DCI IN THE GAME

Bio: A senior leader in real estate development, investment, and asset management with over 15 years of experience building teams, executing complex projects, and structuring innovative capital solutions. As President of the real estate arm of a Colorado-based single-family office, Adam has helped grow the organization from a one-person operation to a team of over 35 individuals, overseeing more than $800 million in assets under management and closing $500 million+ in transactions.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
From Blight to Bright: Downtown Housing at The Junction

Description: Take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Junction, downtown Grand Junction's newest downtown housing development. This guided experience explores how a long-vacant former City Market site was transformed into a vibrant, modern 256-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown. Participants will walk the site and learn about the vision, development process, challenges, and community impact of delivering downtown housing—and why projects like The Junction are critical to successful downtown revitalization.

3/31/26 | 3:30-5:00
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

Bio: Andy is the Founder and Principal of the Pioneer Development Company, and specializes in rural economic development. He has assisted numerous communities and developers throughout Colorado, guiding development from conception to construction. Andy's work helps bridge the gap between the public and private sectors in order to generate development that is politically, financially and equitably feasible. His work spans the community development spectrum, from strategically targeting federal and state grants, to performing market and feasibility studies, to reviewing developer proformas for funding gaps and matching those with incentives. Andy focuses on public-private partnerships, with a strong emphasis on Urban Renewal Authorities to encourage development with significant community benefits.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Gettin' TIFfy Wit It

Description: (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na - A Tax Increment Finance Remix) This high-energy talk breaks down Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and how communities use it to turn bold ideas into reality. From downtown revitalization to unexpected projects—yes, even a gondola—We'll explore how future tax growth funds today's development. Whether you're a policy wonk or just TIF-curious, come learn how cities get creative (and sometimes controversial) when they start gettin' TIFfy wit it.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

Bio: Athena Tucker is a local Real Estate Broker and Property Manager with Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, serving Grand Junction and the Western Slope. With deep roots in the community, she brings a strong appreciation for the area's history, architecture, and evolving commercial spaces. Athena is proud to help showcase the historic Lowell School and its continued potential as a unique space within Downtown Grand Junction.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:30
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Join us as we explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting. This lunch will be a pre-meeting prior to the tour of Creative Redevelopments in Action to explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Junction, downtown Grand Junction's newest downtown housing development. This guided experience explores how a long-vacant former City Market site was transformed into a vibrant, modern 256-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown. Participants will walk the site and learn about the vision, development process, challenges, and community impact of delivering downtown housing—and why projects like The Junction are critical to successful downtown revitalization.

Bio: Bianca Fisher, Executive Director of the Greeley Downtown Development Authority (DDA), is incredibly passionate about the growth and vitality of downtown and is dedicated to creating a resilient business ecosystem, supporting private development, and promoting meaningful experiences in Downtown Greeley. She has been with the DDA for nearly 15 years and still enjoys the challenges and opportunities that continually present themselves in a growing urban environment. She earned her Master of Public Administration from CU Denver in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, she was named by BizWest as one of 50 most influential business leaders in the region.

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. Join an interactive, solutions-focused discussion featuring practical insights from BID and DDA leaders.

Bio: Blase Leven is the Director of the Center for Hazardous Substance Research, and helps create/coordinate teams of university scientists and engineers, and other partners, to address important technical issues facing our society. From 1997 to 2007 he served as technology transfer and outreach programs manager for the Center, with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This included oversight of the Technical Outreach Services to Superfund and Native American Communities (TOSC and TOSNAC) program, and the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) programs. Brownfields are distressed, blighted properties with environmental concerns that contribute to the decline of developed and natural areas. He currently oversees several TAB programs, which assist local governments in 21 states, and tribes nationally. Also, from 2007 to 2017 he led technology development and/or environmental evaluation efforts for developing nonlethal technologies, with Department of Defense funding.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
From Blight to Bright: Resources for a Potential Brownfield

Description: Join us for s combined lunch and tour that will explore two redevelopment projects and highlight how the support from brownfields technical assistance can support a project. The lunch will dive into an under-construction gathering place plaza, while the tour will take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Junction, downtown Grand Junction's newest downtown housing development. This guided experience explores how a long-vacant former City Market site was transformed into a vibrant, modern 256-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown. Participants will walk the site and learn about the vision, development process, challenges, and community impact of delivering downtown housing—and why projects like The Junction are critical to successful downtown revitalization.

4/1/26 | 2:45-4:30
From Blight to Bright: Downtown Housing at The Junction

Description: Take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Junction, downtown Grand Junction's newest downtown housing development. This guided experience explores how a long-vacant former City Market site was transformed into a vibrant, modern 256-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown. Participants will walk the site and learn about the vision, development process, challenges, and community impact of delivering downtown housing—and why projects like The Junction are critical to successful downtown revitalization.

4/2/26 | 10:30-2:15
Vines, Views, and Vitality: The Palisade Development Tour

Description: A Deep Dive into Agritourism, Innovation, and Colorado's Premier Craft Culture. Experience the blueprint for successful rural revitalization in the heart of Colorado's fruit and wine country. Hosted by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and the Town of Palisade, this immersive tour explores the strategic intersection of agritourism and community planning. From data-driven strategies to combat retail leakage to the complexities of water security and riverfront activation, participants will gain first-hand insights into how Palisade balances "smart growth" with its deep agricultural roots.

Bio: Brandon Stam is from Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the University of New Mexico with Master's Degrees in Community & Regional Planning and Public Administration. Brandon has served as the Executive Director at Downtown Grand Junction since 2016 and oversees three special districts which consist of a DDA, BID and Creative District. Brandon also serves as a Board Member for Downtown Colorado, Inc. He also enjoys exploring all the beauty Western Colorado offers.

4/2/26 | 08:00-09:00
Welcome to Grand Junction

Description: Welcome to Grand Junction

4/2/26 | 9:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. In this interactive session, BID and DDA leaders will each share one practical "nugget of wisdom,‚" followed by a moderated, solutions-focused discussion with audience participation. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and renewed momentum for the year ahead.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Main Street Remix: Innovation, Ideas + Iconic GJ Stories

Description: Main Street isn't just a street—it's Grand Junction's living room. On this two-hour walking tour, sponsored by the Grand Junction Downtown Partnership and led by local thought leader Zebulon Miracle, participants will stroll Main Street and explore the ideas, experiments, and community choices that shaped it. From public art and trees to retail and gathering spaces, this tour dives into how Main Street became a functional, beautiful city park—and how it continues to evolve.

Bio: Brandy joined the Colorado Broadband Office in 2022 and is responsible for providing oversight and management of the office's programs and state-wide strategy for broadband deployment. Her work includes education, outreach, supporting regional collaborations, fostering relations with partners, and mobilizing resources to improve the access and affordability of high speed internet. She works to assist with policy and legislative development, serves on various broadband boards, and supports the work of the office. Her professional experience includes 15 years in local government management in cities and towns across the State of Colorado. As a former Town Manager, she built broadband programs in rural communities and has leveraged resources to deploy broadband in her communities.

4/1/26 | 9:30-10:30
Downtown + Broadband

Description: The role of digital infrastructure in supporting inclusive economic development and resilient downtowns.

Bio: BRIAN CORRIGAN is a creative placemaking artist-designer-entrepreneur working at the intersection of the experience economy, technology, and community development. His socially engaged practice spans rural/urban/suburban communities and focuses on sparking and supporting the development of healthy, inclusive, and vibrant neighborhoods for all people. NPR, PBS, Cool Hunting, Springwise, Denver Post, Streetwise, Business Journal, and Dwell Magazine has featured his work. He is an ArtPlace America Grantee, NewCities Global Urban Innovator Finalist, Knight Public Spaces Fellowship Finalist, and an International Award for Public Art Finalist. His projects have been published in Streets Reconsidered: Inclusive Design for the Public Realm and The Digital City: Media and the Social Production of Place. He recently founded Farm-to-Spaceship, an experience design agency working across the state to position Colorado as the nation's leader in FUN.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Main Character Energy: Storyliving + Storytelling through Film in Colorado Downtowns

Description: An exploration of CO's film ecosystem and what that means for downtowns across the state.

Bio: An Economic Development professional committed to building inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities. Dedicated to ensuring that all communities have access to essential infrastructure and high-quality public amenities—safe sidewalks, clean waterways, and accessible green spaces. Advocates for economic development that strengthens diverse communities without contributing to displacement or gentrification.

