Section 11: Pueblo County Contents Page

Transcription

Section 11: Pueblo County
Contents
Page
Map
1
Maps Local
2
Overview
6
Historic Outcomes
8
Images
11
Economic Development Plan
12
Areas for Designation
36
Administrator and Organization Background
43
Letters of Support
54
Section 11 - Pueblo County - Page 1 of 55
PROPOSED PUEBLO COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE
Areas highlighted in TEAL are areas that have been proposed for Enterprise Zone status.
Areas with a CROSS-HATCH are newly added areas.
Areas highlighted in RED are areas that have graduated out of Enterprise Zone status.
Pueblo County 2015 Enterprise Zone - Proposed Boundary - Pueblo West
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Fremont
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El Paso
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Lincoln
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Kiow a
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Crow ley
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Otero
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County
Saguache
County
Alamosa Huerfano
County
County
Las Animas
Costilla
The Historic Pueblo County Courthouse
105°30'0"W 105°0'0"W 104°30'0"W
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County
Pueblo, Colorado
County
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Author: Pueblo County EDGIS
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Pueblo County 2015 Enterprise Zone - Proposed Boundary
105°25'0"W
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104°50'0"W
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El Paso
County
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104°15'0"W
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Lincoln
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County
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Fremont
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Crowley
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Park County
Teller
County
Fremont
County
Custer
County
El Paso
County
Pueblo
County
Lincoln
County
Kiow a
County
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Crow ley
County
Otero
County
Saguache
County
Alamosa Huerfano
Alamosa
County
County
County
Las Animas
Costilla
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County
Pueblo, Colorado
County
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37°50'0"N
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County Boundaries
Saguache
Freeway
CountyHighway
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Las
Animas
County
Bent
County
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Key and
and Surrounding
Surrounding Area
Area
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Map Key
Key and
and Surrounding
Surrounding Area
Area
Collector
Freeway
Local Street
County Boundaries
Custer
County
Pueblo
County
81010002002
Lincoln
County
Arkansas
Arkansas RRiver
iver
Kiow a
County
81010008003
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County
Bent
Otero
County
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Arkansas
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Saguache
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Las Animas
Costilla
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El Paso
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Teller
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Fremont
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Pueblo County 2015 Enterprise Zone - Proposed Boundary - City of Pueblo
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Historic
Historic Arkansas
Arkansas Riverwalk
Riverwalk
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River
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Map
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Area
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Local Street
County Boundaries
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38°30'0"N
Park County
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Water Bodies
Highway
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County
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El Paso
County
Pueblo
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County
Kiow a
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Crow ley
County
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Otero
County
County
Saguache
County
Alamosa Huerfano
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Las Animas
Costilla
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Pueblo County Enterprise Zone Primary economic challenges Pueblo County's economy has historically been solely driven by steel manufacturing. After the price of steel bottomed out in the 1980s, we have deliberately been diversifying our economy. First, we focused on heavy industry and bringing jobs back to Pueblo. Since the mid 2000's, we have been working to diversify the economy by fostering specialized manufacturing, creative industry, high tech, medical, rail, aviation, renewable energy, tourism and agriculture industry sectors. We still struggle economically, but continue to improve. Our community is still poor. Our schools are low‐performing, our population is the most obese in Colorado, and we have one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country. Much of our community's infrastructure is crumbling due to a lack of sales tax revenues. We struggle with flooding of the Fountain Creek, and the annual economic impacts of those floods. Agriculture struggles due to difficult weather conditions, drought and significant water rights impacts. And, we struggle to get ahead, due to factors outside our control ‐ such as ever‐increasing energy costs. We are making great strides as a community, but still have many hurdles to overcome. Since 2000, our population growth rate has been 1.18%, and we've only seen a 14.03% total population increase (compared to Colorado's 22.57% population increase). Our average annual wage is $41,236 (74% of the State Average of $55,536. Our unemployment rate (currently 6.1%, compared to 4.3% in Colorado) has been among the highest in the state for several years. We lag behind the state and every comparable metropolitan area in practically every metric. Opportunities for economic development Our primary focus is on the following industry sectors: Specialized manufacturing, creative industry, high tech, medical, rail, aviation, renewable energy, tourism and agriculture. Pueblo is actually uniquely positioned to capitalize upon all of these sectors. Our workforce education programs with CSU‐Pueblo and Pueblo Community College now mirror our emphasis in these areas. Likewise, several emerging opportunities have been realized in our community, including the Pueblo Chemical Depot (PuebloPlex) redevelopment/mustard agent destruction facility, growing demand for specialized manufacturing, renewable energy demands (solar energy production, Vestas wind towers manufacturing), cottage/value‐added agriculture demands (especially Pueblo Chile), and demand for rail products globally. Our geographic location, available water supply, education partners, and unified economic development activities position us for great successes. We are also actively developing a tourism industry, hoping to bring travelers from surrounding states to participate in agritourism activities, kayaking, lake recreation, mountain (canyon) biking, and to use our community as a "base of operations" to tour surrounding community attractions. We are hoping to capitalize upon all of these intrinsic attributes in a big way over the next 25 years. How will the EZ support an economically viable central business district? The Central Business District of Pueblo is the hub of our current (and proposed) zone's economy. Although primary manufacturing and heavy industry employment activity occurs at the edges of the City of Pueblo, the majority of our retail and commercial business is centered in downtown Pueblo. The proposed zone encompasses all of the commercial zones in Pueblo County that feed the CBD's economy. Section 11 - Pueblo County - Page 7 of 55
We are focusing on growing the CBD population, sales tax generation, and business license density as metrics of economic growth. These same metrics are the ones employed by Colorado Creative Industry's "Creative District" designation, which we use as the primary guideline for business growth in Pueblo's CBD. Zone Administration Population within zone: 86,969 Organization: Pueblo County
Person: Chris Markuson, Director of Economic Development and GIS Chris has served as the EZ administrator for 3 years, and has a wide array of expertise in Economic Development. His job duties include: Manage the County’s Revolving Loan Fund, and work with underwriters to successfully and sustainably lend funds to private businesses. Develop business leads, prepare incentive packages, negotiate contract and finance terms on behalf of Pueblo County and the Board of County Commissioners. Develop strategic plans, economic impact analyses, market analyses, sales forecasts, GAP analyses, feasibility studies and impact studies. Prepare ordinances and resolutions, draft land use and administrative policies for approval by the Board of Commissioners. Coordinate and lead a unified GIS and business response program during emergency operations from the County’s Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Command Unit. Collaborate and develop cooperative plans & long‐term agreements, contracts and employment a Partners in EZ Program promotion: 
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


Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) City of Pueblo Pueblo Workforce Center Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) Pueblo Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Pueblo Community College. EZ Review Major Outcomes – Since 2003, the EZ program has helped us achieve the following gains: 6,500 new jobs in Pueblo County $1.7 Billion in new sales A 3.9% growth in establishments (businesses) 27% increase in business expansions 38.4% increase in business startups Section 11 - Pueblo County - Page 8 of 55
R EG IO N 7
Regional Data
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Largest Companies by Employment
The Pueblo Region (Region 7), consists of a single entity: Pueblo County. With a land area of 2,400
square miles, Pueblo County ranks 13th-largest of the 64 Colorado counties. Of Colorado’s planning and
management regions, it ranks the smallest in geographic size. In terms of total population, Region 7 ranks
5th-largest of the 14 regions. Pueblo County’s 2000-2010 compounded annual population growth rate of
1.2 % makes it the 8th-fastest growing region.
• Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel
• Trane Corporation
• Bechtel
• Vestas
Originally founded as an adobe trading post, Pueblo became the center of Colorado’s industrial economy
in the late 19th century. Known as the “Pittsburgh of the West” because of its steel mills, Pueblo attracted
job-seeking migrants from all over the world, giving the city a diverse ethnic character that persists today.
With this rich history, Pueblo continues to be dominated by manufacturing companies, and Pueblo
County thrives on ranching and farming.
Top 5 Key Industries by Employment
1. Health and Wellness
2. Advanced Manufacturing
3. Transportation and Logistics
The trends of job growth by business sector reveal accelerated growth over the past year. From August
2010 to August 2011, the number of jobs gained in professional and business services was 500, educational
and health services was 400, manufacturing was 400, and construction was 300. No sector experienced job
declines of more than 100 jobs during this time interval. During August 2009 to August 2010, the
educational and health services sector recorded the largest employment gain at 400 jobs.
4. Infrastructure and Engineering
5. Financial Services
Top 5 Regional Assets
• Available/skilled workforce
VISION
• #1 customized workforce training program in
the state
The Pueblo Region’s vision is to promote Pueblo County area’s proven competitive advantages to
companies and other sectors to help create jobs and help businesss thrive in Region 7 and the
surrounding regions in Southern Colorado.
• Existing manufacturing cluster
• Central transportation routes and new
Industrial Rail Park
MISSION
• Pueblo Riverwalk
The Pueblo Region’s core mission is to create jobs and provide support through our partners to our key
focus industry areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Tourism, Small Business, and Health Care, while
providing additional support and innovation to our education system.
Where the Region would like to be in 5
years
• The Pueblo Region continues to act as the hub
for Southern Colorado. It is anticipated that
population will continue to grow at an average
rate. Investment continues to be made in the
downtown core, which will result in significant
development into tourist related activities
QUICK WINS
• The Big R Company announced it will expand its corporate headquarters and warehouse operations with
an additional 30 jobs. The facilities will service Big R’s growth of retail stores throughout the southwest.
• Kurt Manufacturing announced a new family of hydraulic products will be produced in its Pueblo facility
with a net add of 59 jobs over two phases.
• Rocla Concrete Rail Tie added a new production line and an additional 50 jobs. In 2012, the company
had opened its North American flagship facility in Pueblo, with120 jobs and $20 million investment.
• Dubworks announced a new Pueblo facility with 30 jobs (in addition to its existing Erie, CO business).
TOP 5 KEY INDUSTRIES BY
EMPLOYMENT
Weld
Larimer
Phillips
2
Routt
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
Rio Blanco
Health and Wellness
11
Grand
Garfield
4,6
3,720
Clear
Creek
10
Gunnison
Douglas
Park
4
Chaffee
13
Ouray
San Miguel
Infrastructure and Engineering
Financial Services
3,622
Hinsdale
Dolores
Montezuma
3,150
9
San
Juan
Mineral
Source: EMSI, 2012
Arapahoe
Washington
3
Kit Carson
Conejos
Lincoln
5
Cheyenne
El Paso
Kiowa
Fremont
8
La Plata
Elbert
Teller
7
Custer
Saguache
Rio Grande
Archuleta
1
Yuma
Denver
Adams
Jefferson
Lake
Delta
Montrose
Morgan
Boulder
Gilpin Broomfield
Eagle
Pitkin
Mesa
Transportation and Logistics
12
Summit
Employment: 11,486
Advanced Manufacturing
Sedgwick
Logan
Jackson
Moffat
Crowley
Pueblo
Otero
Alamosa
Costilla
Huerfano
14
Las Animas
State of Colorado, Region 7
6
Prowers
Bent
Baca
R EG IO N 7
1
Increase Primary Jobs,
Emphasis on Manufacturing
GOAL
S
Increase Tourism
GOAL Spending
S
• Promote Pueblo County’s proven competitive
advantages to national & international
manufacturing companies and other industrial
sectors
• Implement & develop a cluster industry focus
around supply chain manufacturing opportunities
• Capitalize upon the abundant water resources of
Pueblo County
• Leverage Chemical Demil assets for
future manufacturing opportunities
• Implement both virtual and physical presence for
the Manufacturing Center of Excellence
DELIVERABLES
• Aided in the formation of Colorado Advanced
Manufacturing Alliance (CAMA), represented by
leaders from Evraz-Rocky Mountain Steel, Vestas
Towers Americas, Atlas Pacific Engineering and
Pueblo Community College
4
2
CORE
OBJECTIVES
Promote as a Regional Health
Care Destination
• Identify and target leisure travel markets that
increase Pueblo County’s tourism market share
• Identify and target future conventions and
meetings, and retain existing businesses
• Identify and target military reunions and veteran
activities that increase visitors
• Identify and target indoor and outdoor sporting
events that increase visitors
• Continue to develop and grow the community
events and festivals
• Develop strategies that increase group tour/motor
coach tour business to Pueblo County
• Incorporate additional training
DELIVERABLES:
• City of Pueblo named as first recipient of
statewide Regional Tourism Award
• Partnered with state Creative Industries Division to
receive planning grant for Creative Corridor Project
5
Develop Leadership Council
to Enhance Ag Economy
3
Expand Existing Industry/Small
Business Opportunities
GOAL
S
• Increase awareness and marketing of business
resources
• Streamline cumbersome licensing and permitting
processes
• Create entrepreneur education programs
• Increase small business capital access
DELIVERABLES:
• Created the Pueblo City Center Partnership to
assist with attracting, expanding and retaining
small business in the city’s downtown core
area
• Developing a “Fast Pass” system to streamline
permitting and zoning assistance for small
business.
• Based on the state’s asset mapping project utilize
the tool to create the local hub of resources.
Through the Southern Colorado Manufacturing
Group, the Pueblo region has convened most of
the major manufacturers to facilitate discussions
and actionable sub-committees that are addressing
common needs and challenges
6
Grow Higher Education to
Align with Workforce Goals
GOAL
S
GOAL
S
GOAL
S
• Create “Centers of Excellence” for selected areas
of community need
• Create systems of care, which make Pueblo the
“front door” for regional systems of care
• Collaborate with other providers in the area to
eliminate duplication and improve quality and
efficiency of care
• Actively recruit physicians, dentists, and other
health care professionals
• Improve the economic health of the community
• Provide exceptional service to the outreach areas
• Create a mechanism for a health care cluster
focused on medical industry opportunities
• Increase agricultural exports from Pueblo County
• Establish a Temporary Action Task Force to define,
recruit and educate the Leadership Group and the
areas of focus using a facilitator
• Develop incentives to keep water on the land
• Define the minimum level of agriculture and
water needed to sustain food production
• Promote rural living for people in the cities –
move the people to the water
• Capitalize on the flexibility of Pueblo Community
College (PCC) to provide customized training
and/or degree programs incorporating critical
thinking and ethics
• Expand the Engineering Department at CSUPueblo to a School of Engineering
• Expand ag-related research programs and/or
create entry-level degree programs via PCC
• Develop entrepreneurial studies program in
the Hassan School of Business with articulation
agreements and ease in transferability with twoyear degree programs available at PCC
• Broaden outreach and programs targeted at
veterans
• Create Hospitality Management program at
CSU-Pueblo to support tourism efforts in the
region with articulation agreement(s) and ease
in transferability with two-year degree programs
available at PCC
• Support and outreach for developmental
education needs
DELIVERABLES:
DELIVERABLES
• Saint Mary Corwin Hospital opened the state-ofthe-art Dorsey Cancer Center
• Created a strategic partnership that allows PCC’s
Health Sciences Division to have full access to an
entire wing at the hospital complex for training
programs and simulations for both students and
existing employees
• U.S. News & World report recognized Parkview
Medical Center as a High Performing Hospital
in the areas of Nephrology, Neurology &
Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, and Pulmonology
• Parkview mobile nurses program instituted
wellness clinics across Southern Colorado
• Specialty clinic has been established in Canon
City and a general clinic in Colorado City
STAKEHOLDER
S
City and County of Pueblo State
of Colorado
Local and regional Chambers
Metro Districts and surrounding
community and industry representatives
DELIVERABLES
• CSU-Pueblo has grown engineering program by
50%
• CSU-Pueblo added Masters Program in
Mechatronics
• PCC’s Economic and Workforce Development
Division and the Business & Technology
Division actively engaged in addressing areas for
improvement in STEM fields
• Working with Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel to
bring customized academics to their facilities
• Entrepreneurial program and creating a closer link
with CSU-Pueblo
• PCC investigating viability of expanding
program options and outreach efforts for
veterans
institutions Small Business Development Center
Pueblo City Center Partnership
Pueblo County Workforce
Center
K-12 and higher education
Pueblo Economic Development
Corporation
www.advancecolorado.com/bluepri
nt
Rev: 4-8-13
EDGIS Department
Plan
Department plan for the Pueblo County
Department of Economic Development and
Geographic Information Systems
April 17
2013
Economic Development and
Geographic Information Systems
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Department Summary .............................................................................................................................. 3
Economic Development ............................................................................................................................ 4
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) ................................................................................................... 12
Department Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 15
EDGIS Staffing ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Proposed Organizational Chart ............................................................................................................... 18
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners created the office of Economic Development and Geographic
Information Systems (EDGIS) in April, 2013.
The purpose of this office is twofold, as its name implies.
First, because the utility of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is enterprise-wide within Pueblo County’s
government operations, the department will serve as a central component of all County operations. The
department will improve workflow processes throughout the County by converting archaic methods into highly
intelligent, functional systems that create and utilize digital spatial data whenever possible.
Second, because growth of our local economy is paramount to our success as a government agency, this
department will coordinate all economic development activities of Pueblo County. Economic development practice
is about growing the number of primary jobs within the community, thereby boosting the community’s overall
wealth. Sustainable, long-term economic development is achieved through providing local entrepreneurs with the
tools they need to grow their business in a complex global marketplace, and to sell their products and services
outside of Pueblo County. To achieve this, this department will encourage job growth through by providing
advanced GIS tools, market data and Internet applications to existing Pueblo County businesses.
This document serves as the guiding framework for the Pueblo County Department of Economic Development and
Geographic Information Systems (EDGIS), which is tasked with revolutionizing economic development and internal
government practices of the County.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Since the 1980s, Pueblo County has been focused solely on recruiting industry to the community. Out of necessity,
the City of Pueblo formed the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO), whose singular mission was to
bring primary industry to Pueblo. The voters of the City approved a half cent sales tax to build funds required to
offer incentives to businesses wishing to relocate to Pueblo.
This worked quite well through the 1990s. PEDCO was largely responsible for bringing several thousand jobs to
Pueblo. These efforts rescued our economy from the cataclysmic collapse of the steel market, the largest job
sector in Pueblo for decades. Because of PEDCO’s efforts, Pueblo’s economic backbone diversified and stabilized.
However, with the advent of the Internet, the practice of recruiting primary industry to the community has
become much more difficult. No longer is Pueblo County the cheapest location for commodity industry to do
business. The Internet allows businesses within the US to communicate directly with developing countries like
