December 2024 | November 2024 | October 2024
December 2024
Colorado 10th largest outdoor-recreation economy
According to recently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Colorado had the 10th-largest outdoor-recreation economy in the country last year. The industry represented 3.2% of Colorado’s GDP and added $17.2 billion to the state’s economy as well as accounted for 132,594 jobs. In the category of snow activities, Colorado ranked #1 in the nation for economic activity. Click here to view the complete set of findings.
New Loveland-Fort Collins airport terminal opens
Community leaders recently gathered for a ribbon cutting of the new terminal opened at Northern Colorado Regional Airport. The state-of-the-art 19,400 square foot, two-gate facility is designed to provide greater options for travel in the Northern Colorado region. The terminal can serve up to 500 travelers at once, includes lounges and a baggage-handling system, and is primed for future restaurant and retail additions. Visit terminal.flynoco.com to learn more about the project and to book your next flight!
Weld County approves large solar farm
Weld County Commissioners recently approved what will become one of the largest solar projects in the country. The solar farm will span 4,300 acres in Weld County and an additional 4,100 acres in Morgan County. Once fully operational, the 590,000 panel solar farm is projected to power 187,000 homes. Click here to learn more.
November 2024
Four Colorado hotels named ‘World’s Best Stays’
Condé Nast, a renowned travel publication, recently released their reader’s choice list of World’s Best Stays and four Colorado hotels were featured in the Top 50: the Dunton Town House in Telluride, Hotel Jerome in Aspen, the Limelight Hotel Denver, and Gravity Haus Breckenridge. Top criteria for judging included dining experience, design, immersive experiences and spa services. Click here for the full list of Condé Nast’s best hotels worldwide.
Colorado Q2 GDP up 2.7%
Initial data released from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Colorado’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.7% in Q2 2024. GDP is the total market value of all goods and services produced within a given time period, calculated at current market prices. Real GDP adjusts for inflation, meaning it reflects the actual volume of production rather than price changes. Click here for an in-depth analysis of the data.
IRES 3rd Quarter Report
Information and Real Estate Services (IRES) recently released their Q3 2024 MarketWatch Report. In Larimer County, the median sales price was $594,400 for Q3-2024, a 0.8% decrease year-over-year. The number of closed sales was down 10.5% dropping to 1,139. In Weld County, the median sales price was $515,900 for Q3-2024, a 1.5% increase year-over-year. The number of closed sales was up 9.5%, coming in at 1,399. In Boulder County, the median sales price was $820,000 for Q3-2024, a 0.8% year-over-year decrease. The number of closed sales was down 5.5%, coming in at 826.
October 2024
NoCo Recovers: Tracker Update
As we move into the final quarter of the year, it’s a perfect time to check in on the NoCo Recovers economic recovery tracker. The tracker provides a helpful dashboard of key indicators that represent real-time aspects of the Larimer and Weld County economies. The latest data reveals that while the labor market is showing some signs of softening, the following factors continue to remain stable to strong: wages, retail sales, visitors, and real estate. Click here to read more analysis from the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce.
New Wild Bear nature center opening
Nederland has been home to the Wild Bear nature center since 1995, when Jill Dreves founded the organization with the mission of inspiring lifelong connections to nature and community through outdoor exploration. In 2010, Wild Bear opened a free downtown nature center that several thousand visitors enjoy every year. The center became so popular that they outgrew their space, and plans were set in motion for a new net-zero 8,500-square-foot nature center located along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. The new state-of-the-art facility is set to open in the fall of 2025. Click here to learn more about this unique project taking shape in Nederland.
Downtown Estes Loop ahead of schedule
The Downtown Estes Loop project is in the final stages of completion, months ahead of initial projections. The 1.1 loop is designed to provide much needed relief for tourists and residents on Elkhorn Avenue. City leaders are now planning on an early October ribbon cutting, just in time for tourists to enjoy the stunning peak of fall foliage. Click here for a guide to enjoying autumn in Estes!
