partnerships between business and government can be

important to improve the economic climate. To your knowledge, what partnerships have
formed in your county to work together to solve economic development issues? Check all
that apply
Economic Development Council 37 19.8% Total Responses 187
Regional advocacy groups 43 23%
Civic clubs 34 18.2%
Don't know if one exists 78 41.7%
Local Partners in Economic Development: What key community organizations should be
involved in the creation and implementation of the economic development plan? Check all
that apply.
Chambers of Commerce 146 78.1% Total Responses 187
Visitor and Convention Bureaus 101 54%
Civic/Service organizations, i.e. Rotary, Kiwanis 71 38%
Main Street or downtown marketing organization 105 56.1%
County government 137 73.3%
Utilities 25 13.4%
Elected officials 88 47.1%
Small Business Development Centers 105 56.1%
School Boards/PTAs 58 31%
State of Colorado Economic Development Resources: What resources/actions from the

State of Colorado would be most helpful to your home county in order to implement its
plan? Please select up to five(5) resources.
Strategic grants to leverage economic development projects 83 44.4% Total Responses 187
Business loan funds/micro loans/access to capital 102 54.5% Sum 5.0
Incentives for job growth 86 46% Average 2.5
Tax credits for job growth 83 44.4% StdDev 1.50
Streamline regulations and permitting 66 35.3% Max 4.0
Technical assistance and assessment visits to develop local
40 21.4%
action plans
More worker training programs 32 17.1%
Entrepreneurial programs 78 41.7%
Better information about existing state programs 88 47.1%
One Action That the State Could Undertake: If there was ONE action that the State of Colorado
could undertake to help advance economic development in your home county, what would it
be?
Count Response
44
1 Improve transportation along Rt 70.
1 Additional state tourism marketing dollars/efforts
1 Affordable housing options
1 Affordable housing.
1 Better mass transit to mountain communities
1 Better technology access for telecommuting
1 Bigger $$$ commitment to improved highway infrastructure, repair, mtc, improvements
1 Build the I-70 maglev transit system from DIA to Vail
1 Business loans
1 Continue to fund tourism to a high degree
1 Correct the I-70 corridor problem to Denver
1 Create a level playing field between national big boxes / chains and local small businesses.
1 Create incentives for affordable housing - especially long-term rentals.
1 De-regulate, then get out of the way!!!
1 Develope a lightrail system that conncets big communities to small ones.
1 Disband the state government including all state agencies
1 Efforts to support small independent businesses and help them thrive.
1 Entrepreneurial programs including low or no interest loans to startups.
1 Equal taxation (repeal of Tabor),
1 Extending more loans and grants to our local transportation system.
1 Facilitation of local efforts to create solid and targeted EDC plans.
1 Find a way to bring in large businesses for home improvements and electronics
1 Fix I-70
1 Fix I-70 corridor west of Denver!!!
1 Fully fund education (both K-12 and Higher Ed)
1 Get the government out of the way of small businesses and let them grow.
1 Help create affordable housing
1 Help develope stong local leadership.
1 Help existing businesses and individuals.
1 Help with loans for affordable housing options.
1 High level of communication from the State regarding available funds and resources.
1 Housing for workers
1 I am not sure I know.
1 I-70 corridor transportation improvement needed.
1 I-70 rail transportation
1 IMPROVE HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE AND MASS TRANSIT.
1 Improve I-70 infrastructure.
1 Improve I70 transportation issues
1 Improve traffic flow on I-70 to Denver.
1 Improve transportation from Denver to the ski resorts
1 Improve transportation options to and from the county
1 Incentives for job growth
1 Incentives for year round green energy manufacturing that creates jobs and accessory business
1 Increase Tourism marketing
1 Increase marketing for touism related industries
1 Infrastructure repair. Roads, Bridges, Water, Sewer, etc
1 Light rail system on I70.
1 Local Food Production
1 Low cost housing
1 Lower taxers on businesses and reform health care.
1 Lower taxes, streamline regulations
1 Maintain and increase tourism funding
1 Make govt smaller, let private individuals be the engine for growth.
1 Marketing tourism and the ski industry
1 More tourism marketing
1 Multi-modal solutions to I 70
1 Profide funds to fix the I-70 corridor.
1 Promote and encourage tourism.
1 Promote local small business and main street programs
1 Promote tourism
1 Provide affordable office space for nonprofits filling critical community needs
1 Ptomote Weatherization and Renewable Energy
1 Put in a third lane or rail system to get fols in/out of the mountain communities quicker.
1 Reduce State Government expenses which would lead to a reduction in taxes.
1 Reduce taxes
1 Reduce taxes and eliminate paper work.
1 Reduce the number of layers of overlapping government entities taxing small business.
1 Rescind Tabor.
1 Revenue enhancement via business growth... how to attract, support good paying YEAR-ROUND jobs
1 Solve the I70 transportation problem getting to the mountains
1 Somehow help the county to diversify. Tourism does not serve *everyone* who lives here.
1 Support Regional Economic Development Planning and Coordination
