CITY OF FORT COLLINS RECEIVES ‘LARGE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR’ FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF COLORADO
Top people, places and projects in economic development honored at annual awards dinner and ceremony.
PUEBLO, COLORADO (Oct. 20, 2022) – The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) announced the 2022 EDIE award recipients, recognizing economic development excellence during its annual Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference at Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colorado last week. Since 1989, EDCC has recognized over 200 members, volunteers, communities, companies, and legislators for their outstanding achievement in economic development in the State of Colorado. This year, EDCC celebrated the achievements of 11 individuals, communities, partners, and legislators.
City of Fort Collins was selected as this year’s ‘Large Community of the Year’ (community population greater than 60,000) for its achievements in the following activities:
- Provide innovative business support through facilitating CEO round tables to learn best practices, support multi-cultural business owners, and connecting them to critical resources.
- Offered small business grants during the pandemic that supported businesses under 50 employees, solopreneurs, artists, and musicians.
- Coordinated the allocation of local, state, and federal funding for housing providers and set policies and regulations to support the development of affordable and attainable housing.
Housing projects include:
> Provincetowne
___ Target Population: Families earning 25-50% of Area Median Income
___ Number of Units: Phase 1 = 80, Phase 2 = 73
> Harmony Road Apartments
___ Target Population: Adults with qualifying disabilities earning 50% or less of Area Median Income
___ Number of Units: 23 wheelchair accessible one and two-bedroom units
> Village on Stanford
___ Target Population: 10 units at 30% or below of Area Median Income; 72 units at 31-50% of Area Median Income
___ Number of Units: 82
> Habitat for Humanity Homes
___ Target Population: Families earning between 35-50%of Area Median Income
___ Number of Units: 41 homes
> Sanctuary Apartments
___ Target Population: Seniors 62 years or older earning less than 50% of Area Median Income
___ Number of Units: 60
> Oak 140
___ Target Population: 30%-80% of Area Median Income
___ 79 apartments - A leader in the regional Northern Colorado economic development initiative, NoCo REDI and has exemplified regional best practices and support for the region.
“We celebrate and honor the winners of this year’s EDIE awards, their dedication and hard work towards the progression of our industry across the state and beyond is astounding,” said Stacy Miller, 2022 Board Chair of the Economic Development Council of Colorado and the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Windsor. “These individuals and organization’s’ contributions to our communities will help to advance the state for years to come.”
Pueblo, the Steel City, introduced a new generation of the EDIE award fabricated in steel. The EDIE Award was handcrafted by Johnny’s Boiler Shop & Metal Works which has been a staple of craftsmanship and skill in Pueblo Colorado since 1946. This handcrafted award was made with heart and soul by Pueblo metal workers from American steel. The stainless rod, depicting water, was cut from a legacy drill rig which provided drilling service throughout the Southern Colorado region. The base of the award was handcrafted from a 1940’s Denver and Rio Grande Western Box car floor which carried goods throughout the region.
Each of these winners, gives a glimpse into what our professionals and stakeholders – here in Colorado – are doing, in keeping Colorado’s economy moving forward. More than ever, the value and importance of sustainable economic development, needs to be shined upon as we navigate the ever-changing headwinds our economy is facing. EDCC is honored to represent these winners and their important work and achievements in keeping Colorado economically viable.