Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

1 month ago

Pueblo mayor warns of 2027 budget shortfall; council opts to hire seasonal parks staff for 2026 Mayor Heather Graham told the City Council retreat that, if revenues do not improve, Pueblo faces a roughly $1.2 million available-for-appropriation gap for 2027 and may need more structural cuts; after debate, councilors directed the administration to proceed with hiring seasonal parks staff for the upcoming season and asked staff to pursue broader budget options.

Pueblo faces a looming $1.2 million budget shortfall for 2027, compelling city leaders to make tough choices about spending while still deciding to hire seasonal parks staff for 2026.

Learn more here

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #ParksRecreation #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

1 month ago

City officials weigh sale, leases and costly data‑center fiber when considering Pope Block disposal Public Works reported the city reacquired the Pope Block Building in 2014; operations run about $1M/year, multiple leases expire March 2026, and staff warned relocating the building's data‑center fiber could cost millions, complicating potential sale plans.

Pueblo's city council is grappling with a major decision on the Pope Block Building, as costly data center fiber relocation complicates potential sale plans with looming lease expirations.

Get the details!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity #InfrastructureInvestment

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

1 month ago

Mayor proposes changing half‑cent sales tax criteria to fund placemaking, curb economic leakage Mayor Graham proposed amending the half‑cent sales tax criteria to allow up to three additional uses (placemaking, preventing economic leakage and economic catalysts beyond primary jobs), with an illustrative 15% annual cap of the unencumbered balance; councilors debated oversight, clawbacks and whether city staff should take a larger role in incentive coordination.

Mayor Graham's proposed amendments to the half-cent sales tax could transform Pueblo by attracting retail and tourism projects while tackling economic leakage—are you ready to see the city's future unfold?

Learn more here

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #SalesTaxReform #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

2 months ago

Consultants brief Pueblo council on housing bills and a proposed fix to Prop 1-23 Alec Romero and Ryan Romero of Capital Success Group flagged two state housing bills—one that would require administrative approval of residential projects on qualifying public/nonprofit sites and another enabling a voter-approved vacancy tax—and described a proposed fix to Proposition 1-23 to tailor housing-growth targets to Pueblo's actual permits and job growth.

Pueblo City Council is facing pivotal changes in housing regulations that could reshape local development and funding—are you ready for what’s coming?

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PuebloCity #HousingReform #LocalGovernment #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

2 months ago

Pueblo to pursue $1.5 million Basin 3 sewer rehabilitation to reduce selenium infiltration and avoid costly treatment Wastewater director Andrea Ahrens and Brown & Caldwell engineer Chandler Wilson outlined a Basin 3 sewer rehabilitation project covering about 1,900 feet of sewer and up to 46 laterals, estimated at roughly $1.5 million, to reduce groundwater infiltration of selenium and sulfate; funding would come from the wastewater enterprise fund and no grants were identified.

Pueblo is tackling a $1.5 million sewer rehabilitation project to combat harmful groundwater infiltration and protect aquatic life—will they succeed before time runs out?

Learn more here

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PuebloCity #WaterQuality #InfrastructureRehabilitation #EnvironmentalProtection

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

3 months ago

Mayor seeks council approval to use ARPA and TIF tools to clear blight in Bessemer Mayor Heather Graham introduced two resolutions (M13, M16) and one ordinance (S16) to direct the Urban Renewal Authority to address blighted parcels on West Northern, acquire two adjacent lots and approve purchase of a block using ARPA interest funds for redevelopment and demolition contracts.

Mayor Heather Graham is taking bold steps to revitalize the blighted Bessemer/West Northern area, proposing significant actions to transform unsafe buildings into community spaces.

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PuebloCity #BlightRemediation #UrbanRenewal #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

3 months ago

City staff ask council to add HUD loan guarantee as priority to attack blight; plan could finance demolition of ~60 homes Housing staff proposed adding HUD Section 108 loan guarantee as a priority to the city’s consolidated plan to finance demolition of around 60 blighted homes; the program could allow borrowing up to about $7.1 million against future CDBG allocations, with estimated interest near 3.88% and a potential 20-year amortization window.

Pueblo City is taking bold steps to tackle blight by proposing a significant amendment that could unlock up to $7.1 million to demolish and rehabilitate homes in need!

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PuebloCity #HousingReform #UrbanBlight #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

3 months ago

Pueblo officials review $2.9M vendor-fee plan as convention center projects a subsidized 2026 City officials heard a presentation on how an estimated $2.9 million in vendor-fee revenue will be split between debt service and operations for the Pueblo Convention Center and Memorial Hall, with staff projecting a modest operating subsidy covered by vendor-fee funds and continued emphasis on driving hotel room nights and convention business.

