is not just a place to work but a vibrant community that thrives on its shared sense of purpose. “Craig is just a really great place to live,” she says with enthusiasm. It has a small-town feel.There’s a really big sense of community considering our economic situation right now, transitioning away from legacy extractive industries.” Scott acknowledges the challenges the town has faced but emphasizes the collective determination of its residents. “It’s been amazing to see an entire community step up and try to figure out what our future looks like,” she notes. This shift hasn’t been easy, but the efforts of Craig’s citizens reflect a remarkable resilience. BUILDING A FUTURE WHILE HONORING THE PAST As Craig continues rebuilding, the town has leaned into strategic planning and communitydriven initiatives to spur growth and redefine its identity. The Moffat County Vision 2025 Transition Plan, launched in response to the 2020 closure announcements of local coal mines and the power plant, has become a cornerstone for progress. This forward-thinking roadmap addresses critical areas such as housing, transportation, outdoor recreation, and industry support, ensuring that Craig’s evolution is intentional and impactful. Scott explains,“We’ve had a lot of success in checking those priorities off of our list.”The plan’s most urgent focus has been addressing housing shortages, a crucial component of sustainable economic development. “You have to have a place to live,” she asserts, “whether it’s for people already here or those moving into the community.”To that end, Craig created the Craig Housing Authority to spearhead housing projects, offer developer incentives, and manage affordability initiatives. One standout achievement is a recently completed 20-unit townhome complex, finalized in September 2024. Featuring 12 three-bedroom and eight twobedroom units, the development is AMI (area median income) restricted to ensure affordability. “We currently have two of those units sold,” Scott says, marking a promising start. Craig is also advancing ambitious public-private housing projects. Partnering with Colorado Outdoors, the town is set to develop a 96-unit rental apartment complex tailored to the workforce demographic. Scott describes the endeavor as pivotal to revitalizing the area, noting its focus on affordability and accessibility. Revitalization extends beyond housing.Through tax increment financing (TIF) initiatives managed by the urban renewal authority, Craig transforms its more blighted areas into vibrant hubs. “We’re using TIF financing to encourage redevelopment,” Scott explains. One highlight is the forthcoming Bad Alibi 81 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 CRAIG, CO
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