By Curtis Englehart, CEcD, Executive Director  for Grand Junction Economic Partnership (Originally published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – January 2026 ) 

This time of year is ripe with the release of forecasts, rankings, and reports that aim to quantify and communicate the state of our economy. The general consensus? Between major policy changes, corrections to net migration, and rapid technological advancement, our economy is changing, and so is the way communities must plan for the future. 

Colorado is projected to experience positive job growth and spending in 2026. However, economists anticipate that growth may be slower than in recent years, influenced by federal disruptions, tighter capital markets, and slowed net migration. While this forecast, along with Colorado’s dip in some national economic rankings, may feel concerning at first glance, it offers important context signaling that we are transitioning from a period of rapid expansion into one that demands greater intentionality, resilience, and long-term strategy.  

Recent workforce data reinforces this reality. The latest Colorado Talent Pipeline report highlights continued demand for workers across healthcare, education, construction, engineering, and technology-enabled roles while underscoring the existing challenges related to workforce availability, housing, and an aging labor force.   At the same time, the United States is expected to maintain, and in some sectors strengthen, its productivity advantage, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and continued infrastructure investment.  

These trends matter at the local level. Growth in AI-enabled productivity, construction activity, and infrastructure investment presents an opportunity for communities prepared to support innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth. However, rising housing costs and affordability pressures represent significant challenges that directly affect our ability to attract employers, retain workers, and maintain quality of life.  

Who is GJEP, and why does GJEP exist? 

When the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, formerly the Mesa County Economic Development Council, was formed in 1984, our community and its economic landscape were much different from what they are today. In 1984, the conversation was about survival. Today, it’s about proactively positioning ourselves to attract sustainable investment while maintaining and protecting the integrity of our community’s regional identity.  

Although the economic landscape has shifted, the heart of GJEP’s mission is still the same: To enhance the economic vitality of Mesa County, creating a strong and diverse economy and an improved quality of life. As a 501(c)(3) organization, GJEP works to support the economic vitality of Mesa County through the proactive attraction and expansion of businesses, facilitating the creation of new primary jobs and capital investment.  

As the region has graduated into its next phase of development, Mesa County now has the capacity to attract and retain employers from a diverse range of industries, with higher job growth capabilities and wages, and greater capacity to invest back into our community. Especially during times of economic uncertainty, economic development is not about reacting to every headline but staying focused on the long-term goal.   

GJEP exists to provide that steady, strategic leadership—aligning public and private partners, anticipating economic shifts, and positioning Mesa County to compete for high-quality jobs and investment. By focusing on diversification, resilience, and sustainable growth, GJEP helps ensure that economic progress benefits both today’s workforce and future generations, while preserving the unique character and quality of life that define our region. 

What’s to Come for 2026 

Looking ahead to 2026, there is meaningful momentum to build upon. We are pleased to partner with Colorado Mesa University’s Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center in announcing significant strides being made within Mesa County’s Resilient & Adaptive Cyber Protection of Industrial Control Devices & Systems (RAPIDS) consortium. Anchored at Colorado Mesa University, the initiative was awarded a $412,558 grant to launch a secure water management pilot, which aims to improve secure coordination, accessibility, security, and efficiency across agencies and users in the Colorado River Basin.  

By pairing secure infrastructure with transparent, usable data, RAPIDS intends to transform how Colorado, and ultimately the broader Colorado River Basin, can respond to water measurement, management, and cybersecurity challenges. This effort represents a strategic investment in Mesa County’s economic future by uniting partners to create pathways for high-wage jobs and strengthening our position as a national leader in secure water and cybersecurity innovation.  

There is a lot to look forward to in the coming year. Our team is currently preparing the 2026 Western Colorado Economic Summit, which will once again convene regional leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to address shared challenges and opportunities. We are also advancing plans for a second Site Selector Familiarization Tour this fall, designed to showcase Mesa County’s assets, infrastructure, and workforce to decision makers shaping future investments.  

Additionally, GJEP will be launching a new marketing initiative that elevates Mesa County’s quality of life, workforce strengths, and business advantages by recognizing that talent attraction and economic competitiveness are deeply intertwined.  

As we embark on a new year, Mesa County’s strength continues to be rooted in collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to advancing economic vitality. We look forward to generating greater impact and momentum together, alongside our public, private, and economic development partners.  

To get connected with us and stay up to date on all things economic development in Mesa County, subscribe to our monthly newsletter at info.gjep.org/subscribe or contact me directly at curtis@gjep.org