Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development Initiative

Is it possible to make a good living in Coconino County?  Can we do so without destroying the things we love about this unique place?  Can we utilize this county’s vast natural resources while protecting them for future generations?  A dedicated group of Coconino County residents has been working to address these questions. The Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development Initiative, working since September of 2005 to develop and implement a county wide sustainable economic action strategy, is aspiring to achieve and maintain the highest quality of life for the County’s residents.

Understanding the characteristics of Coconino County’s economic opportunities and constraints is at the core of establishing an effective sustainable economic development action strategy.  For that reason over the past several months, a variety of government organizations, residents, non-profit associations, business owners, and scholars have met to identify the County’s opportunities and limitations.   In May a workshop reviewed and synthesized the cumulative result of these meetings.  As a result the foundation for a county wide action strategy materialized - an action strategy that fosters economic vitality, environmental health, and social equity in Coconino County. 

The Sustainable Economic Development action strategy will be presented and refined at a Summit on September 15th, 2006 at Northern Arizona University’s du Bois Center.  Collaboration and active involvement among businesses, county residents, leaders and government agencies is essential for this sustainable economic development initiative to be effective.  To learn more about the initiative or to register for the September 15th Economic Development Summit please visit www.coconino.az.gov/si/ or email nwoodman@coconino.az.gov .