State Economic Development Leaders Sign MoU to Enhance Economic Development Coordination Across the State
DENVER – Today, at the EDCC Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference, state leaders celebrated an agreement to build a unified economic development voice for Colorado. Four state agencies, the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC), and the Colorado Association of Regional Organizations (CARO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CO|Align Initiative recognizing the benefits of collaborative economic development policies and aiming to align strategies, reduce redundancies, and enhance capacity for economic development efforts across Colorado.
“Colorado is among the first states to implement a model of economic development planning that incorporates regional goals and outcomes into statewide strategies,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). “The MoU is a first-of-its-kind agreement in Colorado that will ensure this collaboration continues into the future and supports a thriving economy.”
The EDCC, CARO, OEDIT, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and the Colorado Office of Information Technology (OIT) signed the MoU.
“We are thrilled to formalize Colorado’s history of collaboration,” said Kim Woodworth, EDCC Executive Director. “This initiative represents a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to build a more prosperous and resilient economy that works for all Coloradans.”
The CO|Align Initiative and the MoU grew out of Colorado’s participation in the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) Policy Academy, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). As one of only six states selected to participate, local, regional and state partners engaged in workshops and hands-on learning to generate more coordinated and impactful economic development programs.
“We are committed to building upon the momentum generated by the Policy Academy and leveraging it to propel Colorado’s economic development agenda forward,” said Joe Barela, Executive Director of the CDLE. “Together, we have the power to shape a brighter future for our state and build a working economy that elevates all of Colorado.”
The CO|Align Initiative will facilitate enhanced communication, collaboration, and alignment between state and regional strategies and actions. This will in turn inform Colorado’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), helping to ensure that state economic development strategies incorporate regional goals and outcomes. Additionally, the initiative will work to identify opportunities for funding, partnership and innovation, with the goal of driving inclusive economic growth and prosperity across the state.
“Our focus now shifts to aligning our local, regional and state economic strategies and initiatives under CO|Align,” said Laura Lewis Marchino, Chair of CARO and Executive Director of the Region 9 Economic Development District and Policy Academy participant. “By aligning our efforts at both the regional and statewide levels, we can maximize our impact and create lasting positive change across Colorado.”
“The Department of Local Affairs vision to strengthen local communities is enhanced through innovative partnerships and forward-thinking approaches like the CO|Align Initiative,” said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of Local Affairs. “I am excited to work hand–in-hand with our state agency and community partners to enhance livability for Coloradans through collaborative and unified economic development efforts for years to come.”
”True economic growth flourishes when state governments collaborate with local communities,” said Brandy Reitter, Colorado Broadband Office Executive Director. “OIT is excited to join our local and state partners in support of the CO Align Initiative because modern technology and broadband connectivity play a crucial role in promoting economic growth, especially in rural areas.”
For more information about the CO|Align coalition and its ongoing activities, please visit the CO|Align website.
About the CO|Align Initiative:
The CO|Align initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering economic growth and prosperity across the state. Through strategic partnerships, initiatives, and programs, CO|Align seeks to create a vibrant and resilient economy that benefits all Coloradans.
See Governor’s Proclamation: Governor’s Proclamation – CO Align Day