Enhancing economic diversification in Silverton and San Juan County, CO by promoting collaboration, partnerships, and trust between businesses, non-profits, and local governments through community priority projects.
To create a thriving, sustainable community that is inclusive of all members and businesses in Silverton & San Juan County.
San Juan Development Association was founded in the early 2000s when leaders in Silverton realized the benefit that a local economic development organization could bring to the community. The Board represents key decision makers from San Juan County, the Town of Silverton, Silverton School District, Chamber of Commerce, and Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado.
Over the years, SJDA has supported the community by providing resources and support to the small businesses and citizen of Silverton & San Juan County. In recent years, Silverton has experienced unique economic experiences related to natural and man- made disasters starting with the Gold King Mine Spill in 2015 to the extreme winter drought in 2017/2018 that decimated the winter season to the 416 Fire and subsequent mudslides that temporarily closed the only southern access route to a historic avalanche season during the winter of 2018/2019 and finally the global pandemic in 2020. In response, SJDA spearheaded the recovery effort for businesses and residents who lost income by developing lists of available resources such as the CERF Fund, Utility Bill Assistance, organizing a Community Food Bank, and assisting in the COVID Relief Loans. SJDA raised over $10,000 for businesses in need and $5,000 for winter events through the Impact Grant Fund and created two emergency Disaster Declarations to free up resources for the community.
San Juan Development Association continues to help with economic recovery in the community while also working alongside the Town, County, Chamber and School in community lead priority projects.