Our Mission
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.
Our Vision
To create a thriving, sustainable community that is inclusive of all members and businesses in Silverton & San Juan County.
Our Story
Over the years, SJDA has supported the community by providing resources and support to the small businesses and citizens of Silverton & San Juan County. In recent years, Silverton has experienced unique economic experiences related to natural and man- made disasters. 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 founded when leaders in Silverton realized the benefit that a local economic development organization could bring to the community.
Gold King Mine Spill.
SJDA assisted with Recovery Efforts resulting in San Juan County partnering with Region 9 EDD for an Economic Development Administration grant to fund a part-time recovery coordinator.
Recovery Coordinator position extended due to to the community facing numerous manmade and natural disasters. This includes the 416-fire, drought, historic avalanche season, and subsequent mudslides. These natural and manmade disasters further impacted Silverton businesses when the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was unable to bring in large groups of tourists for almost two years.
When COVID-19 arrived, the SJDA Board chose to put their resources towards helping our neighbors by providing no/low interest loans, creating a community food bank, and collaborating with regional and state agencies to provide the most effective resources available to our whole community.
San Juan County received $81,000 from Colorado’s Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) Grant to fund an Economic Diversification & Resiliency Coordinator part time for 1.5 years with the goal to continue efforts to sustain this position. A contractor was identified and onboarded in March 2021 and has been working on workforce housing, fiber redundancy, and the sustainability of SJDA.
SJDA applied for and was awarded a grant from the Colorado Division of Housing for an affordable homeownership program building 4 new units between 80%-100% Area Median Income.
Silverton Housing Authority created and appointed SJDA Housing Coordinator Anne Chase as new director. Final house of the Martha Rose project received its Certificate of Occupancy in early January 2025.