Join SMPS Colorado for an enlightening panel discussion on the dynamic landscape of development in Southern Colorado. Our distinguished panelists, comprising leaders from diverse sectors of the development industry, will provide valuable insights into opportunities, industry trends, and strategies for effective collaboration.

Southern Colorado development is expanding, with significant projects underway in housing, multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial sectors. Our panelists represent some of the most influential regarding the SoCo developments shaping the region’s future.

Through interactive discussions, our panelists will highlight upcoming opportunities and share industry forecasts, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape. From innovative housing projects to transformative mixed-use developments, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on Southern Colorado's thriving growth and development.

Don’t miss this exclusive in-person event where you can engage with leading development professionals, gain invaluable knowledge, and network with industry peers. Expand your horizons and be a part of the conversation shaping the future of Southern Colorado’s development.

Key Takeaways:

• Connect and engage directly with development professionals.
• Learn about upcoming projects/plans in the Southern Colorado market.
• Engage with Developers and learn how to best work with them.

• Susan Edmondson, President & CEO, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs
• Jariah Walker, Executive Director, Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority
• Bill Craighead, Program Director, UCCS Economic Forum
• Tracy Doherty, Marketing & Communications Director, Norwood Development

More about the Speakers

Susan Edmondson
President & CEO
Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs

Susan Edmondson is President & CEO of Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, a membership organization ensuring that downtown serves as the economic, civic, and cultural heart of the city. In that role, she helms four corporate entities — two nonprofits and two tax districts – and has led an economic resurgence of over $2 billion of new investment into the city center. She previously helmed a local foundation and has been a journalist in Colorado, Nevada, and California. She serves on the board of the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum and is co-founder of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.

Jariah Walker
Executive Director
Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority

Jariah Walker is the Executive Director of the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority and currently oversees 16 urban renewal plan areas that generate roughly over 16 million in annual TIF dollars. On top of his oversight on URA designations, Jariah also leads the CSURA in overseeing 120 million dollars in Colorado Regional Tourism Act funding for the “City for Champions” initiative that includes the new AFA Visitor’s Center, Colorado College Robson Arena, UCCS Hybl Sports Medicine Facility, Weidner/Switchbacks Stadium, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum. In addition to sitting on numerous city committees, he is currently the board president of Downtown Colorado Inc. (an organization that empowers other communities to utilize tools to create districts and greater economic vitality), co-chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Southern Colorado committee, and a member of the Colorado ULI executive committee. Jariah is also proud to be sitting on the board of Greccio Housing, which is a non-profit organization that focusses on creating affordable housing along the front range. Prior to his involvement with urban renewal and districts, Jariah was a partner at a real estate firm and has a background in development, marketing, politics, and policy. Jariah is a native of Colorado Springs, a father to three beautiful girls, and an avid record collector and runner.

Bill Craighead
Program Director
UCCS Economic Forum

Bill became director of the UCCS Economic Forum in July 2023 after 18 years as a college faculty member, including positions at Colorado College and the US Air Force Academy. His teaching and academic research focused on topics related to macroeconomics. He was born in Colorado and lived in Michigan, near Detroit, for much of his childhood. After graduating from Carleton College in Minnesota, he worked for a financial trade publisher in New York City. He then earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Virginia. Dr. Craighead tracks data on the local, state, and national economies and provides analysis to Economic Forum partners, local media, and the public, including through the “Weekly Economic Snapshot” video series.

Tracy Doherty
Marketing & Communications Director
Norwood Development

Tracy Doherty is dedicated to fostering a more inspired and interconnected community in Colorado Springs. As the Marketing and Communications Director at Norwood Development Group, she plays a key role in promoting and launching numerous innovative developments throughout the city. Before her time at Norwood, Tracy worked in product development, leading diverse teams of industrial designers, engineers, brand strategists, market analysts, and researchers to bring new products to market. Her career began in the advertising sector, where she honed her skills in bridging the gap between clients and creative teams. Tracy lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Ryan, and two young sons.

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CEUs Available: 1, 3 Client and Business Development

Note: Only SMPS Members may register at member pricing. All ticket prices increase $25 on June 15.
Finding it difficult to allocate funds for SMPS programming and/or membership? The Colorado Believes page program is rooted in our core values of learning, commitment, and community through charitable giving, membership sponsorships, scholarships, and industry engagement. This program is also part of our efforts to help diversify membership and help provide opportunities for BIPOC individuals and DBE, WBE, MBE, VBR, and LGBTBE firms to elevate their marketing efforts while helping your company save. Please email SMPS Colorado’s admin for reduced pricing and scholarship opportunities.

If you are a member of another SMPS Chapter and would like a member rate, please email the admin. Job seekers, students, and other new professionals, please visit our Colorado Believes page for details on our student membership programs and professional development scholarship opportunities. Refunds are available if submitted to the admin one week prior to the event.