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 diverse incentives 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 Incentives 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
Enterprise Zone Webinars
Are you a new or established business owner? Do you know if your business qualifies for valuable state income tax credits? Join us for an informational webinar about the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone (EZ) program. Hear how the recent 2026 EZ Redesignation may benefit your business. Find out if you’re eligible to earn tax credits, and let us help you achieve your business goals!
Webinar 1: EZ Redesignation Updates
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 10:00-11:00 am
Webinar 2: EZ Technical Assistance
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – 1:00-1:30 pm
Once registered, you will receive a virtual meeting link.
Business Resources Panel
Calling all business owners! Join El Paso County for a free, interactive panel discussion highlighting key resources to help your business grow and thrive. Hear from expert panelists from the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, City of Fountain, and Colorado Small Business Development Center serving the Pikes Peak Region. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and accelerate your business goals!
Thursday, February 12, 2026 – 3:00-4:00 pm
Fountain City Hall – City Council Chambers
116 S Main St, Fountain, CO 80817
Event Highlights
Community Outreach Event
On December 19, 2025, Economic Development hosted a free event at the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Visitor Center to highlight community development, affordable housing, and Veteran resources.
Luke Houser and Randi Davis presented the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and housing financing programs on behalf of the County. Guest speaker Bob McLaughlin from Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center discussed resources supporting local Veterans and residents.
Special thanks to Mt. Carmel for their collaborative partnership!
El Paso County Business Resources Panel
On November 12, 2025, Economic Development hosted a free business panel at the Family Success Center 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, City of Colorado Springs, 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 2024.
Helping local businesses thrive through incentive programs 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.
