CENTRAL CITY – Business leaders, government officials, and economic stakeholders gathered at the historic Teller House on February 13 to discuss the future of Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Hosted by the Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), the event focused on economic resilience and regional collaboration.

The evening began with networking, and appetizers provided by Bright Heart Catering, followed by welcoming remarks from CCEDC President and CEO Lindsey Valdez and Board Chair Kelly Flenniken. 

Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey also took the stage, urging participants to embrace opportunities for growth and reinvestment.

Shifting the Narrative

Fey acknowledged Central City's reputation as the “City of No,” encouraging local business owners to be facilitators rather than gatekeepers. He referenced a coin he carries inscribed with the Latin phrase Incipere sic, meaning “start with yes.” 

He introduced Eric Chinn and Scott Finlay, hosts from Central City Opera, who expressed their enthusiasm for hosting more CCEDC events and invited guests to experience one of the nation's oldest opera houses.

When asked why he believes this event is so important, Fey responded, “It's essential that the public and the private sides come together to not only discuss economic development but to actually do real measures for economic development.”

Economic Trends and County Updates

Greg Totten, an economist with the State of Colorado Demography Office, outlined demographic trends, stating that most of the state's growth has occurred along the Front Range. He noted Colorado’s strength in attracting young people, which presents both opportunities and challenges for local economies.

Gilpin County Manager Ray Rears and Clear Creek County Manager Brian Bosshardt provided updates on their respective counties. 

Rears emphasized that economic development transcends borders and that collaboration benefits all municipalities. He spotlighted efforts to secure a passenger rail stop in Rollinsville to diversify Gilpin County’s economic dependence beyond Black Hawk and Central City.

Bosshardt introduced Clear Creek County Commissioner Rebecca Lloyd, who took office in January. He outlined Clear Creek’s focus on financial sustainability, including assessing fees and identifying new revenue sources.

The Region 3 Economic Resilience Framework

Valdez introduced the Region 3 Economic Resilience Framework, an initiative designed to guide economic strategy and resource allocation. The framework, developed from community stakeholder input and consultant recommendations, is structured around five key themes: affordability, economic diversification, tourism, equitable access, and quality of life.

“It’s about how we can make measurable change. That’s why we created this framework,” Valdez said, stressing the importance of actionable steps rather than theoretical discussions.

Dr. Florine Raitano of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) facilitated an interactive exercise, asking attendees to describe Gilpin County in a single word written on construction paper hearts, which were collected at the event’s conclusion.

Moving Forward

Quarterly meetings with rotating spokespeople were proposed to ensure progress, and Valdez committed to sharing updates on measurable advancements next year. Raitano will serve as the facilitator for 2025, with Valdez overseeing the administrative aspects of the resilience team.

As the event concluded with a Q&A session, the prevailing message was clear: economic resilience requires collaboration, strategic action, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for Clear Creek and Gilpin counties.

The evening wrapped up at 8 p.m., leaving all present with a sense of purpose and a shared vision for the region’s economic future.

The following morning, elected officials reconvened for the Leadership Breakfast, continuing discussions on economic development and strategic initiatives for the region.