Last week, regional collaboration took center stage at the annual State of the Valley event hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce at Colorado Mesa University. The gathering brought together elected officials, top administrators, and business leaders from across Mesa County to share progress, discuss challenges, and explore new opportunities to strengthen our economy and community.
The event began with brief updates from Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, City of Fruita, Town of Palisade, and School District 51, each highlighting recent milestones in infrastructure investment, workforce initiatives, and regional planning. These quick-fire updates laid the groundwork for a candid panel discussion that followed, diving deeper into the policies and partnerships that are shaping the future of the Grand Valley.
Congressman Jeff Hurd opened the morning with a federal update, sharing insights from Washington and emphasizing the importance of federal-state-local alignment when it comes to funding, broadband expansion, and energy policy. His remarks set the tone for a morning focused on shared responsibility and opportunity.
Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Candace Carnahan emphasized the value of this annual event as more than just a check-in—but as a compass for the region.
“The State of the Valley is where we trade silos for synergy,” said Carnahan. “It’s one of the only times we get all these critical players in the same room with a common goal: to ensure that our businesses, families, and communities can thrive together. We don’t always have to agree on the path forward, but we must keep showing up and seeking solutions together.”
The panel discussion touched on a range of timely topics—including regional workforce shortages, housing attainability, land use regulations, and economic competitiveness. Local governments shared how they are working to balance growth with infrastructure capacity, while District 51 offered updates on alignment with career readiness in schools, funding challenges, and the connectivity of education to economic vitality.
Attendees praised the open dialogue and practical tone of the event, which spotlighted both areas of concern and collective wins.
The Grand Junction Chamber closed the morning with a renewed call for collaboration and ongoing input from the business community. As the region continues to grow and evolve, events like State of the Valley serve as a vital checkpoint for civic and economic alignment.