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. Join an interactive, solutions-focused discussion featuring practical insights from BID and DDA leaders.

Bio: Bruce Talbott is a 5th-generation fruit grower in the Palisade area of Colorado. After the long journey from Iowa to Palisade in 1907, his great-great grandfather, Joseph Evan Yeager, planted some of the early orchards in the mineral rich alluvial soils in this region. Since then, Bruce and his brothers have grown Talbott's Mountain Gold into a monumental thriving enterprise.

4/1/26 | 10:30-2:15
From Soil to Sip: A Century of Stewardship at Talbott Farms

Description: This four-hour bus and walking tour offers an immersive look at Talbott Farms—from orchards and vineyards to production, market, and taproom. Explore how five generations have stewarded the land, built value from agriculture, and diversified into juices, ciders, wine, and local beer, ending with tastings that bring the full story from soil to sip.

Bio: Cammie Willis is a Landscape Architect and Senior Associate with DHM Design. Based in the Durango studio, her expertise includes master planning, community engagement, and the design of meaningful public spaces. Cammie has extensive experience partnering with rural communities across Colorado, helping them leverage their natural and cultural resources through recreation planning, wayfinding and signage systems, and regional branding initiatives. By working closely with local leaders and residents, she guides small towns through thoughtful design processes that maximize grant funding and transform outdoor spaces into lasting community assets. She champions inclusive, collaborative planning approaches that empower communities to take ownership of their landscapes. Cammie believes well-designed public spaces can serve as powerful economic and cultural catalysts—strengthening identity, resilience, and long-term vitality. At Downtown Colorado Inc.'s conference, Cammie will share practical strategies for fundraising on a tight budget and using design as a tool to build resilient, place-based branding and recreation opportunities that help rural communities thrive.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
From Master Plan to Funding: Securing Grants and Donor Support for Community Projects

Description: Join DHM Design for a lively lunch discussion as we explore inspiring case studies from small-town communities across Colorado! We'll take a deep dive into community master planning, uncovering funding opportunities, and leveraging grants to turn visions for local streetscapes, wayfinding, and recreation projects into reality. This session will highlight how small communities can champion change and bring local initiatives to life through smart planning, thoughtful design, and public engagement. Whether you're a town planner, business owner, or outdoor enthusiast, this lunch will serve up fresh ideas and inspiration on how collaboration and design can transform your community's outdoor spaces!

Bio: Charlotte Oliver, PhD, began her journey into viticulture through her love of studying plant diseases. In her pursuit of research, she stumbled into the world of grapes. Enthralled by a beautiful world of vines and rots, she never left. Her master's research and vineyard work began in northern Virginia in 2012. Since then, she has worked with vineyards in the eastern Washington high desert and here in the Grand Valley. Her research-focused work has been on vineyard disease monitoring and vineyard practice perceptions. She also has extensive experience in one-on-one grower communications and interactive extension workshops. She believes viticulture skills can be learned in a classroom but really need to be experienced for full understanding. Sound viticulture practices are required to make the best quality grapes - the first ingredient in award-winning wines! In her spare time, she cares for her ever-expanding collection of indoor plants, searches for new wineries and goes camping with her husband and dog.

4/4/26 | 9:45-11:01
Regional Downtown Strategy Playoffs

Description: A fun regional strategy session where participants join facilitated roundtables to tackle downtown challenges, share ideas, and exchange practical strategies. Light competition and prizes add energy while helping peers leave with useful takeaways and new regional connections.

Bio: Chelsea Gilmore is a muralist, sculptor, arts educator, and arts advocate living on the front range of Colorado. She has created community artworks and murals in communities across the state (and beyond). She specializes in murals and large scale community art activations where everyone can participate, feel empowered, and feel seen. Chelsea grew up on the western slope of Colorado and currently lives in Fort Collins where she works for two different arts non profits and has a studio.

4/1/26 | 10:30-12:15
Built to Belong: Creating a Creative District Through Collective Art

Description: Creative districts aren't just planned — they're experienced. In this interactive session, Chelsea Gilmore, Chelsea Gilmore Arts and Christy Costello, Colorado Creative Industries will share the core principles behind successful creative districts and invite participants to put them into action. By repurposing materials, attendees will collaborate on a temporary and public art installation, exploring how creative placemaking engages everyday people, activates public space, and builds a shared sense of place.

Bio: Chip leads GVCA's strategic direction and the development of The ARTery. With nearly three decades of nonprofit leadership experience in Denver, and recent work in New Mexico and Mexico, he brings deep expertise in creative community building and organizational growth.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:30
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Join us as we explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting. This lunch will be a pre-meeting prior to the tour of Creative Redevelopments in Action to explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Creative Redevelopments in Action

Description: Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of two dynamic adaptive reuse projects reshaping Grand Junction's future. First, visit the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace—a small-developer, creativity-driven transformation of a former brownfield site into a hub for fabrication, learning, and collaboration. Then explore the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This 90-minute tour offers a candid look at the realities of creative redevelopment—how vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

4/1/26 | 10:30-12:15
Built to Belong: Creating a Creative District Through Collective Art

Description: Creative districts aren't just planned — they're experienced. In this interactive session, Chelsea Gilmore, Chelsea Gilmore Arts and Christy Costello, Colorado Creative Industries will share the core principles behind successful creative districts and invite participants to put them into action. By repurposing materials, attendees will collaborate on a temporary and public art installation, exploring how creative placemaking engages everyday people, activates public space, and builds a shared sense of place.

4/2/26 | 10:30-2:15
Vines, Views + Vitality: The Palisade Development Tour

Description: A Deep Dive into Agritourism, Innovation, and Colorado's Premier Craft Culture. Experience the blueprint for successful rural revitalization in the heart of Colorado's fruit and wine country. Hosted by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and the Town of Palisade, this immersive tour explores the strategic intersection of agritourism and community planning. From data-driven strategies to combat retail leakage to the complexities of water security and riverfront activation, participants will gain first-hand insights into how Palisade balances "smart growth" with its deep agricultural roots.

4/2/26 | 10:30-12:15
Turning Toward the River: Grand Junction's Riverfront Story

Description: Join us for a mobile tour to explore how Grand Junction turned its face back to the river on this guided tour of Las Colonias, Dos Rios, and The Eddy. This immersive experience highlights how strategic investment, partnerships, and placemaking have transformed the Colorado Riverfront into a connected system of parks, development, and community gathering spaces. Participants will learn how these projects came together, the economic and quality-of-life impacts they've generated, and what's next as the riverfront continues to evolve.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Creative by Design: Public Art, Events, + Grand Junction's Cultural Commitment

Description: Creativity is embedded into Grand Junction's downtown identity. This two hour walking tour highlights the city's commitment to arts and culture through the Creative District, the Art on the Corner program, and a robust calendar of events that activate Main Street throughout the year. Learn how public art is selected, managed, and sustained, and how these efforts collectively foster a creative culture that supports local artists, engages the community, and makes downtown a place people want to return to again and again.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Retail Roots + Rising Stars: A Grand Junction Downtown Tour

Description: Take a walk through the heart of Grand Junction and discover what keeps its downtown retail scene thriving. This guided tour along Main Street and Colorado Avenue blends legacy businesses with fresh startups, showcasing the mix of history, hustle, and hometown pride that fuels a successful district. Meet business owners, hear their Western Slope stories, and see how strategic support—from fa√ßade improvements to district partnerships—helps retailers grow and adapt. Stops include longtime favorites like Triple Play Records and Working Artists Studio, alongside newer ventures like Garvey's Gardens, Colorado Cool, and Gear Junction. Come explore the secret sauce behind a resilient downtown—one storefront at a time.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Powering Local Spending - Exploring Community Rewards Programs

Description: Cities, towns, and downtown organizations can incentivize local spending at scale. Join this interactive lunch discussion to explore real-world case studies, measurable results, and how communities are turning everyday transactions into economic development wins.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Small Developer Coach Workshop

Bio: Dawn Thilmany is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, Director of the Northwest and Rocky Mountain USDA Regional Food Center and Co-Director of the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University. She serves on the Colorado Food System Advisory Council and her research and outreach focus on food systems and rural economic development, primarily focused on opportunities related to value-added food market supply chains.

