Forging Growth in Northwest Colorado

Economic Development isn’t theoretical here. It’s practical. It’s rural development, technology expansion, coal community impact mitigation, legislative watchdogging, and more. Working together, AGNC is the catalyst for the Economic Development of Northwest Colorado.

Who We Are

AGNC is comprised of three Districts

  • Council of Governments (COG): Collective representation and strategic planning for the Council of Governments of Northwest Colorado.
  • Economic Development District (EDD): Strengthens local businesses, industries, and organizations by fostering collective representation, workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure expansion, and responsible growth. 
  • Northwest Colorado Enterprise Zone (EZ): Administrator of one of Colorado’s most powerful tools for rural business growth, the Northwest Enterprise Zone manages Tax Credits and Contribution Projects for economic development primarily through job creation and retention, regional investments, and workforce development. Explore the Enterprise Zone.

The Strategy: Building Resilient Communities

AGNC doesn’t just talk economic development—we organize it, fund it, and get it off the ground. As a federally designated Economic Development District (EDD), we’re the strategic engine to grow jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the communities of Northwest Colorado.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is the regional plan that makes it happen—a living document shaped by local voices and regional data. Updated regularly, the CEDS lays out a roadmap to diversify industries, boost infrastructure, develop the workforce, and support resilient, high-functioning communities across our five-county region.

The Eight Regional Economic Development Objectives

AGNC isn’t just planning for a better future—we’re actively building it. Across Northwest Colorado, we’re turning strategy into results through targeted initiatives that address energy transitions, infrastructure readiness, and economic diversification. Each of these projects is designed to create long-term opportunity for the communities we serve—by leveraging local assets, attracting investment, and laying the foundation for future growth.

At the core of our Strategic Plan are eight goals that shape everything we do:

  1. Diversify the Economy – Support innovation and new industries to create a broader, more resilient business base.
  2. Expand Housing Options – Advance affordable housing through public-private partnerships and smart development.
  3. Strengthen Workforce Readiness – Back local training programs and develop physical spaces that fuel job growth.
  4. Mitigate Natural Hazards – Invest in planning, infrastructure, and local industries that reduce risk and build stability.
  5. Increase Access to Capital – Connect rural communities to funding through government programs and private investment.
  6. Accelerate Broadband Expansion – Drive digital access through planning, grant acquisition, and expert deployment.
  7. Upgrade Regional Infrastructure – Support projects that enable innovation, workforce mobility, and business growth.
  8. Leverage Natural and Cultural Assets – Use our landscapes, downtowns, and heritage as engines for tourism and community livability.


These aren’t just priorities—they’re the framework for building a stronger, more resilient Northwest Colorado economy.

View the Full CEDS Strategic Plan

What We Do

  • Strategic Regional Planner
    AGNC is future-ready and adaptive—advancing Northwest Colorado’s strategic vision by uniting city, county, state, and federal agencies, economic developers, nonprofits, businesses, and investors to align priorities and scale impact.
  • Unified Legislative Advocate
    With a powerful collective voice, AGNC gathers key insights, engages stakeholders, and advocates for policies that support regional priorities—serving as a trusted champion for Northwest Colorado.
  • Regional Information Hub
    AGNC collects, curates, and shares relevant data, resources, and insights—providing an essential knowledge base for anyone seeking current regional profiles or collaboration opportunities.
  • Business & Rural Enterprise Ally
    AGNC convenes networks of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and partners to share challenges, best practices, and resources—connecting them to mentorship, funding, and regulatory guidance that reflects real-world business needs.
  • Workforce & Talent Connector
    AGNC links businesses and industries with workforce development solutions—from on-the-job training to technical and higher education—ensuring talent pipelines meet regional demand.
  • Northwest Enterprise Zone Manager
    AGNC helps businesses across eight counties tap into valuable tax credits and incentives to grow and invest in designated Enterprise Zone areas.
  • Provider of Tools for Success
    From Opportunity Zones and grant navigation to community development support, AGNC helps unlock the resources that drive local and regional progress.
  • Opportunity Navigator
    AGNC offers centralized support for grant funding, workforce programs, infrastructure planning, and public-private partnerships—helping local projects compete, connect, and succeed.

Learn more about the Economic Development District’s Accomplishments

Policy and Legislation        Association Highlights

Economic Development District Board Meeting Minutes

AGNC’s Economic Development District isn’t just a strategy—it’s a living, working partnership in motion. We meet regularly with regional leaders to track progress, adjust priorities, and make sure every investment counts.
Curious about what’s happening on the ground? Dive into the meeting minutes and see the discussions, decisions, and direction shaping economic development across Northwest Colorado.


View EDD Meetings & Minutes: