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.
The City of Grand Junction shared a new snapshot of local activity, highlighting strong retail spending, housing progress, and upcoming infrastructure improvements across the community.
Retail Growth Outpaces National Trends
Consumer spending remained strong in February, with local sales tax collections up 7.47 percent for the month and 4.8 percent year over year. That growth continues to outpace national averages.
Lodging tax revenue also rose more than 13 percent, pointing to continued tourism activity. Cannabis tax revenue declined, largely due to changes in how the state distributes those funds.
The full March revenue report is available through the City of Grand Junction’s finance reporting page.
Utility Billing Change Starts in May
Beginning in May, the city will charge a one dollar fee for paper utility bills. Officials say the move is aimed at reducing roughly $250,000 in annual mailing costs.
About 12,000 of the city’s 40,000 customers have already switched to electronic billing. Residents can sign up for paperless billing through the City’s CustomerConnect portal.
Trail Improvements Coming to Redlands Parkway
A short 0.3-mile section of the Redlands Parkway trail will be replaced after users reported concerns about ride quality, despite the trail meeting specifications. Construction begins next week, with a detour routing users to the bike lane along Redlands Parkway and reconnecting near the Blue Heron Boat Ramp. The trail is expected to reopen by the end of May.
Housing and Development Activity Picks Up
Development applications are on the rise, increasing 12 percent over last year and 38 percent over 2024 levels.
Recent activity includes a proposed 26-lot subdivision on E 1/2 Road and approval of a 60-lot expansion at Founders Colony. At the same time, new residential planning clearances remain near decade lows, reflecting a mixed development picture.
More information on planning clearances and development applications can be found through the City’s planning and development dashboard.
Affordable Housing Progress Continues
Grand Junction is moving closer to its housing goals, with 339 units now counted toward its Proposition 123 commitment.
A new project, Ascent at Salt Flats, is also moving forward with nearly $2 million in state support and plans for 144 units. The city’s ADU incentive program continues to add smaller-scale housing, with 13 projects funded so far this year.
Residents can explore housing programs, ADU incentives, and upcoming workshops through the City’s housing division resources.
