Economic Development

Over the last 30 years, Carbondale has attracted all kinds of folks who brought many businesses and talents to the area, and through this economic and cultural evolution, Carbondale has become a diverse community which does not depend on any one industry to sustain its economic life. Recreation, restaurants, lodging, arts and artisans, construction, retail stores, energy and resource efficiency, professional services, ranching, and agriculture are all part of the Town’s economic profile.

You will find a great overview of the current business climate in an article, 'Bonedale's boomin.' "There are a lot of opportunities to grow tax base in Carbondale," added [Town planner] Dotson emphasizing that where once the town had only one prospective commercial project in its sights… now there are several. [Town Manager] Baker said that all this growth is being taken into account by the town's citizen planners, from the planning and zoning commission to the Road Map Group, as well as the elected trustees on the Town Council… And it's not likely to end soon, Baker said, explaining that as the baby boom generation retires and seeks nice places to spend its declining years, Carbondale seems to be at the top of many lists.”

Photo courtesy: Jack Dysart

For detailed demographic and economic information, please visit the following websites:

http://carbondalegov.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b6A101D6E-FABF-48E3-98C2-A3A776B8F779%7d – Town of Carbondale

http://www.city-data.com/city/Carbondale-Colorado.html - City-Data.com

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08/08045.html - US Census Bureau – Colorado

http://www.dola.state.co.us/dataetc.htm and http://www.dola.state.co.us/is/cedishom.htm - Colorado Department of Local Affairs

http://www.bls.gov/ - Bureau of Labor Statistics

RFSD gets closer to affordable housing
-by John Gardner...Post Independent, July 8, 2008
An affordable housing development that would provide up to 89 deed-restricted multi-use units for Roaring Fork School District Re-1 employees is gathering momentum.

RFTA board approves ballot question
-by Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Daily News, June 27, 2008
Voters from Aspen to New Castle will be asked Nov. 4 to approve a sales and use tax increase to help pay for $61 million in improvements to the RFTA bus system.

Carbondale would be hub in new transit plan
-by Gregory Conroy . . . The Valley Journal, April 24 to 30, 2008
Carbondale could see a three-level parking structure or even multiple park-and-ride facilities along Highway 133 as part of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s greatly expanded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan, which could go before voters for funding in the fall.