Supporting Littleton’s business community is the focus for the Littleton Economic Development team. Business attraction, retention, and expansion are all key services that the group is dedicated to providing.
Rachel King is Littleton’s Economic Development Director and works closely with Jamie Crout, Brian Garner, and Alexandra Vander Pol connecting, assisting, and representing our local community.
King says, “Our mission is to foster a resilient and inclusive local economy. We want to support sustainable and measured growth that provides a desirable environment for businesses to locate and expand, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
She continues, “We’re at a pivotal point — growth has brought us to a strong position, but now we need to evolve strategically. That means focusing not just on attracting new business, but also retaining and expanding existing ones, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthening our commercial corridors in a way that reflects Littleton’s unique character by incentivizing community-focused developers and investors.”
An aspect of economic development that is unique to Littleton is the importance of understanding and respecting the local charm and connection our community has established.
Vander Pol, Events and Marketing Manager, emphasizes the importance of some of our larger events and how they provide an opportunity to embrace community. She explains, “Littleton hosts a variety of its own events such as the Audi Denver Littleton Twilight Criterium and Arts Festival which is the first Saturday of August each year, and the Candlelight Walk which happens the day after Thanksgiving annually. Littleton attracts a variety of creative events, such as the Affordable Arts Festival at Arapahoe Community College on August 24. These are just a few of the many events in Littleton that inspire creativity, community, and connection.”
Creativity, community, and connection. Crout is an Economic Development Specialist and understands the importance of those words. She describes her experience with the team by saying, “It’s been an incredible experience to work for the City of Littleton. It’s very rare to be located in such a large metro area yet be able to maintain such a close-knit, small-town feeling.”
Some can’t-miss attractions that contribute to Littleton’s special appeal include:
• Walk up and down Main Street where you’ll truly feel the heart of Littleton and prepare to be charmed!
• The Littleton Museum is free and has a working farm that kids love!
• The Depot Art Gallery - is a creative spot. It’s an old railroad depot that punches above its weight when it comes to showcasing Colorado artists in a variety of media.
• And in the heart of Downtown Littleton is the Town Hall Arts Center with year-round performances that give Denver’s Performing Arts theater a run for its money.
As Littleton’s Economic Development Manager, Garner says, “Littleton is a special place comprised of an amazing community of unique, small businesses that create a strong identity and character of the community that is known far and wide.”
Ways to support our community include:
Shop Local - Littleton’s Open Rewards program is a city run initiative that incentivizes residents and visitors to shop local. App users can earn cash rewards of 5% or greater at any of the 174 participating businesses.
Follow Visit Littleton on social media @VisitLittletonCo to keep up to date with event announcements, restaurant, merchant, and business spotlights.
Keep Connected - Sign up for the Littleton Report Online for all the local news. Emailed to subscribers every two weeks, the Littleton Report Online includes city programs and services as well as events and community update.
In describing the future focus of Littleton’s Economic Development team, King says, “Littleton’s future is one of opportunity—if we’re proactive and strategic. By balancing growth with preservation and prioritizing economic diversification, Littleton can position itself not just to grow and sustain—but to thrive.”
"By balancing growth with preservation and prioritizing economic diversification, Littleton can position itself not just to grow and sustain—but to thrive.”