Conejos County Champion Community

Lead Entity: Conejos-Community, Economy & Environment Progressing Together

(CON-CEPTS) , on behalf of Conejos County, Colorado

Demographics

State:  Colorado  

Counties (Census Tracts):  Conejos
Community Population: 8,355

Net Land Area: 1,287 square miles     

Community Overview:

Conejos County is one of six counties located in the San Luis Valley (SLV) in south central Colorado.   The SLV is located at roughly 7,600 ft elevation, is surrounded by some of the larger mountains in the Rocky Mountains, and is the headwaters of the Rio Grande River. 

Conejos County lies at the southwestern corner of this vast valley and adjoins the State of New Mexico on the south.  It is one of two counties in Colorado with a Hispanic majority.  Conejos County also has the greatest number of persons less than 18 years of age and experienced a growth rate of 12.7% since 1990 census.  Federal and State land encompasses 66% of the county. According to the 2000 census, Conejos County has the lowest per capita income level ($12,050) in the State of Colorado. 

Con-Cepts was formed by a group of grass roots community members that are interested in the obtaining community involvement in order to plan for Conejos County’s future. Con-Cepts found through community meetings and formal surveys that residents are concerned about maintaining the high quality natural environment, celebrating the rich cultural heritage along with promoting responsible job growth in order to keep youth from leaving this tight knit community.

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

Community Outreach & Involvement

Completed county needs assessment survey through partnership and leveraging funs with Adams State College’s Marketing Dept. and Small Business Development Center. Held Town Hall meetings in major towns within the county that included community meals prepared by volunteers, including County Commissioners to share ideas, concerns, and set goals. Organized meetings with the youth in three schools to obtain input as to their needs and concerns both for themselves and their communities

Tourism & Promotion of County

Developed a marketing plan with local college collaboration to help market group and gain more community involvement. Adopted one-mile section of local highway to illustrate group’s active role in the community and to raise community awareness of Con-Cepts. Completed random survey of county residents as to knowledge of local businesses and services. Developing a free business guide to promote county businesses and tourism.

Infrastructure

Working in collaboration with Conejos County Land Use to determine infrastructure needs and obtain community input into planning. Obtained 501c3 status from the IRS. Selected as a CANDO community by the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs as a pilot site for community development.

Cultural History 

Obtained a grant from the Colorado Counsel for the Arts to fund the high school Mariachi group. Prepared a float entry to promote the county and participation in Con-Cepts for Mormon Pioneer Days Parade that draws an average of 10 thousand observers annually. Collaborated with Camino Antiqua to support a National Heritage Area designation

Economic Development

Organized and coordinated two Valley wide summits, one focused on agriculture development and water conservation in partnership with ScSeed, and Development Resources Group to share resources, plans and best practices with neighboring counties Worked with the Small Business Development Center to provide business training for potential & existing businesses along with attracting responsible employers to the area.

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