China, India and Mexico. Many businesses nationwide continue to move manufacturing jobs overseas to capitalize
on the inexpensive labor and relaxed environmental standards in developing countries. Furthermore, these nations
offer their own incentive packages, which make Pueblo’s half cent sales tax pale in comparison.
So, what do we do? Do we increase our half cent sales tax to further build our incentives? Do we dump the
practice of incentivizing businesses completely? Or, are there more creative options?
In 2011, citizens of Colorado, in conjunction with the State of Colorado Office of Economic Development and
International Trade (OEDIT), established six core objectives to address this issue as part of the State’s “Colorado
Blueprint” economic development strategy. The objectives created by citizens and economic development
professionals modified the priorities of the state’s economic development efforts, and in turn, the priorities of the
economic development efforts in Pueblo County. While structurally, the City of Pueblo’s half cent sales tax would
require voter approval to change its use, the Colorado Blueprint brings additional flexibility to our economic
development toolbox. Incentivizing business to relocate to Pueblo County is now only one of several tools and
strategies that Pueblo County can use.
The Colorado Blueprint established six core objectives for the State of Colorado:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Build a Business-Friendly Environment
Retain, Grow and Recruit Businesses
Increase Access to Capital
Create and Market a Stronger Colorado Brand
Educate and Train the Workforce of the Future
Cultivate Innovation and Technology Increase primary jobs with an emphasis on
manufacturing
The Colorado Blueprint also established the following economic development strategic
initiatives for Pueblo County:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Increase Primary Jobs with an emphasis on manufacturing
Increase tourism spending
Expand existing industry and small business opportunities
Promote Pueblo as a regional health care destination
Develop a Leadership Council to guide and focus projects to enhance the Agriculture
economy
6. Grow CSU-Pueblo and Pueblo Community College to become regional leaders in
higher education, partnering to provide a skilled, educated workforce, in alignment
with Regional Economic Development Goals.
SO, HOW CAN PUEBLO COUNTY GOVERNMENT ACHIEVE THE STATE’S OBJECTIVES AND
OUR OWN STRATEGIC INITIATIVES?
Economic Gardening efforts are the strongest tools that Pueblo County brings to the table. While existing
economic development methods are focused primarily on recruiting and incentivizing businesses, Economic
Gardening focuses on existing, established businesses.
Economic Gardening is a strategy that supports local businesses, centering on emerging Stage One companies and
Second Stage growth companies through the support of the entrepreneurs who run them. Specific tools are
applied that are most relevant to the needs of these entrepreneurs to find new customers, increase revenue, share
best practices and ultimately create primary jobs that support the County’s economy.
WHAT IS A SECOND STAGE GROWTH COMPANY?
Second-stage companies are those that have grown beyond the startup stage but have not grown to maturity.
They have enough employees to exceed the comfortable control span of one owner/CEO and benefit from adding
professional managers, but they do not yet have a full-scale professional management team. A business typically
begins to enter its second stage when it approaches $750,000 to $1 million in total receipts. The transition process
can continue past $50 million per year, which is generally the upper limit of second stage. By $100 million, a firm
will have to be professionally managed in order to continue to thrive and grow and be in its third stage of
development. Employee numbers and revenue ranges vary by industry, but the population of firms with 10 to 100
employees and/or $750,000 to $50 million in receipts includes the vast majority of second-stage companies.
WHAT IS AN EMERGING STAGE 1 BUSINESS?
These businesses are growth companies with less than 10 employees, but have the ability to grow to 10 employees
within twelve months.
WHY ECONOMIC GARDENING?
The philosophy around Economic Gardening centers on companies and the entrepreneurs that are already in our
community. About 70% of all jobs created come from these entrepreneurs. By practicing Economic Gardening,
Pueblo County offers tools that meet the needs of these entrepreneurs and helps to accelerate their growth. This
is a proactive approach to economic development that places the community and the organizations that serve
entrepreneurs in the driver’s seat to deliver a balanced approach to economic development.
WHAT DO STAGE 1 AND STAGE 2 ENTREPRENEURS NEED?
Our experience in Economic Gardening since 2005 has shown that entrepreneurs in our community need six
things:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Entrepreneurial culture and peer networks
Basic business infrastructure
Market information
Access to markets
Access to capital
Talented employees and training in all aspects of business
ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE AND PEER NETWORKS
Through our work with hundreds of local businesses, EDGIS recognizes that starting and operating a
business in Pueblo County can be difficult. Numerous local and Federal regulatory hurdles are often hard
for entrepreneurs to successfully navigate. Pueblo County is smaller than cities on Colorado’s Front
Range, and several big-city amenities do not exist in our community. And, it can be harder for
entrepreneurs to test ideas or learn from others because our consumer base and number of businesses is
smaller than in major metropolitan areas.
In order to further develop an entrepreneurial culture in Pueblo County, EDGIS is already seen by the
business community as an advocate within the County government. We work daily with all departments
within both City and County, as well as Pueblo West and Colorado City. We are known to point people in
the right direction, bring partners to the table, and offer objective advice rooted in analysis of data when
solicited.
We seek to expand our influence in this area over time. By demonstrating a continued desire to assist
businesses, we have already influenced the entrepreneurial culture of the County. By making our efforts
more visible to the public and positioning our Economic Gardening program as the core Economic
Development of Pueblo County, the Board of County Commissioners greatly enhances our abilities.
In working with the pre-established Pueblo Retention and Expansion Program (PREP), we will likewise
expand our abilities to connect individual entrepreneurs with each other to facilitate shared learning.
Several studies in Economic Gardening have detailed the criticality of this simple measure, as
entrepreneurs continually need like individuals with whom to vet their ideas.
BASIC BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
Most State 1 businesses don’t need much, but the needs of Stage 2 companies can vary wildly as they
expand. For example, leasable spaces within an area frequented by pedestrians are hard to find in Pueblo
County. Likewise, reliable, affordable broadband Internet can be difficult to achieve in our community.
EDGIS continues to work with partners to improve and expand offerings such as these needed by today’s
businesses.
MARKET INFORMATION
EDGIS provides extensive, powerful GIS-driven market information to any Pueblo County business that
requires it. We have access to nationwide market information. We also have developed a great
partnership with the Pueblo City County Library District, who subscribes to several market databases and
provides them free of charge to library card holders.
ACCESS TO MARKETS
While Southern Colorado’s market is relatively small, we have successfully demonstrated to hundreds of
businesses that strategic thinking can overcome our market’s limitations. Furthermore, armed with
detailed GIS-driven information about markets outside of Pueblo County, entrepreneurs are fully
equipped to expand their operations. We will continue to provide this analysis to Pueblo County’s
businesses.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Our work to validate business assumptions, identify their customers’ profile, target specific geographic
markets, and evaluation of business competitive landscapes has helped hundreds of Pueblo County
businesses improve their business plans. With solid business plans in hand, obtaining conventional lending
is much easier.
However, EDGIS is working with PEDCO to emphasize that the city’s half cent sales tax fund can be utilized
to provide capital to existing employers. We believe this funding source can provide much-needed
“Angel” dollars in our community.
Our established partnerships with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Southern
Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) allow us to promote capital sources that most
businesses are not aware of. The Pueblo County Development Fund and Small Business Administration
funding are two funding sources that we regularly steer entrepreneurs toward. We are likewise always
looking to promote traditional lending sources within our community, particularly from locally-owned
banking institutions.
Furthermore, we will be working with established Angel investors elsewhere in Colorado to promote
businesses that require Angel funding.
TALENTED EMPLOYEES & TRAINING IN ALL ASPECTS OF BUSINESS
Both Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University-Pueblo have excellent track records of
creating programs that meet business needs. We have forged several partnerships with programs within
both institutions, and regularly communicate business needs. We also have a strong relationship with the
Pueblo Workforce Center, who is a tremendous source for job talent.
WHAT TOOLS DOES ECONOMIC GARDENING EMPLOY?
The practice of Economic Gardening by a Government agency follows three tenets:
1.
2.
3.
Provide advanced business intelligence to established businesses, allowing them to grow strategically
and effectively compete
Provide the base level of required community infrastructure to meet the needs of business
Create and facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and community resources
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
The Business Intelligence tools Pueblo County utilizes are on par with tools used by Fortune 500
corporations. They are centered on:
x
x
x
x
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Nationwide consumer databases
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and advanced Internet marketing tools
Social media tools
Pueblo County’s Economic Gardening initiative is somewhat unique from other communities who have
made this economic development leap. Our program is centered on the utilization of highly advanced
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) tools. With these GIS tools, we are able to place customers
of a business on a map, overlay thousands of supplemental data layers, and extract psychographic and
demographic profiles of customers. Businesses can utilize these profiles to identify who their customers
are, what “makes them tick” (including lifestyle habits, hobbies, spending preferences, etc.), and find
more potential customers nationwide who exhibit the same traits. GIS also allows us to understand the
competitive landscape nationwide, quickly eliminating markets where a business would have a very
difficult time establishing a market presence.
Data is key to Second Stage and Emerging First Stage businesses. However, most entrepreneurs don’t
have time to sort through the hundreds of thousands of datasets freely available, data available for
purchase from data aggregators, or data available for online subscription. The GIS tools used in Pueblo
County’s Economic Gardening program are the exact same tools used by Fortune 500 companies. Because
we are a local government entity, our cost to subscribe to private market data is considerably less than
the same data used by for-profit businesses. We have invested numerous hours in mastering these tools
as part of our regular GIS analysis duties for the County. Likewise, subscribing to private data assists us in
our duties of managing County systems. Because of these facts, Pueblo County is uniquely poised to
provide advanced data analyses to businesses within our community.
GIS is not the only tool that we use. Economic Gardening principles also emphasize the need to allow local
businesses to compete on a global scale through utilization of the Internet. On staff in the Economic
Development and Geographic Information Systems Department are experts in Internet applications who
have developed multiple ways that businesses can extend their business online. We are also adept at
advanced “Ad-Word” marketing, social media, and utilization of third-party online services available to
businesses. Through use of these tools, we have already assisted several businesses to expand operations
nationwide in ways they never expected.
BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
Another key element of Economic Gardening is that government must incorporate the needs of business
into long-term community planning. Business needs are similar to the needs of residents in many ways.
Communities with a high quality of life are natural attractors to industry and high wage jobs. Likewise,
communities with employers who offer high wage jobs tend to have a high quality of life.
So, how do we solve this chicken and egg puzzle? Strategic, long-term planning of a community,
incorporating all aspects of the needs and desires of both citizens and businesses is the only proven
method by which communities nationwide have been successful at this. In today’s cities, it is imperative
that infrastructure improvement go through an extensive and methodical planning process.
Understanding, planning for and intelligently constructing our roads, neighborhoods, commerce centers,
industrial sites, parks, trails, utilities, educational institutions and all other infrastructure is essential to
create a vibrant community. One only needs to look at impoverished communities to find infrastructure
that is difficult to maintain, poorly constructed and ill-conceived. Community planning minimizes waste