4/1/26 | 10:30-11:45
Unpacking the Dynamics of Colorado's Population, Economy + Downtowns

Description: This session explores the key population and economic trends shaping Colorado—with a sharp focus on what they mean for downtowns and commercial districts. We'll examine how growth patterns, workforce shifts, housing trends, and sector changes vary across regions of the state, and how those dynamics are influencing retail, office demand, small business development, and public investment. Walk away with insights to help position your downtown for long-term resilience and opportunity.

4/3/26 | 9:45-11:00
Regional Downtown Strategy Playoffs

Description: A fun regional strategy session where participants join facilitated roundtables to tackle downtown challenges, share ideas, and exchange practical strategies. Light competition and prizes add energy while helping peers leave with useful takeaways and new regional connections.

Bio: With a strong background in transportation planning, environmental planning, and public outreach Denise brings a comprehensive perspective to every planning initiative. Her passion is focused on public sector planning from the private sector, where she emphasizes balancing the benefits and impacts of various projects to improve the quality of life in communities of all sizes. She is the Denver office managing principal and planning group leader at Bohannan Huston. She holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from UC Santa Barbara and a Masters in Environmental Planning from Arizona State University.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Clarity + Collaboration: Taking the Guesswork out of the Development Process

Description: Uncertainty slows projects. Misalignment stalls investment. But when clarity and collaboration lead the process, development becomes predictable—and productive. Drawing from multiple community case studies, including recent work in the Town of Center, this session explores how policies, land use codes, and development review procedures can either create friction or encourage progress. Participants are encouraged to bring a "funky,‚" outdated, or confusing code provision from their own community for live discussion - We'll bring some to get started.

4/2/26 | 10:30-2:15
Vines, Views + Vitality: The Palisade Development Tour

Description: A Deep Dive into Agritourism, Innovation, and Colorado's Premier Craft Culture. Experience the blueprint for successful rural revitalization in the heart of Colorado's fruit and wine country. Hosted by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and the Town of Palisade, this immersive tour explores the strategic intersection of agritourism and community planning. From data-driven strategies to combat retail leakage to the complexities of water security and riverfront activation, participants will gain first-hand insights into how Palisade balances "smart growth" with its deep agricultural roots.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
The Capital Cocktail: Financing Small Development Projects

Description: Financing small development projects is unlike bigger, institutional projects due to the lack of scale and institutional grade offer. It often takes more players and more layers to make a small deal work, and more nuanced packaging and relationships. This panel will explore several Colorado-specific tools for financing smaller projects including historic tax credits, community banking, and state agency programs. Using a moderated discussion format our panelists will share key programs available to Small Developers, and the do's and don'ts of a successful pitch.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Sweet Streets: Chocolate, Craft + Colorado Flavor

Description: Enjoy a two-hour walking tour that starts with an inside look at Enstrom Candies, exploring the history and craftsmanship behind their iconic toffee. We'll then wrap up at Carlson Vineyards with a wine and chocolate tasting that celebrates local flavor, legacy businesses, and downtown connection.

Bio: Dr. Anders Van Sandt received his Ph.D. in 2018 from Colorado State University in Agricultural and Resource Economics and worked for two years as a postdoctoral scholar at Texas A&M and joined CSU as faculty in 2025 after starting as a professor at the University of Wyoming. His current Extension and research efforts revolve around promoting rural economic development by exploring rural-urban linkages, entrepreneurship, access to healthcare, and interdependencies between local industries. Though an early career member, Dr. Van Sandt has been awarded a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant and has published numerous academic and Extension articles in outlets such as Health Economics, Tourism Economics, and the Journal of Regional Science, among others.

4/6/26 | 9:45-11:03
Regional Downtown Strategy Playoffs

Description: A fun regional strategy session where participants join facilitated roundtables to tackle downtown challenges, share ideas, and exchange practical strategies. Light competition and prizes add energy while helping peers leave with useful takeaways and new regional connections.

Bio: Co-Owner, born in Casa Grande, Arizona. The son of entrepreneurs and doers. Never reluctant to wear his 'good' clothes while working on the job site. After 15 years in construction and real estate development he has yet to meet a property he didn't want to revitalize. A creative visionary that has certainly benefited from Veronica's sensibility. Short in stature, tall in character, he only works in pursuit of the win-win. A husband, dad and forever a community advocate for his adopted hometown of Grand Junction.

3/31/26 | 12:00-2:00
Saving the Station: Reimagining the 1906 GJ Union Depot

Description: Sponsored in part by USDA Rural Development, part of the Building Small Coach Workshop, this lunch explores the Grand Junction Union Depot, one of Colorado's most endangered historic places. Learn the story of the 1906 depot, its role in shaping Grand Junction, and the vision and partnerships driving its redevelopment into a future community asset.

4/1/26 | 10:30-12:15
Saving the Station: Reimagining the 1906 GJ Union Depot

Description: Sponsored by Colorado Historical Foundation, this tour will explore the reimagining the 1906 GJ Union Depot: A visit the work in progress redevelopment, the history, dynamic redevelopment process, and the vision for this future community asset.

Bio: Edgar Quiroz is the Founder and Executive Director of LFMG Music Academy and CEO of La Familia Music Group. A community builder and creative entrepreneur based in Montrose, Colorado, Edgar is passionate about using music and mentorship to develop young leaders and strengthen rural economies. Through youth programs, live events, and downtown activations, he has helped create pathways for young people to step into leadership while driving cultural vibrancy and economic growth across Western Colorado. Edgar's work centers on the belief that creative spaces don't just change lives — they help shape the future of our communities.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Building Partnerships That Unlock Complex Sites

Description: Transforming underutilized and brownfield sites takes more than vision—it requires the right organizational structure to align public leadership, private investment, and long-term stewardship. Join Ayres Associates for a focused lunch conversation on how communities can form and manage effective public-private partnerships to tackle complex redevelopment projects. We'll explore governance models, funding tools, risk-sharing strategies, and the coordination needed to move challenging sites from liability to community asset. Whether launching a new entity or strengthening an existing one, this session offers practical guidance to help your partnership turn tough sites into catalytic opportunities.

4/2/26 | 08:00-11:00
Engaging Youth in Leadership

Description: How communities can build leadership pathways and authentically engage young people in shaping downtown futures.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Main Character Energy: Storyliving + Storytelling through Film in Colorado Downtowns

Description: An exploration of CO's film ecosystem and what that means for downtowns across the state.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
From Grain to Glass: Inside Grand Junction's Brewing Culture

Description: Step inside Ramblebine Brewing and Rockslide Brew Pub for a two-hour walking tour that takes you from grain to glass. Participants will explore the brewery's production spaces, hear the story behind the craft and brand, and learn how a locally owned brewery contributes to downtown energy and culture. The experience includes guided tastings, conversation with the brewery team, and time to connect craft brewing, place, and community.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
From Grain to Glass: Inside Grand Junction's Brewing Culture

Description: Step inside Ramblebine Brewing and Rockslide Brew Pub for a two-hour walking tour that takes you from grain to glass. Participants will explore the brewery's production spaces, hear the story behind the craft and brand, and learn how a locally owned brewery contributes to downtown energy and culture. The experience includes guided tastings, conversation with the brewery team, and time to connect craft brewing, place, and community.

Bio: Ethan Greene is an emerging urban planning professional with experience working in the nonprofit and private sectors. His strengths include community engagement and collaboration, mapping/GIS, research and data analysis, and urban design. As a project assistant with Progressive Urban Management Associates, Ethan supports the firm's community and downtown planning efforts by conducting data analysis for market assessments, researching best practices, producing graphics, designing final plan documents, and aiding with in-person and virtual community engagement. Ethan also played an integral role in the research and narrative writing for P.U.M.A.'s "2023 Top Ten Global Trends Affecting Downtowns and How to Respond at Home" report.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Downtown, Let's Make It Official: Structuring Success with BIDs, DDAs + Smart Planning

Description: Is your downtown ready to level up?‚Äã Join PUMA for a practical conversation about when communities move from informal efforts to more structured tools like a BID, DDA, or formal downtown plan. We'll explore funding, governance, and how to determine the right next step to build sustainable momentum.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Sweet Streets: Chocolate, Craft + Colorado Flavor

Description: Enjoy a two-hour walking tour that starts with an inside look at Enstrom Candies, exploring the history and craftsmanship behind their iconic toffee. We'll then wrap up at Carlson Vineyards with a wine and chocolate tasting that celebrates local flavor, legacy businesses, and downtown connection.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Downtown Cocktail Class

Description: Explore the world of craft cocktails with a course for would be crafters! One recipe, two personalities explores the impact that a single spirit makes in a recipe. A mojito for example- rum, lime, sugar, mint. What if we switched the spirit to gin? Or tequila? Even whiskey? The class encourages guest to swap out spirit into recipes that they might not expect to work with other spirits. Something that we do often in the craft cocktail realm.

