This month’s Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) meeting focused on reviewing the organization’s legislative agenda. Board members also considered lease amendments for the Brush Creek Park & Ride, and CEO Kurt Ravenschlag covered several regional updates.
During board comments, Erin Zalinski of Glenwood Springs shared that she had attended a mayor’s meeting in Parachute and left feeling optimistic about the future of transportation in the region. Chair Greg Poschman said that he has received significant feedback from community members about bicycle — specifically e-bike — safety and feels confident that there is momentum to take action in the coming months.
New Castle alternate Brandy Copeland asked about a midday stop for the Hogback route, and Ravenschlag confirmed that one has been added to the schedule. Operations Director Ian Adams clarified that the bus leaves Glenwood’s 27th Street Station at 11:35am and starts a return trip from Rifle at 12:45pm daily.
Basalt’s David Knight circled back to the e-bike safety topic, and shared that the Town of Basalt is discussing community education and other solutions. Aspen Mayor Rachel Richards noted that consistent signage and messaging will be essential.
The board proceeded to the consent agenda, which included two amendments to lease agreements for the Brush Creek Park & Ride. After an introduction from Director of Capital Projects Ben Ludlow, Richards initiated a motion to move both amendments forward. The first, an amendment to the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) master lease agreement, will incorporate the Glenwood Springs 27th Street Underpass into the lease area and remove the Brush Creek lot due to its sale from CDOT to Pitkin County. The second amendment authorized a 10-year lease agreement for the Brush Creek Park & Ride.
The board proceeded to presentations. Director of Sustainability and Legislative Affairs David Johnson opened with an overview of the proposed 2026 legislative agenda. RFTA staff and consultants from Sustainable Strategies have developed a plan that includes communications protocols addressing state and federal policies. Consultant Ashley Badesch of Sustainable Strategies joined the presentation and shared that adopting legislative agendas is a way for organizations to be proactive.
The draft includes RFTA’s defined core principles and prioritizes support for long-term funding and legislation made with public transportation interests in mind. The team established six points for both identifying funding needs and advocating for policy. The first set included specifics on securing funding for maintenance, facilities and workforce training and wellbeing. The second set included goals for innovative initiatives and partnerships, maintaining and expanding transit services and low-to-no-emission buses and paratransit vehicles.
The plan also proposes establishing tiers of communication. Suggested categories are: tier one, routine communications; tier two, communications requiring CEO approval; tier three, communications requiring board approval.
Badesch shared a few examples of relevant legislation. The first is a federal bill that’s been stalled in a House of Representative’s committee since last year. The Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act (HR-4924) could affect rail corridor management if passed. Based on its status ,the bill falls under the tier one category, but should it become active on the federal level again it would be escalated to tier three.
Another example is Proposition 175, which some Coloradans are working to get on the November 2026 ballot and would increase funding for road transportation infrastructure while reducing funding for public transportation. If the proposition makes it onto the ballot and is passed, it would amend the state constitution. While also classified as a tier one communication issue currently, RFTA is closely monitoring the status of the proposition.
After agreeing to proceed with the proposed legislative agenda, the board heard Ravenschlag’s monthly report. He shared a letter of support for Pitkin County Open Space & Trails’ preservation project at the Glassier Farmstead on Hooks Spur Road in Emma. Pitkin County is seeking a History Colorado grant for the project. Ravenschlag also shared a letter of support for the Town of Silt regarding its proposed pedestrian and bicycle overpass, and one for Garfield Clean Energy regarding clean transportation and multimodal improvements.
Ravenschlag closed his report by sharing that RFTA staff is forming a task force to address trail safety with a focus on e-bike management. The task force is finalizing a framework and work plan and will report to the board regularly.
The next board meeting is on March 12 at 8:30am at Carbondale Town Hall. The public can also join online via Microsoft Teams. An agenda will be available at www.rfta.coma week ahead of the meeting.