LPC Land Use Code Update

La Plata County is amending its Land Use Code to align with new state laws regarding family occupancy and tribal consultation. HB24-1007: The County can no longer limit the number of people living together in a single dwelling based on familial relationships, requiring updates to related code language. SB24-212: The County must consult with the

LPC Community Development in 2024

Community Development gave the LPC Commissioners an annual report for 2024. According to Senior Planner Dan Armentano, more permit applications were concluded in 2024 than the number received. Right now, 15 are awaiting a planner assignment, which is more than they hope for, but better than it used to be. Director Lynn Hyde noted the

Economic Alliance Report on Childcare

Sarah Tober, Executive Director of the Economic Development Alliance, told La Plata County Board of County Commissioners that childcare is a top issue of the local workforce. In presenting the findings of the recently released Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, she said 60% of employers have lost employees because of it. Heather Hawk, the Executive

Durango Affordable Housing Update

● Residences at Durango will bring on 72 affordable housing units expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of January. The first phase of the project involved renovation converting the old Best Western motel located at 21382 US Highway 160 into 44 studio apartments, 27 one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom apartment. The second

January Update on the Colorado Legislative Session

● The Colorado Legislative session began January 8th. ● Democratic Sen. James Coleman of Denver officially took the gavel as Senate president. In the House, Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, was selected again as speaker. Southern Ute Chairman Melvin J. Baker was invited by President of the Senate, James Coleman to provide remarks during

Durango Election Info and State Governor’s Race

Governor’s Race ● Current Governor Jared Polis is term-limited. ● On January 2nd, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) announced his plans to run for Governor. Attorney general is Weiser’s first elected office. He previously served as dean of the University of Colorado law school. Durango Election ● Three seats are up for grabs in

2024 Grant Recipients

Boys & Girls Club of LPC https://bgclaplata.org/ IAM MUSIC – https://iammusic.us/ The Hive DGO – https://www.thehivedgo.org/ Durango Pregnancy Center  –  https://www.durangopregnancy.com/ Sexual Assault Services Organization – https://www.durangosaso.org/ Alternative Horizons – https://alternativehorizons.org/ La Plata Family Centers Coalition – https://lpfcc.org/ Grief Center of Southwest Colorado – https://www.griefcenterswco.org/ Neighbors in Need Alliance – https://www.ninadurango.org/ Housing Solutions for the

Durango Staff Update

The Durango City Council granted a 3% cost of living raise to the city manager, the city attorney, and the municipal judge this month. In addition, the council approved high-performer raises at a rate of 2% for the city manager, 6% for the city attorney, and 9.5% for the municipal court judge.  Council also approved

DRO Update

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) wraps up its busiest year on record with a 15% increase in passengers and a successful new remote shuttle parking solution. Through October the airport is reporting a 15% increase in airline enplanements this year over 2023. Parking lot exit volume and rental car contract days are also up, indicating

How Recounts Affected the Colorado House and Senate

HOUSE: Recounts recently confirmed Republican candidates flipped two House seats initially thought to be retained by Democrats. These flips ended the Democrats’ veto-proof supermajority in the chamber, which they had held for the past two years, though the party still maintains a strong 43-22 majority. SENATE: Democrats hold a 23-12 majority, one seat short of