HOW THE CENTENNIAL STATE IS LEADING ON EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: A PROFILE OF COLORADO’S EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP OFFICE

This Aspen Institute profile on Colorado’s Employee Ownership Office shows how employee-owned business models can advance equity, improve job quality, and strengthen communities—especially at a time when many business owners are preparing for succession. By documenting how Colorado is using state-level leadership, technical assistance, and public awareness to expand employee ownership, the piece reflects Aspen CSG’s core belief that durable community wealth is built when assets—whether businesses, land, or local talent—are rooted locally and benefit residents over the long term. Just as Aspen CSG supports rural communities in capturing and growing local assets for shared prosperity, Colorado’s model demonstrates how intentional policy and infrastructure can align economic opportunity with community well-being.

Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group
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Building Capacity in Rural & Indigenous Communities

Insights and learnings from rural practitioners on how organizational capacity and technical assistance can be carefully and intentionally strengthened to grow economies, health, and livelihoods for each and every person in their regions.

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Volunteer places a 'Vote Here' sign outside a rural community center before polls open.
A Reminder To Reporters: If You’ve Seen One Rural Place … You’ve Seen One Rural Place

By shaping accurate narratives, we can drive fair and just investments and policies that honor the people and places at the heart of rural and Indigenous communities.

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Measuring Community Capacity Building Workbook

This is a workbook focuses on improving the ability of individuals, organizations, businesses, and government in their community to come together, learn, make well-reasoned decisions about the community’s present and future, and work together to carry out those decisions.

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Ten Books for Rethinking Rural and Indigenous Development

Stories shape how we understand people and places. This list highlights narratives and research on the systemic forces affecting rural and Indigenous communities.

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How Rural Development Hubs Can Strengthen Rural Health Transformation Program Implementation

Rural Development Hub leaders say new funding like RHTP works best when regions interpret it against existing priorities, coordinate it through existing partnerships, and adapt it to local context — rather than treating it as a distinct program.

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Ten Podcasts Focused on Rural Community and Economic Development

Check out our roundup of podcasts highlighting important issues about and to rural communities and Native nations.