Vista as an older, established community that is successfully attracting younger generations and new entrepreneurs. “Monte Vista has a rich cultural history,” Dennis says. “We’re part of the San Luis Valley, an area of about 150 miles by 75 miles covering 8,000 square miles. It’s home to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the highest dunes in North America. Our roots are in agriculturesuch as alfalfa and barley and we’re still one of the nation’s top producers of fresh market potatoes . Most of those are grown right here in the San Luis Valley.” Agriculture remains at the heart of Monte Vista’s identity, but the city is also cultivating new growth through entrepreneurship, community partnerships, and creative redevelopment. “Our businesses tend to center around what the agricultural community needs,” Dennis adds, “but we’re seeing more diversification than ever before.” BLENDING COMMUNITY AND COMMERCE Monte Vista’s downtown is undergoing a vibrant revival, blending its historic charm with fresh energy. The city is focusing on walkability, retail expansion, and culinary diversity. “We want more retail establishments, more restaurants,” Dennis explains. “We’ve been blessed recently with new eateries, including Tumbleweed Bread, which adds to our growing food culture.And, of course, we have the best Mexican food in Colorado right here in Monte Vista.” Jacob Gefell, co-owner of Tumbleweed Bread and Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Bread, is one of the entrepreneurs breathing new life into downtown. “Tumbleweed Bread is a whole-grain, naturally leavened bakery that sources all its grain locally from the San Luis Valley,” Gefell says. “We wanted to fill a niche, to produce food that’s not just flavorful and fun, but truly healthful. Our location sits at the end of a commercial street, right next to a neighborhood—it’s the perfect spot to connect community and commerce.” Beyond baking, Gefell is invested in the region’s agricultural future. He points out that water scarcity poses a real challenge to the Valley’s farming economy. “We’re going through a pinch point with 135 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 MONTE VISTA, CO
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