[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165289,"mediaKeyId","5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f","parentId",5425469,"title","City staff propose \"Meet You There\" engagement plan to broaden council outreach","audioSeconds",915,"startMs",11460000,"endMs",12375000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f&start=11460&end=12375","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f/thumbnail_11460000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165289/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/City-staff-propose-Meet-You-There-engagement-plan-to-broaden-council-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165289-415a229af5222aff01313e8246f8256e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121072&Signature=HyQSlB5ybTe4HRaILD1dxuabNxc3mpl-VevD1naTj2ZDVUu-DZRr4Z7lJXgMwc55qQP8zC7nKOit4LpnCiwK4S~iXFA6iEG7DhCnMl5D~ErkLi~WStxU9g6FrqajrM6tQIMIsyyRvth24U4Xi7bgqwTFmHATMPJBjzAD02UY2l7keBNMQhUtona6DuTnJE9P9XoAARWmAFqsUM1UgcZwWKSQI-fJriuwAld52XL5R-CJwSy2B00asTEWM6g5T9DuZBV9qBI5SMtrwFyhAeVEUF5ujeK9Uqzjtl4zFMbBDjYq~So1gSTg-xrQrbFzXrbPHmps-nqnnEEKzixVilQoWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Junction CO","date","2025-06-30T00:00:00Z","article","City communications staff presented a proposed framework for expanding council outreach and public engagement on Wednesday.

Kelsey Coleman, communications and engagement manager, described a four‑pronged approach she called “Meet You There”: rotating neighborhood dialogues or town‑hall‑style conversations; “community plugin” participation at existing events (markets, parades, service‑club meetings); a digital series using the city’s web and social channels; and a media plan to highlight councilmembers and their priorities. Coleman described the plan as flexible: activities could be mixed and matched to councilmembers’ schedules and intended to reach different groups across the city.

Staff said the plan would include an events calendar showing where councilmembers plan to appear and that staff would provide talking points, materials and social promotion to make participation easier for council. The proposal also flagged accessibility: staff recommended plain‑language materials, translations and partnerships to reach residents who do not typically attend city meetings.

Council asked how the program would reach residents who distrust local government or who are not already engaged; staff proposed simplified language, targeted in‑person outreach, social‑media promotion and small advertising buys to broaden reach. Councilmembers discussed pilot events (farmers market, senior center visits, bike rides) and suggested the city maintain a running list of community groups and meeting locations. Staff requested feedback and permission to begin outreach and scheduling.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Grand Junction City Council - Workshop - June 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City communications staff proposed a flexible engagement plan—\"Meet You There\"—that would combine neighborhood dialogues, plug‑ins at existing community events, digital outreach and media storytelling to make council more accessible to residents.","taxTitle","Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado","taxId",5495,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165293,"Council discusses forming housing‑affordability code task force to speed permitting and reduce cost",481,6745000,7226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f&start=6745&end=7226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f/thumbnail_6745000.jpg","/articles/6165293/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/Council-discusses-forming-housingaffordability-code-task-force-to-speed-permitting-and-reduce-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165293-df989ec3f37a2fe6f2b8181038f59f4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121072&Signature=f2tetIEYEfKRIFYo8Acb1YJ~EQyfYYytQCbInXvyR7HhgOOj2h0R-z4a2rpaZPqTjgw-fp8coaE0QrjM4f1P5Skicz6omRfJmNu5s0iVO~UKLNduVf2YymfOn1I6bVNP~Tl7Xrh7wPJuQupD37DknbS7B5Et9gFtcXtK6BGO8z5BhALqbUEepsXz4zkhXPXLb36XXnCxyO2AyvJOM-Vs8ahJ0Je1i3PtnJWwh4HKIUUMAKagKmV3BRO~Lrfn8ANJgCJN3kWbVlAfXtLpnP33Ysp51-LUbYZinRea0qxwJfGBd6MvrRCSTdir9ZZ3Bd4wTod--lm0I9gifTg5TEapSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers on Wednesday discussed staff’s proposal to create a task force of industry representatives and city staff to identify regulatory and process changes that could lower development cost and speed project delivery.

City staff presented a proposed scope focused on the zoning and development code (Title 21) and transportation engineering design standards (Title 29 / TEDs). Staff said the objective is targeted: surface opportunities that reduce regulatory burden, shorten review time and lower costs that materially affect housing prices.

Mike (city staff) and Tamara Howling said the group should be composed of practitioners from the development community—builders, engineers, landscape architects, design professionals—plus two councilmembers and two planning commissioners for continuity with quasi‑judicial review. Councilmembers stressed the need for clear, measurable goals and interim deliverables. Suggestions included tracking permitting time reductions, estimating per‑unit cost savings, and comparing Grand Junction requirements to peer cities.

Council discussed membership and process. Some members urged including county building officials and specialty contractors; others recommended a tight working group (10–15 members) that could identify “low‑hanging fruit” early and return quick recommendations for code or administrative changes. Council indicated preference for an industry‑led working group with staff in a supportive role and for time‑bounded work (council suggested 6–9 months with options to extend and checkpoints for interim deliverables). Several councilmembers volunteered to serve as council liaisons to the task force.

Staff recommended a public call for volunteers from targeted development‑industry lists and trade associations, with council making final appointments. Council asked staff to return with an outreach draft, an expected time commitment for members, and proposed success metrics for the task force.","Council heard staff proposal to convene an industry‑heavy task force to find regulatory efficiencies in zoning, design standards and permitting; councilmembers asked for clear goals, measurable metrics and representation from developers, county building officials and other stakeholders.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165299,"City and community groups report rise in unsheltered count, urge coordinated housing and services response",1001,4161000,5162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f&start=4161&end=5162","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f/thumbnail_4161000.jpg","/articles/6165299/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/City-and-community-groups-report-rise-in-unsheltered-count-urge-coordinated-housing-and-services-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165299-9eddb7e45839f4849d81c1b40e62db26/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121072&Signature=eB1Fe5~iRGiPPyAF6OrRK0pY1CW3-1gF3u-OSYp7Mw2HUGYPSBccw8e3WCWanKIWPbfcFIeDoUX2Jqm2jMvdYBhYRI9vwLKnRkB9jcWmphkq4hjpHo5u2SBSKNGAdFtnZFMwlDUjRL6kuO~YknhzWujhfYhrMJnMFCJfaSlovj8Ch4FtCSi6jAtM2Z9bJgFoZG8by1p54dhsgqA8UP4x4A5fCLwqB-v42-mKftzRmvO8j5ioOqQovXO5W8qWVrX7vZaf678unmdggnId30lIxQ1gp1e8JuiXQISf7b-3lET5AmwBWO8TATiaa1D~W4R-XC~rOZZVxICDdx6J~SYkFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and community partners reported updated counts and strategy work on homelessness Wednesday, telling council the 2025 point‑in‑time count and recent outreach suggest growing unsheltered homelessness and a need to scale system‑level responses.

Ashley Chambers, the city’s housing manager, presented the 2025 PIT (point‑in‑time) and survey results alongside the Mesa County Collaborative for the Unhoused (MCCUH) work groups. Chambers said the 2025 PIT reported 725 individuals countywide; staff cautioned that expanded volunteer recruitment and improved outreach can increase the PIT total even if underlying population trends are more gradual.

Chambers said unsheltered counts rose notably—staff reported an increase from 92 to 387 unsheltered individuals between selected count years—and shelter use also increased. Staff estimated a countywide number of roughly 2,415 people experiencing homelessness or doubled up (up about 5% from the county’s 2023 estimate). She also described survey findings indicating the unhoused population is aging (a larger share now age 55+), that most people counted had lived in Mesa County for many years (average 15.8 years), and that primary triggers for homelessness included housing loss, job loss and other causes rather than a single source of in‑migration.

Chambers reviewed the community’s unhoused strategy (adopted by council via Resolution 49‑24, staff noted) and seven work groups led by community partners to implement system coordination, a flexible housing fund, prevention and diversion, outreach and access to basic needs, behavioral health and interim housing options. She said the resource center recorded about 2,270 visits and provided nursing and case‑management services; staff described several new or expanded shelter beds and other transitional housing openings in the past year.

