At the 9th Western Colorado Economic Summit, business leaders and policymakers confront the region’s mounting affordability and talent retention challenges.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — What does economic prosperity in Mesa County look like in 2025?

That was the guiding question behind this year’s Western Colorado Economic Summit, hosted by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) on April 24. Now in its ninth year, the summit drew hundreds of community members, business leaders, educators, and elected officials to the heart of the Grand Valley for a day of discussion, networking, and problem-solving.

From the stage of Colorado Mesa University to the halls filled with policy papers and coffee-fueled brainstorming, a clear message echoed throughout the day: economic health begins at home—literally.

“Even If You Own a Home, This Affects You”

Few topics stirred as much conversation as housing affordability, a crisis increasingly reshaping the economic contours of western Colorado.

“Even if you already own a home, this issue of housing affordability still affects you,” said Kevin Bray, Development Director at Bray Real Estate. “It affects your neighbors, your employees, your community’s ability to grow and retain talent.”

Bray, who spoke during a panel on sustainable development, emphasized that affordable housing is more than a real estate concern — it’s an economic development priority.

When homes are out of reach for first-time buyers and young professionals, the talent pipeline dries up. Employers struggle to hire. Schools lose potential teachers. Local businesses lose customers. And entire communities face stagnation.

“We want to keep our young people here,” Bray added. “There are a lot of benefits to the community beyond housing if we can keep our young people here.”

Building a Future that Fits

From down payment assistance programs to zoning for duplexes, ADUs, and condominiums, the summit’s housing panel outlined a multifaceted approach to affordability — one that centers flexibility and innovation.

“We need to be honest about what the future looks like,” said one panelist from a regional planning agency. “That means building for diverse income levels, and building smarter — not just bigger.”

While Grand Junction remains more affordable than Colorado’s Front Range, rising demand and limited inventory have placed increased pressure on entry-level buyers and renters.

Some key takeaways:

• Starter homes are scarce — especially for buyers under 35

• Rental prices have outpaced wage growth for the third consecutive year

• Local construction costs continue to climb due to labor shortages and materials inflation

Workforce Worries: Closing the Skills Gap

Just as critical as housing, panelists noted, is education and workforce development.

“We’re really good about working together to find the gaps in the workforce and skillsets,” said Lori Buck, Vice Chair of Trustees at Colorado Mesa University. “Then we create programs and classes to fill those gaps.”

That nimbleness — a close relationship between business leaders and educators — has become a competitive advantage for the region.

CMU, Western Colorado Community College, and private employers have collaborated on everything from accelerated trade certifications to custom corporate training programs aimed at mid-career upskilling.

Still, challenges remain:

• Healthcare, skilled trades, and IT remain the most understaffed sectors

• Youth retention is lagging, with many graduates leaving for larger metro areas

• Childcare availability is affecting workforce participation, particularly among women

Bucking that trend will require continued innovation, said Buck. “The conversations we’re having today will shape what our community looks like 10 years from now.”

Public and Private, Aligned

One standout from the summit was the strong alignment between public officials and private enterprise — a feature not always seen in economic summits, even at the local level.

From city council members to real estate developers to nonprofit directors, the tone was largely collaborative, not combative.

“There’s a recognition here that we all win or we all lose together,” said a city planner who attended the infrastructure session. “If housing is unaffordable, if employers can’t hire, if families can’t stay, we all feel that ripple.”

Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland made a similar point: “We have an opportunity right now to get ahead of these challenges. But it’s going to take a united front — business, education, government, and the community all working together.”

Looking Forward: Action Beyond the Panels

Summits are often measured by the energy in the room — and this year’s event didn’t disappoint.

The day wrapped with a call for measurable outcomes and continued collaboration. GJEP announced several upcoming initiatives tied directly to the summit’s themes, including:

• A new affordable housing roundtable bringing together developers, banks, and public agencies

• An expanded internship-to-apprenticeship pipeline led by CMU and area employers

• A proposed regional childcare task force to address workforce barriers for parents

As the sun set over the Bookcliffs, one thing was clear: Western Colorado isn’t waiting for Denver or D.C. to fix its problems.

“We’re not just here to talk,” Bray said. “We’re here to build the next chapter of the Grand Valley economy — one that works for everyone.”