Nature is one of Carbon County’s major competitive advantages for future economic growth. The region’s forested ridges and stream valleys attract recreational spending, increase property values, and generate tax revenue. The biggest challenge facing Carbon County is promoting sustainable economic growth while maintaining its high quality of life, low cost of living, good health, and unique sense of place.

We simultaneously developed a comprehensive plan and a greenways, trails, and open space plan for the county. Both plans share a common vision for a more resilient and diversified economic base that is inclusive of all communities.  They include a portfolio of investments to better house, connect, and employ those who call the county home.  One of the key challenges was to orchestrate travel into the area in a way that optimizes the experiential value of the region without eroding already-stressed infrastructure.