Chambers and other staff emphasized that the city is one participant in a county‑wide response. She said the city and local partners had contributed roughly $11.1 million directly to homelessness services in 2024–2025 and that the city is working with United Way, Homeward Bound and other partners on coordinated entry, navigation and outreach. Staff asked council to support continued partnership and resourcing while the countywide coordinated entry (HMIS/by‑name list) and system integrations continue to be implemented.

Council asked for clarification on program metrics and how “functional zero” would be measured; staff described functional zero as a net‑flow metric (more exits from homelessness than entries) and said allies track by‑name lists and demographic milestones such as veterans and seniors as early targets.","Staff and community partners reported an increase in the community’s unsheltered count and reviewed the adopted unhoused strategy, system coordination efforts, the role of the resource center and recent shelter openings and fund commitments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165304,"City staff outline housing needs, shortfalls and new incentives; Salt Flats site proposed for hundreds of units",2682,1855000,4537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f&start=1855&end=4537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f/thumbnail_1855000.jpg","/articles/6165304/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/City-staff-outline-housing-needs-shortfalls-and-new-incentives-Salt-Flats-site-proposed-for-hundreds-of-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165304-566dce70cd249084d9788768f0bc123a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121072&Signature=WOD8wv9ESMnAAlpsMVr9~zxlf0VBd0wNVJmVa6dWbGmwrkIRSAR5flgyG2NvkeRxkgNuzo9MrWZObbcG7dRZbQwIHcF0aL-wvdlW76G4wCJtF5z-IvqtPoEPr80aZDXRdBfABqJxAD4FjyVmttykTtoqCpaB48GKbVMI5GyfQwHnntjwE2f~dvXjnumAaFnKfFQ7R61LlGdY-zNwyoQoAWACrueZcRoLiUZr9MSunzPohl49-LiRJfCw5xx~e~QXYCbpnS9CpQjZKEQb-3ltayad9PjQGwZDNgEVm7ITaKaTKehYTSrUlfhQV9okxJWeeT~MeH25h0~4dVn4v8D1ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on Wednesday briefed the Grand Junction City Council on housing needs, strategies and recent actions the city has taken to increase housing supply and affordability.

Ashley Chambers, housing manager for the city, summarized recent local housing data and the city’s updated housing strategy. Chambers said the city uses HUD’s area median income (AMI) benchmarks and defined affordable rental housing as income‑restricted units serving households at 60% AMI and below (for ownership, staff said 100% AMI is the standard point for ownership affordability). She said the local median rent is about $1,500 and that median home price has risen to about $420,000.

Chambers noted vacancy rates are very low (10‑year average roughly 1.9–3%), the Grand Junction Housing Authority waitlist is about 2,692 households, and staff estimate roughly a 2,200‑unit deficit for households under 60% AMI. She told council the city updated its housing strategies in 2024 to focus on land‑use changes, incentives, leveraging city land, building a dedicated revenue source and preserving existing subsidized housing.

On development incentives and projects, staff said the city acquired about 21.78 acres at the Salt Flats earlier this year and is planning an initial concept that could produce between roughly 324 and 550 units; staff currently estimate about 465 total units as a working target for that site and said the parcel remains in planning. Chambers reviewed a 2024 linkage fee study and said staff did not recommend a housing linkage fee; she also described the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) incentives (the city funded impact fees for 21 of 34 ADUs permitted in 2024 and reported 13 ADUs in process in 2025).

Chambers briefed council on recent grant awards and capital commitments, including a $500,000 award benefitting the Grand Junction Housing Authority and a $2,000,000 infrastructure grant for the Salt Flats project. She said the city has committed roughly $46.3 million to housing and homelessness initiatives since 2004 and that the city’s 2025 commitments include about $7 million in funding and grant activity.

The housing manager described tenant and landlord programs launched in 2024: a Rent Smart tenant education series, a landlord incentive fund (up to $2,500 per tenancy and a $300 signing bonus), and partnerships with local agencies to deliver tenant services. Chambers reported 62 people completed Rent Smart classes, 40 income‑qualified alumni were created, five landlords had received incentive payments and the city’s rental registry lists about 3,000 units.

