I received the Annual Report from the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) this week.
GJARA is a proud sponsor member of the organization, and so I was pleased to see the success of Director Curtis Englehart, his staff and the GJEP Board of Directors.
Growth, like nature, is a force that can be guided, shepherded, but not controlled. We have seen numerous comments in the editorial section of this newspaper discussing the pros and cons of a thriving, growing market.
Yes, things like traffic and congestion can occur, and any form of change brings challenges. Having experienced both a growing market and a shrinking market, I can tell you with certainty that the problems encountered in a growing market are far better than the problems of a shrinking (dying?) market.
Several things stood out to me as I reviewed the numbers. The first was our “Net Migration” rate. Colorado is currently experiencing a negative net migration rate statewide; more people are leaving Colorado than moving here.
The only counties showing a positive net migration rate are Gilpin and, you guessed it, Mesa County. More people are moving here than are leaving, at a significant rate.
We have been discovered, as articles in the New York Times can attest. More importantly, the predictions for net migration here continue to grow. The GJEP report estimates a doubling of in-migration by 2036. More people means more housing.
I know this is a much-discussed topic in the valley as well. You have seen where we stand on that subject. New development, well thought out and designed to meet the needs of residents, is key to keeping our community thriving and affordable.
Housing options for all types of buyers prevent stagnation in the marketplace and keep costs from rising to unattainable levels.
The second thing that stood out for me was the variety of different jobs and careers in the GJEP “Job Growth and Projections” chart. Our local economy is broadening, and the types of jobs coming to the valley are expanding.
A broad job base leads to better opportunities for all. We’ve lived through the impacts of a narrow job base, and a solid, broad job market benefits all.
I was also impressed with the growing annual wage numbers. The new jobs created in 2025 had an annual average wage of $68,344, a significant increase over past years.
We in real estate understand the importance of a rising wage base as the key to affordable housing is not just containing costs but developing a strong wage base.
The economic impact of GJEP is estimated at nearly $200,000,000. With 224 new jobs created and an additional 943 jobs projected, this effort is helping our community grow and prosper.
So, what does this have to do with real estate and REALTORS®? According to the GJEP report, we are one of the job segments slated for growth.
While we’re not growing as fast as others, we still represent a healthy number of jobs. More importantly, each real estate transaction creates up to 100 other economic transactions.
Think of all the new home improvements, furniture, decorating and landscape purchases that happen when a property is sold. The sellers spruce up, and the buyers do too.
Who hasn’t painted that purple bedroom before they moved in? All that creates economic activity in our community. That activity spreads to local businesses and supports rising wages.
It’s an economic circle that supports us all. It’s our passion for this place, for helping our buyers and sellers find their perfect version of home that keeps us going.
Knowing that we have had a small part in finding the right place for you and your family to grow and thrive is why we are REALTORS®.
The GJEP report opens by recounting the local legend that those leaving the Grand Valley should “Take a little dirt” with them. It goes on to explain the origins of this tradition.
More importantly, it shows how strong the connection is between the people and the land in Mesa County. We believe in dirt as well; it’s the foundation of what we do.
The preamble of the REALTOR® oath states: “Under all is the land.” We believe in the land, we believe in growth and that a thriving, growing community benefits us all. We’re proud to be here and to play a part in that growth.