2026 Economic Summit Session Topics

The Economic Outlook and What It Means for Routt County

Dr. Phyllis Resnick

This session will explore the state economic outlook and what it means for the local Routt County economy. Dr. Resnick will present the most recent forecast from the ColoradoCast, the Colorado Futures Center’s short-term outlook model, and follow up with a discussion of other key economic trends likely to affect Colorado and Routt County through the remainder of 2026. Finally, Dr. Resnick will present findings specific to Routt County from the updated version of CFC’s Colorado Disproportionately Impacted indicator (CODI).  CODI is designed to assist in better understanding the socioeconomic strengths and challenges present in local communities across the state.  

Water is the Economy:  Why the Next Decade of Growth in the West Will Be Decided by Acre-Feet

James Eklund

Water has always shaped the West, but in the decade ahead, it will determine which communities grow, which stagnate, and which are forced into hard tradeoffs. In this talk, James Eklund—former Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board and a leading water and natural resources attorney—makes the case that water is no longer just a utility input; it is the limiting factor on housing, workforce stability, and long-term economic competitiveness. Drawing on real-world examples from across Colorado and the broader Colorado River Basin, Eklund explores how underpriced scarcity is colliding with market reality—and what that means for communities like those in the Yampa Valley. He outlines practical, market-aligned strategies, including compensated conservation and more flexible water management approaches, that can sustain both economic vitality and agricultural heritage in an era defined by constraint.

Powering Through Transition: Colorado’s Work to Support a Post Coal Economy

Wade Buchanan

As coal-fired power generation sunsets in the Yampa Valley, communities across the region are navigating both challenge and change. This session will highlight the State of Colorado’s efforts to support workers, strengthen local communities, and address broader economic impacts, including effects on public revenues and local tax base stability. Summit attendees will hear about the progress made to date and the priorities remaining for Colorado’s next governor to carry forward in 2027 and beyond.

2026 Legislative Session in Review

Parker White

At the time of this conference, there will be one week left in the 2026 legislative session. Parker will walk us through the legislative issues that impacted business this year, the discussions wrapping up, and the issues to look for in 2027.

Funding Critical Needs: Local Philanthropy and Community Priorities

Tim Wohlgenant, Sue Birch, Gillian Morris, Brad Iverson

A conversation on major community challenges, donor trends, and where philanthropy makes an impact. More details to come.