DRAFT

Economic Development

The vision for Adams County to be the most innovative and inclusive county in America for all families and businesses is the central tenet for the framework of economic development activities, which serve to build economic health and sustainable opportunities for its resident, business, and development communities. A strong and vibrant economy provides for the creation of jobs and business investments by building a strong tax base that supports public safety, education, parks and open space, services, and other recreational and cultural amenities.

In recent years, economic development has become an essential function of local government with greater attention to issues of social and economic equity and the removal of barriers to opportunity for all community members. Local government also serves as the administrator of local incentives to attract and support primary employers, small businesses, and development that meets strategic objectives. While still focused primarily on economic growth and opportunity, successful economic development activities look to the community’s needs, workforce development, and market influences.

Partnerships with state and local organizations are critical in the promotion of long-term economic health and vitality. This is particularly true for the relationship between a county and its incorporated municipalities, who have their own economic development teams and activities. Through collaborative e orts, it is possible to more e ectively leverage resources and work toward a common vision that benefits both the cities and the unincorporated areas of the county.

Role Of The County

Adams County has a combined Department of Community & Economic Development; the primary purpose of this structure is to better integrate various steps in the development of projects in unincorporated Adams County and to facilitate improved communication and coordination across the organization, as well as in the community and with other agencies. Economic development sta lead the attraction of new primary employers and support existing businesses in their operations and expansions. The Economic Development Division also monitors economic data and trends in the county and provides policy guidance to the Board of County Commissioners and other County leadership as needed.

As a statutory county under Colorado law, Adams County is empowered to negotiate and provide incentives at the countywide level. The Board of County Commissioners exercises discretion in these decisions and follows adopted policy in making financial incentive agreements. Economic Development sta work in partnership with their counterparts in the municipalities to leverage additional resources and incentives in pursuit of building wealth across the county in the form of jobs, property investment, and building target industries, as well as developments that provide a public benefit.

In alignment with the County’s vision, economic development activities include e orts at the neighborhood level to remove barriers for minorityand women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Neighborhood Economic Development Strategies (NEDS) are local plans designed in conjunction with community stakeholders to bring needed services and desired options for people to live, work, play, and recreate in the neighborhood they choose. Adams County has prioritized a focus on “neighborhood up” approaches and community-based economic development, and this will be a central theme in the forthcoming Economic Development Strategy & Implementation Plan.

10 Largest Employers in Adams County

1. University of Colorado Health

2. Children’s Hospital Colorado

3. Amazon

4. United Parcel Service

5. FedEx

6. Sturgeon Electric

7. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

8. Maxar Technologies

9. Steven Roberts Original Desserts

10. HealthONE: North Suburban