Economic Development, according to most experts, means bringing in businesses and marketing your city.  What happens if you don't have a city?

In many rural areas, there is an idea to start thinking of Economic Development from the bottom up, instead of from the top down.  In other words, "Grow Where You're Planted."

There are new trends toward "Sustainability".  Many rural communities are returning to home-grown food, hand-made furniture, and local arts and crafts in an effort to support themselves and bring money into the local economy.  Some folks, who have retired, are finding new excitement in doing something they have dreamed of doing all their life.  this focus on "local" could become even more of a reality with the price of gas and the instability of the economy.

Some of our neighboring towns have started by renovating their old downtown theater as a "cornerstone" of their economic development.  A visit to Raton, Dalhart, or Santa Rosa would show haw successful this has been in their communities.  it works to provide something to do for the residents, as well as restoring an old building, a treasure from the past.

First and foremost, whatever happens in Harding County will be up to the citizens of Harding County.  If they want a thriving economy, healthy schools, and happy people, they will work together to achieve that.  If they would rather keep things just the way they are, that is exactly what will happen.