and maximizes the utility of available spaces, while providing the amenities residents require to maintain
the lifestyle they choose.
Community planning is nothing new. However, incorporating the perspective and needs of businesses in
this process has not happened in many communities until the recent past. Government agencies who
engage businesses early in the infrastructure and neighborhood planning processes have been able to
document marked economic benefit in their communities and achieve a higher quality of life with
unduplicated infrastructure investment.
Pueblo County EDGIS is uniquely positioned within the County to facilitate the process of including
business perspective in countywide community planning. We are a core participant in all Comprehensive
Plan projects, and provide all the data used for planning purposes. GIS allows us to separate the
thousands of inherently complex elements within our landscape into unique layers of data. Then, when
“layered” on top of each other in a representative digital map, the GIS can be queried to allow planners to
make highly sophisticated, informed decisions. Likewise, we use GIS as the conduit to communicate
details of existing and planned highly complex environments, and to solicit and incorporate public input
expediently.
ENTREPRENEURIAL CONNECTIONS
The final core element of Economic Gardening is that entrepreneurs thrive when they have assistance.
They frequently believe, however, that they are on their own, with no support. Within Pueblo County,
there are numerous institutions and individuals who are available to assist businesses expand. This key
element of Economic Gardening seeks to connect entrepreneurs with the organizations and individuals
who can assist as needed.
EDGIS is working with numerous entities such as PEDCO, the Chambers of Commerce, the Creative
Corridor and the Pueblo City Center Partnership to strengthen the support networks for entrepreneurs in
our community. By understanding the strengths, assets and tools available to each of our partners, we are
working to build methods that quickly and strategically link community resources with the needs of
businesses.
WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES EDGIS PROVIDE TO BUSINESSES?
EDGIS oversees the Pueblo County Revolving Loan Fund, and serves as the Enterprise Zone administrator for the
community.
REVOLVING LOAN FUND
The Pueblo County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) was established to assist with the financial needs of companies
expanding or locating to the rural areas of Pueblo County. The program is funded through the State of
Colorado Community Development Block Grant Allocation from the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). Pueblo County Community Development Corporation (PCCDC) administers the account
on behalf of the County.
The RLF can provide short-term financing for private, for-profit businesses. Based on the financial needs of the
applicant, the use of the borrowed funds and borrower’s credit history, typical terms will be for 5-7 years and
interest rates will be based on the prime rate. The minimum loan is $10,000.
There are two loan types in this program: the Direct Loan and the Revolved Loan. The Direct Loan is for a
business that can meet the federal guidelines for receiving the federal funds directly. A Direct Loan is given the
highest priority. If a business can not meet all the requirements of the Direct Loan program, there may be
funds available in the revolved fund. Revolved loans do not require federal monitoring and the local
organization has more flexibility in interpreting the goals of the program.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
EDGIS also administers the state enterprise zone program for the Pueblo Region. An enterprise zone is defined
as an economically distressed area of Colorado in which special tax incentives are offered to businesses that
expand or locate in the zone. The purpose of the tax incentives is to create new jobs and investments in the
zone. The enterprise zone program was created by the Colorado legislature as of July 1, 1986. Since that time,
Colorado has designated 16 areas as Colorado enterprise zones.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
EDGIS provides Pueblo County and the public highly accurate maps and mapping applications for the analysis and
management of land within the County’s boundaries. Nearly every County department utilizes GIS as part of their
daily work. Since its inception in Pueblo County in 1992, GIS has become integral to operations, decision making
and communication throughout the organization.
The purpose of integrating GIS into all County operations is as follows:
x
x
x
x
x
Save Pueblo County money and time
Increase efficiency and accuracy
Generate revenue
Automate workflows
Improve accountability and transparency
GIS brings tools to every County department so they can better serve the public (our customers), expand
government processes, increase work output and improve County finances. The following graphic illustrates the
balance GIS looks to achieve within every department.
Approximately 85% of all data maintained by Pueblo County can be integrated into GIS. In many cases,
departments have been mandated by State and Federal government to use GIS technology, specifically because
GIS provides advanced tools, allowing staff to improve government operations and minimize expenses. The use of
GIS continues to expand within Pueblo County, especially as cost savings and government transparency initiatives
become essential to organization operations.
HISTORY OF GIS IN PUEBLO COUNTY
The GIS program was established in 1992 in Pueblo County by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness
(CSEPP) program. The advanced tools provided through GIS technology were needed by CSEPP to quickly draft and
execute emergency preparedness directives. GIS was required to model potential chemical plumes in simulated
disasters at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, to develop mass evacuation plans, to create an efficient outdoor public
alert system, acquire digital aerial photography and to track populations within CSEPP protective action zones.
As the needs of CSEPP and Emergency Management grew, it became necessary to integrate land ownership
information, zoning data, utility information and demographic layers into GIS. Recognizing these needs, GIS
developed a 10-year strategic plan that outlined objectives for GIS to achieve. Those objectives included building a
countywide cadastral land records system, implementing a centralized GIS relational database, and centralizing all
County GIS activities – all of which were achieved in less than 5 years.
At present, EDGIS has tracked over $32 Million in cost savings directly attributed to centralization of GIS services
and our automation of archaic systems within Pueblo County. The work of EDGIS is only getting started, however.
Our initiatives seek to grow the tax base by encouraging local entrepreneurial development in the primary sector,
increase County cost savings, as well as to use GIS to generate additional revenue by improving taxation practices,
and by fostering collaborative ventures to better compete for grant dollars.
WHAT IS GIS?
Geographic Information Systems integrate computer hardware, software and data for capturing, managing,
analyzing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS allows us to view, understand,
interpret and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps,
globes, reports and charts.
GIS helps answer questions and solve problems by looking at organization data in a way that is quickly understood
and easily shared.
GIS is most often associated with map production. However, maps are only one way which we work with
geographic data, and only one type of product we produce. The utility of a well-planned GIS allows maps to
become “windows into a database,” that support queries, analysis and editing of information in a meaningful and
efficient way.
Making decisions based on geography is basic to human thinking. Where shall we go, what will it be like, and what
shall we do when we get there are applied to the simple event of going to the store or to the highly complex
processes of building a major subdivision. By understanding geography and people's relationship to location, we
can make informed decisions about the way we live on our planet. GIS utilizes technological tools to facilitate
comprehending geography and making intelligent decisions.
GIS organizes geographic data so that a person reading a map can select data necessary for a specific project or
task. A thematic map has a table of contents that allows the reader to add layers of information to a basemap of
real-world locations. For example, a social analyst might use the basemap of Pueblo West, and select datasets
from the U.S. Census Bureau and the State Demographer to add data layers to a map, showing residents'
education levels, ages, and employment status. With an ability to combine a variety of datasets in an infinite
number of ways, GIS provides useful tools for nearly every field of knowledge from archaeology to zoology.
A good GIS program is able to process geographic data from a variety of sources and integrate it into a map
project. Counties are typically tasked with being regional holders of geographic data. Because County GIS
departments compile and integrate data predominantly from existing public information, GIS datasets are typically
made publicly available. Some data is gathered in the field by global positioning units that attach a location
coordinate (latitude and longitude) to a feature such as a pump station.
Pueblo County’s GIS, like many other counties nationwide, develops and deploys online interactive mapping
applications. These applications allow users to scan a GIS map in any direction, zoom in or out, and change the
nature of the information contained in the map. They can choose whether to see the roads, how many roads to
see, and how roads should be depicted. Then they can select what other items they wish to view alongside these
roads such as storm drains, gas lines, known endangered species or hospitals. Some of the GIS programs we have
designed perform sophisticated calculations for tracking storms, modeling chemical plumes, predicting emergency
radio coverage and analyzing areas where commercial development is cost prohibitive. We have also successfully
embedded GIS applications into common activities with various departments, such as verifying an address or
identifying zoning codes pertinent to an individual property.
WHO USES THE COUNTY’S GIS?
Every County department uses GIS as part of their daily work functions.
Any County employee that enters data into the Information Systems-generated Progress applications contributes
to the County’s GIS, whether they know it or not. Likewise, every employee who uses regional demographic data
to prepare grants uses Pueblo County’s GIS data. Capital projects, including construction of roads, installation of
utilities or modification of a flood control system use our GIS extensively. Practically every function of Pueblo
County government directly or indirectly uses and/or contributes to our GIS.
Our citizens, businesses and other local government partners use, or directly contribute to the County’s GIS daily.
Pueblo’s real estate industry depends upon GIS to intelligently disseminate property ownership information. Utility
providers use our GIS to notify residents of problems and to maintain their infrastructure. The City of Pueblo
directly contributes water, stormwater & wastewater datasets, road data, economic development information and
jurisdictional information to County GIS. The State of Colorado uses and provides data to Pueblo County’s GIS for
transportation, law enforcement, wells, voter registration, weed management and demographic data analysis.
And, various Federal agencies, including the USGS, US Census Bureau, Department of Homeland Security and USGS
depend upon our GIS, also contributing data to our system.
DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES
EDGIS has established the following objectives, mirroring the strategic initiatives of the Colorado Blueprint, the
original long-term GIS objectives for Pueblo County, and integrating Economic Gardening practice into Pueblo
County operations.
Objectives:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Build a Business-Friendly and Citizen-Friendly Government Landscape
Open Pueblo County Government Operations to the Public
Retain & Grow Pueblo County Businesses through Economic Gardening Principles
Increase Entrepreneurial Access to Capital
Strengthen and Market a Pueblo County Brand
Educate & Train Today’s Workforce and the Workforce of the Future
Cultivate Innovation & Technology Within Pueblo County and the Community
For each objective, EDGIS has established the following actions:
x
x
OBJECTIVE: BUILD A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY AND CITIZEN-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT LANDSCAPE
o Action: Work with regulatory agencies to decrease run-around for new businesses
o Action: Publish more data held by Pueblo County online through an increased number of online
maps and by providing better citizen & business data access
o Action: Publish online guidelines that give new businesses a roadmap to obtain necessary
permits and approvals
o Action: Balance commercial business models and public need in community-wide comprehensive
planning, thereby allowing long-term landuse policy to allow business expansion, while planning
for necessary infrastructure and better meeting the needs of citizens
o Action: Identify funding streams and bring partner organizations on board to construct a Pueblo
County Business Incubator
o Action: Increase level of customer service and responsiveness of county government by
implementing online question/answer conduit, including via social media
OBJECTIVE: OPEN PUEBLO COUNTY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY
o Action: Utilize the County-administered web portal (www.pueblo.org) as the primary conduit to
deliver information to the public
o Action: Grow the use of social media tools for communication to the public, the media,
businesses and other community organizations
o Action: Develop an easy-to-use online data access system that empowers citizens and businesses
to retrieve the County information they require in digital format
