Creating a community-led strategy for the future that celebrates the interconnected nature of the region
West End region of Colorado | In Progress
Project Details
The Challenge
Key Activities
Outcomes
The West End is a remote region of the state (the western halves of Montrose and San Miguel County) that prides itself on its rugged landscapes, close-knit communities, rural agricultural livelihoods, and resilient and pioneering spirit. But over the past decade, the region has experienced a wave of change and challenges, from the loss of the coal industry, to a spike in tourism during the pandemic, to debates and division around the Dolores Monument proposal and Norwood Solar Farm.
To respond to these changes, several local governments came together to launch the West End Vision Project in partnership with Community Builders. The collaborative effort, led by the Towns of Naturita, Norwood, and Nucla, and West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC), aims to engage the community and establish a shared regional plan for the future. While a regional plan can’t solve the aforementioned challenges overnight, it can provide tools and a voice for the community to say what kind of place they’d like to be in the future.
Community Builders maintains a long-standing presence in the West End region. In 2020, Community Builders partnered with local governments on the Advance West End Sustainability Plan, helping increase the WEEDC’s revenue by more than $60,000 annually.
Exciting things are happening with the West End Vision Project! In the first phase, project partners connected with more than 600 locals through community meetings, small group conversations, surveys, pop-up events, and more to create a set of community values. Values such as Living with the Land and Rural By Choice are meant to help inspire community pride and guide local decision-making in the future.
Throughout the rest of 2025, the West End Vision Project will work to create a cohesive community vision and actionable goals for the future. Check out the West End Vision Project website to stay up to date on the project.
The West End Vision Project is ongoing! The project will culminate in a regional vision plan for the West End. The intent of the plan is to provide a clear vision and voice to help the region respond to outside interests, increased efficiency and collaboration, opportunities to pursue funding, and strategies to improve housing, infrastructure, the economy, and more.