Pueblo's Convention Center is set to receive a $2.9 million vendor-fee boost, fueling economic growth and revitalizing downtown after a challenging pandemic period.

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PuebloCity #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

5 months ago

PEDCO reports active prospects and a potential $750M+ project; councilors press to reinstate economic‑development contract PEDCO's quarterly briefing outlined prospect activity, target industries and a major prospective southern Pueblo project (300+ jobs, more than $750 million CapEx). Councilor Flores urged the council to reinstate PEDCO's contract rather than rush an RFQ, citing the organization's history and community support.

PEDCO is pursuing a groundbreaking project in southern Pueblo that could create over 300 jobs and attract more than $750 million in investment!

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

5 months ago

Pueblo City Council briefed on year-round emergency shelter rezoning, transit and public-safety updates City staff told council the city now owns and operates the relief emergency shelter at 710 West 4th Street and that an ordinance rezoned nearby parcels to permit year‑round congregate sheltering; staff also announced transit route changes, parks programs and police activity figures.

Pueblo City Council just approved year-round emergency shelter operations at 710 West 4th Street, transforming lives with a welcoming space for those in need!

Learn more here

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #EmergencyShelter #PublicTransit #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

5 months ago

County details emergency plan after federal shutdown halts November SNAP issuance Pueblo County Department of Human Services told the council that federal shutdown guidance halted November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issuance, affecting about 41,241 residents; the county identified $195,874 in local funds and partner resources to cover immediate gaps.

A federal government shutdown has left thousands in Pueblo County facing a SNAP benefits crisis, prompting urgent emergency measures to support struggling families.

Learn more here!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #PuebloCity #EmergencyResponse

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

5 months ago

Local lawyers warn council about possible ICE flights, CoreCivic expansion and legal risks Speakers told the council that ICE internal memos and private prison postings point to a potential reopening and expansion of the Cuerfano (Cœurfano) County Correctional Facility and possible detention flights into Pueblo Memorial Airport; presenters outlined constitutional risks and state statutory limits on municipal contracts with detention and

Local lawyers sound the alarm as ICE and CoreCivic may expand detention operations at Pueblo Memorial Airport, raising serious legal and ethical concerns for the city.

Read the full story

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ImmigrationReform #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

5 months ago

City presents 2026 proposed budget; staff cite $11.9M projected fund balance decrease and staffing changes Finance staff presented the proposed 2026 City of Pueblo budget on Oct. 20, outlining an $11.9 million projected decrease in general fund balance, wage and health‑insurance increases, personnel abolishments and capital priorities. The budget will be heard at a public hearing Oct. 27 and returned for readings in November.

Pueblo City's proposed 2026 budget reveals a staggering $11.9 million fund balance decrease, alongside significant personnel changes and ambitious capital projects!

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PublicFinance #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

5 months ago

Council to Reconsider $600,000 Incentive for Circle K–led Redevelopment of blighted northern site City staff presented details of a proposed Circle K redevelopment that would pair a new convenience store with 45–50 workforce housing units and use $600,000 in city funds to make the deal feasible. Council voted 5–2 to reconsider the resolution allocating demolition/incentive funds; the item will return to the Oct. 27 agenda.

Pueblo City is on the verge of transforming a blighted area into a thriving hub with a new Circle K and 45-50 workforce housing units, thanks to a $600,000 city investment!

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #WorkforceHousing #CitizenPortal #UrbanRenewal #PuebloCity #BlightRemoval

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

6 months ago

Auditors give Pueblo a clean 2024 opinion but flag grant-reporting weaknesses External auditors told the Pueblo City Council they issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the citys 2024 financial statements but identified a material weakness in grant accounting and a separate single-audit reporting failure for a CDBG subrecipient disclosure. Auditors also described implementing GASB guidance on compensated absences and said,

Pueblo City received a "clean" opinion on its 2024 financial statements, but auditors uncovered significant weaknesses in grant accounting that could impact federally funded programs.

Learn more here!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity #FinancialTransparency

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

6 months ago

City Council Approves Executive Session for Development Negotiations Council discusses strategies and instructs negotiators for upcoming development agreements.

The Pueblo City Council is taking bold steps to enhance public safety and improve community infrastructure, ensuring a brighter future for all residents.

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PuebloCity #InfrastructureDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

6 months ago

Pueblo City Council Reviews HSPPR Budget and Animal Shelter Operations Council discusses Humane Society's budget challenges and contract negotiations amid rising animal intake.

Pueblo is gearing up for a spooky season with a candy drive and engaging town halls, ensuring community voices are heard and fun is had!