Bio: Since 2007, I've run HeidiTown.com, and have been to and written about almost everywhere in Colorado (and a little beyond). I founded HeidiTown Consulting in 2023 to shift mindsets; make people understand how and why they can and should love where they live. Because every town is extraordinary!

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
On the Route: Connecting Downtowns + Colorado Byways

Description: Learn about the CO150 Mile Marker Project, part of the Great American Road Trip, that includes 26 byway itineraries as well as 8 blog posts on EV Friendly Byways, Birding Byways, Museums, and more. How can this project work to strengthen your local storytelling, attract travelers, and extend stays in your community? Also learn about regional outdoor partnerships between byway communities.

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. Join an interactive, solutions-focused discussion featuring practical insights from BID and DDA leaders.

Bio: Jamie Shapiro is the Senior Historian for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Region 1 (Denver Metro Area), ensuring that state or federally funded transportation projects comply with all historic preservation regulations. He is a liaison between preservation advocates and CDOT project teams, bringing together stakeholders with different objectives to find common ground. Outside of CDOT, he wrote two successful historic preservation grants for Grand Junction's 1925 Lowell School (please visit, it's beautiful!) and served on the Lowell Village Metro District Board for four years. He loves old buildings, downtowns, western landscapes, and learning new things.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:30
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Join us as we explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting. This lunch will be a pre-meeting prior to the tour of Creative Redevelopments in Action to explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Creative Redevelopments in Action

Description: Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of two dynamic adaptive reuse projects reshaping Grand Junction's future. First, visit the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace—a small-developer, creativity-driven transformation of a former brownfield site into a hub for fabrication, learning, and collaboration. Then explore the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This 90-minute tour offers a candid look at the realities of creative redevelopment—how vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

Bio: Janie VanWinkle is the contact for the Agri-Tech Seminar Series and a, potentially affiliated, co-owner of VanWinkle Ranch. She is associated with the Grand Junction Business Incubator Center (gjincubator.org), coordinating agricultural innovation and tech workshops, including topics like drone technology in agriculture.

4/1/26 | 9:15-10:15
So Goes Agriculture, So Goes Main Street

Description: Exploring the relationship between agriculture, rural economies, and downtown vitality.

4/1/26 | 10:30-2:15
From Soil to Sip: A Century of Stewardship at Talbott Farms

Description: This four-hour bus and walking tour offers an immersive look at Talbott Farms—from orchards and vineyards to production, market, and taproom. Explore how five generations have stewarded the land, built value from agriculture, and diversified into juices, ciders, wine, and local beer, ending with tastings that bring the full story from soil to sip.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Capital That Circulates: Revolving Loan Funds for Local Business

Description: Strong downtowns need strong small businesses—and access to capital makes the difference. Join Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) to explore how revolving loan funds can fill financing gaps, support entrepreneurs, and keep local dollars working in your community. Learn how flexible lending tools help build a more resilient and inclusive local economy.

Bio: Jared manages Bohannan Huston Inc's Colorado Engineering group from BHI's Denver office. His expertise includes leading design teams in all civil engineering aspects of various design and development projects, including private and public infrastructure projects. He has experience in leading transportation, drainage, and utility design projects; residential and commercial developments; subdivision planning; and award-winning civil site development projects while still maintaining an active role in the design process. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he has experience with green building practices and design services for several LEED registered and/or certified projects. Jared has been with BHI since 2003.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Clarity + Collaboration: Taking the Guesswork out of the Development Process

Description: Misalignment stalls investment. When communication, policy, and technical review operate in silos, even strong development opportunities can stall. But when clarity and collaboration lead the process, development becomes predictable—and productive. Drawing from multiple community case studies, including recent work in the Town of Center, this session explores how policies, land use codes, and development review procedures can either create friction or encourage progress. We'll discuss practical strategies for clarifying code language, streamlining review processes, and aligning feasibility considerations early to build investor confidence and support better housing outcomes.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:30
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Join us as we explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting. This lunch will be a pre-meeting prior to the tour of Creative Redevelopments in Action to explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Creative Redevelopments in Action

Description: Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of two dynamic adaptive reuse projects reshaping Grand Junction's future. First, visit the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace—a small-developer, creativity-driven transformation of a former brownfield site into a hub for fabrication, learning, and collaboration. Then explore the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This 90-minute tour offers a candid look at the realities of creative redevelopment—how vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

Bio: Jim is an infill developer and sustainable development advisor based in Sonoma County, California. Known for his aspirational but practical approach, he works with a range of tools and best practices to communicate the value of inspired design and sustainability within the realities of local market norms. With over forty years experience as an urban designer, land planner, sustainability strategist and now infill developer, he brings a broad range of perspectives and skills to the discussion about how communities grow. Trained as a landscape architect, he received a Masters in Real Estate Development from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as way to more effectively integrate economics, development and design thinking.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Small Developer Coach Workshop

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Small Development Finance: Tools, Capital Stacks, and Real-World Paths for Small-Scale Projects

Description: Financing small development projects can be complex — but the right tools make it possible. This panel highlights a focused set of national and Colorado-specific funding sources, with practical insights on historic tax credits, public programs, and lender perspectives. Through real-world examples and moderated discussion, participants will learn how to build workable capital stacks and navigate financing strategies tailored to small-scale development.

3/31/26 | 12:00-2:00
Saving the Station: Reimagining the 1906 GJ Union Depot

Description: Sponsored in part by USDA Rural Development, part of the Building Small Coach Workshop, this lunch explores the Grand Junction Union Depot, one of Colorado's most endangered historic places. Learn the story of the 1906 depot, its role in shaping Grand Junction, and the vision and partnerships driving its redevelopment into a future community asset.

4/2/26 | 10:30-2:15
Vines, Views + Vitality: The Palisade Development Tour

Description: A Deep Dive into Agritourism, Innovation, and Colorado's Premier Craft Culture. Experience the blueprint for successful rural revitalization in the heart of Colorado's fruit and wine country. Hosted by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and the Town of Palisade, this immersive tour explores the strategic intersection of agritourism and community planning. From data-driven strategies to combat retail leakage to the complexities of water security and riverfront activation, participants will gain first-hand insights into how Palisade balances "smart growth" with its deep agricultural roots.

Bio: Karen joined DHM in 2001 with experience in both private and public communications, PR, business communication and design. With a degree in Communications, and a decade of marketing experience, Karen has developed the skills to create, implement and manage marketing materials, identity concepts, publications, signage, brochures and interpretive displays for a wide variety of projects.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
From Master Plan to Funding: Securing Grants and Donor Support for Community Projects

Description: Join DHM Design for a lively lunch discussion as we explore inspiring case studies from small-town communities across Colorado! We'll take a deep dive into community master planning, uncovering funding opportunities, and leveraging grants to turn visions for local streetscapes, wayfinding, and recreation projects into reality. This session will highlight how small communities can champion change and bring local initiatives to life through smart planning, thoughtful design, and public engagement. Whether you're a town planner, business owner, or outdoor enthusiast, this lunch will serve up fresh ideas and inspiration on how collaboration and design can transform your community's outdoor spaces!

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Building Partnerships That Unlock Complex Sites

Description: Transforming underutilized and brownfield sites takes more than vision—it requires the right organizational structure to align public leadership, private investment, and long-term stewardship. Join Ayres Associates for a focused lunch conversation on how communities can form and manage effective public-private partnerships to tackle complex redevelopment projects. We'll explore governance models, funding tools, risk-sharing strategies, and the coordination needed to move challenging sites from liability to community asset. Whether launching a new entity or strengthening an existing one, this session offers practical guidance to help your partnership turn tough sites into catalytic opportunities.

