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4 days ago

Pitkin County commissioners appoint Kara Silverknuckle as county manager Pitkin County's board voted to appoint Kara Silverknuckle as county manager after hearing staff and public remarks; commissioners praised her leadership and highlighted recent county bonding, grant wins and infrastructure plans.

Pitkin County has officially appointed Kara Silverknuckle as its new county manager, marking a significant step in leadership with ambitious plans for the community's future!

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3 weeks ago

Finance department outlines budget outlook and several supplemental requests including jail remodel and evidence‑room upgrade Finance staff updated commissioners on departmental functions, grants, debt and internal controls; budget staff reported strong 2025 results but an 18% drop in January sales tax. Multiple supplemental requests were previewed, including Open Space invasive‑species actions, $200,000 for planning wildlife crossings, a $136,000 evidence‑room HVAC/lighting supplement, jail remodel cost increases, and a $22M solid‑waste bond issuance with a premium.

The finance team just revealed an eye-opening budget outlook, highlighting a surprising 18% drop in January sales tax and a slew of significant funding requests that could reshape our county's future.

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3 weeks ago

Pitkin County Open Space requests funding for boat/wader washing and education after mussel detections Open Space & Trails staff asked the county to contribute to an invasive mussel prevention campaign — signage, outreach and portable washing stations — citing recent detections in the basin and coordination with Roaring Fork Conservancy, CPW and RUAPA; the board signaled support but asked staff to coordinate partner efforts to avoid duplication.

Pitkin County is taking action against invasive mussels with a bold funding request for boat washing stations and educational efforts to protect our waterways!

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#PitkinCounty #CO #InvasiveSpecies #CitizenPortal #WaterwayProtection

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3 weeks ago

BLM seeks comments on allowing Class 1 e-bikes on Crown Mountain trails as county urges site-by-site review BLM field office staff told Pitkin County officials and the Open Space & Trails Board that a 30‑day public scoping period (opened Feb. 23) is under way to study allowing Class 1 e-bikes on designated singletrack trails across the CRVFO field office, including parts of the Crown; residents and commissioners urged site‑specific analysis, raised enforcement and wildlife concerns, and directed staff to prepare scoping comments for board review.

The BLM is considering allowing Class 1 e-bikes on popular mountain trails in the Colorado River Valley, but local officials are urging a detailed site-by-site review to address safety and environmental concerns.

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3 weeks ago

Pitkin County landfill tour underscores limits of 'zero waste' and spotlights new reuse, compost efforts At a public tour of the Pitkin County solid waste center near Aspen, staff and community members said 'zero waste' is unattainable, described capacity and hauling challenges, and outlined a new campus including a reuse 'Mercantile' and expanded composting to keep material in the valley.

Pitkin County's landfill tour reveals the stark truth: 'zero waste' might be a myth, but innovative reuse and composting could be the key to a sustainable future.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #WasteDiversion #CitizenPortal #ClimateAction

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1 month ago

Pitkin County conducts board interviews and backs regional request to raise Prop 1-2-3 AMI thresholds The board interviewed Open Space & Trails and library applicants and agreed to promote several citizen-board renewals; staff also asked the board to endorse a regional DOLA AMI waiver request to raise program income limits for Prop 1-2-3 housing funds up to 120% AMI to make local projects viable.

Pitkin County is taking significant steps to enhance local housing opportunities by advocating for a crucial AMI waiver that could transform affordable housing projects in high-cost mountain communities.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County approves subdivision exemption for Phillips Mobile Home Park; residents seek details on timing and relocation The BOCC approved a resolution Feb. 25 to subdivide the county-owned Phillips Mobile Home Park into four parcels to clarify legal boundaries for future infrastructure and housing work; residents asked for assurances about water, construction phasing and displacement and staff committed to a Q&A and a construction-management plan under future location-and-extent review.

Pitkin County has taken a significant step by approving a subdivision exemption for the Phillips Mobile Home Park, but residents are demanding clarity on future developments and service commitments.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #InfrastructureUpgrade #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing

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1 month ago

Colorado River BOCES tells Pitkin County: CTE pipelines can feed local job needs in construction, health and EV service A Colorado River BOCES representative told Pitkin County commissioners that career and technical education pathways—including construction, health sciences, and cyber programs—raise graduation rates and provide direct pipelines to local employers; the BOCES seeks partnership and potential grant funding for program expansion in the valley.

A groundbreaking presentation revealed how expanded career and technical education pathways in Pitkin County can bridge the gap between local job shortages and skilled graduates.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #LocalJobs #CitizenPortal #CareerEducation #WorkforceDevelopment

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1 month ago

Pitkin County to oppose property tax mill-levy split; staff to monitor data-center and other bills County staff recommended opposing a bill to allow split mill-levy rates and suggested monitoring new data-center and methane-related bills; the board also agreed to prepare outreach to the Joint Budget Committee to seek mitigation of proposed human-services cuts.

