Glenwood Springs City Council heard concerns about a reported immigration detention facility and surveillance technology while approving housing assistance grants, advancing the Southbridge transportation project, and directing speed camera revenue toward safety programs.
Immigration enforcement, surveillance technology, housing affordability, and major infrastructure projects all surfaced during the March 5, 2026 Glenwood Springs City Council meeting, where extended public comment was followed by several key policy votes and city project updates.
While the council approved measures related to housing assistance, transportation safety funding, and the city’s major Southbridge infrastructure project, much of the evening’s early discussion focused on community concerns about a reported immigration detention facility and law enforcement data-sharing technology.
Several residents used the public comment period to question the presence of what they described as an immigration detention facility at 100 Midland Avenue.
Speakers alleged the building has operated for many years without a certificate of occupancy and recently received a yellow tag from inspectors after building code violations were identified, including non-functioning emergency lighting and untested fire sprinklers.
Public testimony also raised concerns about the city’s participation in the Spear task force and the use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, arguing that data sharing between local law enforcement and federal agencies could create fear within the community.
One resident with a background in software engineering warned about potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in surveillance technologies and the lack of publicly available independent security audits for such systems.
Other residents described concerns about immigration enforcement actions affecting families in the community and urged the city to hold a public hearing and provide greater transparency about the reported Midland Avenue detention site.
Councilor Marco Shakar acknowledged during the discussion that he felt the city had been “late to the game” in addressing the issue and suggested that Glenwood Springs consider hosting a public forum to better understand community concerns.
Councilor Steve Smith noted that some enforcement issues raised during public comment fall under the jurisdiction of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, which operates independently from the city government.
Following public comment, the council approved Resolution 2026-04, allowing Glenwood Springs to apply for a second round of state down payment assistance grants intended to help local residents purchase homes.
Councilor Jonathan Townsley opposed the measure, arguing that government programs should avoid “picking winners and losers” with public funds and raising concerns about buyers contributing relatively small down payments.
Mayor Pro Tem Trent Zalinski and Councilor Marco Shakar supported the initiative, describing it as a development-neutral strategy that could help young families remain in the community despite rising housing costs.
The resolution ultimately passed in a 5–2 vote.
Council also approved a Master Service Agreement with Roxsol to provide pre-construction services for the long-planned Southbridge transportation project, which is expected to improve connectivity across the Colorado River and reduce congestion in Glenwood Springs.
The agreement allows engineers to refine project costs and prepare final designs ahead of a potential construction bid later this year.
Councilors Steve Smith and Jonathan Townsley voted against the agreement, arguing it is premature to commit funds to a project that has not yet secured full financing.
City staff responded that continuing the design process is necessary to maintain eligibility for federal funding associated with the project.
The agreement passed 5–2.
Finance Director Evette Gustad also reported on the city’s automated speed enforcement program.
According to city data, average speeds in monitored areas have dropped from 56 miles per hour to approximately 47 miles per hour since the cameras were installed.
More than $1 million in citations have been issued, with roughly $585,000 collected so far.
Council approved a policy directing revenue from the program toward transportation safety improvements and public safety initiatives. Councilor Steve Smith cast the lone dissenting vote.
Council also approved Ordinance 2026-06, which allocates funding for a new code enforcement officer to help manage speed camera citation reviews.
The ordinance also includes $2 million for right-of-way acquisitions associated with the Southbridge project.
Councilor Steve Smith again voted against the measure, raising concerns about expanding staffing levels and committing funds before the full project financing plan is finalized.
The ordinance passed 5–2.
City engineers also provided updates on several infrastructure projects currently underway or in development.
Among the upcoming projects:
Residents also raised quality-of-life concerns during the meeting, including traffic speeds and vehicle noise along Grand Avenue, code enforcement issues related to abandoned vehicles, and questions about how the city evaluates new development proposals while preserving Glenwood Springs’ character.
Council later directed the Planning and Zoning Commission and Transportation Commission to begin reviewing downtown parking requirements and policies connected to the city’s General Improvement District, including long-standing parking ratios for residential development.
Watch full meeting here:
