One Valley

Since the completion of the One Valley Prosperity Project in 2016, the concept of "One Valley" has evolved into a recurring and unifying theme in regional initiatives within the Gunnison Valley.

One Valley Prosperity Project 

Between March 2015 and April 2016, the One Valley Prosperity Project (OVPP) brought together Gunnison Valley residents to think strategically about how to create a more prosperous future for our region – one that honors our community’s values, builds upon local strengths, and synergizes local efforts.

Key outcomes of the OVPP process include but are not limited to:

• Creation of the Community Health Coalition resulting in multiple initiatives, including dedicated behavioral health services, Mobile Crisis Response Team, Basic Needs Guide, Recovery Resources Guide, Opioid Response program, 2022 State of the Community Report, and more
• Creation of Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee, resulting in several projects and initiatives (enhanced recreation infrastructure, restrooms, signage; stewardship education and messaging; mitigation for recreation and tourism impacts)
• ICELab@Western to support economic resiliency
• Complete Gunnison Airport Master Plan

One Valley Resiliency Roadmap 

Gunnison County's One Valley Resilience Roadmap (OVRR) was a transformative project funded by the State of Colorado DOLA Resiliency Roadmap grant in 2022. It united the diverse communities of Gunnison Valley to collectively address shared challenges, including:

• Housing affordability, land use, transportation and infrastructure planning, elevating civic capacity, taking action on climate change, advancing equity and inclusion; and maintaining and strengthening our sense of community as the valley continues to change.

Building upon previous initiatives like the One Valley Prosperity Project and recent community plans, OVRR draws from the:

• City of Gunnison Comprehensive Plan
• Crested Butte Community Compass, and
• Mt. Crested Butte Master Plan.

OVRR ensures ownership and accountability by presenting the plan to local government entities and elected leaders for endorsement, emphasizing the need for collective action beyond individual municipalities. The OVRR goes beyond planning; it unites Gunnison County to shape a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future, standing strong against evolving challenges.

One Valley Leadership Council

The One Valley Leadership Council (OVLC), formed from the One Valley Prosperity Project (OVPP), coordinates regional collaboration and progress on One Valley projects and priorities. It leverages and connects governmental and regional activities, so economic, transportation, housing, land use policy and investments are aligned.

State of the Valley Reports

The inaugural State of the Valley report, initiated in 2015 to support the One Valley Prosperity Project, presented a comprehensive range of local data covering the economy, education, environment, and more. The report aimed to make this information easily accessible to help the community understand the changes the valley has undergone and the possibilities it faces. The 2018 State of the Valley update shares the same goal but focuses specifically on housing, income, jobs, and poverty—key topics deemed particularly relevant to current life in the valley.