o Action: Improve utility of finding and accessing minutes and agendas for all County public
meetings
x
x
x
OBJECTIVE: RETAIN & GROW PUEBLO COUNTY BUSINESSES THROUGH ECONOMIC GARDENING
PRINCIPLES
o Action: Actively retain and grow existing Pueblo County companies by providing business
intelligence services
o Action: Define and actively reach out to industries that are key to economic growth across
Pueblo County
o Action: Assess temperament/readiness of entrepreneurs, and focus intensive efforts of multiple
partners toward 2nd Stage companies with targeted characteristics
o Action: Construct manufacturing and commercial food preparation “labs” within the Pueblo
County Business Incubator
o Action: Develop cross-agency partnerships and local infrastructure development as it relates to
economic development, planning for sustainable infrastructure development
o Action: Develop wealth-loss prevention mechanisms
Develop and deploy a buy local campaign in conjunction with community partners.
Review purchasing policies for Pueblo County, and assist Purchasing staff to buy supplies
locally whenever possible.
OBJECTIVE: INCREASE ACCESS TO CAPITAL
o Action: Better promote existing capital and debt financing sources for small business, especially
the Pueblo County Loan Fund
o Action: Work with City Council to re-define “Primary Jobs” to improve granting and/or loan
ability of ½ cent sales tax to established businesses within the City of Pueblo
o Action: Stimulate private investment by bringing venture and/or angel capital programs to
Pueblo County
o Action: Promote increased communication between banking and business communities
OBJECTIVE: STRENGTHEN AND MARKET A PUEBLO COUNTY BRAND
o Action: Strengthen and promote the Pueblo County image/brand
Welcome signs at County borders
Additional use of the County-administered web portal for (www.pueblo.org)
o Action: Develop agritourism, heritage and cultural tourism across the County
Work with partner agencies to plan and implement wayfinding signs for tourists
Work with partner agencies to implement Interstate signage improvements
o Action: Integrate planning for pedestrian/bicycle/auto traffic to and from Mesa growers into
community comprehensive plan
x
x
OBJECTIVE: EDUCATE & TRAIN TODAY’S WORKFORCE AND THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
o Action: Develop and deploy both online and classroom-based GIS instruction for Pueblo County
employees who use, or will use GIS as part of their daily job functions
o Action: Encourage CSU-Pueblo participation in solar research & development activity at the
Pueblo Chemical Depot
o Action: Analyze data collected from the Pueblo Retention and Expansion Program (PREP) to
identify needs of employers from area institutions of higher learning
o Action: Increase awareness of the availability of quality entrepreneurial training through
community partners
o Identify needs of Pueblo County businesses in computer-based training and construct a
computer training lab within the Pueblo County Business Incubator
OBJECTIVE: CULTIVATE INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY WITHIN PUEBLO COUNTY AND THE
COMMUNITY
o Action: Actively seek utility-scale solar energy investment in the Pueblo Chemical Depot and
targeted locations throughout Pueblo County
o Action: advocate for Improvement of telecommunications technologies throughout Pueblo
County
o Action: Develop program focused on export of Pueblo County’s innovation-based technologies,
products and agricultural commodities
o Action: Equip all County offices with advanced GIS tools to query, maintain and analyze all
spatially-enabled data administered by Pueblo County
Areas for Designation (Data Table)
FIPS_GeoID
Statutory Geographic County
EZ
Level
Census Tract
Block Group
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
Per Capita Income
081010001001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
1
1
495
‐20.0
9.1
$45,957
081010001002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
1
2
707
21.7
8.0
$14,658
081010001003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
1
3
1,686
13.0
11.1
$19,918
081010002001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
2
1
1,283
16.8
16.1
$14,769
081010002002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
2
2
673
‐11.3
20.2
$12,232
081010004001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
4
1
644
5.6
36.5
$14,583
081010004002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
4
2
1,197
‐0.7
8.7
$22,375
081010004003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
4
3
738
‐6.2
6.7
$22,195
081010005001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
5
1
995
9.9
12.0
$21,457
081010005003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
5
3
619
‐14.5
10.0
$21,606
Explain the economic distress of the specific area
The US 50 Commercial Corridor is a primary retail zone within the City of Pueblo. Although this Block Group has a higher per capita income level (it also contains some residential areas), this zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are extremely important here.
This Block Group contains a mix of zoning, including a small commericial business district struggling with blight conditions and low incomes. This area is struggling to rebound from the recession
The US 50 Commercial Corridor is a primary retail zone within the City of Pueblo. Although this Block Group has a higher per capita income level (it also contains some residential areas), this zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are extremely important here.
Highly impoverished area in NW Pueblo, containing a mix of zoning. Light industrial and commercial zoning areas exist in this block group, and are desperately in need of redevelopment.
Highly impoverished area in NW Pueblo, containing a mix of zoning. Light industrial and commercial zoning areas exist in this block group, and are desperately in need of redevelopment.
This Block Group contains a very large portion of Pueblo's I‐25 retail business, and has been severely impacted by the recession. The area struggles with blight, high reates of unemployment, low incomes and a high number of vacant buildings
What is the ED objective for the specific area?
West US 50 commercial corridor, blighed urban corridor in need of reinvestment
North Pueblo commerical corridor, blight conditions and empty retail stores
US 50 business route ‐ blighted urban corridor in need of reinvestment
Commercial corridor,I‐2 primary job opportunities, redevelopment opportunities to increase tax base
Commercial corridor,I‐2 primary job opportunities, redevelopment opportunities to increase tax base
I‐25 Commercial corridor,I‐2 primary job opportunities, redevelopment opportunities to increase tax base
1 of 7
FIPS_GeoID
EZ
Level
Census Tract
Block Group
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
Per Capita Income
081010006001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
6
1
377
‐29.7
14.0
$11,823
081010006002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
6
2
976
7.7
12.7
$18,911
081010006003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
6
3
785
10.4
11.7
$17,164
081010008003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
8
3
914
‐29.1
16.6
$25,209
081010009021 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
9.02
1
1,000
1.5
12.9
$29,964
081010009022 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
9.02
2
1,448
‐9.8
15.7
$17,519
081010009031 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
9.03
1
570
‐26.6
7.9
$4,033
081010009043 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
9.04
3
1,481
‐16.0
4.7
$18,749
081010009051 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
9.05
1
1,261
3.8
11.8
$22,271
081010011001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
11
1
713
‐33.6
26.5
$13,901
This commerical area is adjacent to Fountain Creek and has been crippled by poverty, blight and has struggled for years. Inclusion in the EZ will foster business development.
The US 50 Commercial Corridor is a primary retail zone within the City of Pueblo. This zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are extremely important here.
The CSU‐Pueblo campus is home to the CSU Foundation EZ Contribution project. The campus contains a few small businesses who, using EZ credits, could become more financially stable.
This Block Group contains portions of the US 50 Business Route Commercial Corridor. This is a primary retail zone within the City of Pueblo. This zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are important here to help realize reinvestment in the business district.
This Block Group contains portions of the US 47 Business Route Commercial Corridor. This zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are important here to help realize reinvestment in the business district.
The US 50 Commercial Corridor & East 4th Street Corridor contain primary retail zones within the City of Pueblo. This zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are extremely important here.
East Pueblo commercial corridor, high unemployment, low income in critical need of redevelopment
East Pueblo commercial corridor, high unemployment, low income in critical need of redevelopment
CSU‐Pueblo campus, home of CSU Foundation EZ contribution project
2 of 7
FIPS_GeoID
EZ
Level
Census Tract
Block Group
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
Per Capita Income
The US 50 Commercial Corridor & East 4th Street Corridor contain primary retail zones within the City of Pueblo. This US 50 business route ‐ blighted urban corridor in need of zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession reinvestment
crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are extremely important here.
The US 50 Commercial Corridor & East 4th Street Corridor contain primary retail zones within the City of Pueblo. This US 50 business route ‐ blighted urban corridor in need of zone is in need of business growth. The recent recession reinvestment
crippled this area in many regards, and EZ credits are extremely important here.
East Pueblo is a struggling area, experiencing blight, high unemployment and low incomes. This area is in critical need Lower income residential with I‐2 zoning in certain areas
of redevelopment and job creation.
East Pueblo is a struggling area, experiencing blight, high unemployment and low incomes. This area is in critical need Lower income residential with I‐2 zoning in certain areas
of redevelopment and job creation.
Known locally as "The Blocks," this area of Pueblo contains a growing number of retail businesses, but is still experiencing a Mesa Junction area mixed use development, job creation high degree of blight and poverty. This area is in need of efforts from City and County
reinvestment.
081010011002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
11
2
882
‐0.9
16.5
$9,277
081010011003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
11
3
655
‐24.8
20.9
$10,504
081010012001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
12
1
977
‐6.7
29.3
$10,407
081010012002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
12
2
886
‐17.9
19.9
$15,650
081010014001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
14
1
1,224
‐11.0
8.5
$13,813
081010015001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
15
1
1,536
30.6
11.6
$15,732
This area contains the Lincoln Avenue commercial/retail area. Mesa Junction area mixed use development, job creation This area is in need of redevelopment and new job growth.
efforts from City and County
081010015002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
15
2
793
‐6.6
5.3
$20,877
This area contains the Lincoln Avenue commercial/retail area. Mesa Junction area mixed use development, job creation This area is in need of redevelopment and new job growth.
efforts from City and County
081010016001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
16
1
652
‐6.3
1.7
The West Pueblo Blvd area contains a mix of Industrial zoning West Pueblo Blvd,commercial corridor,multiple $33,997 and residential property. This area suffers from blight redevelopment and job creation opportunities. Urban conditions
renewal and ED professionals working to grow area
081010017001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
17
1
1,287
4.5
3.6
$20,873
081010019001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
19
1
813
0.2
23.2
$24,500
081010019002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
19
2
742
17.0
9.7
$18,992
081010020001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
20
1
773
9.6
48.8
$12,624
081010020002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
20
2
896
23.8
21.7
$15,379
This area includes the State Fairgrounds, and a commercial area adjacent. Both are in need of economic redevelopment.
This Block Group contains an area where urban revitalization work is ongoing. Numerous properties are blighted, and job growth is lagging. However, EZ credits are important to this area. This area is also home to Posada homeless assistance Contribution Project.
This Block Group contains an area where urban revitalization work is ongoing. Numerous properties are blighted, and job growth is lagging. However, EZ credits are important to this area.
This area contains a newly‐designated Superfund site, and is in severe needs of redevelopment.
This area contains a newly‐designated Superfund site, and is in severe needs of redevelopment.
State Fair Commercial district, job creation focus
Mesa Junction area mixed use development, job creation efforts from City and County
Mesa Junction area mixed use development, job creation efforts from City and County
Eilers neighborhood I‐2 area and Superfund site
Eilers neighborhood I‐2 area and Superfund site
3 of 7
FIPS_GeoID
EZ
Level
Census Tract
Block Group
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
Per Capita Income
081010020003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
20
3
787
14.1
18.6
$14,225
081010021001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
21
1
949
51.8
23.5
$11,435
081010021002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
21
2
846
‐6.1
8.7
$14,402
081010022001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
22
1
769
‐7.7
26.3
$15,286
081010022002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
22
2
933
14.2
10.2
$15,812
081010023001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
23
1
787
‐2.2
16.1
$16,841
081010023002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
23
2
829
23.7
0.0
$15,797
081010023003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
23
3
590
‐9.8
