| Four Corners Regional Study Executive Summary
This project was initiated and funded by the San Juan Forum, in cooperation with the San Juan Economic Development Service (SJEDS) and the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado (R9EDD). The San Juan Forum (SJF) is a non-profit corporation whose goal is to enhance economic development in the Four Corners region while preserving and advancing the quality of life for area residents. Members of the forum share mutual interests in rural and economic development. The Forum serves as a unifying force for local, state and tribal governments from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
The goal of this study is to define the Four Corners Region (FCR) as a discrete economic unit and identify issues and strategies that cross-cut state, county and tribal boundaries. Ideally this information will enable decision-makers to identify regional challenges, coordinate regional resources, and develop regional policies. The project is intended as a baseline study that will ultimately promote economic development and opportunity, and balance resources through sound management of development.
The study is divided into two sections; economies and issues. The first section uses current economic and demographic information to provide a snapshot of the FCR. Several indicators were selected for comparison at the county and census tract levels; these include 1) Population; 2) Total Personal Income (TPI); 3) Per Capita Income (PCI); 4) Top Employment Sectors; and 5) Unemployment Rates.
A comparison of TPI within the counties included in the FCR illustrates that 1) employment earnings provide most of the income; and 2) that these counties generally rank low within their respective states as well as within the larger United States. A comparison of PCPI within the counties and tribal entities included in the FCR illustrates that most areas generally rank low within their respective states as well as within the larger United States. The Service Sector clearly provides the greatest number of jobs, while job income is drawn primarily from Service and Government Sectors.
At the census tract level unemployment rates varied from 2.8% to 38.9%. Average unemployment in census tracts within the study area was 10.2%. Household income varied from $12,371 to $62,365. Average household income in the study area was $31,678. Per Capita Income varied from $4,844 to $28,968. Average PCI in the study area was $15,262. The percentage of individuals below the poverty threshold varied from 2% to 59%. The average for the study area was 21%. Obviously there is quite a disparity in incomes and employment opportunities within the Four Corners.
Generally most job opportunities in the FCR are found in the towns and cities. However, population growth has created a demand for municipalities to provide services, such as water and sewer, and infrastructure improvements such as new schools and transportation systems, to newly annexed commercial and residential areas. In some portions of the FCR the rural, unincorporated areas are seeing the highest population increases. This means that people in the region are often commuting long distances to take advantage of better employment opportunities, better shopping, and lower real estate prices.
The second section of this report examines the issues identified within the available Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), and the strategies each area has developed to cope with the issues. Although each CEDS is unique, based on the analyses prepared for each area, there are several underlying themes.
· The state of the regional economy. What are the strengths and weaknesses? What are the growth sectors and clusters? What is driving the local economy and where is it heading?
· External trends and forces. What are the opportunities and threats? How is the region positioned in the national and global economies?
· Partners for economic development. Who are the important actors in the region (these may include organizations, businesses, individual and other planning projects)? Who represents issues important but unfamiliar to the economic development organization (such as workforce development, social service delivery and natural resources)?
· Resources for economic development. What groups, organizations or individuals does the area have to work with? Who can provide support and funding for development activities?
The commonalities of the different entities within the region are reflected by the primary issues identified in the CEDS. These revolve around infrastructure development (primarily telecommunications and transportation); workforce development; economies that are highly dependent on one or two sectors, or are seasonal; healthcare; affordable housing; and education.
There is a generalized inadequacy in most of the Four Corner Region’s infrastructure. Widespread infrastructure improvements are needed, including transportation, housing, utilities, telecommunications and information technology, water and waste management. Basic infrastructure needs in rural communities, such as the provision of running water, electricity, phone service, and all-weather roads represent an overwhelming demand on public resources.
Economic development in the rural and isolated portions of the FCR is constrained by small or untrained labor forces, inadequate infrastructure, and few markets for goods or services.
However, there are also common opportunities and incentives for regional economic development, such as an available workforce; low labor costs; access to capital; relatively abundant natural resources; shared visions of what constitutes “quality of life”; and a wide variety of potential partnerships that could focus on finding solutions to ecological, social and economic problems.
The information in this section can be used as a tool to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the Four Corners Regional economy - and create a regional strategic plan. Ultimately, a strategic plan will enable the members of the San Juan Forum to 1) prioritize regional goals; 2) identify specific projects; 3) take action steps to implement projects.
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