Penley Panel

Growth. It’s unavoidable. As a society, we seek to advance our quality of life. As a responsible society, we must deal with the often unforeseen repercussions of our progress.

This issue of The Competitive Edge considers the many facets of growth. We note that the population of Northern Colorado has swelled in Weld and Larimer counties – a good thing by most accounts, but that population surge will affect regional transportation with increased congestion and pollution and ultimately demand a solution.

Larimer County also has experienced greater growth rates in the health sector than the entire state of Colorado or the United States, resulting in a boom in health-related jobs and the development of healthcare facilities. But as we celebrate new jobs and breakthroughs in healthcare, we also experience increased healthcare costs. In last month’s Edge, CSU finance Professor Vickie Bajtelsmit addressed the issue of rising health insurance costs. This month, she discusses an issue of growth that affects us all at some point – retirement – and offers a primer about turning home equity into retirement income.

Whether the growth is in population, healthcare, or jobs, the progress society enjoys frequently has an indirect and unexpected cost. Colorado State researchers continue to anticipate that cost and develop solutions for the benefit of Colorado.

Larry Edward Penley
Colorado State University President