A Western Colorado coalition has scheduled a series of meetings in Pagosa Springs. Club 20 will host its summer policy committee meetings July 13 and 14 at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have discussions centered around some of the biggest issues impacting our region and have knowledgeable committee chairs […]
The Mesa County commissioners oppose Proposition HH and decided to have the county join in a lawsuit to keep the tax measure off the November ballot. Proposition HH would reduce the state tax assessment rates for residential and commercial properties, but also backfill reduced tax revenues for local governments and school and special districts with […]
The Colorado Department of Agriculture continues to work with Mesa County entities on efforts to eradicate Japanese beetles even as local officials work with homeowners. “Property owners in the affected areas of Mesa County understand the importance of eradicating this invasive and destructive pest early, and Mesa County secured nearly unanimous consent from homeowners and […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Nathan Perry quantifies the Mesa County economy with a variety of indicators and statistics. And a few encouraging words. “I think Mesa County is doing really well,” says Perry, an economics professor at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction who compiles quarterly and twice-yearly economic updates for Mesa County and […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Real estate sales continue to lag in Mesa County on a year-over-year basis. But the gap is expected to close because of slowing that began during the second half of 2022 and makes numbers more comparable. “It’s going to be a truer comparison,” said Annette Young, administrative coordinator at Heritage […]
U.S. employers added more than 200,000 jobs in June as the unemployment rate retreated from a seven-month high. Nonfarm payrolls increased 209,000 and the jobless rate edged down a tenth of a point to 3.6 percent, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Payroll gains for the previous two months […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded to its highest level in 17 months on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. Concerns remain, however, about the prospect of recession. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 5.2 points to 109.7 in June. That’s the highest level since January 2022. Dana […]
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to retreat, signaling slowing ahead. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index fell seven-tenths of a percent to 106.7 in May. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased. The leading index dropped 4.3 percent over the last six months and has declined […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While the commercial real estate market in the Grand Valley faces challenges from higher interest rates and inflation, Brian Bray remains optimistic. Demand persists, especially for investment properties. Businesses are growing and moving into bigger quarters. And more inventory is becoming available, said Bray, managing broker of Bray Commercial based […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While national and state policies affect businesses, so do local policies. “Local communities have a lot of say in their ability to stay competitive,” said Chris Brown, vice president of policy and research with the Common Sense Institute. Speaking at a Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly membership meeting, […]