Five communities will participate in the 2020 Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program to receive assistance with affordable housing, small business development and reconfiguring their local economy.

Downtown Colorado, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to downtowns, localities, commercial districts and individuals who work in community development. The group’s challenge accelerator program is a series of workshops, assessments and financing tutorials designed to help applicants to create “a business-friendly destination for entrepreneurs and community initiatives.”

“Since its creation in 2017, the Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program has worked with a diverse mix of 34 Colorado communities to consider solutions around housing, small business support, tourism development, local engagement, brownfield clean up, financing and more,” said Katherine Correll, DCI’s executive director.

In the latest class of participants, Cañon City would like to bolster its main street businesses, which contribute only 2% of tax revenue in the city. Home to the Royal Gorge tourist railroad, the city hopes to gain the capacity to help business owners market and sustain themselves in the off-season.

Durango is seeking technical assistance with implementing affordable housing plans. Monte Vista and Old Colorado City are both interested in revitalizing their downtowns and commercial corridors. Rocky Ford, in Otero County, has experienced a declining population and displacement of the traditional farming, ranching and manufacturing employers. The city is seeking assistance in creating a “sustainable job economy”.

As part of the program, communities will receive connections to potential financial resources to carry out their visions and form a plan of action with experts.