Glenwood Springs is a special place, where residents passionately care about the community. This dedication is evident in Ballot Measure A, which seeks to shape the way in which future decisions are made about growth and development. While we appreciate the intention of the measure, the Glenwood Springs Chamber encourages residents to carefully weigh the potential impacts of their vote as well as to consider how mechanisms for community engagement already in place might be enhanced or improved.

To assist those who may still be deliberating on their decision, we compiled an analysis of Ballot Measure A. This aims to provide a clear overview of the current charter provisions and the proposed changes, allowing voters to make an informed choice.  

Ballot Measure A proposes some changes to how certain residential projects and land decisions are handled in the City. Here’s a simplified summary (more detail is available in the analysis document ):

• If a project has between 5 to 8 residential units (should Ballot Measure A pass) it would need to be reviewed by both the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and City Council. Currently, projects with 8 or less units are not subject to review by P&Z or City Council. However, a public notice is required for units of 5 units or more. This change would add at least two public meetings, one with P&Z and one with the City Council. This could make the application process longer, by an estimated 8 to 12 weeks.
• Similarly, projects with 9 to 24 residential units would necessitate City Council review in addition to the existing P&Z review, which includes at least one public meeting. This would add at least one public meeting potentially extending the application process timeline by approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
• Measure A also proposes that the City Council must seek residents’ approval through a vote for actions such as annexing land, selling or gifting city-owned land, or constructing mixed-use or residential housing on city-owned properties. This broadens the requirement for a vote to more than the current specific categories of city-owned land. Currently, mixed use or residential housing projects on city-owned land must go through all the same application and review process as projects on privately-owned land. There would be no change to this except the review thresholds would change as noted above should Measure A pass.

While these changes aim to enhance community involvement in decision-making processes, it’s crucial to consider the associated trade-offs. Additional review steps may demand more time and resources from city staff, P&Z, City Council and applicants. This could lead to reduced efficiency and increased project costs.

Furthermore, Measure A’s requirement for elections on annexations, selling or gifting city-owned land and certain land use decisions for city-owned property would reshape the City’s governance framework.  The current representative governance model would shift to direct citizen decision-making in these instances. While citizen input is valuable, it is important that decisions are grounded in expertise, research and a comprehensive understanding of policy.

Additionally, elections come with a cost to the city and taxpayers. How frequently might these elections need to take place? From where in the City’s budget will these elections be funded? If voter turnout is low, does this truly reflect the desire of most residents?

We would encourage voters to also consider the numerous opportunities already available and possible new avenues to enhance the voices of Glenwood Springs citizens. For instance, residents can actively participate in existing City Council meetings and with the Planning and Zoning Commission, voicing their concerns and contributing to discussions on city development. By serving on or participating with existing advisory boards and commissions, residents can collaborate on issues ranging from park enhancements to infrastructure development, enriching governance with diverse perspectives and insights.

Looking ahead, the upcoming City Council election in April 2025 presents an opportunity for residents to actively engage by running for available seats or supporting candidates who align with their values and priorities. The most recent City Council election had two unopposed seats. Having more than one candidate vying for each seat will offer residents a broader selection when it comes to their representatives.

In addition to enhancing participation in these already existing venues, how could these processes be made more accessible and easier to navigate? What additional proactive outreach could the city do that would make it easier for the community to engage?  How else might community members like to participate to ensure that their voices are being heard?  

In conclusion, we appreciate the intent of Ballot Measure A, but we encourage the voters to weigh all the pros and cons of the measure as well as other avenues for productive community engagement. Most of all, we encourage residents to vote by April 23. 

Angie Anderson is President and CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association. Nicole Christianson is chair of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association Board.