Northern Colorado Regional Place Craft Initiative.
Northern Colorado is thriving. From Fort Collins to Greeley, from our mountain towns to our agricultural heartlands, we’re home to innovation, resilience, and opportunity. And we’re consistently ranked among the best places to live and work in the U.S.
But growth demands intention. It calls for thoughtful planning, shared leadership, and a commitment to protecting what we love about this region – even as we build for what comes next.
The Northern Colorado Regional Place Craft Initiative is our region-wide effort to do exactly that.
People-powered and AI-informed, this collaboration unites local governments, chambers, universities, workforce partners, employers, nonprofits and small businesses around one essential question:
How do we grow in a way that protects what makes us…us?
MAKING OF A PLACE BRAND.
Place craft gives Northern Colorado the essentials – a distinct value proposition, clear messaging, and cohesive visuals, while establishing the unified story and regional strategy needed for coordinated growth. By aligning both our message and our actions, we’re elevating NoCo as a top destination for companies and talent while protecting the character, values, and quality of life that make this region exceptional.
One Region. Unified Vision. Unlimited Potential.
Northern Colorado is where an innovative ecosystem meets independent spirit. Where world-class research universities fuel startup culture. Where agricultural heritage strengthens advanced manufacturing. And where mountain towns and prairie communities share a sense of pride and place.
NoCo REDI is building a future where:
- Growth strengthens communities rather than strains them
- Opportunity is shared across Larimer and Weld Counties
- The way we work is our competitive advantage
- The next generation chooses to stay, build and lead here
But that future doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design and it happens together.
Why This Matters.
For the Business Community:
A unified regional story attracts aligned investment and creates a more stable environment for long-term growth. When companies understand who we are and what we stand for, they can invest with confidence.
For Our Workforce & Families:
A strategic approach to marketing our region drives proactive job creation, strengthens economic prosperity, and supports the kind of connected, resilient communities where people want to live, work and raise their kids.
For Local Leaders:
A shared approach to research, story and strategy supports intentional growth across jurisdictions. Our place craft initiative helps leaders to collaborate more effectively and protect what matters most as NoCo evolves.
Inside The Initiative.
This project is an investment in who we are, what sets us apart, and where we’re headed – helping Northern Colorado shift from simply thriving to truly standing out in a competitive national landscape.
Organizations and everyday citizens from across Larimer and Weld Counties are already engaged:
- Local governments
- Chambers of commerce
- Economic development organizations
- Colorado State University + University of Northern Colorado
- Workforce leaders
- Major employers
- Small businesses
- Community organizations
- People from across the region
Join Our List of Brand Champions.
I'm in.DETAILS & DOWNLOADS.
Steering & Technical Committees
See who’s leading the way.
Place Craft Video
Share the video with your network.
Additional Resources.
- Xcel Joins as Founding Partner
- CSU Offers In-Kind Creative Support
- UNC Joins Steering Committee
PEOPLE-POWERED, AI-INFORMED.
A Globally Recognized Approach.
Northern Colorado is gaining international attention for its innovative Place Craft Initiative – using a research methodology that blends AI-driven perception analysis with community insights to guide authentic storytelling and intentional regional growth.
Recently showcased at City Nation Place Global 2025 in London, this project is being recognized not just for what we’re building, but how we’re building it.
How You Can Help.
Invest in the Work.
An investment in the Northern Colorado Place Craft Initiative is an investment in the future of our region. Organizations across the region – including public and private sector groups and higher ed institutions – have signed on to support the development of our regional brand. And you can too! Contact NoCo REDI for more information.
Schedule a
Presentation.
Bring the place craft initiative to your company, organization, chamber or community group.
Become a Brand Collaborator.
Soon we’ll be developing branded toolkits – your chance to leverage our assets within your own work.
Share in
Our Vision.
Share our socialization video – a look at what this project is, why it matters and where we’re headed.
Create the Brand
with Us.
Stay tuned for opportunities to lend your creativity to NoCo’s regional brand initiative.
JOIN US.
Craft What's Next.
Add your name and email to our list of supporters. Contact Rich Werner at rwerner@upstatecolorado.org to get involved today!
Thank You, Investors.
