Chris Romer

As we enter 2026, many Eagle County businesses are asking the same questions: What will the economic landscape look like? Where should we focus our energy? And how do we prepare for the uncertainties that...

In Vail Valley, our restaurants are more than just places to eat. They’re where neighbors gather, where first jobs begin and where communities are built. They reflect the creativity, diversity and resilience that define our...

If you've spent more than a few months in a mountain town, you're familiar with the phrase “We came for the winter and stayed for the summer.” For many businesses across Eagle County and the Vail Valley, that statement is more than a cliché; it is an economic reality. Winter is our key season, but summer does its fair share of work as well.

People came seeking opportunity, lifestyle, ambition and access to the outdoors. For a long time, the numbers reflected this influx. Colorado wasn't just gaining residents, it was booming.

Eagle County often feels timeless, from the mountains to the rivers to the trails. But the truth is our community is always in motion, shaped by people who show up ready to work, raise families and build lives. And if we want to thrive in the years ahead, we must face a hard reality: Our immigration system isn't keeping pace with the communities it's supposed to support, and our community is dependent upon immigrants.

Share this story For decades, immigration reform has been Washington's favorite unsolved problem.

When fewer visitors come, everything from employee paychecks to valley-wide bus service declines. Tourism isn't a luxury for us here in the central Rockies; it's our economic foundation. It supports local businesses, funds public services through taxes and sustains jobs while shaping the character of our community. Sales tax drives our local services, and sales tax is dependent on visitor spending.

Share this story There is an old saying that fear is a poor substitute for understanding.

Eagle County has never been a place that waits around for someone else to solve its problems. From building a world-class tourism economy in a mountain valley to nurturing small businesses that punch far above their weight, our community has always chosen action, creativity and collaboration over complacency. That spirit matters now more than ever.

Eagle County thrives because of its strong collaboration. When faced with challenges, our community unites rather than divides. This approach has helped us weather economic pressures and market shifts and is crucial now as we address a top priority: