Exploring the Future of Northwest Colorado
Dive into our curated collection of research and white papers that shed light on economic, energy, and community developments shaping Northwest Colorado. These documents provide in-depth analyses and strategic insights, guiding our region’s transition and growth.
Economic Newsletters
Tracking Local Trends, Quarter by Quarter
Authored by Dr. Nathan Perry of Colorado Mesa University, these newsletters offer a data-rich look at key economic indicators across the AGNC region. Topics include unemployment rates, industry shifts, income growth, sales tax trends, and more—tailored to each participating county.
To read the latest economic newsletters, browse the archive, or sign up to get future updates, visit Colorado Mesa University’s newsletter hub:
- Mesa County Economic Update Q4 2024
- Mesa County Economic Update Q2 2024
- Mesa County Economic Update Q1 2024
- Mesa County Economic Update Q4 2023
- Mesa County Economic Update Q3 2023
- Mesa County Economic Update Q2 2023
- Mesa County Economic Update Q1 2023
- Mesa County Economic Update Q4 2022
- Mesa County Economic Update Q3 2022
- Mesa County Economic Update Q2 2022
- Mesa County Economic Update Q1 2022
These updates are made possible by the support of our Economic Development District members—local partners who believe in building a strong future for Northwest Colorado. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join us. Learn more about AGNC EDD membership levels here:
Understanding the Economic Fallout of Coal Closures
This deep-dive report examines the potential economic consequences of coal facility closures in Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties—covering job loss, wage decline, and long-term economic ripple effects.
Read the full report
Building Long-Term Regional Stability
The ERRP lays out strategies for diversifying the economy, preparing communities for natural and economic disruptions, and leveraging infrastructure and innovation to build a more resilient region.
Download the plan
Community Input on a Post-Coal Economy
These two community surveys—conducted as part of the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI)—gather resident input on potential uses for legacy coal assets, including public opinion on clean energy, nuclear, hydrogen, and site reuse.
Laying the Groundwork for Advanced Nuclear in Colorado
House Bill 25-1040 is new legislation that allows Colorado to participate in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor Plan, joining regional efforts to explore advanced nuclear energy as part of a diversified clean energy strategy. The bill also aligns with federal initiatives to develop safe, efficient small modular reactors and supports ongoing state-level feasibility studies.
A national survey by Bisconti Research found that only 1 in 5 Americans has even heard of Small Modular Reactors—but among those who have, interest runs high. The findings show strong support for SMRs’ advanced safety features and low-carbon potential, especially when people understand how they work and where they fit in the energy mix.
The U.S. Department of Energy breaks down how advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are reshaping the future of nuclear energy. Smaller, safer, and more flexible than traditional plants, these next-gen systems are designed for everything from grid power to industrial applications—and could play a key role in rural and transitioning regions like ours.
Public opinion on nuclear energy is shifting. According to a 2024 Pew Research poll, 56% of Americans now support expanding nuclear power in the U.S.—up from just 43% in 2020. As the clean energy conversation evolves, nuclear is gaining ground as a reliable, climate-conscious solution.
This collection of reports, videos, and frameworks shows how Northwest Colorado and Eastern Utah can repurpose coal assets into centers of innovation—ranging from manufacturing to clean energy development.
Colorado and its neighboring states are rethinking the future of coal communities. These reports offer critical insight into economic impacts, redevelopment strategies, and site-specific opportunities that support long-term innovation, workforce transition, and energy infrastructure growth in the Intermountain West.
The Data-Intensive Economic Report (DIER) offers a comprehensive look at the economic landscape of Northwest Colorado. Developed to guide decision-making at every level—local, regional, and statewide—this report compiles critical data on labor force trends, industry shifts, demographics, and infrastructure readiness.
A comprehensive guide to help Colorado’s coal-reliant communities identify actionable strategies for economic diversification, workforce support, and infrastructure redevelopment.
Mirroring the Colorado approach, this playbook outlines Utah’s pathway to reinvest in coal-impacted regions with a focus on industrial reuse, community development, and clean energy potential.
An in-depth analysis of how coal plant and mine closures are affecting jobs, local government revenue, and economic stability in Northwest Colorado.
Pueblo’s Energy Transition initiative supports Cleaner Coal Communities by advancing economic diversification, workforce readiness, and sustainable redevelopment strategies.
This video distills complex economic and technical ideas into a digestible format, showing how coal communities are leading with vision and action.
This state agency provides direct resources to workers affected by coal plant closures, and funding opportunities for community development and retraining.