Western Slope Trellis Staff

Government

Western Slope Civic Briefing: Housing Fast-Tracks, New Grant Investments, and the Water Battles Ahead

This week’s Western Slope civic update covers Grand Junction’s new fast-track housing approvals, Garfield County grant funding, behavioral health investments in public safety, and Montrose County’s push to align on critical water policy ahead of upcoming state decisions.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Montrose County

Apr 22 Montrose Forum Highlights: Police Share Real-World Scam Tactics and How Residents Can Stay Safe

A Montrose forum featuring local police highlighted growing scam and fraud risks, from ransomware to romance scams. Officials shared real cases and simple steps residents can take to protect themselves and support vulnerable community members.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: What to Expect the Week of May 11

Grand Junction drivers should expect road closures, lane shifts, and detours the week of May 11. Projects include Patterson Road, Crosby Avenue, and I-70B construction. Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution in active work zones across the city.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Montrose

May 5 Montrose City Council Highlights: Mental Health Proclamation, Housing Initiative, and Major Investments Move Forward

Montrose City Council’s May 5 meeting covered mental health awareness, public concerns around inclusion, and major approvals including a new downtown tavern, affordable housing land donation, and infrastructure investments. Key projects and community priorities continue to move forward.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Mesa County

Orchard Avenue Safety Project Approved, Major Reconstruction and New Roundabout Coming This Summer

Mesa County has approved Phase 1 of the Orchard Avenue Safety and Connectivity Project, a nearly $4 million investment that includes full roadway reconstruction, a new roundabout at 31 Road, and major Lewis Wash infrastructure upgrades. Construction is set to begin in July 2026.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

News

Colorado House committee advances bill to encourage nuclear power development

Colorado lawmakers advanced a closely watched nuclear energy bill that could position the state for future reactor development, including potential small modular reactors, while critics warn of high costs, water demands, and financial risks for ratepayers.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction City Council to Host Spring Town Hall at Grand Junction High School on May 11

Grand Junction residents can meet directly with City Council members at the Spring Town Hall on May 11 at Grand Junction High School, where city leaders will share updates, answer questions, and gather community feedback.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Government

The Civic Week Ahead: May 4 to May 10

repare for a pivotal week in regional governance as Glenwood Springs faces an appeal deadline for the ICE facility permit. Plus, Grand Junction tackles camping ordinances and community surveys, while Mesa County holds key hearings.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Events

Things To Do on Colorado’s Western Slope: May 1–15, 2026 Events Guide

From Mother’s Day teas and farm tours to Fruita Adventure Fest, small business mixers, wine dinners, volunteer nights, and sustainability events, here are some of the top things to do across Colorado’s Western Slope through mid-May.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Government

Weekly Civic Wrap-Up: April 24 – May 1, 2026

Glenwood Springs revokes ICE facility permit over zoning violations, while Montrose seats new leadership and boosts sidewalk funding. Plus, Garfield County's 100 Gbps broadband push and District 51’s "Sustainable D51" plan face the region's shifting enrollment and housing affordability gaps.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

News

Emergency housing vouchers are ending early, leaving cities and renters scrambling

Federal Emergency Housing Voucher funding is ending years early, putting 765 Colorado renters at risk of losing critical housing support and raising new concerns about homelessness, affordability, and housing stability statewide.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Road Closures and Delays for the Week of May 4

Grand Junction commuters should prepare for another busy construction week as Patterson Road lane reductions, Four Canyons Parkway closures, D ½ Road detours, I-70B restrictions, and CO 340 resurfacing projects continue across the city.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs Planning Commission Revokes Permit for ICE Detention Facility at 100 Midland Avenue

The Glenwood Springs Planning and Zoning Commission voted to revoke the Special Use Permit for the ICE detention facility at 100 Midland Avenue after records showed repeated violations of the site’s 12-hour detainee hold limit, though federal authority may limit local enforcement.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Montrose

Montrose Traffic Alert: Hillcrest and Locust Intersection Closing April 30 for Final Paving

Montrose drivers should expect detours April 30 as the Hillcrest and Locust intersection closes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for final paving work. Local access will remain open, but through traffic will be redirected around the construction zone.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Mesa County

Is Your Neighborhood Changing? 3 Things Every Mesa County Resident Needs to Know About the 2026 Code Overhaul

The 2026 Mesa County Land Development Code update is here. From "by right" tiny homes and ADUs to a major shift in how public notices are published, this overhaul reshapes regional growth and transparency. Learn how to navigate the new digital portals and wildfire safety standards today

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

Western Slope Civic Wrap-Up: High-Stakes Blueprints and New Leadership (Apr 19-25)

Civic Wrap-Up for April 25: Montrose seats a new Mayor and funds $240k in sidewalk repairs. District 51 rejects two charter schools over safety concerns and sets a 90% performance goal. Plus: Grand Junction’s 4,700-unit housing deficit and Garfield County’s airport and broadband expansion.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

The Week Ahead: Western Slope Civic Dashboard (April 27 to May 3)

Civic Dashboard for April 27: Join the Mesa County Commissioners in De Beque for a joint Town Hall, track the GJ Planning Commission's development reviews, and join Councilmember Lutz at the Community Food Bank. Plus: Updates on the Land Development Code and tiny home regulations.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Sees Strong Spending, New Housing Activity, and Trail Work Ahead

Grand Junction’s latest report shows strong retail spending, rising development activity, and new trail improvements. The city is also making progress on housing goals while encouraging residents to switch to paperless utility billing.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Road Closures and Delays for the Week of April 27

Road closures and lane restrictions are in place across Grand Junction this week, including 25 Road, D 1/2 Road, and downtown corridors. Multiple city and CDOT projects may impact travel, so drivers should plan ahead and expect delays.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Montrose

Apr 15 Montrose Forum Breaks Down Property Tax Changes, What’s Driving Increases, and What Comes Next

Montrose officials broke down recent property tax changes at a community forum, explaining why bills are rising and what new relief measures are coming. The discussion highlighted how state policy shifts and local growth are reshaping how property taxes are calculated.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Events

Things to Do on the Western Slope: April 24-26, 2026

From a classical symphony and a sing-along film screening to a food and drink festival and a benefit gala, the Grand Valley has a full weekend ahead.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read

Montrose

Apr 21 Montrose City Council Recap: Leadership Transition, Infrastructure Investments, and Community Updates

Montrose City Council’s April 21 meeting included a leadership transition, infrastructure funding approvals, and Earth Week proclamations. Officials also advanced development projects and shared updates on local finances and community initiatives.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Montrose

Montrose City Council Selects New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2026–2027

Montrose City Council has selected Michael J. Badagliacco as mayor and Ed Ulibarri as mayor pro tem for the 2026–2027 term. The appointments follow the April election and mark a transition in city leadership, alongside recognition of outgoing officials.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Announces Upcoming Opportunities to Connect with City Leadership

Grand Junction residents can connect with city leaders at several upcoming events, including Arbor Fest, a Community Food Bank tour, and a City Council Town Hall. These meetings offer opportunities to ask questions, share feedback, and engage in local decision-making.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read