Garfield County is looking to diversify its economy so it’s not as dependent on oil and gas. The discussion comes as the county updates its comprehensive plan, which guides development through 2030.
Garfield County relies on oil and gas; that industry accounted for about 30% of its economy in 2018. But an addition to the 2030 comprehensive plan acknowledges that revenues are unpredictable and that oil and gas are "finite resources."
While the updated draft of the plan says a top priority is ensuring the long term viability of oil and gas extraction, it includes another goal of strengthening the economy by developing areas like health care and education. It also recommends growing tourism and outdoor recreation.
Garfield county commissioners are using new data about population and economic forecasts as they consider several updates to the master plan in upcoming worksessions.
