GrowRaton! set as one of its primary goals for 2014 to facilitate the creation of an Economic Development Plan (EDP) for Raton, but we can not do this by ourselves.  This is not a GrowRaton! project; it is a community project which requires the involvement of concerned citizens who are willing to volunteer their time to make this effort a success.  Since early March, we have had the support of some committed individuals who have worked on developing a vision statement for the year 2020, our idea of how we would like to see Raton in the future.  However, there is much more work to be done.

We are now at the point where we need to develop strategic goals so that we can achieve that vision.  If you are frustrated by planning efforts in the past that have just ended up gathering dust on shelves and not accomplishing anything, then rest assured that what we have in mind is entirely different!  We are setting S.M.A.R.T. goals that are specific, measurable, achievable (no pie in the sky ideas), relevant, and have a timeline for achievement.  In support of these goals, there will be an action-oriented implementation plan which holds individuals accountable for their involvement along the way.  The approval and support of  the City Commission depends on this being an effort which reflects wide-spread community participation..

When we did our Community Attitudes Survey, over 90% of the respondents recognized that we need to change the economic future of Raton.  For too long we have been in a downward spiral of losing businesses and population.  Now a few entrepreneurs have helped slow that downward momentum by investing in our community and opening several new businesses.  Yet, it will take a lot more to really turn things around and achieve sustainable prosperity.  It will take the support and effort of community residents who are willing to sacrifice their time to participate creating this Economic Development Plan.

We currently have two groups meeting, one in the evening on Wednesdays, and the other over lunch on Thursdays, each meeting for ninety minutes twice a month.  If you are willing to be a participant in this process, then please check out our Facebook page by going to www.Facebook.com/GrowRatonNM for details on the meetings. Or you can email us at  GrowRaton@RatonNM.US to let us know of your interest.