Local First Foundation brings together 200+ local businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as passionate community members we call Localists. Our vision is a thriving, equitable, and sustainable economy that values the triple bottom line: people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone across southwest Colorado.
In 2026, we consolidated our work under the umbrella of the Local First Foundation — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to build local self-reliance, sense of place, and well-being for the residents of La Plata County and southwest Colorado.
Anyone who has visited southwest Colorado can recognize that it's a unique place. What makes it possible for so many people to thrive in our rural region is our strong community of local, independent businesses that attract visitors, provide jobs, and recirculate dollars into the local economy.
