Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado

Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado Region 9 is here to help you and your business succeed.

Proudly serving and improving economic conditions in: Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, & San Juan Counties; Southern Ute & Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes.

The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado (Region 9 EDD) is pleased to announce that Laura Warner...
06/19/2026

The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado (Region 9 EDD) is pleased to announce that Laura Warner, MD, MPH has been hired as the Project Manager for the SouthWEST Opioid Response District (SWORD).

Warner has lived in Durango for nearly 10 years working in public health and clinical care. Most recently, Warner has served as a subject matter expert with the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. She previously held leadership roles at San Juan Basin Public Health and is trained as a physician.

“SWORD brings together many sectors all working to reduce the harm from opioids misuse, and Laura will be a tremendous addition to the group,” said Laurel Schafer, SWORD Council Chair and representative from Montezuma Public Health. “She is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the health of Southwest Colorado residents.”

“I believe all residents of Southwest Colorado should have the support they need to live their healthiest lives,” said Laura Warner. “To this aim, opioid settlement funds offer our region a unique chance to address the complicated issue of opioid misuse over the course of many years, and I am honored to join others working tirelessly to advance the health of our communities.”

Warner will be responsible for the implementation of priority projects of the SWORD Council which oversees the region’s opioid settlement dollars. A grant cycle to strengthen Southwest Colorado’s recovery ecosystem will be opened later this summer.

Welcome to the team, Laura!

Learn more about SWORD at region9edd.org/sword

Recently, Our Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino was re-elected to the NADO Board of Directors for another 2-year t...
06/17/2026

Recently, Our Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino was re-elected to the NADO Board of Directors for another 2-year term. Laura has served as a voice for Colorado communities on NADO's board since 2009.

“We are honored to continue to have Laura be selected by her peers to serve on NADO’s Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional communities and economic development issues to the national level,” stated Joe McKinney, NADO Executive Director.

NADO’s Board of Directors represent member organizations from a broad section of the United States, including the Eastern, Midwestern, Central, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western regions. Marchino is the only board member from Colorado.

Congratulations Laura!

Please join us in celebrating our Grants Compliance, Specialist Stephani Burditt on her 12-year work anniversary! 🥳✨Her ...
06/05/2026

Please join us in celebrating our Grants Compliance, Specialist Stephani Burditt on her 12-year work anniversary! 🥳✨

Her attention to detail, caring nature, and signature wit makes her not only an exceptional professional but also a valued teammate and friend.

Thank you, Stephani, for your dedication to our mission and the positive energy you bring to our organization every day.

REQUEST for LOI's! The Southwest Opioid Response District (SWORD) Council is accepting letter's of interest (LOI) for it...
06/04/2026

REQUEST for LOI's! The Southwest Opioid Response District (SWORD) Council is accepting letter's of interest (LOI) for it's upcoming funding cycle. Organizations in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Colorado Counties are eligible. Eligible Organizations include:
🩵Non Profits
🏬Public Health Agencies
🚑First Responders
and other organizations addressing Opioid Use Disorder.
Learn more about SWORD, eligibility requirements, and submit your organization's LOI at region9edd.org/sword

❗️LOI's must be submitted by June 30, 2026❗️

05/27/2026

Southwest Colorado is ready to welcome you.

Come enjoy our mountains, rivers, trails, lakes, local shops, and communities — and help us protect them while you’re here. Please conserve water, follow local fire restrictions, prevent sparks, and support local businesses during your visit.

We’re glad you’re here.

Thank you and credit to Brooks Linder for singing and recording this tune for us!

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Visit Durango, City of Durango - Government, Town of Dolores, MANCOS, COLORADO, Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce, Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce, Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, Rico Colorado, Pagosa Springs, Ignacio Chamber of Commerce Visit Pagosa Springs, Bayfield Colorado Area Chamber of Commerce

We visited the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation’s workforce housing project, which was funded in part by...
05/27/2026

We visited the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation’s workforce housing project, which was funded in part by Region 9 in collaboration with numerous community and funding partners. Joining the visit were Region 9 Board Member and Southwest Colorado Council of Governments Chair Veronica Medina, Region 9 EDD staff and members of the Loan Committee.

Thank you to San Juan College President, Dr. Toni Pendergrass, for the personal tour of San Juan College, NM, provided t...
05/21/2026

Thank you to San Juan College President, Dr. Toni Pendergrass, for the personal tour of San Juan College, NM, provided to our Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino, and Sarah Tober, Executive Director of the The La Plata Economic Development Alliance. It was impressive.

05/21/2026

FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FRIDAY, MAY 22

Full order with high resolution maps: https://tinyurl.com/2a8je4zt

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest PROHIBIT:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.

2. Using an explosive.

3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site.

4. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.

Full news release: https://tinyurl.com/y9xabaje

La Plata County Government Montezuma County Sheriff's Office Durango Fire & Rescue San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Office of Emergency Management, San Juan County Colorado Archuleta County, CO Sheriff's Office Archuleta County The Original What's Up? Dolores, Mancos, Cortez! Visit Durango Town of Dolores Dolores County Sheriff's Office Dolores Outfitters Dolores Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

We were so glad for the opportunity to participate and for our Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino to present at thi...
05/08/2026

We were so glad for the opportunity to participate and for our Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino to present at this event. Cheers to another year of partnership, conversations, and community progress!

Address

135 Burnett Drive, Unit 1
Durango, CO
81301

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(970) 247-9621

Website

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