Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 / Unsplash Events Where to Show Up This Month: Forums, Workshops, and Volunteer Opportunities Across the Western Slope From food drives and city forums to craft shows, film nights, and business workshops, communities across the Western Slope are offering real ways to connect this month. Here’s where to volunteer, learn something new, and show up locally. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Photo by Alexandra Tran / Unsplash Government 54 Colorado Organizations Urge Lawmakers to Hold Big Tech Accountable for Data Center Impacts A coalition of 54 Colorado organizations is urging state lawmakers to adopt guardrails on large data centers, warning of rising electric bills, water strain, and long-term tax impacts if Big Tech expansion continues without stronger consumer and environmental protections. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Photo by Geoffrey Moffett / Unsplash Government Water, Power, and Public Costs at Stake as Data Center Debate Heats Up in Colorado As large data centers expand across Colorado, more than 50 organizations are urging lawmakers to adopt stronger guardrails. Supporters of SB26-102 warn that unchecked growth could strain water supplies, raise electricity bills, and shift long-term costs onto families and small businesses. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda / Unsplash Lifestyle Colorado faces a funding crisis for child care — local communities hope to fill the gaps Colorado families are grappling with rising child care costs, subsidy enrollment freezes, and funding shortfalls. As the state faces a growing fiscal crisis, counties are turning to local tax measures to stabilize access, support providers, and protect working parents from deeper economic strain. By Colorado Newsline • 5 min read
News Trump administration to cut public health funding for Colorado by Lindsey Toomer, Colorado Newsline February 10, 2026 Update: On Feb. 11, a federal judge in Illinois issued an emergency temporary restraining order, which blocks the Trump administration from cutting the public health funds to state programs. The Trump administration will cut $600 million in public health funds for four By Colorado Newsline • 2 min read
Government Feb 17 Mesa County Board of Commissioners to Weigh Airport Grants, Child Welfare Contracts, and Road Expansions On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mesa County Commissioners will vote on a $1.3M FAA grant for the airport tower, expanded child welfare contracts, and land purchases for the 32 1/2 Road widening. The Board will also consider support for a new Clifton fire station design and the historic Loma School. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Lifestyle February Events Calendar: Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade February in the Grand Valley is packed with community conversations, workshops, film and cultural events, family fun, and ways to volunteer. Here are highlights across Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the surrounding area. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Government Grand Junction City Council Reviews Orchard Mesa Pool Options and CMU Football Facility Proposal Grand Junction City Council reviewed options for the Orchard Mesa Pool and next steps for the CMU football facility at Lincoln Park. Council directed staff to explore an RFP for a public-private partnership, gather information on a Title 32 district option, and continue developing the CMU proposal. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Government City of Montrose to Host State of the City Address and Community Open House on February 23 Montrose residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from city leadership and connect with local departments during the City of Montrose’s third annual State of the City presentation and open house on Monday, February 23, at the Montrose Pavilion. The event is designed to provide a current assessment By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction Traffic Impacts: Week of February 9th Grand Junction residents and travelers should plan for several active and upcoming projects that will affect traffic flow in the coming weeks and months. The City of Grand Junction is continuing work on key roadway improvements, and the Colorado Department of Transportation is preparing to begin a multi-phase construction By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Construction continues on the Community Recreation Center Grand Junction Parks and Recreation February Newsletter: Scholarships, Extended Skate Park Hours, Hiring Events, and Community Updates Emerson Skate Park hours extended Following a formal request from the local skate alliance and in response to strong evening use, Parks and Recreation approved extended hours at Emerson Skate Park. The park is now open until 10:00 p.m. during winter. Beginning March 2, summer hours take effect By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Lifestyle Spring into Action: Grand Junction Parks & Rec 2026 Guide Spring 2026 is packed with City of Grand Junction Parks & Rec programs for all ages, from Wacky Wednesday and youth sports to adult flag football, pickleball clinics, drop-in games, and aquatics. Plus, the City is hiring lifeguards with paid training. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Government Grand Junction and Mesa County Launch Housing Needs Assessment, Invite Public Input Grand Junction and Mesa County are launching a Housing Needs Assessment to map local housing gaps and shape future Housing Action Plans. Share your input through the community survey, open house, and focus groups to help guide priorities for the Grand Valley. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Photo by Hillary Ungson / Unsplash Events January Groups and Gatherings Start the new year by showing up for community. This week by week guide highlights January groups and gatherings around Grand Junction, including socials, book clubs, maker nights, outdoor meetups, wellness events, and more. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read
Glenwood Springs January Highlights from Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation From Noon Year’s Eve and the 2026 State of the City to arts classes, youth programs, wellness activities, and winter sports, Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation is launching the new year with events and programs for all ages. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Montrose Annual Christmas Tree Cleanup Begins January 5 in Montrose Montrose residents can take advantage of the City’s free Christmas tree pickup service January 5–15. Natural trees placed at the curb will be collected, mulched, or donated to local farmers as part of the annual citywide cleanup. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Events Events Calendar: December 16–31 Celebrate the holiday season across the Western Slope with festive markets, concerts, family activities, charity drives, and multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here’s your full guide to everything happening December 16–31 in Grand Junction, Carbondale, Fruita, and Montrose. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Lincoln Park Barn Grand Junction City Council Reviews Updated Concept for Proposed CMU Football Facility at Lincoln Park At the December 15 City Council workshop, Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall provided an update on the proposed football facility at Lincoln Park’s Stocker Stadium. The presentation follows the initial design shared with Council in September and reflects several months of continued dialogue between CMU, City leadership, and By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction Traffic Impacts Update Stay updated on local roadwork with this week’s Grand Junction traffic impacts. Closures on Linden Ave., Roubideau St., Santa Clara Ave., and 25 Road may affect travel. Detours, local-access routes, and safety guidance are in place—plan ahead and drive with caution. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
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