Bio: Kat is an innovative and creative strategist, who serves as a resource choreographer for local governments, non-profits, and private businesses hoping to achieve more with less. She brings broad experience from forming co-operatives of rural women, initiating local government strategic reforms, expanding professional development and volunteer networks, and spanning the fields of outreach and engagement, community and economic development, not-for-profit administration, strategic planning and logic frameworks, project development and management, local government planning, marketing and communications, financial and economic development services, and education.

Fun Date | Fun Time
Amazingness is action

Description: Funner Stuff Ahead

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:30
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Join us as we explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting. This lunch will be a pre-meeting to walk through the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace and the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This lunch precedes a tour to see the implementation of vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy Tour

Description: Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of two dynamic adaptive reuse projects reshaping Grand Junction's future. First, visit the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace—a small-developer, creativity-driven transformation of a former brownfield site into a hub for fabrication, learning, and collaboration. Then explore the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This 90-minute tour offers a candid look at the realities of creative redevelopment—how vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

3/31/26 | 3:30-5:00
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

Bio: Kevin is a licensed engineer with over 30 years of experience in civil engineering, planning, site development and municipal finance. He spent 17 years at global A/E firm HDR as a leader of the Dallas office's municipal services program and later as National Director of the Community Planning + Urban Design market sector. In 2011, he founded Verdunity to focus on helping communities quantify, communicate, and close their resource gaps and get back on the path to lasting, inclusive prosperity.

4/1/26 | 9:00-10:00
Cultivating Prosperity, Not Just Building Projects

Description: Not all growth is good growth-and not all costs show up on day one. In this concise, data-driven session, Kevin Shepherd unpacks the true fiscal impacts of development decisions, helping communities understand what they're really committing to over time. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in engineering, planning, and municipal finance, Kevin challenges conventional assumptions and offers practical frameworks for prioritizing investments that strengthen long-term resilience, neighborhood vitality, and attainability.

Bio: Kim brings over 18 years of experience in non-profit and economic development management. She plays a crucial role in all aspects of EDCC's operations and program efforts, from daily operations and budgeting to strategic planning, marketing, and development. Kim also oversees programs, trainings, events, member retention, expansion, and attraction, as well as sponsor development. Before joining the EDCC, Kim served as the operations manager for the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. (Metro Denver EDC). In this position, she successfully managed a $4 million budget and coordinated meetings for the Metro Denver EDC and its three industry coalitions. Kim also played a key role in leading events management, including the annual Site Selection Conference. Additionally, she supported company expansion and recruitment activities for the Metro Denver region.

4/2/26 | 10:30-2:15
Vines, Views + Vitality: The Palisade Development Tour

Description: A Deep Dive into Agritourism, Innovation, and Colorado's Premier Craft Culture. Experience the blueprint for successful rural revitalization in the heart of Colorado's fruit and wine country. Hosted by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and the Town of Palisade, this immersive tour explores the strategic intersection of agritourism and community planning. From data-driven strategies to combat retail leakage to the complexities of water security and riverfront activation, participants will gain first-hand insights into how Palisade balances "smart growth" with its deep agricultural roots.

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. Join an interactive, solutions-focused discussion featuring practical insights from BID and DDA leaders.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
From Blight to Bright: Resources for a Potential Brownfield

Description: Join us for s combined lunch and tour that will explore two redevelopment projects and highlight how the support from brownfields technical assistance can support a project. The lunch will dive into an under-construction gathering place plaza, while the tour will take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Junction, downtown Grand Junction's newest downtown housing development. This guided experience explores how a long-vacant former City Market site was transformed into a vibrant, modern 256-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown. Participants will walk the site and learn about the vision, development process, challenges, and community impact of delivering downtown housing—and why projects like The Junction are critical to successful downtown revitalization.

4/1/26 | 2:45-4:30
From Blight to Bright: Downtown Housing at The Junction

Description: Take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Junction, downtown Grand Junction's newest downtown housing development. This guided experience explores how a long-vacant former City Market site was transformed into a vibrant, modern 256-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown. Participants will walk the site and learn about the vision, development process, challenges, and community impact of delivering downtown housing—and why projects like The Junction are critical to successful downtown revitalization.

Bio: Kurt Friesen, PLA, has joined Ayres' Development Services division as landscape architecture lead. He began work on December 31. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Friesen works closely with our Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Fort Collins landscape architecture professionals as well as Development Services teammates in the Southeast, Midwest, and West to strengthen the division's already wide expertise in planning, environmental services, and landscape architecture.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Building Partnerships That Unlock Complex Sites

Description: Transforming underutilized and brownfield sites takes more than vision—it requires the right organizational structure to align public leadership, private investment, and long-term stewardship. Join Ayres Associates for a focused lunch conversation on how communities can form and manage effective public-private partnerships to tackle complex redevelopment projects. We'll explore governance models, funding tools, risk-sharing strategies, and the coordination needed to move challenging sites from liability to community asset. Whether launching a new entity or strengthening an existing one, this session offers practical guidance to help your partnership turn tough sites into catalytic opportunities.

Bio: Lenore Bates has worked at the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as the Scenic and Historic Byways Program Manager since May 2010. From 2006 to 2010, she was the Colorado Safe Routes to School Program Manager. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army and Colorado Army National Guard and holds a BS and an MBA. She has a 13-year old daughter that loves National Parks. A fifth-generation Colorado native, Lenore enjoys travel near and far, outdoor activities, reading, cooking, visiting family, and Colorado history.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
On the Route: Connecting Downtowns + Colorado Byways

Description: Join the Colorado Byways Program for a working lunch on how downtowns can better connect with their nearest scenic byway. Explore simple strategies to attract travelers, strengthen local storytelling, and extend visitor stays—plus learn about the new itinerary marketing program designed to help communities package and promote authentic local experiences.

Bio: Mark pulls from a wide range of professional and academic experiences in the design professions. Taking notes from Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Design-Build and Real Estate Development practices, he has strived to engage the community as the primary stakeholders in every design process. Mark traveled through Europe, the Middle East, Central America, and across the United States, where he worked with Non-Profit Preservation Groups, Academic Institutions, and Environmental Learning Centers in an effort to preserve, enhance, and create lasting environments that foster a sense of community pride and ownership.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Turning Temporary into Transformational

Description: Before the capital campaign, before the ribbon cutting—there's Phase 0. Sponsored by MIG, this lunch session explores how temporary activations can spark long-term change. Drawing from real-world projects in Denver, Buffalo, and Houston—spanning streets, parks, and intersections at varying stages of implementation—We'll highlight how low-cost, tactical moves can test ideas, build momentum, and unlock investment. Learn how incremental improvements and creative partnerships can turn "just starting‚" into catalytic community impact.

Bio: Mark Rudolph has been an Environmental Protection Specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for over 20 years and has 30+ years of experience working on environmental projects including Superfund project management, site assessments, sampling investigations, and Brownfields redevelopment. Additionally, Mark has extensive knowledge in mine site reclamation, regulation and operations. He has experience in monitoring of air, water, emergency response and Quality Assurance and Quality Control planning.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:30
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy:

Description: Join us as we explore the concept and realization of adaptive reuse projects, considering the site, fundraising, and tenanting. This lunch will be a pre-meeting to walk through the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace and the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This lunch precedes a tour to see the implementation of vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
ReUsing Buildings for the Creative Economy Tour

Description: Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of two dynamic adaptive reuse projects reshaping Grand Junction's future. First, visit the Grand Valley Creative Alliance's under-construction makerspace—a small-developer, creativity-driven transformation of a former brownfield site into a hub for fabrication, learning, and collaboration. Then explore the Historic Lowell School redevelopment, now home to vibrant workspaces, offices, a brewery, food trucks, four residential units (with room to grow), and a reimagined community gathering place. This 90-minute tour offers a candid look at the realities of creative redevelopment—how vision, partnerships, and persistence turn challenging properties into catalytic community assets.

Bio: Matt Prosser is an economist and planner with 20 years of consulting experience. Matt has a broad base of experience in land use planning, real estate development and finance, and economic development. He specializes in economic placemaking and has worked on several downtown plans, revitalization efforts, and public financing strategies for public, private, and non-profit clients. For these efforts, Matt provides economic and market analysis to underpin policies and actions. His work experience and expertise include housing demand and feasibility analysis, affordable housing strategies, growth forecasts, economic development strategies, fiscal impact analysis, public financing strategies, public-private partnership formation and retail development strategies.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Data to Deal: Using Numbers to Move Tough Projects Forward

Description: Challenging projects—like brownfield redevelopment, catalytic infill, or Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts—often stall when the numbers feel uncertain or the risks seem too high. Join EPS for a practical, case study-driven lunch exploring how data can clarify tradeoffs, build consensus, and unlock action. From financial feasibility and fiscal impact analysis to market studies and TIF structuring, this session will highlight how Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs) and local leaders are using data to evaluate risk, align stakeholders, and move complex projects from concept to construction. Learn how the right analysis—at the right time—can transform skepticism into strategy and turn ambitious ideas into achievable outcomes.