19.6
$17,680
081010023004 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
23
4
1,419
5.3
12.4
$11,953
081010024001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
24
1
1,135
13.3
21.8
$13,653
081010024002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
24
2
645
‐30.3
6.6
$20,254
081010025001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
25
1
841
‐6.1
18.1
$14,275
081010025002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
25
2
1,271
17.4
19.2
$15,959
081010025003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
25
3
686
‐14.6
24.4
$20,419
081010026001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
26
1
1,213
‐9.5
11.3
$16,109
081010026002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
26
2
1,495
‐16.2
5.4
$13,311
081010026003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
26
3
797
5.3
23.6
$17,244
081010027001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
27
1
877
‐19.4
0.0
$18,665
081010027002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
27
2
1,027
‐8.1
17.8
$19,164
081010027006 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
27
6
1,104
39.9
7.9
$14,643
081010028015 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.01
5
965
7.5
3.9
$21,201
This area is heavily blighted, and is need of significant redevelopment.
This mixed‐use area with pockets of commercial zoning is heavily blighted, and is need of significant redevelopment.
This mixed‐use area adjacent to the State Fairgrounds has pockets of commercial zoning is heavily blighted, and is need of significant redevelopment.
This mixed‐use area containing several vacant "Big Box" storefronts is heavily blighted, and is need of significant redevelopment.
This mixed‐use area containing several vacant "Big Box" storefronts is heavily blighted, and is need of significant redevelopment.
South Pueblo, high unemployment in blighted area along major transportation arterials
State Fair Commercial district, job creation focus
South Pueblo Commercial district, efforts include recruitment to vacant commercial "big box" retailers to stimulate job creation
South Pueblo Commercial district, efforts include recruitment to vacant commercial "big box" retailers to stimulate job creation
4 of 7
FIPS_GeoID
EZ
Level
Census Tract
Block Group
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
Per Capita Income
081010028022 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.02
2
753
‐21.2
15.0
$17,621
081010028023 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.02
3
2,147
12.1
15.7
$20,570
081010028041 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.04
1
1,663
‐26.1
7.6
$23,156
081010028042 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.04
2
1,035
‐33.3
14.2
$30,031
081010028043 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.04
3
1,034
20.1
3.4
$22,544
081010028061 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.06
1
850
‐21.5
5.5
$39,129
081010028062 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.06
2
1,078
‐26.8
0.0
$26,505
081010028071 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
28.07
1
707
‐14.6
15.1
$22,950
081010029011 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
29.01
1
1,273
28.8
15.9
$11,829
081010029012 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
29.01
2
1,987
3.2
17.4
$23,911
081010029031 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
29.03
1
1,779
‐8.5
7.2
Commercial corridor, retail and I‐2 primary job opportunities, redevelopment opportunities to increase tax base
The Colorado City Metro District, contained within this Block Group, is largely an undeveloped residential area with several pockets of available I‐2 industrial areas, as well as limited retail/mixed‐use (B‐4 zoning) properties. It is in need of development incentive.
The area surrounding the Colorado City Metropolitan District and the town of Rye are contained within this Block Group. Tourism development is underway here.This is largely a farming/ranching area with pockets of available I‐2 industrial areas, as well as limited retail/mixed‐use (B‐4 zoning) properties. It is in need of development incentive, although job creation expectations here are minimal.
I‐25 South of the City of Pueblo is an area where our economic development efforts are steering new industrial development to occur. This area is in need of the EZ Credit to attract primary employers.
This mixed‐use area with pockets of commercial zoning along Pueblo Boulevard is blighted, experiencing economic hardship, and is need of significant redevelopment.
Along the Pueblo Boulevard corridor, numerous I‐1 and I‐2 properties, as well as B‐4 properties exist, and are in need of development incentive. Numerous commercial opportunities exist in this region.
US 50 West Corridor is largely a commercial area, and is an $29,400
area prime for retail development.
Colorado City Metro District, several I‐2 primary job opportunities, limited retail
Colorado City Metro District, several I‐2 primary job opportunities, limited retail
Southern I‐25 Corridor, numerous I‐2 primary job opportunities
Western corridor for City of Pueblo, growing health care employment sector opportunities
Block Group includes borders of I‐25 & Hywy 50,integral transportation corridors with developable opportunity for job creation
5 of 7
FIPS_GeoID
EZ
Level
Census Tract
Block Group
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
081010029121 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
29.12
1
1,908
13.0
5.8
081010029142 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
29.14
2
497
‐44.4
0.0
081010029182 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
29.18
2
4,173
‐1.2
8.3
081010030011 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
30.01
1
1,422
14.3
20.5
081010031031 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
31.03
1
1,303
0.9
3.1
081010031032 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
31.03
2
786
32.3
24.7
081010031041 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
31.04
1
828
‐0.7
9.3
081010031051 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
31.05
1
1,092
‐8.3
6.8
081010031053 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
31.05
3
1,052
‐3.8
7.6
081010031061 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
31.06
1
1,167
‐9.0
18.5
081010032001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
32
1
1,311
‐6.0
4.9
081010032002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
32
2
964
‐5.9
13.9
081010032003 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
32
3
1,055
‐8.5
16.7
081010035001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
35
1
1,742
11.0
16.0
081010035002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
35
2
532
‐33.9
22.3
081010036001 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
36
1
1,571
6.0
13.5
Per Capita Income
Block Group includes borders of I‐25 & Hywy 50,integral US 50 West Corridor in Pueblo West is a mixed use area, and $19,599
transportation corridors with developable opportunity for job is an area prime for retail development.
creation
This area of Pueblo West contains several retail businesses Pueblo West commerical (B‐4) business zone, job creation $29,964
and is in need of additional development.
focus, growing business district
This area of Pueblo West contains several retail businesses, Pueblo West commerical (B‐4) and industrial (I‐1 and I‐2) $24,732 and the industrial zones of Pueblo West and is in need of business zone, job creation focus, growing business district
additional development.
This Block Group contains portions adjacent to the Pueblo US 50 business route ‐ blighted urban corridor and edge of $13,787 Airport Industrial Park, as well as blighted commercial areas industrial park, in need of reinvestment
along US Hwy 96. It is in need of redevelopment.
Blighted area along US Hwy 50 Business Route along St Charles Mesa. This area is slowly converting from large St Charles Mesa ‐ misc agricultural and business operations in $28,146 farming properties to low‐density, smaller "cottage" need of additional development
agricultural operations, retail business and residential. This block group needs additional redevelopment.
This is a highly industrialized zone, where several primary job $15,185 operations are located, including EVRAZ steel. This area's South I‐25 industrial zone, I‐2 primary job focus area
inclusion in the EZ is vital.
Blighted area along US Hwy 50 Business Route along St Charles Mesa. This area is slowly converting from large St Charles Mesa ‐ misc agricultural and business operations in $28,716 farming properties to low‐density, smaller "cottage" need of additional development
agricultural operations, retail business and residential. This block group needs additional redevelopment.
This is largely a production agricultural area, where farming St Charles Mesa ‐ misc agricultural and business operations in $25,025
activity occurs.
need of additional development
activity occurs.
This is a highly industrialized zone, where several primary job $24,617 operations are located, including Xcel's Commanche power South I‐25 industrial zone, I‐2 primary job focus area
plant. This area's inclusion in the EZ is vital.
activity occurs.
This is largely a production agricultural area, where farming Eastern Pueblo County ‐ misc agricultural operations, targeted $27,390
activity occurs.
for job growth
This is largely a production agricultural area, where farming Eastern Pueblo County ‐ misc agricultural operations, targeted $17,357
activity occurs.
for job growth
Downtown Pueblo's commercial and business core, Critical downtown inititives include Riverwalk development, $10,892 aggressively targeted for urban revitalization, densified urban recruitment of primary jobs, reduction of blight
development and job creation.
Downtown Pueblo's commercial and business core, Critical downtown inititives include Riverwalk development, $13,148 aggressively targeted for urban revitalization, densified urban recruitment of primary jobs, reduction of blight
development and job creation.
I‐1 and I‐2 primary job focus area, critical employment area Pueblo Memorial Airport industrial park is a primary focal $14,653
for Pueblo County
point for primary job creation
6 of 7
FIPS_GeoID
EZ
Level
081010036002 Pueblo
Block Group Pueblo
Census Tract
36
Block Group
2
Populatio
n Growth Unemplo
Populatio
Rate yment n (2013)
(2009 ‐ Rate
2013)
617
‐13.6
10.0
Per Capita Income
Critical employment zone in rural Pueblo County, containing the PuebloPlex development area and the Transportation $20,376
Technology Center. Both areas are targeted for job creation and industrialized development.
Block Group containing Transportation Technology Center and PuebloPlex BRAC facility targeted for redevelopment
7 of 7
About Us: The Enterprise Zone program in Pueblo County is administered through the office of Economic Development and Geographic Information Systems (EDGIS). The EDGIS department director reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners of Pueblo County. While our department doesn’t have any printed materials, we do have a website that is referenced for information about the services we provide. The following screenshots can be found by navigating to: http://county.pueblo.org/edgis Section 11 - Pueblo County - Page 44 of 55
Pueblo County
2014 Enterprise Zone Annual Report
Overview
The Pueblo County Economic Development and Geographic Information Systems Department
(EDGIS) oversees the enterprise zone program for Pueblo County. Pueblo County has worked
with the Economic Development Commission to define boundaries of the enterprise zone within
Pueblo County where development efforts are best directed. The enterprise zone areas include
industrial parks, the downtown area of the City of Pueblo, college and university property, and a
large agricultural area. As new demands for property being included in the enterprise zone are
identified, an application for zone boundary extension is presented to the state economic
development commission.
Pueblo County EDGIS Director also acts as the administrator for the CDBG revolving loan fund
program.
No administrative fee is charged to any of the businesses or not-for-profits utilizing the enterprise
zone benefits.
2014 Observations and Data
Not all of Pueblo County is included in the enterprise zone; data shown in this section will be
county-wide as sub-county data is not available for 2014. The data for Pueblo County as a whole
should be a fair indication of conditions in the zone.
The latest population estimates according to U.S. Census Bureau “Quick Facts” for Pueblo
County (2014) are at 161,451. The population change for the period April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013
is estimated to be 1.5% for Pueblo County compared to 4.8% for the state. At year end, Pueblo
County had an unemployment rate of 5.6% (January, 2015) according to the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment. Comparatively, Pueblo County’s unemployment rate in
2014 was higher than the state rate of 4.0% (January, 2015). Finally, average annual wages in
Pueblo County were $39,260, as stated in 2014 dollars according to Labor Market Statistics from
the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program (3rd Quarter, 2014). This amount is
76.8% of the state average annual wage of $51,064 for the same period.
2014 Efforts to Improve Conditions
The Enterprise Zone Administrator works with the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation
(Pedco) and other partners to promote the Pueblo Enterprise zone in a variety of ways, including
attending trade shows, creating display ads, and web site design and upkeep. To assist with the
discussion, they utilize a brochure developed in 2011 with the help of EDC Marketing Grant
dollars.
During 2014, one contribution project was removed due to non-use of the program, resulting in a
total of 23 projects being recertified. These projects help support the work of not-for-profits that
are contributing towards the economic development work in the community.
2014 Objectives
1. Goal: Increase the awareness of the enterprise zone to local business and thus increase
the number of certifications in 2014.
Result: 88 certifications were issued in 2014. This is a small drop from the 99 certified in
2013.
As an interesting side note, all 88 DR0074’s certified in 2014 were filed online. The
online process has been an excellent enhancement to the program easing the
administrative burden.