1 Technical Assistance and assessment visits to develop local action plans
1 The Regulatory Agencies should be encouraging growth and need to be motivated from the top.
1 Transportation Upgrades - roads, I-70, Rail
1 accelerate the 1-70 corridor transportation issue - get high speed rail option going
1 affordable housing
1 build light rail system into central and western colorado
1 clean up/improve transportation corridor roads in general i-70 i-25
1 continue with tourism tax to market tourism to the destination visitor who will spend more $
1 encourage small business growth and creation
1 fire mitigation for pine beetle, would offer a new jobs in a different makets
1 firefighter training
1 fix the i-70 corridor
1 get the hell out of the way and stop spending what you don't have.
1 help market skiing in Colorado in the winter and all the other recreation in the summer.
1 improve transportation access, maintenance, and alternatives
1 incentives for job growth (year round jobs)
1 increase tourism in shoulder seasons (fall, spring).
1 more affordable housing opportunities
1 pay attention to the potential of rural areas
1 rax incentives
1 reduce taxes and reduce size of government - get out of the way of private enterprise
1 reinstate advertizing Colorado as a Great Place to visit nationally.
1 tax breaks for small buisness growth or prevent the new health care bill taxes from taking place
1 tax code simplifacation
1 transportation means to and from this county
1 Local Governments need to streamline the review of submittals for development. Due to the lack of
development, review times and the amount of information requested has increased as a form of job security
for government and reviewing agencies.
1 Support initiatives that lead to more permanent residents and less second home owners (i.e. access to
affordable housing).
1 Create an environment that causes both the number and wage scale of jobs to increase through incentives
for high quality year round tourist and nontourist job creation (attract business, educational, corporate and
military campuses or headquarters).
1 Enforce Illegal Immigration, stop allowing Illegal immigrants to be in our school system and job market.
1 Improved transportation options to and from Denver - lower gas prices and high speed rail options to the
resort areas
1 Raise revenue to pay for what we already owe. Yeah... that means screw the lyin' Repubilicans and
Colorado Springs and raise the damn taxes. Oh, and fix I-70 so people can get here. Raise and spend some
money and get it done.
1 help create a fair playing field with internet sales tax paid to local govts. Amazon, etc sales are draining our
local sales tax dollars and creating an unfair playing field for local biz
1 Improve I 70 traffic conditions-big infrastructure project would employ lots of people right now as well as
grow the community and economy long term.
1 Recruit Corporations to be based in Colorado... More people in the state means more people coming to ski,
which is our economic base.
1 The state of Colorado should market for more tourism dollars. When people are on vacation they tend to
spend.
1 Quickly implement I-70 Corridor improvements for rail and mass transit, take 18 wheelers off the corridor
during peak travel times and have more enforcement of chain laws.
1 restrictions on the Oil and Gas industry need to be lifted, while we are persuing alternate energy. Also, revisit
TABOR and Gallegher. Too restrictive.
1 Increase communication and information sharing about economic development successes in other similar-
size communities.
1 Create overarching marketing strategy and focus based on the entire community and not just one business
within it (Vail Resorts).
1 We must solve the I-70 issue. I believe opening up a land lease option for high speed rail development from
Eagle to Denver would attract private investment and fix our problem. Hasn't anyone visited Europe? It is
done all over their mountain communities.
1 There is a huge shortage of qualified workforce due to extraordinary housing costs in Summit county. The
wage scale does not match the cost of living, it makes it very hard to afford to stay in the county long term.
1 Develop a statewide program that simplifies the creation of business anywhere in the State, like a one stop
shop there a new business go through state, county and local processes with a consistent result
1 Improve access to Summit County on I-70 through both short term (education) and long term (AGS) solutions
1 help us get cooperation from Verizon to provide needed cell coverage in the north Lower Blue Area of the
county
1 Defer regulation to local governments, so that the State can realize a cost savings and local governments
can have more hands-on regulatory authority.
1 Escrow the sales tax collected on gasoline and let CDOT use it to fix our roads. Stop sending our gas taxes
to the Feds!
1 A train from DIA up to the central mountains as a suppliment for I-70 would be the best possible use of
money to solve the most problems for our major tourist areas.
1 Work with the Feds to come up with reasonable condo financing for those with front desk, commercial, and
short term rentals.
1 Prevent HOAs from prohibiting vacation rentals in subdivisions & complexes after the fact by amendment.
Private takings cost jobs, tax revenue, faith to invest in a community.
1 Sales Tax - An Out-of-County Vendor has a 5.375% advantage selling the same item in Breckenridge. That's
