Friends,

You hear me say it often: Bringing people together is at the heart of who we are at the NoCo Foundation.

That spirit of convening is also central to a new regional effort taking shape across Larimer and Weld counties. Through NoCoREDI, the Northern Colorado Regional Development Initiative, chambers of commerce, local governments, philanthropic organizations, businesses, destination organizations, and residents are coming together to better understand and express what connects us as a region.

The goal isn’t to overlook our differences. It’s to recognize that, alongside them, we share an identity, an economy, a culture, and a deep commitment to Northern Colorado.

Becoming NoCo Wayfinders

In the coming months, we’re excited to share more about the themes emerging from this work, and about how each of us can serve as a “Wayfinder” for Northern Colorado.

Wayfinders are the people who help others discover what makes this region special. They embody our problem-solving culture and approach the future with curiosity, optimism, and a commitment to building a stronger Northern Colorado together.

Thinking regionally is especially important during a time of economic uncertainty. Talented workers and thriving businesses are looking for places where innovation and tradition coexist, places where they can build successful lives while enjoying an exceptional quality of life. If Northern Colorado is the right fit, a clear and compelling regional story can help them find their way here.

That story also matters to those who already call NoCo home. People are deciding where they want to continue building their lives, and successful businesses are considering where they can grow and become even stronger. Staying and investing in Northern Colorado may be their best possible choice.

Prosperity with Purpose

This work is ultimately about finding the right fit, and retaining and attracting more of the people, businesses, and ideas that help our communities thrive.

We are not creating a regional brand to pursue endless growth. We are doing it to support lasting prosperity: healthy schools and businesses, strong services and amenities, vibrant recreation, and communities where people can build meaningful lives. By tapping into our shared culture and telling our story together, we can help make Northern Colorado even stronger.

Stay tuned and start thinking about how you can be a Wayfinder for Northern Colorado.

With gratitude,