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Rural Exchange

Program Summary

Rural Exchange quarterly call series mission: Empowering rural momentum across Colorado

ROO quarterly meeting initiative is set up to build consistent, focused engagement with rural economic developers. Our framework to help launch and sustain this quarterly virtual office hours efforts. Check out the quarterly meeting dates and details below.

Overview

Type: Quarterly call series

For: Rural Economic Developers

Meetings: Rolling through Nov. 11, 2026

OEDIT division: Rural Opportunity Office

Upcoming Quarterly Meeting Dates

The second Wednesday of every quarter from 10-11 a.m. mountain time

Q3 2026: August 12, 2026

  • Speaker: Matthew Gordon, DOLA
  • Presentation: Matthew will speak on demystifying using AI in economic development

Sign up for the Q3 2026 meeting via Zoom (Google Form)

Q4 2026: November 11, 2026

  • Speaker: Suzanne Mettler, political scientist and author known for her research about the way Americans view government.
  • Presentation: Suzanne will speak on her recent book and growing data for a follow up book. 

Sign up for the Q4 2026 meeting via Zoom (Google Form)
 

Previous Quarterly Meetings

Learn more about the previous quarterly meetings.

  • Q4 2025 Kickoff: November 12, 2025: Doing more with less
    • OEDIT’s Rural Opportunity Office team hosted the inaugural Rural Exchange quarterly call on Wednesday, November 12th from 10-11 a.m mountain. This new series is designed to connect our rural economic development leaders across Colorado to share insights, challenges, and opportunities that strengthen our communities.
    • Panelists: Amy Swiatek, Philanthropy Colorado, Dell Gines, IEDC, Nora Foote Westbrook, Center on Rural Innovation
    • Presentation slides: OEDIT Rural Exchange November 12, 2025 (Google Slides)
  • Q1 2026: February 11, 2026: Doing more with what you have
  • Q2 2026: May 13, 2026: Navigating unknowns: Staying proactive & adaptive when the unexpected happens - Powered by AidKit
    • AidKit provides the infrastructure for governments and nonprofits to deliver cash assistance quickly and securely after disaster strikes. Whether responding to wildfires, floods or other emergencies, AidKit’s platform handles eligibility screening, multilingual applications, and direct payments reducing administrative burden so staff can focus on supporting survivors. As local communities take on a growing role in disaster recovery amid federal shifts, AidKit helps local agencies launch and manage relief programs efficiently and at scale. Learn more about the programs they support. 
    • Panelists: Kris Mattera, Basalt Chamber of Commerce, James Dickhoff, Town of Pagosa Springs,  Katrina Van Gasse, Co-founder AidKit.  Opening remarks from, Kate Guibert, Colorado Resiliency Office.  Moderator: Meridith Marshall, Rural Opportunity Office
    • Presentation slides: Rural Exchange Call_May 13, 2026_Presentation Deck (Google Doc)

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