Government Montrose Sets Course for 2026 With Major Infrastructure, Housing, and Public Safety Investments Montrose leaders are advancing a $168.9 million 2026 budget focused on infrastructure upgrades, housing expansion, a new Public Works facility, wastewater plant improvements, and police staffing goals as the city manages continued growth. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Glenwood Springs Downtown Glenwood Springs Sees Winter Growth, North Landing Progress, and Market on 7th Momentum Downtown Glenwood Springs is seeing winter momentum with progress at North Landing, record growth for Market on 7th, and a 14% jump in January tourism. Vendor applications are now open as the city prepares for a busy 2026 season. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Grand Junction Road Closures and Lane Reductions Planned Across Grand Junction: March 2–8 Drivers in Grand Junction should plan for multiple road closures and lane reductions during the week of March 2 as city and state construction projects continue across key corridors. Here’s what to expect. Four Canyons Parkway Project Full Closure: 25 Road will be closed from F ½ Road to Waite By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
News The Bus Stops Here? Why the "Books vs. Buses" Debate Misses the Point The Hogback bus line serving Rifle and Silt could shut down in November as funding runs out. A proposal to shift millions from Garfield County Libraries to keep transit running has sparked backlash. Is this really a books vs. buses choice, or is there another path forward? By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, left, and Attorney General Phil Weiser participate in a governor candidate forum on housing issues at the Denver Athletic Club on Saturday. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline) Government Leading Colorado governor candidates spar over best affordable housing approach At a Denver forum, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser agreed Colorado must accelerate housing construction, but clashed on how to deliver results. Both backed faster permitting and more starter homes, while debating renter protections and local compliance. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read
Government Montrose County Invites Students to Design “I Voted” Stickers for 2026 Elections Montrose County is inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to design official “I Voted” stickers for the 2026 primary and general elections. Winning artwork will be printed and distributed at polling centers, encouraging youth creativity and civic engagement. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Mesa County Mesa County Public Health Reports Strong 2025 Impact in Disease Prevention, Emergency Response, and Family Services Mesa County Public Health responded to measles cases, expanded naloxone access, supported 3,200 WIC families, and strengthened emergency preparedness in 2025. New data highlights the impact of prevention, disease control, and family services across the Western Slope. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
A view from the Grand View Overlook at Colorado National Monument in Mesa County, Colorado. (Thomlinson/NPS/Public domain) News Bipartisan majorities in Western states oppose Trump rollback of public lands protections by Chase Woodruff, Colorado Newsline February 19, 2026 Large, bipartisan majorities of voters across eight Western states remain concerned about the impacts of climate change and opposed to efforts by the Trump administration to weaken environmental rules and public lands protections. Eighty-four percent of Western voters say that “rollbacks of By Colorado Newsline • 3 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction to Launch Single-Stream Recycling as Part of Major Regional Upgrade Grand Junction will transition 3,800 residents to single-stream recycling starting in March 2026, ahead of a new regional Materials Recovery Facility set to open in late 2026. The move simplifies recycling and supports expanded Western Slope processing capacity. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Government Traffic Alert: Lane Closures and Road Work Across Grand Junction Week of Feb 23 Drivers across Grand Junction should plan for multiple construction impacts in the coming days, including full closures, lane reductions, and flagger-controlled traffic. Here’s what to expect: 🚧 Four Canyons Parkway Project 25 Road Closure 25 Rd. is closed between F ½ Rd. and Waite Ave. A temporary roadway is in place. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Government Juniata Reservoir to Be Drained for Dam Repairs; Public Fish Salvage Expands Fishing Access Juniata Reservoir will be fully drained for multi-year dam repairs after a leak was discovered during inspection. A public fish salvage begins Feb. 23, with bag limits lifted and expanded fishing access. Repairs are expected to wrap in late 2027, with refilling starting in 2028. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Lelia Hobley of Denver speaks about the family affordability tax credit at the Colorado Capitol on Tuesday. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Government Colorado Democrats propose tax tweaks to help working families amid federal policy fallout Colorado Democrats are proposing tax changes to shield working families from the fallout of recent federal policy shifts. The plan would fund a new family affordability credit by limiting certain corporate tax breaks and modernizing parts of the state tax code. By Colorado Newsline • 3 min read
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 project 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