a lot of money on a construction project. Some Denver vendors charge the local tax & most don't - no rime
or reason to the tax law.
1 Invest in "new" long-term infrastructure such as I-70 high speed rail, community high speed internet access,
and innovative educational programs. These, and others, would create the backbone of an innovative
business climate that would create jobs.
1 mobilize funding to implement/plan collaborative approaches to local problem solving IE bring together school
district; state technology/science/engineering businesses, and fundraising specialists to improve schools. So
we don't have professional couples move away when kids reach middle school.
1 Build a transportation system that allows people to travel to and from our county easily, and at the same
time protects and preserves the natural resources Summit County offers.
1 Improvement of traffic conditiond on I-70 between Georgetown and Silverthorne, specifically banning larfe
rigs (trucks) during peak hours of travel
1 High Speed Train along I-70 to deal with the I-70 traffic issues between the Mountains and Denver.
1 In a tourist based community, it is best to get people to the community. I-70 expansion or mass transit
options are needed.
1 Help diversify a tourism-dependent economy that is subject to economic cycles, is dependent on energy
prices due to guests traveling to our county, and will likely be negatively effected by climate change.
1 Bid for the 2022 Olympics- This would be an excellent, long term economic development plan that would
create jobs across the state of Colorado, and also create cash to address I-70 solutions such as a train up
the mountain.
1 Either eliminate the 30% requirement for renewables which is making it very expensive to live or do
business. Or modify the bill to allow for nuclear power to meet the goal. Which is really all about reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, isn't it?
1 Provide the County with $$ to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy and conduct a
business retention and expansion program.
1 Create opportunities for small firms to compete in RFP's for architectural projects at the State level.
1 Help small local business owners keep afloat and expand their businesses. That includes affordable health
insurance for both full-time AND part-time employees, because Summit County has outrageous health
insurance rates due to active residents. It also includes affordable housing to keep people in the county for
reliable workforce.
1 REALIZE THE EVENTUAL NECESSITY OF MASS TRANSIT ALONG THE I70 CORRIDOR. TOURISM IS VITAL TO OUR
STATE AND WE NEED TO MOVE INTO THIS CENTURY WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSPORTATION.
1 Forget about the monorail, talk about unused capacity. We need an army of buses to help solve the I-70
mess, they are relatively cheap compared to the other options on the table and isn't a big deal if they sit in
a parking lot all week.
1 MANDATING THAT BANKS actually FUND LOANS to small (and I DO MEAN SMALL) businesses. IF they get
Federal or State funds that the Banks fund a % of their business to risky, to moderate risk, to no risk loans.
And be held accountable to it.
1 Address the bottlenecks on I-70 with streamlined assessments and approvals for construction of roadway
improvements in the near term. This must also include better management of the truck traffic at time of
peak automobile flows on the roadway
1 Create a rail line between DIA and Summit County...it is long overdue and it won't get cheaper the longer we
wait.
1 Repeal Gallagher Amendment to reduce the property tax burden on commercial properties and make
commercial rents more affordable.
1 Enhance education by developing stonger collaboration between education and business in our
communities. Defining goals and executing strategic plans.
1 I'd say 1/10th of 1% for the arts, but not the ONE thing... still the arts are very important in our county.
1 Cut back on over-regulation & work towards creating jobs (getting rid of pine beetle infested trees,
specifying land for wind & solar energy, water purifying stations built) DOW & BLM need to stop with so
much regulation & realize that JOBS is the priority not just protecting land.
Your Home County: Please identify your home county from the following list (limited to
one click):
Summit 187 100% Total Responses 187
Who Are You? Please categorize yourself as one of the following.

Business owner 41 21.9% Total Responses 187
Employee of Colorado business 31 16.6%
Elected official 3 1.6%
Government 47 25.1%
Non-profit 15 8%
Educator 13 7%
Self-employed 20 10.7%
Retired 6 3.2%
Student 1 0.5%
Unemployed 3 1.6%

Summit - Summary Report - County Economic Development Self-Assessment Survey1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Summit - Summary Report - County Economic Development Self-Assessment Survey1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Summit -Summary Report

Survey: County Economic Development Self-Assessment Survey

Public/Private Partnerships: Partnerships between business and government can be

Local Partners in Economic Development: What key community organizations should be

State of Colorado Economic Development Resources: What resources/actions from the

Public/Private Partnerships: Partnerships between business and government can be

State of Colorado Economic Development Resources: What resources/actions from the

Who Are You? Please categorize yourself as one of the following.

You might also like