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.