Pitkin County is gearing up to oppose a controversial property tax bill that could complicate local finances and trigger costly IT upgrades!

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#PitkinCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #HumanServices #PublicPolicy

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1 month ago

Pitkin County holds first reading of Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, plans mapping and exemptions County planners presented and the board held first readings of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and matching land-use amendments, including new structure-hardening standards, defensible-space zones, parcel mapping and a ground-truthing process; second reading and public hearing set for March 25 (map adoption to follow).

Pitkin County is taking a bold step to enhance wildfire safety with new building codes that could change how we protect our homes!

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1 month ago

Pitkin County staff warn human-services programs face deeper strain as state, federal cuts loom County human-services staff told commissioners on Feb. 24 that fourth-quarter results show small budget deficits and program imbalances driven by staffing vacancies, federal freezes and provider-rate increases; leaders flagged a potential $100,000 CCAP shortfall, rising caseload complexity and major uncertainty from state districting and federal HR1 work requirements.

Pitkin County's human-services programs are facing significant challenges, with a looming $100,000 deficit and rising caseload complexities just as state and federal reforms threaten vital support.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County moves to ban flavored tobacco sales after student and public testimony Pitkin County commissioners voted Feb. 25 to amend the county tobacco-retail license to prohibit sale of flavored tobacco products after presentations from public health staff, school officials and students who said flavors are driving youth nicotine use.

Pitkin County is taking a bold step to combat youth vaping by moving to ban flavored tobacco products, responding to alarming testimonies from students and public health officials.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County planners tout Vision 2050 draft, flag water adequacy and code changes as next steps Planning staff presented the Vision 2050 comprehensive-plan draft to the Board of County Commissioners, emphasizing water‑adequacy rules, reduced rural development intensity, housing pathways, and that code and zoning changes will be the next phase following public hearings in March.

Pitkin County is taking bold steps towards a sustainable future with its Vision 2050 draft, prioritizing water conservation and community housing amidst a changing climate.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #ClimateAction #WaterAdequacy

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1 month ago

Colorado Parks and Wildlife outlines bear mitigation options, habitat connectivity and herd concerns CPW wildlife supervisor Matt Yamashita advised the Pitkin County commissioners that the agency can advise on bear conflicts and landscape connectivity but does not make county operational decisions; he urged collaborative study of landfill mitigation, emphasized habitat protection and improvement, and warned that elk recruitment metrics are below sustainable thresholds.

CPW's Matt Yamashita reveals alarming insights into bear conflicts, habitat health, and the vulnerable elk population in Pitkin County—what's being done to protect our wildlife?

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1 month ago

Northwest Colorado COG urges vigilance on data-center bills, stresses local water authority Kristen Green of Northwest Colorado Council of Governments briefed the Pitkin County commissioners on QQ’s work and urged vigilance at the state level, warning draft data-center incentives could undercut local 10-41 authority and fail to ensure independent water‑supply reviews.

Kristen Green warns that proposed data-center incentives could jeopardize local water authority and transparency in Pitkin County—are we ready for the implications?

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1 month ago

Pitkin County board approves salary changes for elected officials, votes to pursue commissioner pay increase via state law The board voted to move non-commissioner elected officials to a higher state pay category and authorized pursuing a state-legislative change to increase commissioners' pay category; both measures passed 3–1 after debate about general-fund priorities.

Pitkin County commissioners have approved significant salary changes for elected officials, igniting a debate over fiscal priorities and the future of county compensation.

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1 month ago

Board approves first reading of PACT cost-share MOU to stabilize local co-responder funding Pitkin County approved first reading of a memorandum of understanding to share local contributions for PACT co-responder services with Aspen and Snowmass Village, intended to reduce reliance on volatile grants and maintain a full team.

Pitkin County is taking a bold step to secure local funding for the PACT co-responder program, aiming to reduce reliance on unpredictable grants and ensure community safety.

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1 month ago

Applicants press conservation, agriculture and transportation as linked priorities in Pitkin County interviews During follow‑up questioning Feb. 17, many District 2 applicants urged stronger conservation tools, protection for agricultural water and land, and transportation planning that directs growth into town centers to preserve open space and wildlife habitat.

Candidates in Pitkin County are championing a bold vision that intertwines conservation, agriculture, and smart transportation to protect vital landscapes and wildlife.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #WildlifeHabitat #SustainableTransportation #AgricultureProtection

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1 month ago

Pitkin County approves $1 million grant to Good Deeds program to buy deed-restricted homes The board approved a $1 million grant agreement with the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition to expand the Good Deeds program, which buys market homes and records deed restrictions to preserve affordability for local workers.

