Photo caption: Fifth-generation ranchers in the West End. Photo submitted by Doylene Garvey as part of the West End Values photo expo.
Between September and December 2024, the Community Builders team made five trips to Norwood, Naturita, and Nucla, the three incorporated communities in the “West End” of Montrose and San Miguel counties. These visits focused on gathering input from residents about what matters most to them and laid the foundation for developing a shared set of community values that will guide a regional plan.
Photo caption: Dolores River Canyon as viewed from the Hanging Flume Overlook.
The West End, a picturesque ranching and former coal mining region situated between Telluride and Moab, is experiencing rapid change, much like other Colorado communities. Faced with external pressures and eager to take control of their future, a team of local leaders—including representatives from the three incorporated towns, a Montrose County Commissioner, and led by the West End Economic Development Corporation—joined forces. Together, they applied to the Community Builders’ Technical Assistance Program, launching the West End Vision Project. Their goal: to create a shared vision and plan for the region, built on robust community input and shared values.
Photo caption: Ambassador Team members at the West End Vision Project pop-up at Nucla Heritage Festival.
To make sure the engagement process was both inclusive and truly representative, the project teamed up with local leaders and created an “Ambassador Team.” This team is made up of a wonderfully diverse group of West End residents who pitched in to guide and support the effort in all kinds of ways—whether it was connecting with neighbors, brainstorming ideas, or even rolling up their sleeves to cook and serve mountains of spaghetti (and yes, they managed to have a blast while doing it!).
Photo caption: Small group discussions about community values at the West End Vision Project community kickoff event in Naturita in September.
The project has reached over 500 people—more than a quarter of the region’s population—including high school students, senior citizens, elected officials, ranchers, miners, remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and more.
Community Conversations: The Heart of Values Engagement
Photo caption: Small group values discussions at a “community conversations” at the Rimrocker Museum in Nucla (left) and the community kickoff in Naturita (below).
Key to the values engagement phase of the West End Vision Project were more than twenty depthful dialogues connecting people from all walks of life—longtimers, newcomers, and those across the political spectrum—to share their stories, find common ground and shared priorities, and build relationships. These heartfelt conversations and the community values that emerged from them provide a strong foundation for the visioning and planning phases of the project.
What’s Next?
Above: Lone Cone Peak rises above fall foliage in the West End. Photo submitted by Shannon Reeder Rayborn as part of the West End Photo Expo.
In February the CB team will return to the West End to review the draft community values. Later this spring we’ll begin working with the community to build upon these values by developing a vision for the future and setting clear goals.
Stay tuned by following the WE Vision Project Facebook page!
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