Market Update: Dehm column: Building a resilient local economy — How Glenwood Springs supports businesses – Full Analysis

As the holiday season fills our streets with energy and community spirit, I’m reminded of the creativity and dedication that define our city’s business community. This feels like the right moment to look back on the progress we’ve made in supporting our local economy – and to acknowledge the challenges that are still ahead.

The question arises often: What is the City doing to support economic development, and why can’t we simply recruit the businesses that residents want – especially another grocery store? The reality is that Glenwood Springs sits at a unique intersection of opportunity and constraint. On one hand, we’re a vibrant mountain community with national visibility, and on the other, we’re a small city whose market size, geography, and distribution challenges shape what companies are willing to invest here.

Even so, we’ve made notable progress in strengthening our economic foundation, supporting both existing and new local businesses, and fostering long-term resilience. The tools we’ve introduced over the past two years are already making a meaningful difference.

Economic development succeeds when the private sector and the City work together. Businesses bring investment, and the City creates the conditions that help those investments succeed. Over the past year, we’ve significantly expanded these conditions.

Our new Sales Tax Rebate Program returns a portion of City sales tax revenue over time to businesses that invest locally, helping offset the costs of opening, renovating, or expanding. And the Revolving Loan Fund – supported by a federal USDA grant – provides low-interest, flexible financing for small businesses that need capital to purchase equipment, renovate space, or manage short-term cash flow. Best of all, many businesses within city limits can access these programs.

Additionally, our Downtown Development Authority (DDA) actively supports businesses in its district through a range of programs, including matching grants for design and façade improvements, alley lighting and security enhancements, and an entertainment grant aimed at attracting customers during non-peak hours.

Infrastructure is also a critical piece of economic development, and we’ve invested heavily to make doing business in Glenwood Springs easier and more enjoyable. You’ve probably noticed the upgrades downtown, along the 6th Street corridor, at North Landing, and throughout our alleyways. Better walkability, safer crossings, and upgraded streetscapes – these aren’t just aesthetic improvements; they make it easier and more inviting for people to support local shops and restaurants. In addition, Ride Glenwood On-Demand strengthens our local economy by connecting businesses and customers more efficiently and very affordably.

Redevelopment has also sparked activity in long-empty buildings, like the former Safeway site, which is finally moving toward a new chapter. Every space we bring back to life reduces blight, boosts sales tax revenue, and creates jobs.

Now, about that additional grocery store. I wish I could tell you the City could simply pick up the phone and make it happen. The truth is that national and regional retailers base their decisions on data, population thresholds, trade-area analytics, and distribution routes. For a city of about 10,000 residents – even with strong tourism and countless commuters – Glenwood Springs does not always meet those thresholds. Our distance from distribution hubs adds another layer of difficulty. That’s why recruiting another grocery store has been so challenging, despite the need being obvious and the City’s active efforts. This doesn’t mean we’ve stopped trying; it simply means the path is longer and more complicated than many people expect.

Still, I firmly believe Glenwood Springs is a great place for businesses to thrive, and the continued success of both long-standing local shops and new ventures proves it. If you’re a business owner considering Glenwood Springs, we’re ready to talk – we’d love to hear from you.

Looking ahead, our job is to keep strengthening the foundation. That means using our new incentive programs wisely, continuing to upgrade our commercial corridors, and supporting our businesses at every stage. We will keep delivering the resources, tools, and infrastructure that help businesses flourish. Economic development is a long game, but with consistent policies, innovative partnerships, and a clear vision, Glenwood Springs is shaping a future that is resilient, forward-looking, and welcoming to all who live, work, and visit here.

If you’re a local business interested in learning more about the programs outlined above, please visit gwsco.info/business.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.

Marco Dehm is mayor of the city of Glenwood Springs.