My deep appreciation and thanks go out to La Plata County, the city of Durango, the town of Bayfield, the town of Ignacio and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for sending numerous elected officials and staff to a recent government summit in Bayfield to review and discuss on adoption of the Children, Youth and Family Master Plan common policy statement.
A second round of thanks goes to the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners and the Ignacio Town Board of Trustees, which both signed resolutions Feb. 10 in support of the master plan originally crafted by thousands of residents throughout La Plata County, including members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
Important components of the resolutions include alignment with the master plan when making funding decisions and creating meaningful youth engagement opportunities.
These resolutions are important milestones toward increasing assets for our youths while building healthy communities for us all. Numerous local nonprofits and agencies are consulting the master plan as they develop their strategic plans and funding proposals, and I salute these organizations for their support of our community's shared vision for our future well-being.
Yes, we can increase thriving for all children, youths and families in La Plata County, and we are doing it.
Lauren Patterson, Durango
