Montrose City Council Confronts Immigration Debate, Pride Proclamation Dispute, Housing Plans, and Infrastructure Investments

The May 19 Montrose City Council meeting drew a packed crowd and extended public comment period as residents weighed in on immigration policy, LGBTQ community recognition, affordable housing, public transit funding, and major infrastructure projects.

While the meeting included several routine development and budget items, public debate over a proposed “non-sanctuary city” direction and the council’s decision not to issue a Pride Month proclamation dominated much of the evening.

Immigration and “Non-Sanctuary” Concerns Spark Public Debate

Multiple residents addressed concerns about recent discussion surrounding a possible “non-sanctuary city” designation for Montrose. Speakers argued such a move could damage trust within immigrant communities and conflict with Colorado state law governing local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

One speaker praised the city for providing a Spanish translator at the meeting, calling it a meaningful step toward inclusion for Montrose’s Hispanic community, which makes up more than 22% of the city’s population.

Another resident urged council members not to pursue any symbolic non-sanctuary declaration, arguing it could create fear among immigrant families and send an exclusionary message to the broader community.

Councilmember Ed Ulibarri responded during the discussion by emphasizing respect for the law and civic responsibility.

“There’s law and there’s justice,” Ulibarri said during the exchange.

Pride Month Proclamation Controversy Draws Emotional Testimony

The meeting’s most emotional testimony centered on the council’s decision not to issue a 2026 Pride Month proclamation.

Montrose Pride founder and executive director Evelyn Greenman Beard urged council to reconsider, noting that similar proclamations had been issued during the previous two years.

Beard described the proclamation as a symbolic but meaningful acknowledgment for LGBTQ residents in the community.

“For over 1,400 residents in Montrose, it is a mental health intervention and one that costs this city nothing,” Beard told council.

Councilmember David Reed publicly criticized the decision not to proceed with the proclamation and delivered a lengthy statement supporting LGBTQ inclusion and civic participation.

“Our city is strongest when people know they are seen, valued, and welcomed,” Reed said.

Mayor Michael Badagliacco said he personally believed government should avoid issuing proclamations for specific groups, arguing that all residents should already feel welcomed equally.

“I just don’t think it’s government’s place to make those proclamations,” Badagliacco said.

The meeting also included debate over how the proclamation decision was made. City officials clarified that proclamations are not formal council votes but are traditionally reviewed informally by council members before being issued by the mayor.

City staff later explained the council split 3-2 against proceeding with the proclamation request.

Affordable Housing Project Advances Near Park Avenue

Council also advanced a proposal tied to a future affordable housing development near North Park Avenue and the city bypass.

The proposal authorizes the disposal of city-owned property near the former Greenway site so the land can potentially be combined with adjacent property for a larger affordable housing project.

City Manager Bill Bell said the city’s contribution would help support one of the community’s highest priorities.

“There’s really no risk to us,” Bell said. “What we’re doing is donating the property toward the project in an effort to create more affordable housing here in our community.”

Council members broadly supported the effort, describing affordable housing as a top community need identified through recent surveys and regional housing studies.

All Points Transit Receives Emergency Funding Support

Council unanimously ratified a $55,000 hotel and lodging tax allocation grant for All Points Transit after recent state funding reductions created financial pressure for the transit provider.

The funding comes from the city’s expanded lodging tax program approved by voters through the 2A initiative.

City officials said the grant would help maintain local transit operations while the organization navigates ongoing budget uncertainty at the state level.

Cedar Creek Bridge Replacement Design Approved

Council also approved a $143,819 design contract for the future replacement of the aging Cedar Creek Bridge along 6700 Road between Miami Road and Highway 50.

City Engineer Scott Murphy described the bridge as narrow, outdated, and nearing the end of its usable life.

The future replacement bridge is expected to include:

• Wider travel lanes
• Bike lanes
• Sidewalks on both sides
• Space for future roadway widening
• Improved long-term safety connections

Murphy also noted the project would help close a missing sidewalk gap connecting nearby neighborhoods to the city trail network and recreation areas.

Construction itself is not yet funded, though city officials hope replacement work could begin in 2027 depending on future budget approval.

Colorado Outdoors Expansion Approved

Council approved additional zoning and development plan amendments tied to the ongoing expansion of Colorado Outdoors.

The amendments bring two additional properties into the larger Colorado Outdoors planned development area, including 701 North Grand Avenue and a nearby commercial lot.

Sales Tax and Tourism Numbers Show Mixed Signals

City finance staff presented first-quarter sales and excise tax data showing mixed economic trends across Montrose.

Highlights included:

• Retail sales tax collections up 4.8% year-over-year for March
• Hotel excise tax up 7.6% in March
• Restaurant excise tax up 4.3%
• Construction use tax down sharply compared to 2025

Officials said weaker winter tourism tied to a poor snow season may have affected some early-year numbers, though hotel and tourism revenues rebounded significantly in March.

Water Conservation Encouraged Ahead of Dry Season

During council comments, officials referenced discussions from the West Slope Water Summit held earlier in the day and encouraged residents to voluntarily conserve water heading into what is expected to be a difficult water year.

Council members emphasized that Montrose currently has adequate water supplies and no mandatory restrictions are planned, but urged residents to reduce unnecessary outdoor watering where possible.

The Bottom Line

The May 19 Montrose City Council meeting reflected a community navigating both practical infrastructure decisions and deeper cultural and political tensions.

While council moved forward on affordable housing, transit support, bridge planning, and development projects, much of the night centered on questions of civic inclusion, public process, and what kind of community residents want Montrose to become.