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,
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
● 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