You might know you’re in Routt County, Colorado if neighborhood chats are held truck to truck in the middle of the road; if you use elk meat in your favorite chili recipe; if you dress in shorts, sandals and a parka; and if you have a $3,000 mountain bike on your $800 car.

The people of Routt County hold tight to the culture and character of their region, but Routt County is in the midst of record growth and a rapidly changing economy. Citizens want to keep the region unique and accessible, but they also want affordable housing, new transportation options and a sustainable economy.

Situated in northwestern Colorado, Routt County’s ranchlands and ridgelines offer breathtaking scenery; the Yampa River, mountain vistas and expansive public lands offer an array of outdoor recreational pursuits; and several historic towns offer residents the chance to live in small, safe, close-knit western communities. These attributes have made Routt County an “amenity destination,” which has contributed to unprecedented growth that citizens fear will destroy the unique rural character that draws people to Routt in the first place.

Routt County initiated Vision 2030: Our Vision, Our Valley, Our Future - a collaborative, citizen-driven initiative that uses interactive meetings and an innovative combination of low- and high-tech tools to engage residents, identify and prioritize what they value most about their community and find ways to help the County steer growth and change. The process has produced specific recommendations on issues like housing and transportation and it is helping citizens to think critically about priorities and tradeoffs. Is a more stringent development review process palatable if it can safeguard community values? How much will citizens do, or pay, to protect the small town feel of Routt County? When growth and economic vitality come up against property rights or sustainability, which one should give?

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