Local First

08/20/2026

Fresh produce. Handmade goods. Friendly faces.

There's nothing quite like spending a morning at the local farmers market. Every purchase supports local growers, makers, and entrepreneurs while keeping more dollars right here in our community.

What's the first thing you look for when you visit the market?

08/17/2026

📣 We’re hiring: Executive Director!

Local First Foundation is looking for a collaborative, resourceful, community-minded leader to help us strengthen Southwest Colorado’s local economy and support the independent businesses and organizations that make our region thrive.

Our next Executive Director will work alongside our Board, local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners to lead Local First’s programs, grow our network, and build meaningful partnerships.

✨ Part-time: 25–30 hours/week
🏡 Work from home
💰 $30–$40/hour, depending on experience

We’re looking for someone who loves wearing many hats, builds relationships naturally, and is passionate about local economic development and community-building.

Sound like you—or someone you know? We’d love to hear from you!

👉 Learn more and apply:

Join the Local First team as an Administrative and Program Assistant.

08/14/2026

🎉 Celebrate local ownership with Local First member Natural Foods Co-op at their Annual Harvest Fest!

Join DNF on August 22 from 2–7 PM at Rotary Park for an afternoon of live music, family-friendly activities and games, local vendors, and food and beverages available for purchase.

The event is free and open to everyone—no Co-op membership required. Come out, celebrate community, and support a longtime locally owned business! 🌱💚

👉 Find out more: https://www.durangonaturalfoods.coop/harvestfest2026

08/02/2026

Did you know Local First offers free memberships to new businesses?

Thanks to the generosity of the Michael & Elaine Moravan Foundation, qualifying startups can receive a Local First membership at no cost for up to three years through our Startup Membership Scholarship.

As a scholarship recipient, you'll gain access to:
✨ Marketing opportunities to promote your business
🤝 Networking events and educational workshops
🎟️ Discounts on programs like the Be Local Coupon Book and Noel Night
📣 Advocacy for locally owned businesses
💚 A community of more than 220 local businesses and nonprofits

If you're launching a new business in La Plata County, we'd love to help you grow.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/startup-membership-application

07/25/2026

Rivergate Pharmacy and Compounding Center combines personalized, locally owned healthcare with environmentally responsible practices, including a medication bottle recycling program that helps keep plastic out of landfills while serving the Durango community.

07/23/2026

Locally made. Community loved.
This week's member spotlight is Luv Tempeh, creating delicious, locally crafted foods right here in our region.
Choosing locally made products supports small-scale producers, encourages innovation, and helps build a stronger local food system.
Have you tried Luv Tempeh? Share your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments!

07/21/2026

📊 Building a healthier La Plata County starts with understanding our community's health.

Local First Foundation is excited to share our new Healthcare Performance Dashboard, a powerful tool that gives our community a clearer picture of where we're thriving and where we have opportunities to improve.

The dashboard compares La Plata County to Colorado, the nation, and similar rural communities across 24 key measures, including healthcare access, affordability, outcomes, prevention, workforce capacity, and the social factors that shape our health.

It highlights where we're doing well, such as life expectancy, childhood immunizations, and healthcare workforce capacity. It also identifies opportunities to improve in areas like dental care, cancer screenings, mental health, and healthcare affordability.

This isn't just about healthcare. It's about using data to inform decisions, strengthen partnerships, and build a healthier future for everyone in La Plata County.

🔗 Explore the dashboard and see how we're doing: https://local-first.org/healthcare-performance-dashboard-lpc/

Local First Foundation is grateful for the financial support of:
⭐Rocky Mountain Health Foundation
⭐Ballantine Family Fund
⭐La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Roundup Foundation
⭐City of Durango - Government Community Support Funding
⭐La Plata County American Rescue Plan Act Funding

The dashboard was prepared by Doug McCarthy, Health Advisor to Local First Foundation, with input from members of the La Plata Healthcare Improvement Coalition.

07/09/2026

📢 Join us at the Durango Town Hall: Let's Make Healthcare Affordable, Together!

🗓 Monday, July 13
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Durango Recreation Center, Eolus Room

Come be part of an important community conversation about healthcare affordability and the impact of Colorado's for-profit healthcare system. Hear from legislators and community partners, participate in fun Price Is Wrong-themed games, and learn about real solutions we can work toward together.

💙 Be sure to stop by the Local First and Peak Health Alliance table to connect with our teams, learn more about our work, and discover how we're helping build a healthier, more affordable future for our community.

The price may be wrong, but together, we can make it right. We hope to see you there!

06/19/2026

Food is something that connects all of us, but it's also a powerful economic engine.

Every time we choose a local farmer, rancher, food producer, or independent grocer, we're helping keep dollars circulating in our community and supporting the people who make Southwest Colorado such a special place to live.

This month, our Durango Herald column explores the many organizations and businesses that make our local food system work—from farms and markets to nonprofits and community partnerships—and why that work matters for the future of our region.

I'm grateful to be part of a community that understands good food is more than what's on our plates. It's about local jobs, resilient businesses, stronger connections, and a thriving local economy.

Read more here: https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/investing-in-local-food-strengthens-la-plata-countys-future/

And next time you're shopping for groceries or planning a meal, consider choosing local. 🌱

06/17/2026

📢 Know Your Rights: Accessing Health Care in Colorado

Navigating health care can be confusing, but understanding your rights can make all the difference.

Join the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative and Benefits in Action for a free virtual webinar where they'll discuss:

✅ Healthcare basics
✅ Medical billing tips
✅ Common health care issues
✅ Your legal protections as a patient
✅ Support available through Benefits in Action and CCHI

📅 Wednesday, June 24
🕧 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual Webinar

The presentation will be offered in both English and Spanish.

Whether you're dealing with medical bills, insurance questions, or simply want to better understand your rights, this webinar will provide valuable information and resources to help you advocate for yourself and your family.

Register today: https://cohealthinitiative.org/events/know-your-rights-presentation-with-bia/

Please share with friends, family, and community members who may benefit from this information!

Join CCHI & Benefits in Action virtually on June 24, for a presentation on: Know Your Rights: Accessing Healthcare in Colorado. Presentación disponible en español.