Lake City Hinsdale County Economic Feasibility Study

Lake City is a small community located in Hinsdale County, in the southwest region of Colorado. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has labeled Hinsdale County the most remote county in the lower 48 states. Nestled in its remote valley, Lake City enjoys uncommon natural beauty and assets, and uncommon protection of those assets in that 96% of its land area is federally owned.

While Lake City/Hinsdale County’s stunningly beautiful setting is an unquestioned advantage, it also confers unique challenges in traditional economic development terms including:

►	The location is spectacular, but not as easily accessible as other natural areas in the state.
►	Developable land is limited.
►	Low density development patterns are suited to the environment.
►	Housing is at a premium, and not easily affordable.
►	The base population of the primary trade area is limited.
►	A high percentage of the market is seasonal or tourism based.

The landscape of Lake City and Hinsdale County is a unique environment, rich in natural resources and scenic beauty, which brings with it unique economic challenges and, in effect, demand that business development efforts be strategically targeted in order to ensure that strategies and initiatives are chosen to best complement both the existing business mix and the unique economic character of the county.

The Lake City/Hinsdale County Economic Development Study Group, spearheaded by the Lake City Downtown Improvement & Revitalization Team (DIRT) hired Downtown Professionals Network (DPN) to conduct a feasibility study to assess and address the best means and methods for reaching the following goals:

►	Increasing the year-round population to reach critical mass
►	Placing less dependence on tourism dollars
►	Increasing services and products available for year-round residents
►	Encouraging telecommuting professionals to locate in Lake City
The feasibility study completed by DPN is providing a “road map” for Lake City community and economic development partners to coordinate efforts and make tangible progress toward these goals. The study’s implementation strategy and outreach plan, rooted in extensive input provided through community workshops and a series of focus groups, is providing the framework for short– and long-term economic initiatives that are shaping the future of Lake City and Hinsdale County.

For information on Lake City and the Hinsdale County area contact:
	Lake City DIRT Post Office Box 973 Lake City, Colorado 81235 Telephone: 970.944.DIRT (3478) Email: ed@lakecitydirt.com Website: www.lakecitydirt.com