The NoCo Foundation is pleased to partner with Colorado State University

Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension (CSU OEE) and the NoCo Foundation, with The Institute for the Built Environment at CSU providing critical community engagement and regional data analysis, are creating a regional well-being report for Northeast Colorado in 2025-2026.

We believe that understanding and increasing regional well-being requires an approach that brings people, organizations, and communities together and that we can achieve more together than we can alone. A regional perspective can provide a stronger network of support and voice for advocacy, both locally and at the broader state and regional levels. Check this site often for updates. If you would like to get involved, please email info@nocofoundation to learn how to plug in.

Northeast Colorado Intersections June 6, 2025 Workshop Summary

Community Reflections and Shared Vision

Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension (CSU OEE) and the NoCo Foundation hosted a community workshop on Friday, June 6, 2025, to inform the upcoming Northeast Colorado Intersections Report. The report will include highlighted demographic, industry, and other sector data, and narrative, for the counties of Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Yuma, and Washington. Nearly one hundred participants from across Northeast Colorado came together to explore what defines our communities, what we value, and how we operate. The report will provide common language, common data, and a baseline of information to support the region as it faces complex stressors and opportunities.

Who We Are – Our Strengths & Shared Identity

Our Shared Identity

  • Strong & Skilled: We are adaptable, multi-skilled, and resilient. Grit and resourcefulness are part of our DNA.
  • Caring & Connected: Relationships matter. We value accountability, volunteerism, and mutual support.
  • Safe & Peaceful: We treasure the peace, pace, and freedom of rural living.
  • Proud & Rooted in Values: Faith, family, independence, and community pride shape who we are.
  • Innovative & Adaptive: Even with limited resources, we find ways to grow and contribute.

The Value of Place

  • Agriculture is not just our economy—it’s our identity, culture, and connection to the land.
  • We contribute to national energy, water, and food security.
  • Our rural lifestyle fosters resilience, intergenerational knowledge, and civic engagement.
  • Youth programs and retirement communities each bring vibrancy to our towns.

How Things Work Here – Community Dynamics & Culture

Geography of “Here”

  • “Here” begins where traffic slows and wide-open skies stretch out.
  • Arteries like highways, rail lines, and rivers shape access to services—but travel is part of life.
  • We may live far apart, but we’re closely connected to “home base” and our neighbors.

Community Functioning

  • Social capital is key—relationships, trust, and in-person interactions are the foundation.
  • Word-of-mouth, front porch conversations, and handshake deals are how things get done.
  • Community institutions—schools, churches, and civic groups—are vital lifelines.
  • Local leaders often juggle many roles with limited capacity.
  • Demographic changes are reshaping communities, bringing both adaptation and opportunity.

Where We Want to Go – Hopes, Dreams, and Aspirations

Our Vision for the Future

  • Thriving & Inclusive Communities: We want places where families, youth, and elders feel supported and welcome.
  • Better Regional Collaboration: Working across town lines to share resources, align services, and solve shared problems.
  • Diverse Economies: Encouraging entrepreneurship and new industries alongside agriculture.
  • Connected & Informed: Better infrastructure, digital access, and data to inform local decisions.
  • Empowered Leadership: Especially among youth, tradespeople, and newcomers.

What We Hope to Maintain

  • Our unique community identities and strengths—even as we adapt to change.
  • Rural traditions and independence balanced with innovation and collaboration.

Challenges & Opportunities – What Needs to Change

Ongoing Challenges

  • Limited access to healthcare, childcare, and affordable housing.
  • Infrastructure gaps—from digital to transportation.
  • Workforce shortages, leadership burnout, and underrepresentation of some voices (especially immigrants).
  • Outdated policies that overlook rural realities.
  • Frustration with data and resources not tailored to our region.

Paths Forward

  • Shift in Policy Mindset: Rural voices must be part of decision-making and resource distribution.
  • Sustainable Funding: For young leaders, infrastructure, and community initiatives.
  • Improved Communication & Coordination: Across sectors, counties, and communities.
  • Stronger Partnerships: Between institutions, nonprofits, and residents.
  • More Accessible Information: To better guide local choices and investments.

Northeast Colorado Intersections Report Next Steps

  • Summer 2025: Data gathering and analysis
  • Fall 2025: Report content development including community member engagement
  • Early 2026: Report release, distribution, and conversations
  • Follow the report’s progress on this page!

Project Contacts:

John Chapdelaine, Vice President, Eastern Colorado
NoCo Foundation
John@nocofoundation.org  cell: 970-580-1013

Tim Stahley, Director for the Northeast Regional Engagement Center
Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension
Tim.stahley@colostate.edu  cell: 970-571-1317

The NoCo Foundation and Colorado State University produced a similar report for the Larimer and Weld County region in 2024. Learn more about the 2024 Northern Colorado Intersections Report, Pursuing Community Well-Being at https://nocofoundation.org/intersections/northeast-colorado/.