The voice of La Plata's Local, Independent Business Community!

Not yet a member of Local First's value-driven business coalition? Joining is easy!

It's that time of year—the team at Local First is gearing up for the 2023 Be Local Coupon Book and we want YOU to be in this year's book!

Headed into its 15th year, the 2023 Be Local Book will encourage folks to follow the Local Way by exploring and supporting the many local, independent businesses that make up our vibrant community.

Thousands of copies of the Be Local Coupon Book are sold each year making this an opportunity you don't want to miss!

View advertising options and secure your business's spot by visiting our website, local-first.org/coupon-book or contacting our staff via email, info@local-first.org

Bank Local, Invest Local

It's never the wrong time to Move your Money and make the switch to a community bank. Transferring your money to local financial systems allows your dollars to go toward improving the lives of the people around you by keeping more money in our communities. Your dollars recirculate in the community, create jobs, and build a stronger more resilient and sustainable economy.

Learn more about the major benefits of banking locally and view a snapshot of our area's regional banks & credits unions here!

Congrats Sorrel Sky!

Sorrel Sky Gallery is celebrating its 20th year! Shanan Campbell opened Sorrel Sky on historic Main Ave in Durango, Colorado on April 5, 2002 after working for the Smithsonian, the Franklin Mint, and managing several successful galleries. With innovative thinking and an immense passion for the arts, Sorell Sky fosters a thriving environment that now supports over 100 artists and a dynamic team of 15 professionals.

Read Sorrel Sky's blog celebrating their major milestone to learn more of their history as well as their look to the future.

Give your Input:
Downtown Next Steps

Local First encourages local business owners and community members to review the Downtown redevelopment concept and provide feedback as the City of Durango prepares for it's next steps of the project.

All info surrounding the concept for Downtown's redevelopment is available HERE. Comments will be accepted until May 22nd.

Friends of the Library Book Sale
May 20th-21st | 9:30-3:30 PM

Join the Friends of the Library for their annual book sale this Friday, May 20th and Saturday, May 21st at the Durango Public Library. All proceeds made by the Book Sale benefit the Durango Public Library.

Don't miss out on this opporutnity to support the public library and find your summer read! See you there!

Event Details.

Party in the Park
May 21st | 12-5:30PM

Bring your friends & family and spend the day with Stillwater, sharing the love of music! The 10th annual Party in the Park will take place at Buckley Park on Saturday, May 21st from Noon to 5:30pm. This FREE family-friendly youth performing arts festival will feature 120 youth performers along with professional musicians, dancers, and local youth art organizations. A wide variety of area businesses and nonprofit organizations will host exhibitor booths to showcase their programs for kids of all ages. Hand-on activities for kids are a highlight in exhibitor booths. Food and drinks will also be offered for sale by local food vendors. Learn more...

Durango Green Drinks
May 26th | 5-7PM

Join fellow sustainable-minded community members on Thursday, April 28th from 5-7PM at 11th Street Station for the first Durango Green Drinks of 2022.

Hosts this month are the Durango Farmers Market and Manna Soup Kitchen.

Details on Facebook.

Downtown Clean Day
May 27th | 8:30-11:30 AM

Gather your co-workers, friends, and neighbors and join the Durango Chamber of Commerce and BID to shine up Downtown on Friday, May 27.

Meet at Keller Williams parking lot at 7th and Main in Downtown, look for the Chamber and BID tents. Arrive around 8:30 am to get checked in, receive your block assignment, grab some donuts and coffee and get your cleaning supplies. Cleaning starts right at 9 am.

City Councilors to seek more feedback before chosing to adopt petitioned measure.

A petition to change the ordinance was submitted by residents in response to lack of public involvement in the Durango Fire Protection District’s acquisition of the former Durango School District 9-R Administration Building.

Durango City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to schedule a public hearing to further discuss a draft ordinance that would change the planning process for fire and police developments within the Central Business District. The public hearing will take place May 26th. Read more in the Durango Hearld...

TABOR refunds, abortion rights, mental health and more:
Here's what the Colorado Legislature did in 2022

State lawmakers wrapped up their annual session minutes before midnight on Wednesday, May 11th after a final week of long days and occasional partisan showdowns as both chambers rushed through their jam-packed calendars. Read and listen to the CPR article to review the 6 big takeaways from this year's session...