In September, key members of the High Country News (HCN) staff and board convened in the scenic embrace of Estes Park, Colorado, for a pivotal gathering designed to foster reconnection and strategic realignment following another demanding year of dedicated effort. The natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains provided a fitting backdrop, with aspen leaves transforming hillsides into vibrant gold, majestic elk gracefully roaming the grounds, and a delicate dusting of snow adorning the higher elevations on one crisp morning, underscoring the publication’s deep connection to the Western environment it meticulously covers.

The retreat commenced with the board’s comprehensive fall business meeting, where the management team presented the projected 2027 budget, outlining a modest but strategic spending increase from approximately $4.3 million in the current year to a little over $4.4 million for the upcoming fiscal cycle. This anticipated growth reflects a considered investment in the organization’s core assets, primarily its human capital and journalistic output. The most substantial budgetary adjustments are allocated to payroll, taxes, and benefits, which collectively constitute a significant 58% of the year’s total expenses, signifying a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market. Furthermore, the budget for freelance writers and photographers, accounting for another 14% of annual spending, highlights the publication’s reliance on a diverse network of specialized voices and on-the-ground reporting crucial for its in-depth regional coverage. This financial framework will be sustained through a diversified revenue model, combining the essential contributions of donations, grants from philanthropic organizations, and "earned revenue" streams, including vital reader subscriptions and carefully curated advertising sales.

Mia Axon, HCN‘s acting director of philanthropy, underscored the profound impact of reader generosity, emphasizing that the publication’s financial resilience is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its community. Thousands of readers annually contribute tax-deductible donations, supplementing their subscriptions and demonstrating a powerful commitment to independent journalism. A recent analysis revealed an extraordinary cohort of 750 individuals who have consistently supported HCN for two decades, with one remarkable donor maintaining their contributions for an impressive 36 consecutive years. This steadfast reader loyalty proves particularly crucial in an era where national foundations frequently find their resources stretched thin, tasked with shoring up both public media initiatives and critical human services that have faced significant reductions in public funding in recent years. This trend reflects a broader global challenge for non-profit media, where traditional funding models are increasingly precarious, making direct reader support an indispensable cornerstone for journalistic independence and sustainability.

Further bolstering the positive outlook, Gary Love, Director of Product & Marketing, announced a commendable 3% growth in circulation last year, with projections indicating a continued upward trajectory. This growth, particularly noteworthy in a challenging media landscape, is attributed significantly to enhanced subscriber retention. A remarkable 45% of print subscribers have opted for convenient automatically renewing subscriptions, a figure that rises to over 80% for digital subscribers. This shift toward auto-renewal not only simplifies the subscription process for readers but also substantially reduces the administrative burden and marketing costs associated with annual re-engagement campaigns, fostering greater financial predictability and allowing the organization to dedicate more resources to its core mission of producing impactful journalism.

Kate Schimel, HCN‘s new editor-in-chief, alongside Executive Editor Gretchen King, shared insights into their ongoing efforts to sharpen the publication’s editorial focus, honing in on the distinctive strengths that define HCN‘s unique voice and perspective. As articulated in the Editor’s Note, this strategic refocusing reaffirms that HCN‘s journalism will remain intrinsically connected to the land and humanity’s complex relationship with it. The editorial vision will be more tightly centered on serving the often-underserved rural and Indigenous communities, as well as the small towns and smaller cities across the American West. This commitment ensures that HCN continues to be a vital platform for stories that explore environmental justice, resource management, cultural preservation, and the socio-economic realities shaping life in these critical regions, providing essential context often overlooked by mainstream media.

The remainder of the gathering was expertly facilitated by Daniel Student of the Potrero Group, guiding the staff and board through reflective and forward-looking exercises. Participants began by sharing positive transformations experienced during their tenure at HCN, a powerful reminder of the organization’s journey and growth. This exercise highlighted the significant progress made since earlier days characterized by a bi-weekly print magazine, reliance on outdated software, and a circulation strategy heavily dependent on "direct mail" campaigns offering discounted subscriptions. The contrast with today’s operational model, where targeted email newsletters serve as the primary engine for attracting new subscribers, vividly illustrated the publication’s successful adaptation to the digital age and its commitment to modern engagement strategies.

Following this reflection, attendees broke into smaller groups to tackle persistent operational challenges inherent in a geographically dispersed, remote workplace. Discussions delved into strategies for optimizing communication and fostering robust collaboration across different locations, as well as mitigating the pervasive issue of "Zoom fatigue" from an abundance of virtual meetings. The collective efforts culminated in a preparatory exercise designed to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive strategic planning process, which the organization is poised to embark upon in the coming months. This forward-thinking initiative will define HCN‘s long-term objectives, solidify its role in the evolving media landscape, and ensure its continued relevance and impact for decades to come. The success of this invaluable gathering was made possible through the generous support of HCN board members Jim Spencer and Mike Tansey, whose contributions were instrumental in facilitating the event.

In related organizational news, the publication bid a heartfelt farewell to Mary Zachman, whose invaluable contributions as HCN‘s finance and payroll administrator since January 2019 have been foundational to the organization’s stability. When Zachman first joined, she worked from a compact cubicle within the bustling Paonia, Colorado, office. Over the ensuing years, as the staff transitioned to a remote, distributed model across the Western United States, her role expanded dramatically in scope and complexity. Zachman meticulously managed the intricate financial operations, which grew to include setting up and filing taxes in 15 different states. Last year alone, she processed 155 1099 forms for the publication’s extensive network of freelancers and contractors, nearly doubling the volume from 2019. Throughout these profound organizational shifts, Mary Zachman consistently provided a calm, steady hand, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that every individual was paid accurately and on time, meticulously entering thousands of accounting transactions, and patiently reminding staff to submit their credit card receipts. Her quiet dedication ensured the operational fluidity that allowed HCN‘s journalists to focus on their vital work. As she steps away from HCN to dedicate more time to her family and pursue personal passions—including walking her dogs, cultivating her garden, and perfecting the art of baking exquisite sourdough bread and bagels—the entire High Country News community extends its deepest gratitude and wishes her the very best in her next chapter.