On Wednesday, March 11, the Garfield County Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend denying the application for a proposed 1,500-unit development in unincorporated Garfield County, between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The commission denied the application at nearly 11:30pm, after hundreds of citizens came to the meeting in opposition to the project. Much of the time […]
Local Government
Posted inLocal Government
Carbondale Report: ADU updates receive first hearing, historic preservation guidelines revisited, new fire codes adopted
All Carbondale trustees were present for a code-heavy meeting on March 10. Rec Center equipment found temporary storage in the meeting room while the gym is transformed for the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show. The consent agenda included meeting minutes, an intergovernmental agreement for mosquito control, a resolution affirming the Town’s support for the Colorado Outdoor […]
Posted inLocal Government
Basalt Report: E-bike safety, new chief of police and Midland design guidelines
During the March 10 council meeting, Basalt resident Kathleen Brehm came to the podium to voice concerns regarding e-bike safety. Brehm first came to Basalt Town Council on Jan. 27 to share her story. Two years ago, she was injured by an e-bike rider while walking on the Rio Grande Trail. After several surgeries, Brehm […]
Posted inLocal Government
Glenwood Report: ICE facility concerns, City response riles public comments
Concerns related to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in West Glenwood steered public comment again during the March 5 regular Glenwood Springs City Council meeting. Earlier that day, the City issued a press release acknowledging that occupancy permits for the entire Midland Center at 100 Midland Avenue were never issued 20 years […]
Posted inLocal Government
For two, Basalt’s new STR fee is too much to bear
In May of 2025, the Town of Basalt held a series of contested public hearings on a potential $2,532 per bedroom per year fee for short term rental (STR) operations in order to generate revenue for affordable housing. The fee was approved by a vote of 4-3, but not without hours of debate between councilors […]
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: Public to BOCC — No library money for RFTA, rein in sheriff, diversify economy
Public comments at Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting took on some heavy local issues, but had to wait until a presentation by Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) finished up. Lobbyist Andrew Browning, WSTN president and founder, gave the BOCC an update on the global energy climate, liquid natural gas export facilities, including Costa […]
Posted inLocal Government
Regional growth and collaboration showcased at the State of the Community event
Kicking off the State of the Community Business Luncheon, an event that brings together leaders and community members from across the Colorado River Valley, Erin Hunt, executive director of the Colorado River Valley Chamber, emphasized the importance of the gathering, a tradition that has been part of the organization for decades. Hunt underscored that the […]
Posted inLocal Government
Foundational work underway for child care special district
Since the Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District was established last November by way of ballot measure 7A, the district’s newly elected Board of Directors has been busy laying the groundwork for a strong start to represent a diverse community. “It’s a really exciting time to be involved in local government,” said Carolynne “Carly” Kraemer, […]
Posted inLocal Government
Glenwood Report: Permit lapse alleged for Glenwood ICE facility, City response coming
City of Glenwood Springs officials say they will issue more information soon about a possible lapse in permitting for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate out of a West Glenwood commercial plaza. Two members of the public, including the new chair of the Garfield County Democrats, Mae Gray, and resident Ashley Stahl, appeared […]
Posted inLocal Government
RFSD Report: District launches mill levy override exploratory process
Earlier this month, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) board of education officially launched a mill levy override (MLO) exploratory process. Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole shared this at the Feb. 11 board meeting in Carbondale. The research work will evaluate the possibility of initiating and promoting a ballot initiative for this autumn, November 2026. A […]