2. Goal: Increase the total number of jobs created in the enterprise zone by 1% over the
previous year.
Result: There was a net increase of 256 EZ-certified jobs (self-declared by companies
who submitted EZ certifications) within the Pueblo Enterprise Zone in 2014. Employment
increased in companies submitting EZ certifications from 5,350 employees (2013) to
5,606 employees in the Enterprise Zone in 2014. Data from Esri Business Analyst shows
that there were a total of 22,843 employees within the Pueblo Enterprise Zone in 2014,
employed by 3,456 businesses. Thus, 2.5% of businesses inside the Pueblo Enterprise
Zone took advantage of EZ credits in 2014 (88 of 3,456)
3. Goal: Stabilize or grow overall “baseline” capital investment in the zone as measured by
an increase in the investment tax credit capital in previous years.
Result: Total capital investment in the zone was significantly higher than in 2013. During
2011 and 2012, we saw massive capital investments from a coal power plant, a natural
gas power plant and a cement plant – which were highly unusual capital investments. In
2014, the stabilized “normal” capital investment was $62,923,575. This is significantly
more (171%) than the 2013 capital investment of $36,698,626.
4. Goal: Grow investment in contribution projects to spur economic growth by encouraging
investment in public/community capital projects.
Result: In 2014, we worked to actively promote the merits of several Contribution Project
capital initiatives in the Pueblo EZ, encouraging donors to maximize their investments
and take advantage of State EZ credits. In total, cash and in-kind donations to EZ
Contribution Projects totaled $2,922,547, up from 2013’s contributions of $1,749,849 (a
167% improvement). We will continue to track EZ Contributions and encourage
investment in public capital projects in 2015, with the goal of growing these contributions
by 10%.
5. Goal: Increase the number of full-time employees of EZ credit-claiming businesses in
the Pueblo County EZ by 5%, measured against the number of full-time employees of
credit-claiming businesses in the EZ in 2013.
Result: The number of full-time employees of companies claiming EZ credits in the
Pueblo County EZ declined slightly in 2014. FTEs of credit-claiming businesses dropped
from 4,792 (2013) to 4,357 in 2014. We have evidence, however, that job growth was
dramatically accelerated in 2014 overall within the EZ by non-credit claiming businesses.
Esri Business Analyst reports note that within the Pueblo County EZ, there were 22,843
employees, employed by 3,456 businesses in 2014. This is significantly higher from 2013
data, noting a total of 21,047 employees in 2,944 businesses inside the Pueblo County
EZ. Thus, we saw an actual jobs growth of 1,796 employees (8.5% gain), and
establishment of 512 new businesses (17.4% gain) in 2014 within the Pueblo County EZ.
We will look to accelerate full-time job growth in 2015, seeking to grow full time
employment of credit-claiming EZ businesses by 5%.
Christopher Markuson
114 W Pitkin Ave. | Pueblo, CO 81004 | 719.821.8934 | chris.markuson@outlook.com
EXPE RIE N CE
Director of Economic Development and Geographic Information Systems.
Pueblo County Government, Colorado. 2013–present.
Direct all Economic Development and GIS activity for entire government enterprise. Manage all Enterprise Zone activity for Pueblo
County on behalf of the State of Colorado. Manage the County’s Revolving Loan Fund, and work with underwriters to successfully and
sustainably lend funds to private businesses. Develop business leads, prepare incentive packages, negotiate contract and finance terms
on behalf of Pueblo County and the Board of County Commissioners. Develop strategic plans, economic impact analyses, market
analyses, sales forecasts, GAP analyses, feasibility studies and impact studies. Prepare ordinances and resolutions, draft land use and
administrative policies for approval by the Board of Commissioners. Coordinate and lead a unified GIS and business response program
during emergency operations from the County’s Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Command Unit. Collaborate and develop
cooperative plans & long-term agreements, contracts and employment agreements with various regional agencies, utilities, private
businesses and government entities. Direct staff and contract employees in daily operations of Economic Development, GIS, emergency
response & software applications deployment. Administer fund balances, and be accountable for growing County revenues and tax base.
Administer, write and coordinate grant writing activity within the entire County enterprise. Supervise staff in programming and deployment
of custom spatially-aware applications. Negotiate contracts, prepare and administer requests for proposals as necessary. Direct
installation, development and maintenance of centralized enterprise-wide geodatabase and Internet/Intranet applications, including
building seamless interconnectivity to legacy database systems. Administer and oversee management of GIS VMware server farms.
Direct development and deployment of community-wide Internet portal. Direct multi-county Shared Services GIS, including multiTerabyte, 200+ GIS user data warehouse.
Private Consultant.
Volunteer Workforce Solutions Project. Washington DC, Virginia and Connecticut. Intterra, Inc. 2010-2015.
Lead consultant on multi-phase, multi-million dollar contract with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to develop strategic,
cost effective and highly successful methods to attain higher numbers of volunteer firefighters in specific communities. Organize and
facilitate project scoping, project methodology identification, mid-phase and wrap-up presentations to Fire Chiefs and IAFC Board on
behalf of business partners at Intterra, Inc. and Esri (lead consulting agency for the project). Analyze IAFC-supplied data, generate
reports, develop thorough and data-driven recommendations, and lead knowledge-transfer process to clients. Administer financial
reporting and client billing.
Geographic Information Systems Manager.
Pueblo County Government, Colorado. 2001–2013.
Direct the GIS program for entire government enterprise. Establish and direct “Economic Gardening” pilot program for Pueblo County.
Coordinate and lead a unified GIS response program during emergency operations from the County’s Emergency Operations Center and
Mobile Command Unit. Collaborate and develop cooperative plans & long-term agreements with various regional agencies and
governments. Manage staff and contract employees in daily operations of GIS development, emergency response & software
applications deployment. Prepare and present department budget to Board of County Commissioners and Budget/Finance Director,
including contract data acquisition projects. Work with development staff to program and deploy custom spatially-aware applications.
Negotiate contracts, prepare and administer requests for proposals as necessary to procure contract labor and other services such as
acquisition of aerial photography, digitization of records and other process improvement services. Install, develop and maintain
centralized Microsoft SQL Server ArcSDE enterprise-wide geodatabase and ArcGIS Server Internet/Intranet .Net-based applications
including building seamless interconnectivity to legacy Progress database systems. Administer and oversee management of GIS
VMware server farm. Direct development and deployment of community-wide Internet portal. Propose, deploy and maintain Aerial
Imagery Validation Range (1 of 5 in the world) with USGS. Develop business plan, direct development of and deploy multi-county Shared
Services GIS, including multi-Terabyte, 200+ GIS user data warehouse. Work with County staff, elected officials and State agencies to
influence statewide technology deployment efforts. Develop statewide data administration policies with State OIT. Promote GIS and
technology use throughout Southern Colorado and statewide.
I
GISCorps Volunteer.
United Nations Platform for Spaced-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN SPIDER)
Bonn, Germany. Jan – Aug 2010.
Provide expertise, develop and deploy spatially-enabled open source PostgreSQL relational database system for United Nations
geospatial data, following January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Project was remote access to systems in Germany.
Managing Partner.
Pinon Publishing c/o BlueSky Quarterly Magazine. 2002-2005.
Provide management, financial assistance and professional guidance for start-up magazine publication showcasing Southeastern
Colorado’s strengths and character. Write a regular column and oversee hiring of essential staff. Moonlight as professional
photographer as needed.
Information Technology Director.
Natrona County Government, Wyoming. 1999-2001.
Direct IT department for entire government enterprise. Manage IT staff, oversee and coordinate purchasing of IT enterprise equipment
for all County departments, prepare budgets for IT infrastructure, contract labor, software and support. Direct software development
activities for County. Prepare requests for proposals for procurement of technology goods and services for enterprise, and administer
RFP processes accordingly. Coordinate e-government activities for enterprise. Investigate and plan for development of GIS program in
conjunction with other local government agencies. Write and administer federal and state technology & capital grants. Direct
procurement, installation and administration of all telecommunications systems, including E-911, PBX and Cisco VOIP. Direct Y2K
conversion from AS400 to Windows environments.
GIS Coordinator.
Natrona County Government, Wyoming. 1998-1999.
Work to develop GIS program for County. Identify needs for program creation, pursue grant funding, purchase and install software.
Train various staff throughout organization as necessary.
President/Owner.
Calico Multimedia. 1996-1999.
Produce multi-media software for English & Language Arts educational programs. Sole proprietor of small business.
Private Consultant / Network Administrator.
Cottonwood Press. 1995-1999.
Install and maintain inter-office LAN/WAN network, PCs and peripherals. Create and administer e-commerce website, security systems
& firewalls and software administration.
ED UC AT I O N
Colorado State University. Fort Collins, CO.
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, 1998.
Minor in Spatial Information Management Systems, with emphasis in Geographic Information Systems and Urban Design.
Certified Private Pilot. 2007.
Certified GIS Professional. Urban and Regional Information Systems Association. 2008-present.
II
Q U AL I F IC AT I O NS
Business.
Former small business owner, managing partner, consultant to Stage-2 growing businesses. Thorough understanding of business
practices, challenges and potential successes. Expertise in retail strategy development, competitive market analyses, business plans,
marketing plans, business financials and commercial lending. Comprehensive knowledge of public finance, incentives, tax credits,
urban renewal (tax increment) programs, commercial and industrial development.
Government.
Director of local government departments. Comprehensive knowledge of local, state and federal government practices, policies, and
procedures. Broad background in urban design, land use administration and environmental regulations. Proven track record in building
essential inter-governmental relationships, fostering creativity and implementing monumental productivity/organizational structure
improvements. Demonstrated ability to achieve dramatic gains on a shoestring (deficit) budget.
Non-Profit.
Service on non-profit boards of directors. Extensive experience in non-profit administration and procedures. Extensive event
administration, fundraising, government/non-profit collaboration and public speaking.
RE C O GN IT I O NS AN D AC H I EVEM EN TS
Selected significant recognitions and achievements:
Recruitment of SunEdison/Community Energy Solar 120 MW Solar Array. 2014.
Largest solar array east of Rocky Mountains (900 acres). $200 Million investment, 450 construction jobs. Catalyst to launching
implementation of Renewable Energy curriculum at Pueblo Central STEM Magnet High School.
Expansion of UTC Aerospace. 2015.
Negotiated incentives and terms for successful business expansion, yielding $80 Million in capital investment and 45 high-paying jobs.
Digital Counties Survey - First Place Team. 2011.
Awarded for innovative GIS, Shared Services and virtualized computing.
ESRI Special Achievement in GIS. 2009.
Recognized for innovative use of GIS in development of Economic Gardening program.
Orton Family Foundation – Strong Communities Finalist. 2010.
One of 8 individuals recognized nationwide making a difference, specifically for work in Economic Gardening.
Pueblo Chieftain “Best of Pueblo” – Best Government Employee, Silver. 2012.
Awarded by community-wide popular vote.
Southern Colorado Press Club – Media Excellence in Electronic Media. 2014.
Recognized for best website (www.pueblo.org and county.pueblo.org) in Southern Colorado.
III
MED I A
Can the Pot Economy Replace Pueblo’s Lost Blue Collar Jobs? – KUNC Radio Interview. 2015.
Interview detailing work done to manage and facilitate responsible job growth in the marijuana industry in Pueblo.
Measuring Up – Esri Press - Published Article. 2011.
Featured chapter in Measuring Up, noting accomplishments and innovation in Economic Development.
ArcNews – Principles of Economic Gardening Help Local Businesses Thrive. 2010.
Published article in quarterly GIS trade magazine.
National Association of Counties (NACO) – Growing a Green Local Economy. “Model Programs” Feature. 2010.
Highlighted as a model program for the nation for work in Economic Gardening.
GITA Networks – UN SPIDER Haiti Relief Effort. 2010.
Work with 2010 Haiti earthquake relief highlighted in monthly GIS trade magazine.
Directions Magazine – GISCorps Podcast. 2010.
Podcast interview with online trade magazine.
American City and County – Building Local Business. 2009.
Published article in monthly magazine targeted toward City and County leadership.
History Channel – Interview. 2009.
Interviewed by History Channel for a unique mapping project at the channel’s request.
Frequently recognized for accomplishments in local media.
Including articles in the Denver Business Journal, the Pueblo Chieftain, the Pueblo PULP, KRDO ABC Channel 13, KKTV CBS
Channel 11 and KOAA NBC Channel 5.
IV
LE AD E R SH IP AN D SE RVI C E
Appointments

