Council issues inclusive‑city and MLK proclamations; community groups thank city

Grand Junction — The City Council opened its Jan. 7 session with two proclamations recognizing inclusion and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and local organizations used the meeting to acknowledge the honors and existing outreach work.

Council Member Stout introduced a proclamation declaring Grand Junction an inclusive city; the proclamation affirms that the city ‘‘welcomes and celebrates people of all races, ethnicities, religions, orientations, genders, economic status, and physical and mental circumstances.’’ Amanda Salinas, identified in the meeting as representing the Center for Independence, accepted the Inclusive City recognition and thanked the council, noting the Center’s 44 years of service and work improving accessibility in buildings, sidewalks, transit and public spaces.

Council Member Bialfis read a proclamation recognizing Jan. 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Grand Junction. Elijah Williams accepted that proclamation on behalf of ‘‘black citizens and friends,’’ thanked the council for support, and invited the public to a march and commemorative events on Jan. 19 starting at noon at City Hall.

During public comment, Philip Masters of United Way of Mesa County thanked the council for funding that supports the organization’s mobile outreach and services hub after the resource center closure and described a client intake beginning Oct. 6, 2025, that led to housing and benefits coordination — a concrete example he said illustrated the value of sustained investment in outreach work.

The meeting included additional liaison reports and announcements about upcoming museum and cultural events.