In today’s polarized political climate, it’s easy to label any policy or initiative as either Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. But certain issues transcend political ideology, and one of those is the importance of being pro-business and pro-economic development. These are not partisan positions. They are pro-community positions, rooted in the desire to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving future for the place we call home.

At its core, economic development is about creating opportunities. It’s about ensuring that businesses, both small and large, have the tools they need to succeed and grow. It’s about fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can innovate, where workers can find meaningful employment, and where families can build a better life. These goals are not confined to one side of the political spectrum; they are universal.

When we invest in our local businesses, we’re investing in our community’s health and stability. Strong businesses create jobs. Those jobs allow residents to live and work locally, reducing commutes and contributing to a stronger sense of community. A robust local economy generates tax revenue, which funds schools, infrastructure, public safety, and other critical services. These are benefits that everyone can agree on.

Being pro-business does not mean giving corporations a blank check or ignoring social and environmental responsibilities. On the contrary, it’s about striking the right balance. We can support economic growth while advocating for responsible practices that align with our community values. Economic development is not an either-or proposition; it’s about finding solutions that benefit both the private and public sectors.

Consider Eagle County. Our economy is driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality. These industries support thousands of jobs and create ripple effects across other sectors, from retail to construction to healthcare. Supporting these industries through smart economic development strategies ensures they remain resilient, even in the face of challenges like climate change or economic downturns.

But economic development isn’t just about the big picture. It’s also about the small details. It’s about helping a local coffee shop navigate permitting processes so they can expand. It’s about providing workforce training programs that equip residents with the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy. It’s about fostering partnerships between public and private entities to address housing shortages, transportation needs, or childcare access—all of which are critical to the economic well-being of our community.

Labeling these efforts as “conservative” or “liberal” oversimplifies the conversation and misses the point entirely. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about finding common ground. Communities thrive when businesses thrive, and businesses thrive when communities thrive. The two are inextricably linked.

Unfortunately, our national discourse often pits one against the other, framing business and community interests as inherently at odds. This false dichotomy undermines the collaborative spirit needed to tackle complex challenges. When we view our challenges through a bipartisan lens, we can focus on solutions rather than divisions. We can prioritize what works for our community instead of getting bogged down in ideological debates.

Let’s stop framing our challenges as political issues and start treating them as community issues. Let’s recognize that supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and fostering innovation are goals that benefit everyone. And let’s commit to working together—across party lines and ideological divides—to build a stronger, more resilient Eagle County.

In Eagle County, we know what’s possible when we work together. Let’s focus on what unites us: a shared commitment to the success of our businesses, our residents, and our community. Because at the end of the day, being pro-business isn’t just a good policy; it’s the right thing to do.

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