Letter: Embrace Northern Colorado steps back

For the past few years Embrace Northern Colorado, a non-partisan, non-profit organization has worked to support dialogue and awareness of issues that affect the future of Northern Colorado. With passionate efforts of our many volunteers and supporters, ENC has championed efforts of exploring how our choices today shape our communities tomorrow. Our accomplishments include:

• Hosting a regional conference attended by nearly 400 people with nationally-recognized experts on growth and regional visioning
• Convened a Regional Leadership Alliance comprised of community leaders from Northern Colorado to explore community values and trends affecting our region
• Completed Northern Colorado’s first Community Values Survey in partnership with the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University. Over 1,300 respondents participated in the survey identifying issues and shared values important to the region
• Compiled and shared data and research related to trends in demographics, land use, growth, transportation, and economic impacts projected for the future of Northern Colorado

With the advancement of other organizations taking the discussion of regional issues to the forefront, the fundamental goals of Embrace Northern Colorado have been reached. Rather than contend with other groups for valuable resources relating to regional visioning, ENC plans to step back and offer support to these other efforts and organizations.

The Embrace Northern Colorado directors would like to thank the many supporters and volunteers who have participated in this regional dialogue and have helped to enhance cooperation and collaboration among organizations throughout Larimer and Weld Counties.

Kathy Gilliland