Believe in better
Imagine an environment where our local government agencies worked in concert with our non-profit community to create public/private partnerships that have real results, with real solutions to community challenges such as workforce, business retention, air service development, tourism promotion, and employee retention.
Last week in this space we explored public–private partnerships and shared examples of meaningful programs with measureable track records of success throughout the valley. Our first responsibility – as a community, as elected officials, as engaged citizens – should be setting priorities and working together to achieve our targets. You – the taxpayer – deserve nothing less. After all, you work hard for your money; we (government, and those entrusted with tax dollars through government contracts) work hard to ensure a positive return.
Consider Eagle County’s externally focused strategic goals, including Eagle County Promotes a Diverse and Resilient Economy, Eagle County is a Great Place to Live for All, and Eagle County Protects the Natural Environment.
The simple truth is that these goals require community partnerships; county government isn’t structured to achieve these goals on their own. Take the Climate Action Plan as an example; a group of over 30 stakeholders worked together during 2016 to develop the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community.
Since then, the Climate Action Collaborative has been formed to implement the recommendations of the Plan. Letters of intent have been signed by the following members: Eagle County Board of County Commissioners, the towns of Avon, Basalt, Eagle, Minturn, Vail, and Red Cliff, and by Colorado Mountain College-Edwards Campus, Eagle County School District, Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, Eagle River Youth Coalition, Edwards Metro District, Holy Cross Energy, R.A. Nelson, Vail Resorts, Vail Mountain School, Vail Valley Foundation, Walking Mountains Science Center, and the Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District.
Partnerships are also required to address one of our biggest community needs: housing. Vail has set forth a strategic plan for maintaining and sustaining community through the creation and support of resident housing in Vail titled “Vail Housing 2027”. This sets in motion a strategic plan that proactively addresses the housing needs of the community. It is actionable in its implementation and changes the decision-making approach towards maintaining and sustaining homes for residents within the community.
This plan is ambitious and important; yet it likely will require public/private partnerships in order to achieve its goals. Many successful housing programs in the valley were built thanks to innovative public/private partnerships, including Miller Ranch in Edwards, Chamonix and Lions Ridge in Vail, and (coming soon) Spring Creek Village in Gypsum.
The commonality amongst successful partnerships lies in the trust between the participating parties (towns, organizations, government, businesses, people). Trust provides the foundation on which you build relationships. Trust is something we give, and something we receive. Most importantly, trust bonds us to others with whom we can achieve success – because successful partnerships result in greater outcomes than either party can achieve alone.
Seth Godin said it best when he said “Real trust (even in our modern culture) doesn’t always come from divulging, from providing more transparency, but from the actions that people take (or that we think they take) before our eyes. It comes from people who show up before they have to, who help us when they think no one is watching. It comes from people and organizations that play a role that we need them to play.”
I believe in better, specifically that we’re better together. Let’s get to work building and enhancing our public/private partnerships for the benefit of the community.
Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com