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Community & Economic Development Department


The Town of Mancos Community & Economic Development team brings land use, building, local business support and long-term planning into one department to serve the needs of our growing community.  

Our department has three primary objectives:
  • Provide businesses and entrepreneurs with access to tailored technical assistance and resources that create, sustain or grow businesses in Mancos.  
  • Provide a central point of contact for prospective developers of both residential and commercial projects within Town limits. 
  • Work with the Mancos community and our partners to establish a vision for the future sustainable growth of the town which enhances our economic resiliency.  

Why Choose Mancos to Start Your Business


The Town of Mancos is nestled beneath the magnificent 13,000-foot peaks of the La Plata Mountains with breathtaking views in every direction as well as optimal access to myriad outdoor recreational opportunities. The temperate climate creates ideal growing conditions for our organic farms, ranches, and hayfields in the Mancos Valley.

From its small-town friendliness to unique events including the Burro Fest, Mancos Brew Fest, River Film Fest, the annual Mancos Days celebration, and year-round outdoor adventures, Mancos is a singular destination for those who want to experience a high quality of life, a low cost of living, and work-life balance.

Known as the Gateway to Mesa Verde®, Mancos is just seven miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, rafting, and horseback riding are also within a short distance.

Experience the sunny days, snowy peaks, and starry night skies of Southwest Colorado. Catch the occasional cattle drive through town, and you’ll see why many claim Mancos is “where the west still lives.”

Mancos and the surrounding valley have many assets that make us an excellent choice for new and existing businesses:
  • Excellent Quality of Life: Safe, small town of just over 1200 residents offers a sense of community and belonging.  We are close to both Cortez and Durango.  
  • Tourism: Over 900,000 tourists and travelers to the area for Mesa Verde National Park, and other surrounding hot spots like Dolores, Cortez, Telluride and Durango located in the beautiful San Juan National Forest.  
  • Outdoor Recreation: View the Montezuma County GIS interactive maps to find information on camping, hiking, biking, fishing, river sports, horseback riding and much more all right outside your door.
  • Small Businesses Incentives: We love entrepreneurs, startups and ideas that become reality. Create here and get connected with a variety of resources, networking and other supports.  
  • Education:  Award winning Mancos RE-6 School District and access to institutions of higher learning in the region at Pueblo Community College and Fort Lewis College.  
  • Partnerships:  Local partners like the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mancos Creative District support a variety of local business needs.  


Demographics
For the most updated demographic data please visit the Colorado State Demographers Office and search Mancos.

Economic Data:
Interested in seeing economic development data?  Visit Region 9 EDD's website or link to their data dashboard for Montezuma County 

Business Ambassador Survey


The Town of Mancos recognizes the importance that small businesses play in the overall economic resiliency of our community.  Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, created and sustained by innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship.  The Community and Economic Development Department wants to support local businesses to be successful.

Not every business finds itself with the same needs at given stage of their lifecycle, so a more tailored approach to business support is required.  The Town of Mancos has access to many resources for local businesses that can help their bottom line.  The Community and Economic Development department is happy to introduce the latest initiative to help guide businesses to the support they need through our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program.

We hope that local businesses take the opportunity to share information about their needs through the Business Ambassador Survey.  All information shared is kept confidential and will only be used to communicate with your business and to link you to information and resources.

Take the Business Ambassador Survey today to get started, or schedule an appointment with the Community and Economic Development department to complete the process in-person. 

Click here to take Business Ambassador Survey
Submit a Community Improvement Idea

Drop-in Business Support Hours


Feedback from local businesses in the last Visioning Survey indicated that open hours for businesses to drop-in and talk with the Town of Mancos about resources, planning or other development topics should be a high priority for the department.  Starting in 2024, the Community and Economic Development Director has started these open hours at local businesses and partner locations like the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce, The M Bar at the Mesa Verde Motel and the Mancos Common Press.  No appointment is necessary. 

To see the currently scheduled locations and times, please visit our News section on the Town of Mancos home page!   

Jason is available for appointments at Town Hall or at your selected location.  Call (970) 394.4780 to set some time to talk about your business development needs.  

Annual Mancos Visioning Survey


Beginning in 2021 the Town of Mancos implemented a series of conversations around the overall future growth and vision for our community.  Out of this process an annual survey is conducted to ensure the Community & Economic Development Department continues to understand community perceptions in a variety of areas including business development, town amenities, town services, housing and placemaking.

To see the 2024 Mancos Visioning Survey results click here


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