Focus On The Family Layoffs: What Does It Mean For Economy

By Josh Simeone J.Simeone@krdo.com

COLORADO SPRINGS – A famous Colorado Springs landmark has announced its largest round of layoffs to date, and many wonder what that means for the city’s economy.

Focus on the Family has eliminated 202 total positions. The non-profit says 149 of its employees have lost their jobs; the other 53 were vacant positions that were eliminated.

Focus on the Family, which sits on the north side of the city, is known as a famous spot for visitors. It is even considered by many as a big selling point for courting out-of-town business owners to set up shop in Colorado Springs.

Economist Fred Crowley believes the layoffs won’t impact any consideration from new business owners.

“I think they recognize at the local level that we’re going to have problems,” Crowley says.

Crowley says the economy has made business difficult for non-profits. Focus on the Family Chief Operating Officer Glenn Williams says donations are down; donations account for 96% of the organization’s revenue.

While it may impact tourism, Crowley believes new business owners still see Colorado Springs as a strong place to set up shop. He says that’s due, in part, to the strength of the city’s local businesses – even the “mom and pop” shops which now fuel the economy.

“They’ve proven to be a very stable employer in the community. They tend not to pay as well, but we may be better off with stable employment of a slightly lower income than the volatile employment of big national boxes of higher levels of income.”

In addition, economists believe the city’s economy is ahead of other cities nationwide. Despite Colorado Springs’ and El Paso County’s high foreclosure rate, many believe the local economy is going to see a rise in job growth instead of a drop.