State of Colorado Government Data Advisory Board, Representative on Behalf of Local Government Agencies in Colorado.
Appointed by Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Reappointed by Governor John Hickenlooper. 2008 – 2015.

Chairman, Pueblo Historic Preservation Commission. Appointed by Pueblo City Council. 2010-2014. Reappointed 2014-2018.
Boards and Councils

Secretary, Board of Directors, Pueblo Community Health Center. 2013-present.

Board of Directors, Pueblo Economic Development Corporation. 2013-present.

Secretary, Board of Directors, Southern Colorado Economic Development District. 2013-present.

Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Directors, Pueblo County Community Development Corporation. 2013-present.

Board of Directors, Pueblo Retention and Expansion Program (PREP). 2012-present.

Vice President, Board of Directors, Pueblo Arts Alliance. 2011-present.

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Pueblo City Center Partnership. 2011-2015.

Member, Colorado Geographic Alliance Leadership Council. 2012-2013.

State of Colorado Geospatial Information Advisory Council. 2008-present.

President, Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences Site Council. 2008-2011.

Board of Directors, GIS Colorado. 2004-2011.

Member, Pueblo Community College Business and Advisory Board. 2002-2011.

Board of Directors, Frontier Pathways National Scenic & Historic Byway. 2002-2008.
Other

Pueblo City Schools Career and Technical Education Task Force Member. 2015.

Hive Global Leaders Program Alumnus. San Francisco, CA. 2015.

ESRI Southwest User’s Group Conference (SWUG) Lead. 2009.

Pueblo County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Co-author. 2008-2010.

Member, Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). 2004-present.

Member, Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA). 2004-present.

Member, GIS Colorado. 2001-present.

Volunteer, GISCorps - International GIS education and technical assistance corps. 2005-present.

Eucharistic Minister and Usher, Sacred Heart Cathedral. 2001-present.
V
PU BL IC E N G AG E M EN TS
Invited speaker for numerous engagements. A few notable recent events:

Community Risk Reduction Workshop – “Leveraging Business Analyst to Improve Fire Departments.” Featured speaker.
Redlands, CA. October 2014.

“A New Economic Development Model.” Featured speaker. Shreveport, LA. October 2014.

New Partners for Smart Growth Conference – “Location Analytics: Grow a Sustainable Economy One Small Business at a
Time.” February 2014.

2014 Esri Geodesign Summit, ‘Geodesign Thought Leader’ featured speaker. Redlands, CA. January 2014.

Legislation Author and Invited Expert Testimonial Witness, Colorado State Legislature. 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

ESRI Southwest User’s Conference, Endnote Speaker. September 2012.

Destination Pueblo Tourism Summit, “The Pueblo Community Portal.” February 2011.

GIS Colorado – “Cloud Computing – Pueblo County’s use of ArcGIS Server in Amazon’s Cloud.” January 2011.

Montana State Library, “Thinking Spatially – Using GIS and Psychographic Data to Improve Library Operations.”
September 2010.

Small Business Development Center – “Economic Gardening for Small Businesses.” Quarterly - July 2006 – present.

MiCasa Resource Center for Women – “Economic Gardening for the Startup Business.” Monthly - June 2006 – 2012.

GIS Colorado – “GIS for the United Nations Response to the January 12, 2010 Earthquake in Haiti.” July 2010.

University of Denver – “GIS Relief Efforts in Haiti.” Spring Colloquium. May 2010.

ESRI Colorado User’s Group – Fire/EMS Utilization of GIS for Disaster Preparation, Response and Recovery – December
2009.

Scenic America National Scenic Byway Program – Using GIS for Scenic Viewshed Conservation – September 2008.

Union Avenue Business District – “Supporting Pueblo’s Small Businesses.” January 2007.

Action 22, Southern Colorado Economic Development Forum – “Economic Gardening.” August 2006.

GIS Colorado Public Safety & Health Conference – Conference Chair, April 2006.

United States Geological Survey Addressing Conference – “Automated Address Validation in Online Applications.” March
2006.

“Adobe to Steel: Architecture of the Pueblo Region.” Public exhibit featured photographer. Spring 2006.

GIS Colorado Agriculture Conference, Conference Chair, January 2006.

GIS in the Rockies 2005 Conference, Homeland Security Track Chair. September 2005.

Colorado Governor’s Emergency Management Conference, “GIS Data Sharing and Collaboration in Colorado.” August
2005.

Sangre de Cristo Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., “GIS Collaboration in Southern Colorado”. June
2005.

“Mapping PUEBLO: From Past to Present,” Public exhibit. Byway Information Center. Spring 2005.
PR O FI CIE N CI ES
Project and staff management principles, strategic planning, budget management, cost accounting and performance management.
Software development life cycle administration, systems design, contract development and negotiations, vendor management,
Emergency Management Incident Command System (ICS) and all aspects relating to GIS in Response, Recovery and Mitigation.
Economic Gardening and conventional Economic Development principles and potential applications in rural and urban markets.
Business management, graphic design, sales, media relations, fundraising, federal & state grant preparation and administration.
VI
July 17, 2015
Sonya Guram
Colorado Office of Economic Development
& International Trade
Business Funding & Incentives
1625 Broadway, Suite 2700
Denver, CO 80202
Ms. Guram:
The Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (“PEDCO”) supports and encourages
Pueblo County’s Enterprise Zone Designation Application.
The Enterprise Zone is a critical economic development tool in our community. The tax
credits available to businesses are vital to supporting existing businesses, as well as growing and
encouraging new business growth and expansion within our community. Since the inception of
the Enterprise Zone program, these tax credits have helped Pueblo County businesses stay in
operation, grow and expand.
In addition, Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects rely upon the tax credit program to
encourage donations to wealth-loss prevention and economic development organizations. These
partners utilize the Enterprise Zone extensively in Pueblo County, and the program is critical to
their operation.
Therefore, we strongly encourage you to accept and approve the application for redesignation from Pueblo County.
Sincerely,
Jack Rink
President and CEO
301 N. Main Street ■ Pueblo, Colorado 81003
719-544-2000 ■ FAX 719-543-1650 ■ www.pedco.org

Section 11: Pueblo County Contents Page

Transcription

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