County may ask for sales tax increase

The Board of La Plata County Commissioners is moving towards asking voters in November to increase the County’s sales tax by .75%. The Board directed staff to finalize revenue projections for the increase and consult with bond counsel to prepare a question.  Currently, staff projects the increase would generate about $13.4 million a year. The

Durango Chamber advocates for Colorado’s firefighting air fleet

The Durango Chamber of Commerce joined the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders in supporting Colorado’s Firefighting Air Fleet. In a letter to US Senators Bennett and Hickenlooper and US Representatives DeGette, Neguse, Hurd, Boebert, Crank, Evans, Pettersen & Crow, they urge Congress to support the upgrade of the 302nd Airlift Wing’s aging

Durango Minimum Wage Discussion

Durango Prosperity Manager Mike French shared with Durango City Council at a study session on a potential increase to the city’s minimum wage that a business community survey (195 responses) showed 89% of businesses already pay above minimum wage, and 42% would cut staff or hours if required to raise wages.  Heather Otter from Region

Latest update on Downtown’s Next Step

Durango will host four public meetings in June to gather input on Downtown’s Next Step, each geared toward a different stakeholder group, but all open to the public. City officials are seeking feedback on sidewalk widths, curb extensions, loading zones, and other key design elements. Meetings are scheduled for: June 4 for downtown business owners

Public Lands Resolution

The Board of La Plata County Commissioners approved a resolution April 8th in support of public lands and raising the alarm over federal cuts to public land management. County Commissioners say staffing and funding reductions pose serious risks to the economy, safety, and environment. With public lands covering most of the county’s 1,700 square miles,

New Parking Options in the City of Durango

The city of Durango launched the new Business Employee Permit Pilot Program starting May 1st through December 2025. Permits are $20 per month per employee, they are valid in 91 underutilized metered locations plus the 4 municipal lots, and businesses can buy as many permits as they need. More information is at www.durangoparking.com Pay By

Legislation of Note

Colorado Legislative Session Please see Joan Fauteaux’s Bill Tracking Sheet Latest updates are highlighted in yellow Legislation of Note At the end of March, Governor Jared Polis signed HB25-1009, which takes effect in August. The new law lets fire protection districts create programs to clear dead or dry vegetation on private property to help prevent

Wildfire Outlook and New Wildfire Code

Durango Fire Chief told Durango City Councilors in a study session in March that the outlook for the wildfire season is not very good. He said drought is increasing and likely to worsen. By June, Black said, he expects above average fire conditions. Statistically, the Durango area is set up for an active fire season

Southwest Colorado Liveable Wage Report

Region 9 Economic Development District released its Livable Wage Report in February. The report found that livable wage varies by geographic location. In Region 9, Montezuma County is the least expensive ($91,519 annually), and Archuleta County is the most expensive place to live ($105,919 annually) for a family of four.  Using housing costs specific to

New URA Likely in Durango

A new urban renewal area is getting closer to fruition at Durango Crossings. Durango Renewal Partnership is moving towards a URA at Florida Road and CR 250, where the proposed Durango Crossings project is forecasted to have more than 150 residential units. It’s envisioned to have at least 80% priced at or below 120% AMI,