Bio: Michaela co-leads our Democratizing Ownership strategy, which engages traditionally underserved communities in developing worker and resident-owned enterprises—her focus is on employee ownership conversions to worker cooperatives.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Dynamic Ownership Models for Building Community Wealth

Description: What if downtown revitalization didn't just attract investment—but built lasting local wealth? This lunch session explores practical tools for advancing employee ownership, community-owned real estate, and live-work spaces that keep dollars and decision-making local. From worker co-ops to community land trusts and shared commercial ownership models, We'll highlight strategies that stabilize small businesses, expand attainable live-work opportunities, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. Thriving downtowns aren't just built—they're owned.

Bio: Michelle Valeri brings a creative lens to place management, specializing in marketing, communications, graphic design, and promotional programming. With nearly a decade of experience in the field, she has held key roles with urban place management organizations, including communications and programs director for Denver's Colfax Ave BID and marketing director for Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Hill BID. At P.U.M.A., Michelle supports projects nationwide, focusing on marketing strategy, visual design, and community engagement. An advocate for authentic, people-first storytelling, she is passionate about harnessing the power of place and brand to strengthen neighborhoods and amplify the people and stories that shape them.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Downtown, Let's Make It Official: Structuring Success with BIDs, DDAs + Smart Planning

Description: Is your downtown ready to level up?‚Äã Join PUMA for a practical conversation about when communities move from informal efforts to more structured tools like a BID, DDA, or formal downtown plan. We'll explore funding, governance, and how to determine the right next step to build sustainable momentum.

Bio: Mike Bennett became Grand Junction's City Manager on December 1, 2024, bringing with him nearly two decades of leadership experience in local government. Before joining Grand Junction, Mike served as the City Manager of Fruita, Colorado for nearly ten years, where he helped guide strong community growth and investment. Earlier in his career, he worked in Hickory, North Carolina, serving in multiple leadership roles that gave him a broad perspective on city operations, from transit to administration. In addition to his municipal leadership, Mike has also shared his experience with future leaders as an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Colorado Mesa University. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Utah State University and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University. He is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association and serves on the board of the Colorado City/County Management Association. His peers recognized him as Colorado's City Manager of the Year, a reflection of his commitment to public service and community leadership. Beyond his professional work, Mike is a husband and father of three who loves spending time outdoors with his family fly-fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. He believes in leading with purpose, building strong community connections, and finding innovative ways to solve problems. Residents will find in Mike not only a city manager dedicated to good governance and continuous improvement, but also someone who genuinely values people, community, and the future of Grand Junction.

4/1/26 | 8:45-9:15
Welcome to Grand Junction

Description: Take a moment to share how downtown supports the vision of the community and serves as a partner in creating a place people love.

Bio: Mike has two decades of nationwide planning experience with consultants, community groups, and most recently as economic development manager for the City of Loveland, Colorado. More than five years as a legislative assistant to U.S. congressmen adds to the depth of Mike's understanding of planning, from funding through community implementation. Mike's responsibilities include research and evaluation of data related to social, housing, economic, population, environmental, and land use trends; developing planning studies and reports; performing plan reviews; preparing permits; researching and analyzing residential and commercial development projects; reviewing and preparing environmental assessments, plans, and documents; and conducting field evaluations and assessments.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Building Partnerships That Unlock Complex Sites

Description: Transforming underutilized and brownfield sites takes more than vision—it requires the right organizational structure to align public leadership, private investment, and long-term stewardship. Join Ayres Associates for a focused lunch conversation on how communities can form and manage effective public-private partnerships to tackle complex redevelopment projects. We'll explore governance models, funding tools, risk-sharing strategies, and the coordination needed to move challenging sites from liability to community asset. Whether launching a new entity or strengthening an existing one, this session offers practical guidance to help your partnership turn tough sites into catalytic opportunities.

Bio: As a Senior Program Officer at Great Outdoors Colorado, Mike is committed to making positive change for people and the environment. With over twenty- years at the nexus of conservation, recreation, stewardship, and equity, he is well-versed in nonprofit and foundation operations. He has served in many roles prior to working with GOCO, including leading trail crews with the Forest Service, as an Instructor with Outward Bound, Director of an alternative high school, as River Restoration Director and the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps programs with Southwest Conservation Corps, Associate Director with San Juan Mountains Association, and as Restoration and Trails Program Officer with the Catena Foundation. Mike lives outside Durango, Colorado and supports partners in GOCO's southwest region as developing Tribal partnerships.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
From Master Plan to Funding: Securing Grants and Donor Support for Community Projects

Description: Join DHM Design for a lively lunch discussion as we explore inspiring case studies from small-town communities across Colorado! We'll take a deep dive into community master planning, uncovering funding opportunities, and leveraging grants to turn visions for local streetscapes, wayfinding, and recreation projects into reality. This session will highlight how small communities can champion change and bring local initiatives to life through smart planning, thoughtful design, and public engagement. Whether you're a town planner, business owner, or outdoor enthusiast, this lunch will serve up fresh ideas and inspiration on how collaboration and design can transform your community's outdoor spaces!

Bio: With over 30 years of experience building communities, and creating vibrant downtowns, Molly is your expert-at-hand for turning around struggling retail districts. In 2022, Molly created Imagine the Possibilities (ITP) Consulting working with clients and communities to stimulate economic development, retail revitalization and placemaking. In addition to her consulting firm, she owns and operates two award-winning retail establishments in downtown Elgin, TX - The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods Store and Elgin Dry Goods. In her spare time, she serves on numerous community boards including Frontier Bank of Texas and the Texas Downtown Association Board of Directors. In 2023, Molly was recognized by the American Institute of Architects, Austin Chapter and the Austin Foundation of Architecture with their highest honor the Alan Taniguchi Award for Public Architecture (2023) for her three decades of work in Austin, TX and Elgin, TX. In 2023, the Elgin, Texas Chamber of Commerce honored Molly with the Business Leader of t

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. Join an interactive, solutions-focused discussion featuring practical insights from BID and DDA leaders.

4/2/26 | 10:30-11:45
Plug + Play Retail: How to Launch a Downtown Popup Program (and When Not To)

Description: Pop-ups can turn empty storefronts into buzz-worthy destinations — fast. They spark energy, support local entrepreneurs, and give downtowns a low-risk way to test new ideas. But here's the truth: sometimes the best strategy isn't launching a pop-up at all. In this practical (and candid) session, We'll walk through the real-world playbook for creating a downtown retail pop-up program — from securing space and recruiting businesses to marketing, managing risk, and measuring impact. We'll also talk about when a pop-up program makes sense‚Ķ and when it doesn't. You'll leave with tools, templates, decision-making frameworks, and lessons learned so you can confidently determine whether a pop-up is the right move for your community — and if it is, how to do it well.

3/31/26 | 9:00AM-8:00PM
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Workshop

Bio: COO of CEF, responsible for lending, underwriting, TA, marketing, tech. 20+ yr career spanning Finance, Operations, Investing. Involved in over $1B financing activities.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Capital That Circulates: Revolving Loan Funds for Local Business

Description: Strong downtowns need strong small businesses—and access to capital makes the difference. Join Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) to explore how revolving loan funds can fill financing gaps, support entrepreneurs, and keep local dollars working in your community. Learn how flexible lending tools help build a more resilient and inclusive local economy.

Bio: Patti Schmitt is the Community Development Director for the Office of Engagement and Extension at Colorado State University. In this role, she works closely with Colorado communities to address complex social, health, economic and safety challenges. Additionally, she is the Director of a unique leadership program called the Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI) of Colorado at CSU Extension. FLTI is a community-based leadership program that utilizes an evidence-based curriculum to build community member capacity to be leaders in addressing local challenges in collaboration with content experts and decision makers. The mission of the FLTI Collaborative is to bridge the gap between decision makers and community members so that communities can better learn, plan and act together and targets community members who are often left out of community decision making process.

