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
Grand Junction 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/ Food Assistance 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
Events 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
Events 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
Glenwood Springs Glenwood Springs City Updates: Survey Deadline, Speed Cameras, Budget & Events 2026 City Budget Approved On November 6, City Council officially adopted the 2026 City Budget, now available for public review at: 2026 City Budget City Manager Steve Boyd described it as a “blue-collar budget,” emphasizing a focus on maintaining and improving existing infrastructure and services. Quick Community Updates Thank You By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Montrose Montrose City Council Meeting Nov. 18 - Advances Budget, Backs Local Theater Land Deal, and Welcomes New Restaurant The Montrose City Council met for its regular session on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, covering a full agenda that included recognition of a beloved arts educator, approval of the 2026 city budget, support for new housing and child care, zoning changes, and a new liquor license for a locally owned By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 7 min read
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 / Unsplash Events Community Thanksgiving Events Discover Thanksgiving events across the Western Slope, from community dinners and turkey trots to local markets and family activities. Find ways to give back, celebrate with neighbors, and make the long weekend feel special close to home. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Photo by Tyler / Unsplash News Housing Affordability on the Western Slope: Local Communities Are Taking Action Housing costs are rising across the state, but Grand Junction, Montrose, and statewide leaders are responding with new incentives, faster permitting, and community-focused housing solutions. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Local Business Gifts & Abilities: Creating Opportunity Through Inclusive Employment Gifts & Abilities in Grand Junction provides meaningful work for adults with disabilities through a shop featuring handcrafted goods made by participants and local artisans. Every purchase supports skill building, independence, and community connection on the Western Slope. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Events 10th Annual “She Has a Name” Christmas Craft Fair Shop handmade gifts, baked goods, and holiday décor at the 10th Annual “She Has a Name” Christmas Craft Fair. A portion of proceeds supports a Grand Junction nonprofit helping girls in Kenya build safety, education, and a path out of poverty-based trafficking. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Events Montrose Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Montrose launches the holiday season on Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the County Courthouse. Enjoy cocoa, caroling, student performances, and a light show, then follow S 1st Street to Santa’s Cabin as festivities continue into the evening. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
