The Benefits of Economic Development

Economic development is directly linked to a community’s long term health and sustainability. A robust and diverse economy provides employment opportunities for County residents, as well as the commercial property tax revenue that allows the County to provide essential services to citizens. Sales and property tax revenue help pay for essential services such as law enforcement, snow removal, road system maintenance, building permitting and inspection, as well as the acquisition of open space.

Economic development programs work to promote a business-friendly regulatory and tax environment, resulting in a significantly improved potential to attract new businesses, and retain and grow existing businesses. When a positive environment exists in which businesses and entrepreneurs are able to flourish, the result is a strong and vigorous economy.

Facilitating the creation of greater wealth in the County leads to a flourishing economy. This is done primarily through the retention, expansion and recruitment of primary jobs, new capital investment in the community, visitors/tourists spending money in the County. (Primary jobs are those jobs that export products and services and import new dollars into the County. The new dollars brought in by primary jobs circulate within the County in the form of salaries and other business expenditures, which in turn support jobs in the retail, business services, personal services and other sectors. Not defined by size, both large and small employers can provide primary jobs.)

Because building a sustainable economy does not happen overnight, a long-term perspective is essential to any successful economic development effort.

Douglas County's Economic Development program provides the leadership and direction to create an economically vibrant community that is recognized as one of America's most attractive business environments and distinctive, high quality of life communities. Staff provides professional services to businesses and those seeking to establish businesses. Our economic development office can provide you with:

• The latest economic and demographic statistical information about the County and regional market.
• Assistance in locating land, buildings, or commercial space.
• Guidance through the development and permitting process.
• Information on state and local incentive programs. 
  
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The County works with businesses, as well as public and private organizations to match resources with those who can use them.

mmartin@douglas.co.us

Castle Rock, CO 80104

Office Hours:

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 303.660.7449
Fax: 303.688.1293

Economic Gardening

An Economic Gardening strategy focuses on growing the local economy by helping local entrepreneurs succeed. Economic Gardening services are most effective for businesses that have been established for one to two years or more.

About the Board of County Commissioners

 Jack Hilbert was elected Douglas County Commissioner in November of 2006 after serving in leadership positions for 35 years in the public and private sector as well as corporate enterprise, most recently as the Global Capture Manager for Avaya, Inc.

District II Commissioner - Steven A. Boand

Steve Boand was elected to his role as a County Commissioner in November 2004 and re-elected in November 2008. He has been active in Douglas County issues for more than twenty years.

District III Commissioner - Jill Repella

Ms. Repella was elected as a Douglas County Commissioner in November of 2008. As a fifth generation Colorado native and a resident of Highlands Ranch since 1995, she comes from a long line of proud Colorado citizens.

The three-member Board of County Commissioners works to represent the interests of the citizens of Douglas County at local, state, and national levels. Commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts for four-year staggered terms.

Colorado State Statutes designate counties to function as a service of the State and to serve as the legislative, policy-making, and administrative body governing the unincorporated areas. The specific powers, authorities, and responsibilities of the Board of County Commissioners include the following:

• The responsibility to provide leadership to county operations through the adoption of the annual budget, which includes all departments, commissions, and other spending agencies funded by county appropriations.
• The power to levy taxes, subject to state tax revenue limitations.
• The authority to represent and manage the business and concerns of the County, and to care for county property.