The essence of any community lies in its ability to come together, find common ground, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. Yet, as political and social polarization deepens across the nation, our capacity to achieve this cohesion feels increasingly threatened. Here in Eagle County, we are not immune to these challenges. However, we have an opportunity—and, I would argue, a responsibility—to rise above the fragmentation and foster unity in ways that serve the greater good.

It’s no secret that the divisions we face today are complex and deeply rooted. Conversations that once revolved around shared interests and mutual aspirations now too often devolve into disagreements defined by partisan labels and ideological rigidity. These divisions are amplified by national discourse but play out in local arenas, affecting everything from housing policy to climate action to workforce development.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: How do we navigate these challenges without compromising our mission to build a thriving community?

Community leaders across the country are grappling with similar questions. How do we engage on potentially politicized issues like workforce housing, transportation, water, and sustainability while maintaining credibility with stakeholders? The answer lies in strengthening our facilitation skills, fostering inclusive dialogue, and promoting collaborative solutions that benefit the broader community. It is incumbent to remove politics from the equation and focus on solutions.

One of the most effective ways to combat polarization is to create spaces for meaningful, respectful dialogue. This means bringing together individuals and organizations with differing viewpoints and encouraging them to listen to one another—not just to respond, but to truly understand. It means asking hard questions and being open to the possibility that there is no one "right" answer.

For example, our ongoing discussions around workforce housing have highlighted the importance of this approach. Housing is a deeply personal and often contentious issue, with opinions ranging from "build more at all costs" to "preserve our open spaces at all costs." Yet, by framing the conversation around shared values—such as business vitality, environmental stewardship, community character, and building a community our kids can return to—we can find solutions that address multiple priorities.

Beyond dialogue, we must also focus on action. Collaboration is not just about agreeing to disagree; it’s about working together to create tangible, positive outcomes. This requires a willingness to compromise, an openness to innovation, and a commitment to putting the community’s needs above personal or political interests.

Take transportation, for instance. As our valley grows, so too does the strain on our infrastructure. Solving these challenges will require input from local governments, businesses, environmental advocates, and residents alike. By bringing these groups together to develop comprehensive, sustainable transportation solutions, we can address immediate needs while planning for the future. The team at Core Transit has built a terrific foundation for future success that can be modeled by other groups.

The path forward won’t be easy, but it is necessary. We must resist the temptation to retreat into our echo chambers or view those with differing opinions as adversaries. Instead, let’s focus on what unites us: a love for this valley, a commitment to its people, and a shared vision for a better future.

Building a more cohesive community requires all of us—business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and residents—to engage in the hard work of bridge-building. Together, we can move beyond fragmentation and create a community that not only survives but thrives. Our future depends on it, and our kids are counting on us.

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