Council members asked about private activity bonds (PABs), the scale of funding needed for large increases in housing supply and timelines for expedited review required under state Prop 1/2/3 legislation; staff said PAB allocations are limited and that Prop 1/2/3 requires expedited review processes to be in place by the end of 2026.

No council vote occurred during the briefing; staff said several of the items they described (ADU code updates, interim housing code, grant awards) resulted from prior council actions or administrative approvals.","Staff summarized local housing data, gaps in affordable units, housing‑related incentives and a city‑led Salt Flats land acquisition proposed for several hundred units; staff also reviewed ADU incentives, tenant education and the public housing waitlist.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165308,"Grand Junction staff review 2020 comprehensive plan and its role in upcoming strategic planning",1751,69000,1820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f&start=69&end=1820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425469-2fc252d19ad4d856b6b1cbd6500f743f/thumbnail_69000.jpg","/articles/6165308/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/Grand-Junction-staff-review-2020-comprehensive-plan-and-its-role-in-upcoming-strategic-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165308-86a4bceb77a4929342228ce0541bec64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121072&Signature=R~xyPvAw8RdI02nUz43KjbNz0VFxtYB~mesqnQp0Y5wVYQBAlIkOGIK~ACnQ6eJGmaWpbMPX0NkQYkCMv823eIpV6Fg72QpypwcHmm7i436ePQ03q9HDZN1HK~RPaUjEbRlEXvHpryfyGcBFRSNdCchFUGCgNlFYAvdr9PeZwtqS4fKS1zBdZzGVKzxSwLvbEAcA0DCjsRfhi2Yk1l2ju4lfXNMeOSAhx2yzMEVuFz~8OqqiawMABbMrPRqHWbP1pgIwunD8uzAa2r-zskmGWmuRZlxiYLYysFJAchjLzLbOp1EiG21DaU5z2tbrZ5L66Ia6bgmdt9nnjH~3dDqVcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on Wednesday reviewed the city’s 2020 comprehensive plan to give council context ahead of a forthcoming strategic planning process. Tamara Howling, community development director, and Tim Lierbog, principal planner, presented the document’s scope, policy structure and links to implementation.

The presentation said the plan is a long‑range (10–20 year) roadmap covering land use, transportation, housing, economic development, parks and resource stewardship. Howling said the plan was adopted in 2020 after a 22‑month process and was informed by a 2019 statistically valid community survey and an active Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC).

Howling told council the state’s revised statutes direct Colorado cities to discourage sprawl and promote redevelopment and require several plan elements; she said the 2020 plan already included many of those topics and that, beginning with the plan’s land use chapter, “the crux and foundation is, historically has been in the land use elements.” Tim Lierbog described the plan’s tiered growth framework, an urban development boundary (UDB) almost coterminous with the city’s Presidio 201 boundary, and nine land‑use designations that guide zoning and capital investments.

The staff presentation emphasized that the land‑use map is not a zoning map but that implementing zone districts were adopted alongside the 2020 zoning and development code; zoning changes must be consistent with the land‑use designations. Staff also noted related plans—parks and recreation, multimodal transportation, water efficiency and others—are used to set capacity and level‑of‑service targets implemented through standalone utility and transportation plans.

Howling closed by noting the plan’s implementation chapter envisioned an ongoing matrix of priorities (short, mid and long term) that the council has since addressed through two‑year strategic priorities. She encouraged councilmembers to read the appendices and the issues and opportunities report that underpinned the plan’s policies.

Council members asked procedural questions about how the plan connects to upcoming work, and staff said the briefing was intended only for context, not to reopen policy decisions that would be addressed during strategic planning.","City staff gave a high-level briefing on the 2020 Grand Junction comprehensive plan, its nine plan principles, and how the plan ties into land‑use decisions, the urban development boundary and upcoming city strategic planning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City staff propose "Meet You There" engagement plan to broaden council outreach

Council discusses forming housing‑affordability code task force to speed permitting and reduce cost

City and community groups report rise in unsheltered count, urge coordinated housing and services response

City staff outline housing needs, shortfalls and new incentives; Salt Flats site proposed for hundreds of units

Grand Junction staff review 2020 comprehensive plan and its role in upcoming strategic planning