Rangely Commercial Development Project, Rangely, Colorado. Public Administration Field Service Program for Energy-Impacted Communities

摘要

The Rangely Commercial Development Survey Project was designed to identify ways in which the town of Rangely, Colo., (pop. 2,000) could expand its commercial sector and, therefore, its revenue base. Rangely, like other energy - impacted communities, has suffered from successive development impacts since World War II, including a severe housing shortage, retarded commercial development, and a transient resident attitude. Two purposes of the project, designed with the help of the Public Administration Field Service Program, were to identify the basic reasons residents shopped outside Rangely and to decide what, if anything, could be done to improve existing businesses and attract new ones. Survey results showed that most Rangely residents bought most of their retail goods and services in neighboring markets because of high prices, lack of availability of items, and lack of choice. The survey concluded that a substantial part of the business lost to Rangely could be recovered through additional effort and good marketing and business practices; and that town leaders, with the help of residents, should actively solicit new business. Tables, figures, and appendices are included.