Assembly moves Ski Talk gondola project to top of CIP priorities

The Assembly adopted Resolution 25-096 on Dec. 2, endorsing the FY2027 Capital Improvement Program list as amended and moving Ski Talk’s Phase 2 gondola/lift project to the top-ranked position.

The public hearing included multiple supporters of Ski Talk, including Paul Reed and youth speakers who said the lift expands recreational access, educational opportunities and local economic activity. Community Development staff (Natasha Heindel) summarized the CIP nomination and scoring process, noting eligibility criteria and a capped request of $1,000,000 per project in the CIP packet. Jillian Morrissey, community development director, told members Ski Talk plans a project in excess of $20 million to be financed by loans, fundraising and grants; the $1,000,000 CIP entry reflects a program cap rather than the full project cost.

Assemblymember Sumner proposed moving the Ski Talk nomination from #2 to #1. The amendment passed with no objection and the resolution was adopted as amended. Staff and the mayor clarified that adoption of the CIP list gives direction to staff and is not an appropriation; funding would be considered during the next budget cycle and could include grant conditions or reporting requirements if appropriated later.

Several Assembly members asked for stronger evaluation of maintenance priorities and noted public sensitivity after recent discussion of a possible fuel excise tax. The Assembly directed staff to consider the amended priorities in spring budget development and signaled willingness to include milestones or grant conditions in any future appropriations.

Next steps: staff will include the adopted priority list in upcoming budget development; specific funding decisions will appear during the budget appropriation process.