Executive Director
Crystal LaTier
In El Paso County, Colorado, we take a holistic approach to economic development. Our office is uniquely tasked with serving an ever-growing region with ever-changing needs. We navigate our dynamic economic landscape with a focused approach, by offering programs for businesses and leveraging federal and state resources for housing and community development. Our goal is to assist in creating a robust, diversified, economic ecosystem. To learn more about our work, view the sections below.
Location:
Economic Development Department
9 E. Vermijo Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
OUR PROGRAMS
Visit our Business Programs page to explore business loans, tax credits, and financing opportunities for small and large businesses in the Pikes Peak Region.
Visit our Community Initiatives page to learn about federal grants, contribution projects, and private activity bond programs which benefit El Paso County residents, nonprofits, and local organizations.
Visit our Housing page for information about affordable housing, financial assistance, and resources that support local homeowners and developers.
Upcoming Events & Notices
CAPER Public Comment
The 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) summarizes how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were used in 2025. The El Paso County CDBG program funds projects and services that support housing, public facilities, and other community development efforts, particularly for low- and moderate-income County residents.
The public is invited to review the 2025 CAPER and submit comments from May 7 through May 22, 2026.
Please visit our CDBG website or email LukeHouser@elpasoco.com to learn more.
AAP Public Comment
The draft 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) is available for public comment from May 20 through June 19, 2026. This plan outlines proposed projects and funding recommendations of the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The CDBG program supports housing, public facilities, and services that assist low-and moderate-income residents across El Paso County.
The public is invited to review the 2026 AAP and submit comments from May 20 through June 19, 2026.
Please visit our CDBG website or email LukeHouser@elpasoco.com to learn more.
Additionally, please join us at our Annual Action Plan public hearing:
May 27, 2026 – 10:00-10:30 AM
Attend in person at 9 E. Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
or email LukeHouser@elpasoco.com to request a virtual meeting link.
Community Panel Discussion
How do housing, jobs, and economic opportunity connect? Join El Paso County Economic Development for a panel discussion on how local partnerships help residents access housing, build careers, and connect to resources. Along with guest speakers from Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity and Exponential Impact, we’ll explore the link between housing and employment, share local examples, and highlight tools that support our community.
Pikes Peak Library District – East Library
5550 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Event Highlights
Community Outreach Event
On April 9, 2026, Economic Development hosted a free outreach event at Silver Key Senior Services in celebration of National Community Development Week.
Luke Houser and Randi Davis from El Paso County, and Barb Van Hoy from the City of Colorado Springs, discussed how regional collaboration, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and housing initiatives are supporting local communities.
Special thanks to our local partners for their collaboration!
Business Resources Panel
On April 2, 2026, Economic Development hosted a free business panel at Manitou Springs Memorial Hall for current and aspiring business owners in El Paso County.
Sara Lobato and Katie Plutz discussed the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone and Business Loan Fund programs on behalf of the County. Expert panelists from the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Exponential Impact, and Colorado Small Business Development Center Serving the Pikes Peak Region responded to attendees’ questions to support business owners and job seekers.
Special thanks to our economic development partners and local businesses who enrich our region!
Our Work in Action
Preview the featured program highlights from 2025.
El Paso County welcomes Terra Ferma, Wayfarer Vans, and Coca-Cola USA; businesses that qualify for PPEZ performance-based tax credits.
The Community Development Block Grant program recently supported street drainage, sidewalk, and playground improvements for the Town of Ramah.
The El Paso County Housing Authority relaunched the Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance program in 2025, with added benefits for Hometown Heroes.
Department Accomplishments
Read the infographics below to learn about the positive impact of our programs in 2025.
Helping local businesses thrive through programs, tools, and a business-friendly environment.
Benefitting local residents, nonprofits, and organizations through federal grants, contribution projects, and nonprofit private activity bonds.
Supporting local housing initiatives through EPCHA housing trust fund loans, private activity bonds, and down payment assistance for home buyers.
