The Gold Standard for Economic Development Excellence in Colorado.

The EDCC is committed to advancing the standards of our industry. To build sustainable programs, you need more than just a vision—you need the right people, compensated fairly and positioned for success. This report serves as a bridge between organizational needs and professional aspirations.

Why It Matters for Employers
As an employer, your economic development program is only as strong as the talent leading it. This report provides the objective data needed to make high-stakes HR decisions with confidence.

• • Establishing professional benchmarks for salaries and roles statewide.
  • Aligning compensation with responsibility to support recruitment and retention.
  • Providing standardized job descriptions that reflect the true scope of the work needed to be performed to be successful .
  • Supporting career pathways for both current and emerging professionals.
  • Equipping boards and hiring authorities with a clearer understanding of economic development functions.

Why It Matters for Practitioners
For the professional in the field, this report is more than a data set—it is a roadmap for your career and a vital tool for self-advocacy.

• • Map Your Career Pathway: Clearly see the trajectory from entry-level to leadership. This report helps you visualize the next step in your Colorado economic development career.
  • Identify Growth Opportunities: Pinpoint the specific professional development and skill sets required to move to the next level. Use these benchmarks to identify gaps in your expertise and advocate for the training you need to bridge them.
  • Standardize Your Professional Identity: Gain a clear understanding of industry-standard job requirements and the specific competencies that define “top talent” in today’s market.
  • Benchmarking and Benefits: Get an inside look at what peers are earning across the state and what modern benefit packages look like, from health coverage to professional development stipends.
  • Advocate for Your Success: Use objective, EDCC-vetted data to lead productive conversations with your employer about your role’s structure, compensation, and your future within the organization.

Investing in qualified professionals is an investment in the sustainability of your community’s future. Whether you are building a team or building your career, download the toolkit today to lead with data and elevate the standard of excellence in Colorado.