4/5/26 | 9:45-11:02
Regional Downtown Strategy Playoffs

Description: A fun regional strategy session where participants join facilitated roundtables to tackle downtown challenges, share ideas, and exchange practical strategies. Light competition and prizes add energy while helping peers leave with useful takeaways and new regional connections.

Bio: Paul leads CCW's to secure and develop community-owned real estate in Metro Denver. He is committed to building new forms of collective ownership in Colorado, shifting power and resources to community members and low-income workers. He has developed worker and real estate cooperatives at Center for Community Wealth Building for the last five years. He co-founded Queen City Cooperative in 2015 and Colorado Solidarity Fund, a co-op investment club, in 2018.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Dynamic Ownership Models for Building Community Wealth

Description: What if downtown revitalization didn't just attract investment—but built lasting local wealth? This lunch session explores practical tools for advancing employee ownership, community-owned real estate, and live-work spaces that keep dollars and decision-making local. From worker co-ops to community land trusts and shared commercial ownership models, We'll highlight strategies that stabilize small businesses, expand attainable live-work opportunities, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. Thriving downtowns aren't just built—they're owned.

Bio: With 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Grand Junction, Randy Coleman has built a comprehensive career in all aspects of Park Operations. Currently serving as Parks Superintendent over Operations, he brings decades of hands-on experience and leadership to the department. Randy's professional background is rooted in urban forestry and horticulture. The majority of his career has been spent as an arborist, City Forester, and Supervisor of the Forestry and Horticulture Division, where he led efforts to maintain and enhance the city's urban canopy and landscaped spaces. His expertise spans tree care, landscape management, operational planning, and team leadership.

4/2/26 | 10:30-12:15
Main Street as a City Park: Designing Experience

Description: Grand Junction's Main Street functions as more than a corridor—it's a city park in motion. This two hour walking tour explores how and why Main Street came to be managed as a park, including the role of Parks and Recreation in maintenance, budgeting, and long-term stewardship. We'll look at how trees, gardens, lighting, and playful installations are intentionally designed and cared for to enhance the experience of the canopy and urban fauna, creating a downtown that is both functional and joyful year-round.

Bio: Rick Reinhard is principal of Niagara Consulting Group, focusing on house-of-worship reuse and redevelopment and broader economic-development initiatives. For more than three decades, Rick led business improvement districts and economic- development agencies in five US and UK cities and served as chief of staff to the mayor of Buffalo. A decade ago, Rick joined United Methodist Church leadership as Chief Administrative Officer of its social-justice agency on Capitol Hill, then headed A Future With Hope, working on church real-estate initiatives. He advises Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners and has published 35 articles for religious and public policy publications on faith properties. His article, "Affordable Housing: YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard) Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement‚" won the Urban Land Institute's award for best article of 2023-24. He has taught city planning and urban policy at seven major research universities. Rick has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the College of Wiliam and Mary and a Master of Business and Public Management from Rice University and was a Loeb Fellow at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He lives in the Washington DC area.

4/1/26 | 9:30-10:30
Sacred Places, Shared Futures

Description: Why culturally significant places matter—and how protecting and redeveloping them strengthens communities.

Bio: Grand Junction's City Forester has 25 years of experience managing urban forestry programs for 5 municipalities across the state of Colorado (Greeley, Windsor, Westminster, Denver and Grand Junction). Rob has a Forestry management degree from Colorado State University and is a Certified Nursery Professional through the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association. Rob is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified through the International Society of Arboriculture.

4/2/26 | 10:30-12:15
Main Street as a City Park: Designing Experience

Description: Grand Junction's Main Street functions as more than a corridor—it's a city park in motion. This two hour walking tour explores how and why Main Street came to be managed as a park, including the role of Parks and Recreation in maintenance, budgeting, and long-term stewardship. We'll look at how trees, gardens, lighting, and playful installations are intentionally designed and cared for to enhance the experience of the canopy and urban fauna, creating a downtown that is both functional and joyful year-round.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Main Character Energy: Storyliving + Storytelling through Film in Colorado Downtowns

Description: An exploration of CO's film ecosystem and what that means for downtowns across the state.

4/1/26 | 10:30-12:15
Lights, Curtain, Action! Asteria Theatre at CMU

Description: Hop on board for a two-hour mobile tour to explore the brand-new, state-of-the-art Asteria Theatre at Colorado Mesa University. Departing from and returning to downtown, this guided experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre's innovative design, technical capabilities, and role in advancing arts, education, and community partnerships in the region. Along the way, participants will hear from campus leaders about how Asteria was envisioned, built, and activated—and how spaces like this elevate creative economies and downtown-campus connections.

3/31/26 | 3:30-5:00
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

Bio: A planner, urban designer and landscape designer with over 18 years of experience including comprehensive and area planning, transit-oriented development planning and design, streetscape design, public space management, parks and open space planning and residential design. Ryan is passionate about the intersection of community planning and design, and believes the public realm has a unique ability to connect people to each other and to their local environment in meaningful ways. He believes strongly in the power of collaboration, community engagement and innovation in design and planning.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Turning Temporary into Transformational

Description: Before the capital campaign, before the ribbon cutting—there's Phase 0. Sponsored by MIG, this lunch session explores how temporary activations can spark long-term change. Drawing from real-world projects in Denver, Buffalo, and Houston—spanning streets, parks, and intersections at varying stages of implementation—We'll highlight how low-cost, tactical moves can test ideas, build momentum, and unlock investment. Learn how incremental improvements and creative partnerships can turn "just starting‚" into catalytic community impact.

Bio: Serves as the Preservation Tax Credits and Incentives Specialist for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). I am originally from rural southwest Kansas and currently reside on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. Her background consists of working on Historic Preservation projects in Missouri and Georgia. As a Preservation Tax Credit Specialist for the SHPO, she works with consultants, property owners, municipalities, and anyone interested in applying for a grant or tax credits, on the best approach to seeking funding for their potential projects and brainstorming on how to fill in gaps for a successful project in the state of Colorado.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
The Capital Cocktail: Financing Small Development Projects

Description: Hear from veteran downtown management practitioner, Sarah Wiebenson, now founder and principal of Boulder-based Grounded Collaborative, about the strategies and programs she has developed over the years to promote retail vibrancy, and emerging approaches to addressing persistent retail vacancy drivers.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Creative by Design: Public Art, Events, + Grand Junction's Cultural Commitment

Description: Creativity is embedded into Grand Junction's downtown identity. This two hour walking tour highlights the city's commitment to arts and culture through the Creative District, the Art on the Corner program, and a robust calendar of events that activate Main Street throughout the year. Learn how public art is selected, managed, and sustained, and how these efforts collectively foster a creative culture that supports local artists, engages the community, and makes downtown a place people want to return to again and again.

Bio: Inspired by Jane Jacobs' legacy of street-level activation, Sarah believes great cities are built from the ground floor up, focusing her career on place-making through tenant curation. Originally from Massachusetts, Sarah has both lived in and explored cities across the world, finally settling in Colorado in 2014. She now leads the Economic Development team at the Downtown Denver Partnership, recently launching the tenant recruitment website: www.whydowntowndenver.com

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Lighten Up! Letting Retail Breathe to Promote Downtown Vibrancy

Description: Hear from veteran downtown management practitioner, Sarah Wiebenson, now founder and principal of Boulder-based Grounded Collaborative, about the strategies and programs she has developed over the years to promote retail vibrancy, and emerging approaches to addressing persistent retail vacancy drivers.

3/31/26 | 3:30-5:00
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

4/1/26 | 2:30-4:15
Don't Shush Us! Mesa County Libraries Does Things Differently in Serving the Community

Description: Celebrating 125 years as a library in Mesa County, join us to learn all the things that make our library successful, unique and something to brag about. The tour highlights include the modern 970West Studio, the Adult Learning Center, valuable partnerships, and plans for future expansion. It also covers specific challenges of a downtown location and showcases the library's most popular services and resources offered to the community.

