In a time of economic and political uncertainty, we seek out our tribes and take pleasure in simple acts of kindness and generosity. Partnerships and collabs are becoming more important than ever. How can we gain support for our businesses and events while serving others for a net gain, good vibes and the potential for…

OVERVIEW A successful retail experience is more than good inventory—it’s about being memorable, meaningful, and magnetic. The way you greet customers, how you place your products, and how you train your team all contribute to whether someone simply browses… or becomes a loyal advocate. On July 10, Downtown Grand Junction partnered with Downtown Colorado, Inc.…

Let’s face it—tax increment finance (TIF) might not be the topic that lights up your next dinner party. But if you’re working in local government, economic development, or are just a policy wonk with a passion for revitalization, you know that TIF is where the action is. And guess what? Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) is here to…

Downtown Colorado, Inc.’s 2025 IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event brought the heat (and the ice!) to Greeley this April with three days of dynamic workshops, immersive tours, and inspiring conversations—all rooted in turning community challenges into thriving opportunities. The event kicked off on April 1 with the Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop, where participants dove into the journey…

On the evening of April 3, 2025, during Downtown Colorado, Inc.’s IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event in Greeley, we rolled out the red carpet (figuratively—and maybe literally!) for one of our favorite traditions of the year: the Colorado Downtown Excellence Awards. Held at the iconic Moxi Theater in Downtown Greeley, the ceremony was nothing…

Rethinking Chambers of Commerce: Economic Development, Digital Transformation, and Community Sustainability Chambers as Catalysts for Economic Growth In a recent Vail Valley Partnership (VVP) webinar, CEO Chris Romer led a discussion on the evolving role of chambers of commerce in economic development. Traditionally known for networking and business support, chambers are now stepping into community…

Securing funding is a crucial step for small businesses, nonprofits, and government entities looking to grow and support their communities. In a recent webinar hosted by Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) and Outgrow Your Garage, speakers Jessi Burg and Karen Wainscott shared essential insights on grants and loans, covering everything from financial planning to funding sources.…

In this special end-of-year blog, we invite you to join us in revisiting the milestones, successes, and shared experiences that have defined this transformative

Stop, Collaborate & Listen Webinar on September 11, 2024 Watch the webinar here! Since I have 17 years of writing under my belt, I told Downtown Colorado, Inc. that I could write my own webinar summary of “Stop, Collaborate & Listen.” I’ve done public presentations over the years, and sat on various tourism panels, and now…

PROPERTY TAX IS CHANGING! Thank you to the Association of Colorado County Administrators (ACCA), Colorado City County Managers Association (CCCMA), Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI), and the Special District Association (SDA) in our presentation of the Property Tax is Changing webinar, with Carolynne White of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, as she reviewed recent Colorado property tax…

The Future of Downtown Multi-Functionality As we consider the future of downtowns, it is of growing importance to properly understand downtown functional districts. There is an increasing need for them to become more functionally diverse, but that will require an understanding of the array of economic functions upon which a downtown can be successfully based,…

On August 22, Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) and Colorado Municipal League (CML) presented an insightful tour that delved into the transformative impact of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), and Urban Renewal Areas (URAs) on Denver’s urban landscape. The event provided a unique opportunity for Colorado communities to explore how these tools can…