Government Grand Junction and Mesa County Launch Housing Needs Assessment, Invite Public Input Grand Junction and Mesa County are launching a Housing Needs Assessment to map local housing gaps and shape future Housing Action Plans. Share your input through the community survey, open house, and focus groups to help guide priorities for the Grand Valley. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Photo by Hillary Ungson / Unsplash Events January Groups and Gatherings Start the new year by showing up for community. This week by week guide highlights January groups and gatherings around Grand Junction, including socials, book clubs, maker nights, outdoor meetups, wellness events, and more. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read
Glenwood Springs January Highlights from Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation From Noon Year’s Eve and the 2026 State of the City to arts classes, youth programs, wellness activities, and winter sports, Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation is launching the new year with events and programs for all ages. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Montrose Annual Christmas Tree Cleanup Begins January 5 in Montrose Montrose residents can take advantage of the City’s free Christmas tree pickup service January 5–15. Natural trees placed at the curb will be collected, mulched, or donated to local farmers as part of the annual citywide cleanup. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Events Events Calendar: December 16–31 Celebrate the holiday season across the Western Slope with festive markets, concerts, family activities, charity drives, and multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here’s your full guide to everything happening December 16–31 in Grand Junction, Carbondale, Fruita, and Montrose. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Lincoln Park Barn Grand Junction City Council Reviews Updated Concept for Proposed CMU Football Facility at Lincoln Park At the December 15 City Council workshop, Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall provided an update on the proposed football facility at Lincoln Park’s Stocker Stadium. The presentation follows the initial design shared with Council in September and reflects several months of continued dialogue between CMU, City leadership, and By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction Traffic Impacts Update Stay updated on local roadwork with this week’s Grand Junction traffic impacts. Closures on Linden Ave., Roubideau St., Santa Clara Ave., and 25 Road may affect travel. Detours, local-access routes, and safety guidance are in place—plan ahead and drive with caution. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Photo by Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash News Why Paychecks Do Not Go Far Enough on the Western Slope Wages across Mesa, Montrose, and Garfield counties are not keeping up with rising housing, childcare, healthcare, and utility costs. Here is why paychecks fall short on the Western Slope and how local communities are responding. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Government Glenwood Springs Parks & Recreation Shares December Program Highlights Glenwood Springs Parks & Recreation is closing out the year with family celebrations, winter athletics, arts programs, wellness events, and expanded seasonal recreation. See what’s happening across the Community Center, Art Center, and Ice Rink this December. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Community Organizations Sunshine Community Expands Its Mission With New Transitional “Sunshine Community House” Sunshine Community is a Grand Junction–based nonprofit working to help unhoused and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors rebuild stability, independence, and connection. Through an intentional 6–12 month pilot program, the organization provides a compassionate, structured path for individuals who are ready to take meaningful steps toward By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Community Organizations Help Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Seniors: Donations Needed for the Senior Engagement Wish List Mesa County RSVP is collecting gifts to brighten the holidays for seniors across the Grand Valley. Coffee mugs, socks, toiletries, and other small comfort items are still urgently needed by December 16. Every donation helps ensure no senior is left without a holiday gift. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Montrose City of Montrose Announces 2026 Municipal Election Montrose will hold its 2026 municipal election on April 7, with seats in District I, District II, and the At-Large position on the ballot. Candidate packets are available beginning December 8, and nomination petitions open January 6. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Events Weekly Grand Junction Area Events: Markets, Concerts & Holiday Celebrations Dec 7-14 Holiday concerts, markets, movies, and community gatherings fill the Western Slope this week. Explore verified events across Grand Junction, Fruita, and Glenwood Springs, including contacts and registration details. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling 12 workforce housing units for corrections workers Aug. 9, 2024, in Buena Vista. (Photo courtesy of the governor’s office) News Affordable housing development boost sought with new Colorado online portal by Lindsey Toomer, Colorado Newsline December 1, 2025 A new online portal run by the state intends to streamline the process for developers applying for affordable housing funding and tax credits in Colorado. Housing Hub Colorado — a collaboration between several state agencies, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and Denver’ By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
News Funding Applications Open as Grand Junction Invests in Local Arts and Culture The City of Grand Junction has opened its annual Commission on Arts and Culture funding program, inviting nonprofit organizations and public agencies across Colorado to apply. The program supports local arts and cultural events, community projects, and creative programming that strengthen the region’s cultural landscape. Applications are due Sunday, By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Grand Junction Projects Affecting Traffic for the Week of December 8 As roadwork continues across Grand Junction, several active projects may affect your commute this week. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, and use caution around crews. 🚧 City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions Linden Ave. Water Project * Linden Ave. closed between Unaweep Ave. and By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Glenwood Springs Planned Pile Burn Scheduled Near Linwood Cemetery Dec 9-10 as Next Step in Fuels Mitigation Project The Glenwood Springs Fire Department, working in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department and additional local agencies, will conduct a planned pile burn east of Linwood (Doc Holliday) Cemetery in mid-December 2025. The operation follows months of fuels mitigation work designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve ecological health By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Montrose Montrose Deputy City Manager Ann Morgenthaler Appointed to CCCMA Board of Directors for 2026 City of Montrose Deputy City Manager Ann Morgenthaler has been appointed to the Colorado City & County Management Association (CCCMA) Board of Directors for 2026, where she will represent local government professionals statewide as part of Colorado Women Leading Government (CWLG). Morgenthaler’s appointment places a Western Slope leader at By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Photo by Navid Sohrabi / Unsplash Resources Where to Find Pet Care and Animal Support Across the Western Slope Caring for pets in Western Colorado often extends beyond routine vet visits and daily walks. Families may face sudden medical expenses, temporary housing transitions, or challenges supporting outdoor cat colonies. The Grand Valley and broader Western Slope have a strong network of organizations that offer practical and compassionate help for By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Photo: Food Bank of the Rockies Event / https://www.foodbankrockies.org/ Resources December 2025 Food Assistance & Holiday Hours Food assistance programs across Mesa, Montrose, and Garfield counties offer year-round support through pantries, mobile distributions, and youth meal services. This regional guide shares updated hours, locations, and holiday schedules to help Western Slope residents access essential resources. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
News Grand Junction Roadwork Roundup — Week of December 1-8 Below are the construction and utility updates issued by the City of Grand Junction for this week. Expect delays in highlighted areas and follow posted detours. 🚧 City of Grand Junction Projects With Travel Restrictions Ouray Ave. Water Project 📍 Ouray Ave. from 12th St. to 15th St. * Temporary detours may be By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Photo by Hillary Ungson / Unsplash Lifestyle December Groups & Gatherings Discover new ways to connect this December with local meetups across the Western Slope. From holiday gatherings to volunteer opportunities and year-end networking events, here are the top community groups to join this month. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 8 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Announces a Full Lineup of Holiday Events Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is hosting a full lineup of holiday events, including the Candy Cane Hunt, Senior Holiday Light Tour, Chocolate Walk, and the Santa Cause Run. Families and residents of all ages are invited to celebrate the season and support community programs. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Grand Junction Stuff the Bearcat: Toys for Tots Toy Drive On Sunday December 7, GJPD SWAT Operators will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for the Stuff the Bearcat: Toys for Tots Toy Drive, spreading holiday joy and giving back to children in need. 📆 Sunday, December 7, 2025, 📍Outside the Target Store entrance at Mesa Mall ⏰ 11 a.m. to By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