Get the details!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PuebloCity #YouthSports

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

6 months ago

Pueblo City Council Proposes $50K Small Business Vandalism Repair Grant Program The council aims to alleviate vandalism costs for small businesses with a new grant initiative.

Pueblo City leaders are stepping up to combat a 10% rise in vandalism affecting small businesses, proposing a $50,000 grant program to help restore damaged storefronts and boost community morale.

Learn more here!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity #SmallBusinessSupport

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

City Council Reviews Development Parking Minimums Under New State Legislation City Council discusses parking requirements for multifamily developments in transit-rich areas.

Pueblo City Council is shaking up local development by potentially eliminating minimum parking requirements to boost public transit use—what does this mean for residents?

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicTransitInnovation #PuebloCity #SustainableUrbanLiving

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

Colorado Council Discusses Tax Credit Cuts and Medicaid Changes Amid Budget Shortfall Colorado officials debate tax credit cuts and Medicaid losses affecting 200,000 individuals.

Pueblo City Council is facing tough decisions as proposed tax credit cuts threaten local families and businesses while a looming budget shortfall of $720 million hangs in the balance.

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

City Council Discusses Options to Fund $8M Public Improvement Contract with Trane Council explores funding from reserves or lease purchase agreements for public improvement project.

Pueblo City Council faces a critical decision on funding an $8 million public improvement project that could reshape the city's financial future.

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PublicFunding #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #FinancialStability #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

City Officials Warn Against Summer Delay for Building Cooling Installations Delaying cooling installations risks excessive costs and operational shutdowns this summer.

Pueblo City Council warns that delaying the installation of a new cooling system could lead to costly operational shutdowns this summer!

Read the full story

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

Pueblo Police Chief Updates City Council on Crime Stats and Youth Sports League Launch Police report 10% drop in dispatch calls; youth football league opens with 489 players.

Pueblo is not only seeing a 10% drop in dispatch calls but is also gearing up for an exciting youth sports league with 489 players ready to hit the field this weekend!

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #YouthEngagement #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

Community Leaders Debate Impact of Harm Reduction Center on Local Crime Rates Council members and residents discuss safety concerns linked to harm reduction services.

The Pueblo City Council faces a heated debate as residents voice safety concerns over the harm reduction center, sparking fears about crime and the community's future.

Read the full story

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

Pueblo City Council debates HVAC system funding and long-term infrastructure planning Council discusses financing options for emergency HVAC replacement amid budget constraints.

Pueblo City Council faces a critical decision: invest in a new HVAC system or continue pouring money into costly repairs—what will they choose?

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #AssetManagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureFinancing #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

Pueblo Zoo Director Abby Cross Presents 2026 Budget Request to City Council Pueblo Zoo's impact and 2026 budget request highlighted during city council presentation.

The Pueblo Zoo is not just a place for animals—it's a cornerstone of community education and conservation, generating a whopping $20 million in local economic impact!

Get the details

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

Pueblo Zoo seeks $944K budget amid severe funding cuts and accreditation concerns Zoo faces $90K annual deficit, risking accreditation and potential closure in years ahead.

The future of the Pueblo Zoo hangs in the balance as city officials deliberate severe budget cuts that could lead to a $90,000 annual deficit and jeopardize its accreditation.

Learn more here!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity #ZooAccreditation

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

7 months ago

City Council Approves Lease Purchase for HVAC System Amid Funding Discussions Council seeks direction on financing options for critical HVAC repair at next meeting.

Pueblo City Council is racing against time to secure funding for urgent HVAC repairs that could prevent costly complications down the line.

Click to read more!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #FinancialStrategies #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureRepair #EmergencyOrdinance #PuebloCity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

10 months ago

Pueblo School Board votes to close charter school amid financial controversies Charter School faces closure as Pueblo District 60 directs funding elsewhere amid disputes.

A fierce battle is unfolding in Pueblo City as the community rallies to save a charter school facing closure, raising questions about accountability and the future of education in the area.

Learn more here

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #YouthEmpowerment #CitizenPortal #PuebloCity #EducationEquity

Citizen Portal News Colorado

@citizenptnewsco.bsky.social

10 months ago

Pueblo Diversified Industries hosts community events to support individuals with disabilities Pueblo council discusses upcoming events benefiting individuals with disabilities and a Medicaid funding concern.

Pueblo City Council members celebrate the life-changing impact of Pueblo Diversified Industries on individuals with disabilities, while raising crucial concerns about future Medicaid funding.

Learn more here!

#PuebloCityPuebloCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #EmploymentOpportunities #PuebloCity