At the Tuesday, January 21, regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), members officially adopted the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan.
Hosted by planning group Civic*Possible, the process began in May of 2024. The result derives from a comprehensive set of tactics including several in-person community listening sessions in both English and Spanish, one-on-one interviews with both County employees and residents with Civic*Possible staff, as well as online surveys conducted throughout the year. The future of the plan now lies with both County staff and continued collaboration with the public.
At the January 21st meeting, a baton was passed – both literally and figuratively – from the Commissioners to three County staff directors, as well as the county communications specialist. Deemed the Strategic Plan Focus Group, the four members will work together building onto three key pillars found to be top community priorities during the plan’s inception. Though the plan was not officially adopted until the 21st, staff had already begun diligently working on the future of both deliverables, and ways in which the public will continue to be informed of their progress over the years to come.
Development Director Pam Flowers will lead the Stewardship Through Development pillar, with a goal of balancing economic diversification, conservation, and community character to sustain a thriving County. Public Works Director Michael Torres will focus on the Infrastructure pillar, working to ensure a well-maintained substructure which enhances quality of life and supports growth. Public Health Director Ashley Wilson will focus on the Strengthening of Community Partnerships pillar, by building trust and fostering collaboration with residents, partners and stakeholders. Communications Specialist and Public Information Officer (PIO), Ashley Springer, will facilitate both internal and external updates on the project through various media outlets.
The group will work closely with County Manager Jack Harper II, and County Finance Director Chad Eaton, through continued meetings with Civic*Possible staff, as well as conversations with various community members.
While the BoCC has passed the baton, their excitement for what is to come of the plan’s execution over the next few years remains.
“We are excited about this Strategic Plan for our community and thankful to the key managers and leaders from the County staff who are going to drive this forward,” said Commissioner John Ranson, new to the BOCC in 2025.
Chair Veronica Medina and Commissioner Warren Brown shared similar sentiments.
Commissioner Brown noted, “I am pleased and excited that Archuleta County now has a plan in hand that will guide staff in their daily operations and inform the public of our collective vision which will foster greater transparency, and at the end of the day, greater accountability for our leadership team.” Both Commissioners were voting members of the BoCC during the RFP (request for proposal) process in early 2024, choosing Civic*Possible from a host of applicants.
“I’m excited about Archuleta County’s strategic plan and the dedicated champions who will implement it with strong community involvement,” Medina stated. “This collaboration will greatly enhance the county’s success in the coming years.”
Results of the plan can be found on the County website, archuletacounty.org, by calling 970-264-8378, or sending an email to pio@archuletacounty.org.