We are a community of doers. We always have been.

Here in the Colorado River Valley, we don’t rely on glitz or glamour. We’re not a resort region. We serve them, sure—but our identity isn’t built on visitors. It’s built on labor, ingenuity, family, and pride. We’re the kind of people who put our heads down, work hard, and figure it out. So this is your invitation—not just to share what’s wrong, but to help build the path that lies ahead.

At the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership (CRVEDP), we believe economic development should be grassroots. Local first. Community-led. That’s why we’ve launched a project focused specifically on us—the Colorado River Valley. Our goal? To create data-backed, realistic pathways to better economic opportunity for our towns—Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Parachute, Battlement Mesa, and everywhere in between.

For years, we’ve had and heard the same kitchen table conversations. Over coffee. On the sidelines of soccer games. At the brewery after a long day. The same questions: “Why can’t we get different restaurants here?” “Why do I have to drive so far for a decent job?” “Why does everything feel like it’s designed for someone else’s community—not ours?”

We’re finally doing something about it. But we need your voice.

Right now, we’re in the middle of an ambitious data and community feedback project designed to inform real, place-based economic solutions. It’s called the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Strategy, and it zeroes in on our region’s workforce, industries, infrastructure, and how to maximize on our current economic drivers whilst being prepared for the unknowns ahead. Spoiler alert: early findings confirm what we’ve known all along—our challenges are real, and our potential is too. This is not another study that will gather dust sitting on the shelf, the goal is to have tangible projects we can put into action starting in 2026.

Now comes the next step: you.

We’re launching community and business surveys to gather insights from the people who know this region best. We want it all—the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. These surveys are your shot. As Eminem said: “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.” Every offhand comment you’ve ever made about what this place needs? Now’s the time to write it down, send it in, and make it count.

This isn’t just a data exercise. It’s your chance to help shape a future that doesn’t leave the Colorado River Valley behind. The dream of a local economy where your kids don’t have to leave the region to build a career. Where your commute doesn’t swallow half your life. Where housing, healthcare, and jobs actually match what people here need.

Eminem’s lyrics are slightly hyperbolic in this situation. These surveys aren’t your only opportunity to speak up. Another powerful opportunity to be heard is through public comment—at city and town council meetings, county commissioner meetings, and public hearings during a planning process. As both a presenter and a decision-maker at the local dais, I know it can feel intimidating to speak during public comment. “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy…He’s nervous, but on the surface, he looks calm and ready….”—  does anyone else think this song is about public comment??! The truth is, your voice does matter, even if it is quivering. Public comment brings validation to all those conversations we have at taco trucks, school pickup lines, and in church parking lots. It takes those informal ideas and puts them directly in front of the people making decisions.

The future of our region could be bright and we’re not waiting for some big outside company to swoop in and save us. That’s not how it works anymore—and honestly, it never really did. We’re focused on building something smarter and more sustainable: better jobs closer to home, resilient industries that align with our workforce, and infrastructure that supports the kind of lives we want to live.

To get there, we’re relying on the same qualities that built this region: grit, honesty, and collaboration. The kind of strength that doesn’t show off but shows up. We already see it every day—in the way our region works together, in the volunteers who keep community events running, and in the entrepreneurs who take risks to start something new right here, not somewhere else.

So here’s your call to action:

Fill out the surveys. Tell us what’s working—and what’s not. Help us understand what you see, what you hope for, and what you’re ready to build.

Because no one knows this region like the people who live here.

Visit http://www.betterjobsclosertohome.com or email us at info@crvedp.org to learn more.

Alicia Gresley is the director of the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership. She lives in Rifle.