Bipartisanship isn’t just dying, it’s nearly extinct. And that should concern all of us, regardless of party affiliation, because the most pressing issues facing our communities don’t come with partisan labels. They require collaboration, not polarization.

In a time when ideological purity tests dominate our political landscape, pragmatic problem-solving has taken a back seat. The national narrative rewards outrage over outcomes, and talking points over teamwork. But here in the mountains, we don’t have the luxury of endless debate. We have real problems that need real solutions, and those solutions require people working together, not standing across from each other with arms crossed.

Our workforce challenges, housing shortages, transportation needs, and economic and environmental sustainability are not red or blue issues. They are Eagle County, Colorado, and American issues, and they demand more than partisan gridlock and political theater.

A functional market economy and strong free enterprise system depend on a stable, predictable, and cooperative approach to governance. Business owners need certainty. Investors seek consistency. Workers need opportunities, which are created by a strong economic foundation and smart policy. When government works efficiently - when elected leaders roll up their sleeves and work across the aisle - businesses thrive, communities flourish, and trust is restored.

Let’s not forget: that the private sector is the primary engine of prosperity. But it operates within a framework shaped by public policy. When that framework becomes a casualty of partisan bickering and legislative stalemate, it creates instability. And instability is bad for everyone, especially the small business owners, workers, and families who just want a shot at a good life.

Take workforce housing as a prime example. Our region’s affordability crisis isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue — it’s a community issue. We need creative policies that incentivize responsible development, encourage public-private partnerships, and streamline burdensome regulations. That’s not radical. That’s reasonable. But it won’t happen without elected officials who are willing to cross the aisle.

The same goes for workforce development. For transportation infrastructure. For childcare access. For economic diversification. These are not ideological debates. They are practical necessities.

Nowhere is this clearer than in Eagle County. Our economy is deeply rooted in tourism, recreation, and service-based industries. The people who support these industries (hospitality workers, healthcare providers, teachers, first responders) all rely on an accessible and affordable housing market. When they’re priced out, our community suffers. When public policy is stalled by partisanship, solutions get kicked down the road and our workforce gets left behind.

Transportation is another great example. Whether it’s bus service expansions, improvements to I-70, or better regional transit planning, none of these things happen in a vacuum. They require collaboration across town lines, county borders, state and federal levels, and yes, across party lines. When we work together, we move forward. When we don’t, we stay stuck.

Here’s the bottom line: free markets work best when paired with good governance — governance that values pragmatism over party and results over rhetoric. We need more leaders who understand that economic vitality is not a partisan goal. It’s a shared one.

The death of bipartisanship is not inevitable. It’s a choice. And it’s a choice we, as a community, can influence. We can demand that our state and federal leaders put solutions ahead of soundbites. They prioritize people over politics. That they recognize we may have different perspectives…but we share the same desire for a thriving, resilient, and inclusive future.

Our challenges are complex, but the path forward is clear: cooperation, collaboration, and compromise. It’s time to revive bipartisanship. Our future depends on it.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com