Be a statewide leader in energy management & resource conservation.
Ensure the proper mitigation of extractive industries’ impacts. -See our revision of the Oil & Gas chapter of the Land Use Code here.
Ensure responsive, innovative public safety programs and law enforcement. -See 2023 Budget pp. 43-51
Expand substance abuse treatment facilities & programs working with partners. -DeNier remodel (see 2023 Budget p. 108)
Link with non-profits and others to advocate for available, accessible and quality healthcare, including locally-governed public health.
Be a statewide and regional leader in wildfire policy and mitigation working for collective action at the pace and scale necessary to protect entire communities. Learn about the Wildfire & Watershed Protection Fund HERE.
Help residents live with wildlife in safe, effective ways honoring both animals and humans. -Residents can learn more through our Living with Wildlife Advisory Board.
Encourage responsible land use through education, noxious weed abatement and sensible rodent control. -La Plata County's Weed Management Office can help property owners be better stewards of their land and good neighbors.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Objectives:
Be intentional with land use planning tools to guide smart growth, reduce rural sprawl and protect neighborhoods and the environment. - We're revising the Oil & Gas chapter of our Land Use Code to best protect our environment while fostering the economic benefits of natural resources management.
Carry out water policies that protect this precious, waning resource as the climate is quickly drying in the southwest
Encourage mixed use development and growth hubs to reduce sprawl and grow local jobs county-wide
Ensure development “pays for itself”
Provide necessary tools to encourage responsible land ownership and good neighborly practices
Balance and respect property rights with sensible planning with economic opportunity
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Objectives:
Support policies, programs and partnerships that ensure a diverse local economy
Actively work for housing, both affordable and workforce
Continually improve the land use code to foster and improve economic development, customer service and protection of county values
Attract, retain and enhance local businesses through strong partnerships, ensuring available infrastructure and instituting effective land use planning
Foster workforce development
Be good stewards of the county’s land, air and water resources
Improve access to broadband services to reduce the digital divide
Ensure the taxation system is fair and equitable, and helps the county stay competitive including that growth pays its fair share
Ensure transportation systems are maintained and improved, and adequate resources are available to keep up with growth and ongoing use
Encourage pedestrian travel, transit and cycling to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions
GOOD GOVERNMENT
Objectives:
Use cutting-edge employment practices that are a model for the entire region
Adequately plan for a growing county and ensure adequate resources are available for delivery of needed and necessary programs and services
Continually recruit, train and utilize the talents and knowledge of citizens on myriad boards and commissions
Be a learning organization continually adapting to worldwide, state and/or local events and opportunities or threats
Respond to all citizens with respect, honesty and when possible, effective action
Maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct among staff and elected officials
Work to be an inclusive, diverse, and equitable county in all ways possible
THRIVING & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Objectives:
Actively address the workforce and affordable housing crisis working for more housing for workers, families, seniors and everyone
Foster an elder, family and youth-friendly county ensuring core human services are available, funded and accessible especially for the most vulnerable
Provide opportunities for youth to stay in La Plata County
Work to be an inclusive, diverse, and equitable county so that services and information for non-English speaking residents is available
Support educational, recreational and civic opportunities for all residents of all ages and backgrounds
La Plata County's strategic plan is typically updated every five years. The most recent document reflects the current and future concerns and values of the residents, business owners and other organizations in La Plata County as well as the goals and strategies of the Board of County Commissioners. The strategic plan is revised periodically to reflect the objectives of the sitting Board of County Commissioners.
The current strategic plan was created following a public input process. Public meetings to take public comment were held at the following locations:
Monday, April 11, 2022 – County Administration Building board room, Durango
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 – Breen Grange/Community Building
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – Ignacio Community Library
Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 - Via Zoom with translation for non-English speaking residents
Attendees were asked to consider the following questions:
What do you consider to be the most important issues facing La Plata County at present? (i.e. – Affordable housing/homeless issues, infrastructure, population/traffic, substance abuse, etc.)
What issues currently not being discussed are important to you in thinking about the future of La Plata County?
How do you see the role of county government in addressing these and other issues?
For further information and to submit any feedback, contact Ted Holteen, Public & Governmental Affairs Manager, by email or phone: ted.holteen@co.laplata.co.us or (970) 382-6265.