3/31/26 | 3:30-5:00
Museum of the West

Description: Join us as we explore the Museum of the West

4/1/26 | 10:30-11:45
Unpacking the Dynamics of Colorado's Population, Economy + Downtowns

Description: This session explores the key population and economic trends shaping Colorado—with a sharp focus on what they mean for downtowns and commercial districts. We'll examine how growth patterns, workforce shifts, housing trends, and sector changes vary across regions of the state, and how those dynamics are influencing retail, office demand, small business development, and public investment. Walk away with insights to help position your downtown for long-term resilience and opportunity.

Bio: As Founder and CEP, Sophia is building the platform to empower local commerce, starting with a city-wide rewards program. It gives local businesses the scale of a platform that was only possible for big chains, consumers a way to earn and redeem rewards across independent local businesses, and cities the power to boost their local commerce with a level of responsiveness and precision like never before.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Powering Local Spending - Exploring Community Rewards Programs

Description: Cities, towns, and downtown organizations can incentivize local spending at scale. Join this interactive lunch discussion to explore real-world case studies, measurable results, and how communities are turning everyday transactions into economic development wins.

Bio: Steve Boice has over 20 years of experience working in the commercial loan, economic development, and banking industry. As the Manager of Business Finance at CHFA, Mr. Boice leads a team of commercial loan officers that provide over $100M a year in financing through its various loan and economic development programs to businesses throughout Colorado. Mr. Boice has experience in providing both permanent and construction loans across various asset classes in commercial, residential, and affordable projects, as well as lending on New Markets Tax Credits, Industrial Development Bonds, and Brownfields projects. In addition, he has experience in portfolio and credit risk management, as well as underwriting complex multifamily loan transactions involving historic and affordable housing tax credits, HUD risk share insurance, and FFB.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
The Capital Cocktail: Financing Small Development Projects

Description: Financing small development projects is unlike bigger, institutional projects due to the lack of scale and institutional grade offer. It often takes more players and more layers to make a small deal work, and more nuanced packaging and relationships. This panel will explore several Colorado-specific tools for financing smaller projects including historic tax credits, community banking, and state agency programs. Using a moderated discussion format our panelists will share key programs available to Small Developers, and the do's and don'ts of a successful pitch.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
On the Route: Connecting Downtowns + Colorado Byways

Description: Join the Colorado Byways Program for a working lunch on how downtowns can better connect with their nearest scenic byway. Explore simple strategies to attract travelers, strengthen local storytelling, and extend visitor stays—plus learn about the new itinerary marketing program designed to help communities package and promote authentic local experiences.

Bio: Terri Takata-Smith is a seasoned marketing and PR strategist with 16+ years as VP of Marketing & Communications for the Downtown Boulder Partnership. Passionate about community building and idea-sharing, she is Board Chair for Downtown Colorado, Inc. and a Visit Boulder Board Member. Terri is excited to be a 2025 Special Districts Association Leadership Academy Fellow. She is also a 2020 International Downtown Association Emerging Leaders Fellow and holds a Leadership in Place Management Certification from IDA. Terri is dedicated to fostering vibrant downtowns through strategic storytelling, collaboration, and advocacy.

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. Join an interactive, solutions-focused discussion featuring practical insights from BID and DDA leaders.

Bio: Thaddeus is a retired airline captain and holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has always had a passion for creating new mechanisms and finding inventive solutions to complex problems, which have paved the way for Bonsai's continued success. His founding of Bonsai Design's Research & Development department has led to numerous advancements in the Aerial Adventure field. Every new product goes through his rigorous vetting process from chalkboard to 3D printer and fabricator. This has led to increased safety and productivity in each project. Thaddeus is very active in the industry and has helped states develop legislation for managing the design, construction, and training of Aerial Adventure Parks worldwide.

4/2/26 | 10:30-12:15
Turning Toward the River: Grand Junction's Riverfront Story

Description: Join us for a mobile tour to explore how Grand Junction turned its face back to the river on this guided tour of Las Colonias, Dos Rios, and The Eddy. This immersive experience highlights how strategic investment, partnerships, and placemaking have transformed the Colorado Riverfront into a connected system of parks, development, and community gathering spaces. Participants will learn how these projects came together, the economic and quality-of-life impacts they've generated, and what's next as the riverfront continues to evolve.

Bio: Tim Komarek is an Associate Professor of Economics. He works in urban and regional economics, resource economics, and local public finance. His academic research has appeared in the Journal of Urban Economics, National Tax Journal, Regional Science and Urban Economics, among other outlets. It has spanned topics ranging from the local effects of fiscal austerity to place-based policies and regional entrepreneurship. Dr. Komarek received his PhD from Michigan State University in 2012. He previously worked as an Associate Professor at Old Dominion University and as a fellow at the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy.

4/3/26 | 9:45-11:00
Regional Downtown Strategy Playoffs

Description: A fun regional strategy session where participants join facilitated roundtables to tackle downtown challenges, share ideas, and exchange practical strategies. Light competition and prizes add energy while helping peers leave with useful takeaways and new regional connections.

Bio: Tim Walsworth has over 25 years of experience working for community-based organizations. For the past 11 years, he has served as the Executive Director of the Durango Business Improvement District (BID). Tim has implemented new programs and services for businesses in Downtown and in the North Main District. For example, BID's Rewards Programs have generated over $1 million in sales at local businesses. Prior to leading Durango BID, Tim ran the local United Way for a decade, generating more than $6.1 million for local needs. He is married with three children.

4/2/26 | 09:00-10:30
Proof of Progress: What's Working in Downtowns (and How to Do More of It)

Description: Communities across Colorado are navigating complex challenges, yet downtown leaders are delivering real progress. In this interactive session, BID and DDA leaders will each share one practical "nugget of wisdom,‚" followed by a moderated, solutions-focused discussion with audience participation. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and renewed momentum for the year ahead.

4/2/26 | 10:30-12:15
Turning Toward the River: Grand Junction's Riverfront Story

Description: Join us for a mobile tour to explore how Grand Junction turned its face back to the river on this guided tour of Las Colonias, Dos Rios, and The Eddy. This immersive experience highlights how strategic investment, partnerships, and placemaking have transformed the Colorado Riverfront into a connected system of parks, development, and community gathering spaces. Participants will learn how these projects came together, the economic and quality-of-life impacts they've generated, and what's next as the riverfront continues to evolve.

Bio: Ty Bradford is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker whose work spans narrative features, documentaries, and commercials. He received his early training producing films at Full Moon Entertainment before moving to Walt Disney Studios, where he worked in development and production. He is the owner of Ovo Films, an award-winning Denver-based advertising company. His third feature film, UCK, which he wrote and directed, is slated for release in 2026.

4/2/26 | 12:30-2:00
Main Character Energy: Storyliving + Storytelling through Film in Colorado Downtowns

Description: An exploration of CO's film ecosystem and what that means for downtowns across the state.

Bio: Zebulon Miracle is the Chief Executive Officer of Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Born and raised in Grand Junction, Zebulon is passionate about the western Colorado community and strives to implement creative, innovative, impactful solutions to improve the lives of pets and their people. Prior to joining the team, he served as the Executive Director of United Way of Mesa County and previously served in high-level roles at Gateway Canyons Resort and Museums of Colorado. He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration. Outside of the office, Zebulon enjoys learning and teaching about local history, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his wife, son, and adorable golden retriever, Zephyr.

4/1/26 | 12:30-2:00
Turning Temporary into Transformational

Description: Before the capital campaign, before the ribbon cutting—there's Phase 0. Sponsored by MIG, this lunch session explores how temporary activations can spark long-term change. Drawing from real-world projects in Denver, Buffalo, and Houston—spanning streets, parks, and intersections at varying stages of implementation—We'll highlight how low-cost, tactical moves can test ideas, build momentum, and unlock investment. Learn how incremental improvements and creative partnerships can turn "just starting‚" into catalytic community impact.

4/2/26 | 2:30-4:15
Main Street Remix: Innovation, Ideas + Iconic GJ Stories

Description: Main Street isn't just a street—it's Grand Junction's living room. On this two-hour walking tour, sponsored by the Grand Junction Downtown Partnership and led by local thought leader Zebulon Miracle, participants will stroll Main Street and explore the ideas, experiments, and community choices that shaped it. From public art and trees to retail and gathering spaces, this tour dives into how Main Street became a functional, beautiful city park—and how it continues to evolve.

4/3/26 | 9:00-10:00
Understanding Colorado and the Grand Valley

Description: A local historian shares some fun history and how it has impacted development, character, and downtowns in Colorado and in Grand Junction.