ELIZABETH
PHILBRICK
For La Plata
Rooted in the Land. Focused on the Future.
Elizabeth for
La Plata County
Commissioner
2026
Elizabeth Philbrick is committed to serving the people of La Plata County, Colorado by advocating for positive change and progress. With a focus on community engagement and sustainable practices, my mission is to empower the voice of our residents, build a resilient local economy, and foster a County government that works FOR the people.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
I have been involved in local, sustainable agricultural projects since 2017 when my husband and I moved to Durango to begin EsoTerra. Due to the difficulty of beginning a business in our County, EsoTerra had to begin in Dolores. However, we continued to live in La Plata, in order to provide the quality schools, and lifestyle, we wanted for our kids. From the beginning, I have promoted environmental stewardship and community resilience. I prioritize eco-friendly practices and advocate for projects that enhance the
well-being of La Plata County.
I am more than just talk: EsoTerra preserves over 250 of SW Colorado's most historic, and endangered apple varieties. With the support of the Colorado Wine Development Board, CSU and New Mexico State University Extensions, we are researching over 40 grape cultivars with the intention of introducing new high-value agriculture crops (with an eye toward water conservation) for our region. Our regenerative agriculture practices focus on soil building and water conservation.
POLICY ADVOCACY
Because I believe everyone should play a role in their own governing, I have allready spent years advocate for policies that drive impactful change and progress for La Plata County. I have worked on behalf of our community a the regional, state, national (and in September 2025 - international) levels. I engage with local stakeholders and government bodies to ensure that the community's voice is heard and represented.
I am more than just talk: Upon graduating with bachelor's degree in Political Science, I immediately relocated from Washington State, to Washington, DC to work for the US Senate with a legislative portfolio that focused on Education, Civil Rights, Budget and Taxes.
I then got a Masters from Colorado State University (CSU) focusing on community planning and design.
Since moving to La Plata, I have testified on behalf of rural business development tax credits to both the State Senate Finance Committee, and the Colorado House Finance Committee. Assisting small business development in unincorporated La Plata County. And representing SW Colorado's interest in our state's OEDIT grant jury committee which has assisted in directing over $7million in State funding to SW Colorado small businesses.
FOCUSING ON LOCAL
I have had the opportunity to live all over the world, but I chose to make La Plata County my home. This is where I want to have my family.
La Plata is a rare blend of natural beauty, entrepreneurial energy, agriculture, higher education, and diverse ways of life.
I am more than just talk: I have facilitated our community by serving on the La Plata County Planning Commission & the Lodger's Tax Committee. I have played a central role in facilitating new business development by speaking at the La Plata County Economic Development Summit, served on Colorado's OEDIT's Advanced Industry's Grant Committee, and play a leadership role in Startup Colorado's 'West Slope Startup Week' which brings hundreds of entrepreneurs to La Plata each year.
UNDERSTANDING
OUR COMMUNITY
In a statutory county like La Plata, County Commissioners have limited by important powers defined by Colorado state law. I would like to build on the good works done by previous Commissioners, while offering a new perspective for our future.
I am more than just talk: I have been through the process of starting a business in La Plata. I can see both the strengths, and weaknesses of our current economic development platform and our planning and building departments. I am bursting with ideas on best practices I have learned across this country, and I want to invigorate our community with an injection of new proposals while staying sensitive to historical context.
I started my family here and now have children in the school system. I understand the hurdles of affordability, childcare, and transportation across our region.
My husband has worked for both the BLM and the Forest Service. His commitment to our regions natural resources guides my understanding on how our region is uniquely affected by National policies and priorities. Beginning in May of 2025, he has taken over the day-to-day operations of EsoTerra.
THE ELIZABETH
ADVANTAGE
Many hats make many viewpoints.
I have the courage of a grassroots organizer, the blazer of a U.S. Senate staffer, the headset of a national PAC fundraiser, and the boots-on-the-ground grit of an entrepreneur managing a growing company. Each role has sharpened my understanding of how policy is made, how systems succeed—or fail—and how real change happens from the ground up.
With a Master’s in Landscape Architecture focused on systems planning and city design, I bring a deep understanding of how infrastructure, land use, and community dynamics intersect. My career has not followed a straight line—but it has built a toolkit that is uniquely suited for diagnosing complex county challenges. Whether it’s housing affordability, economic diversification, or water resilience, I don’t see problems in isolation—I see them as interwoven systems.
From Capitol Hill to the canyon trails of La Plata, I’ve learned that real solutions require listening to different voices, understanding the whole landscape, and navigating both bureaucracy and budget constraints. I’m running not because I have one answer—but because I have many perspectives. And I believe that’s exactly what this county needs to move forward with clarity, creativity, and competence.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY
Empower the community to actively participate in shaping its own future.
I will strive to provide support and resources that enable residents to easily communicate with their local government, and to receive prompt responses when questions are asked.
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
In Southwest Colorado, power isn't always about size - it's about influence, funding, and decision-making in land uses, water, energy, business, and governance. In our region, County, City, and Tribe come together with for-profit and non-profit entities to craft a better future for our region.
I have a history of relationship building with a multitude of organizations across the region. Just in the last few years I have:
- I am a member of the La Plata County Food Systems Committee which strives to address hiccups in our regional food systems: headed by The Good Food Collective!
- Engaged in an advisory group headed by 9R and MIT, whose goals are to are create pipelines between our local schools and local businesses
- I was appointed to the County's Lodger's Tax Committee to redirect lodger's tax funds back to the people of La Plata.
- I have presented at Colorado's Club 20 to represent the voice of AgroTourism in rural Colorado with the intention of spurring more rural development in La Plata.
- I am an active jury member of the State OEDIT Advanced Industries Grant Committee witch has assisted in funding some of SW Colorado's most innovative and promising businesses including: Agile Space Industries, Farm to Table Compost, Farm to Summit foods, Timberage, and many more!
There are dozens more examples, but it is important to note: I didn't do this work to make my personal business grow... I did it to make our community stronger.
INSPIRING STORIES
"Elizabeth Philbrick has been a steadfast champion of local entrepreneurship, making bold moves, like offering her venue at no charge for West Slope Startup Week, which helped bring the event to Durango. Her spirit of radical collaboration makes her an invaluable force in building a thriving business community."
Vanessa McCrain
Startup Colorado
"Elizabeth is not only an innovative and successful small business owner, but a highly-effective local leader in the business community. She understands what business needs to be successful in La Plata County and the long term benefits of having a healthy and diversified economy. The incredible work she is doing in our area is not only a model for local businesses, but in the state."
Sarah Tober
La Plata Economic Development Alliance Executive Director
"A year ago, if you had asked me if i wanted to be a coffee shop owner, I would have laughed in your face... Look at me now!
I am a proud small business owner on Main Street and 100% of this opportunity, and motivation to grow as a person, is all because of the efforts of Elizabeth and EsoTerra.
Not only was I given a chance to explore a new opportunity. I was supported personally and professionally for a full year. Elizabeth held my hand at every step and watched out for me and my family."
CJ Nicole
Owner: Just the Drip Coffee
Meet & Greet
Would you like to sit down and discuss my experience?
Do you want to know my positions on specific issues?
Would you like to 'get a feel' for my personality?
Or, are you interested in writing a testimony supporting my candidacy?
Reach out! Gather some folks and let's sit down. I am an open book, with an open mind who is just as comfortable talking with you one-on-one as I am speaking to a crowd of hundreds. I want you to know me as much, as I want to know you.
Please fill out my 'Contact Me' page with the subject line: Meet and Greet!
