Stronger Economies Together (SET) launched in 2009 by USDA Rural Development in collaboration with the nation's Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDC) and their land-grant university partners. The purpose of SET is to strengthen the capacity of communities in rural America, to work together in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint that strategically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of their region. The local regional effort began in September 2011 with Huerfano and Las Animas Counties in Colorado and Colfax County in New Mexico. The Stronger Economies Together Program built collaboration among communities in the Raton Basin Region and provided economic analysis tailored to capture the region's current or emerging clusters and comparative economic advantages. The effort was supported by technical assistance provided by Colorado State University Extension Systems to the region over a period of several months.
Regional Vision Statement
The Raton Basin Region is a model of economic prosperity and a healthy rural lifestyle. We are a multi-state and diverse cultural area which thrives by cooperatively and collaboratively embracing cultural, economic, educational, technological, and social endeavors.
The Raton Basin Regional Economic Development Plan serves as a roadmap for the future economic development efforts of the Raton Basin Regional Economic Development District (REDD). Key regional stakeholders embrace a spirit of regionalism to support this initiative. Implementing the plan will strengthen the ability of the Raton Basin REDD to secure its economic future and position it as a competitive region.