Pitkin County is investing $1 million to help local workers achieve homeownership through the innovative Good Deeds program, ensuring affordability for generations to come.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #WorkforceDevelopment

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1 month ago

Candidates emphasize conservation, agriculture and directed growth in Pitkin County interviews In Feb. 17 interviews for the District 2 vacancy candidates and commissioners discussed conservation easements, wildlife corridors, farm/CSA support and limiting trails in sensitive habitat as tools to balance farmland, open space and housing demand.

Candidates in Pitkin County's District 2 interviews are championing innovative solutions to balance housing needs with the preservation of precious agricultural lands and wildlife corridors.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County interviews nine candidates for District 2 seat; board sets Feb. 26 first reading and March 3 public hearing The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners conducted interviews with nine applicants for the District 2 vacancy on Feb. 17, 2026. Candidates emphasized housing affordability, airport planning and wildfire mitigation; the board will consider an appointment at a special meeting Feb. 26 and a public hearing March 3.

Nine candidates vying for the District 2 seat in Pitkin County highlighted pressing issues like housing affordability and wildfire resilience in an intense interview session.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #WildfireMitigation #HousingAffordability #AirportPlanning

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1 month ago

Pitkin County holds nine interviews for District 2 seat; appointment hearings set Feb. 26 and March 3 Pitkin County commissioners interviewed nine applicants Feb. 17 to fill a District 2 vacancy, heard candidates’ priorities on housing, growth management, airport planning and conservation, and scheduled a resolution first reading Feb. 26 and a public hearing/second reading March 3.

Pitkin County is on the brink of a pivotal decision as commissioners interview nine candidates for a crucial District 2 vacancy, with public hearings set for February 26 and March 3.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County OKs $6.8 million to buy Twin Lakes and Fountain Mutual water shares to bolster Roaring Fork flows Pitkin County approved a $6.835 million appropriation from its Healthy Rivers & Streams Fund and authorized a contract to buy 60 Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Co. shares and 34 Fountain Mutual Irrigation Co. shares, aiming to keep water on the Western Slope and support river flows.

Pitkin County is making a historic move to secure vital water shares for the Roaring Fork River with a $6.8 million investment aimed at enhancing local ecosystems and streamflows.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County approves higher salaries for some elected officials and pursues legislative change for commissioners' pay The board approved a resolution setting increased salaries for non‑commissioner elected officials (sheriff, clerk and recorder, assessor) and voted to pursue a state legislative category change to raise county commissioners' pay; both measures passed 3–1.

Pitkin County has set the stage for higher salaries for key elected officials while pushing for a controversial pay increase for county commissioners!

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1 month ago

Pitkin County approves $1 million for Good Deeds program to secure workforce homes The Board approved a $1,000,000 grant from the county's housing property tax to the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition to expand the Good Deeds program, which purchases homes or deed restrictions for local workers.

Pitkin County just approved a $1 million grant to secure affordable homes for local workers through the innovative Good Deeds program!

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1 month ago

Pitkin County commissioners have taken a crucial step to stabilize the PACT co-responder team, ensuring vital support for mental health emergencies amid grant funding uncertainties.

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1 month ago

Pitkin County approves purchase of Twin Lakes and Fountain Mutual irrigation shares to boost Roaring Fork flows Pitkin County approved appropriating $6.835 million and moving forward with a contract to buy 60 Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Company shares and 34 Fountain Mutual Irrigation Company shares; closing is scheduled for April 2, 2026.

Pitkin County is making a bold move to secure the future of the Roaring Fork River by investing $6.8 million in vital water shares amidst climate challenges!

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1 month ago

Pitkin County planners preview Vision 2050 draft emphasizing water adequacy, rural preservation and housing criteria County planning staff presented the Vision 2050 draft comprehensive plan, highlighting new policy language on water adequacy, wildlife corridors, limits on large-home intensity, and narrow, criteria-based allowances for community housing outside urban growth boundaries.

Pitkin County's Vision 2050 draft plan is set to revolutionize community growth with bold climate action, rural preservation, and innovative housing strategies.

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1 month ago

Colorado Parks and Wildlife briefs commissioners on landfill bear activity, habitat connectivity and wolf/wolverine plans CPW Supervisor Matt Yamashita told the board black bears use the Pitkin County landfill, offered to have Colorado Bear Coalition research mitigation options, discussed habitat-improvement priorities and said Pitkin County was not selected for wolf releases this season.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is tackling the growing human-bear conflict at the Pitkin County landfill, while also planning for the future of large carnivores and ecosystem health.

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1 month ago

Northwest COG representative urges vigilance as state renewable and data center bills move through legislature Kristen Green of Northwest COG told Pitkin County commissioners QQ is tracking state renewable-energy and data-center legislation that could curtail local land-use authority; QQ urged protecting local review and stronger water-supply safeguards.

Kristen Green warns that proposed state bills could jeopardize local water-supply protections, urging the Pitkin County Board to remain vigilant.

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#PitkinCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #RenewableEnergy #WaterQuality