November Election 2025 Update

Ballots went out on Friday, October 10th for the General Election. Ballots include two statewide measures, Propositions LL and MM, which would retain additional funds for the K-12 program “Healthy School Meals for All,” initially approved by voters in 2022. If approved, Prop MM will also allow funds to be used for the Supplemental Nutrition

Colorado Business Update for Q3

Business Indicators for Q3 According to the Secretary of State’s report, new entity filings in Colorado rose 7.2% year-over-year (YoY) in Q3 2025, yet fell 12.9% quarter-over-quarter. The rise suggests business creation remains relatively strong compared with a year ago, but the drop from the previous quarter may indicate a seasonal or momentum weakening. Colorado’s

Durango School District to buy apartments for teacher housing

In a bold move to address the district’s recruitment and housing challenges, Durango School District announced on Sept. 23rd that it plans to purchase the 35-unit Lightner Creek Apartments for $10 million. The purchase aims to provide affordable rental housing for educators and staff as early as fall 2026. Low rental payments for educators will

County finance report and budget update

La Plata County Budget Update ● County staff has prepared a draft budget to address structural deficits. The draft budget assumes the worst case scenario – that is, if the proposed 1% sales tax increase on the ballot doesn’t pass in November. The proposed budget trims spending from $136 million this year to $119 million,

Candidate jumps into the race for Colorado House District 59

Naomi Riess, a longtime community advocate and business professional, has announced her candidacy for Colorado House District 59 as a Republican in the 2026 election. The seat is currently held by Democrat Katie Stewart. Riess says her priorities include easing housing costs by cutting red tape, protecting water resources, keeping rural healthcare accessible, supporting small

Colorado business update

According to the Leeds School of Business Colorado Business Review, by mid-2025, Colorado’s job growth had cooled to 0.4% year-over-year, with nearly 3 million jobs and unemployment steady at 4.8%. The labor force grew 0.6% and had a strong 67.7% participation rate—6th highest in the nation. Job growth projections were cut from 36,700 to 22,200,

Land Use Code changes

La Plata County Land Use Code Update The Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution amending the Land Use Code Sections 67-1, 67-9, and 67-14 regarding boundary adjustments, lot consolidations, and lot legalizations. The amendments aim to make it easier to address issues with illegal lots—parcels created without proper approval that are currently ineligible for

November Ballot

La Plata County Ballot Question Update The La Plata County Commissioners voted unanimously to place a one-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 ballot, citing financial challenges as revenues lag behind rising costs. The measure would help maintain and improve essential services such as road and bridge maintenance, law enforcement, disaster response, support for

La Plata County Land Use Code Update

The La Plata County Planning Commission approved amendments to its Land Use Code to address the issue of illegally created parcels. These are properties that were modified by deed rather than through the proper review process and they often lack verified access, water, or sewer service. In that case, they are ineligible for development or

November Ballot and Budget Updates Across La Plata County

La Plata County is preparing for significant budget cuts and potential ballot measures this fall. During a July 14 work session, Board of County Commissioners Chair Marsha Porter-Norton instructed department heads to plan for additional reductions, including a likely reduction in workforce. Finance Director Adam Rogers announced all departments must cut expenditures by an additional