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The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC) may be a well-known name to some of you and completely new for others. As the countywide economic development organization, we focus on attraction, retention, and expansion of primary jobs – and we sometimes find ourselves more behind the scenes than on the front page. Both are places we are very comfortable, but it is important for you all to know that the economic development table is one you are invited around, too. We are working hard, every day, to build opportunities for all our Jeffco residents, and we are proud of the work we have accomplished.

Jeffco is fortunate to have a lot of work being done, concentrating on creating opportunities for employment. As an EDC – we focus on five primary sectors and three target sectors:

Primary sectors consist of industries with a strong and growing presence within our county that exceeds national averages for that industry type. Our primary sectors include Aerospace, Bioscience, Beverage Production, Energy, and Engineering.

Target sectors consist of growing sectors in our economy but have not reached the national concentrations yet, and include Aviation, IT/Telecom, and Advanced Manufacturing – specifically within electronics and outdoor recreation products.

From 2017 to 2020 Jeffco added 8,173 new jobs and $1,539,000,000 in investment to our primary job sector, with 2020 setting a record amount of investment of $842,000,000. We know, now more than ever, we must carry that momentum forward.

A primary function of any economic development organization is to be the keeper of reliable data. One of the systems we use frequently is called Buxton, which really helps us better understand consumer behaviors and information – i.e., all of you, our residents. In looking at our latest data, we have seen a rise in Jefferson County average household income to an impressive $104,509; with median income equaling $78,340; and per capita hitting $42,912. As community metrics go – these are impressive numbers. Over 50% of our population hold a college degree, and we have a diverse talent pool in terms of fields and training. Our job creation focuses on these strengths – looking to build opportunity for those that live here rather than a need to import talent to fill the roles. We want to make sure all have an opportunity to live, work, and play in our beautiful community.

However, we recognize these numbers alone are not the whole story. We work with many community partners from education; our county workforce center; Community First Foundation and more to discuss our underrepresented and underemployed populations. Over the next few months, you will start to see initiatives targeting these disparities with a goal of economic opportunity for all our residents.

Among Jeffco EDC’s many goals is attracting and retaining major employer such as FirstBank and Terumo BCT. Photo: Courtesy of First Bank

Economic Development has also found itself around many community-issue tables. COVID-19 demonstrated many strengths we have as a community, but also highlighted our flaws. As we look at the needs of our small business and entrepreneurial community, we see an opportunity to engage and enhance this critical sector of our Jeffco economy. There are over 41,000 businesses in Jefferson County with 40,000 of those employing fewer than 50 individuals. It is one of the reasons you see us focus on sectors instead of sizes of companies. We know that every large company started with a single person with an idea. Jeffco has a storied history of entrepreneurs and small businesses becoming global leaders – and we want to make sure we are continually encouraging that ecosystem of growth. While still taking its form of what that means and looks like in Jeffco – we are working with our community partners to shape and build how we provide for success in these vital small business and entrepreneurial sectors.

In addition, we are working hard to put better context around what development means for Colorado. It seems to get a bad “rep” in some circles. When I look at the social issues we face as a community, it often comes back to me as a need for economic opportunity.

Who has been afforded it? Who has not? I am a believer that education coupled with career opportunities, are the cornerstones for a healthy and cohesive community. This is why you see us partnering heavily with our K-12 system; community colleges; and 4-year institutions to align those opportunities with the talent being developed. There is no better talent than that which you develop, and our role is to provide that chance for individuals to take those skills into our workforce community. From our perspective, we need to embrace development—thoughtful, smart, and contributing development.

Our strategy is built around being an opportunity beacon for Jefferson County. And remember, our strategy table is not full. You are always welcome with your thoughts, encouragement, and dissent. That is what a healthy community is built upon.