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Lifestyle

Grand Junction Businesses and Volunteers Organize Aid Drive for Unhoused Residents

A community donation drive in Grand Junction is collecting tents, sleeping bags, hygiene supplies, and other essentials through April 1 to support people displaced after the closure of HomewardBound’s North Avenue shelter. Multiple drop-off locations are accepting supplies.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 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

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

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

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

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

News

Affordable housing development boost sought with new Colorado online portal

by Lindsey Toomer, Colorado Newsline December 1, 2025 A new online portal run by the state intends to streamline the process for developers applying for affordable housing funding and tax credits in Colorado.  Housing Hub Colorado — a collaboration between several state agencies, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and Denver’

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Grand Junction

Funding Applications Open as Grand Junction Invests in Local Arts and Culture

The City of Grand Junction has opened its annual Commission on Arts and Culture funding program, inviting nonprofit organizations and public agencies across Colorado to apply. The program supports local arts and cultural events, community projects, and creative programming that strengthen the region’s cultural landscape. Applications are due Sunday,

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

News

Grand Junction Roadwork Roundup — Week of December 1-8

Below are the construction and utility updates issued by the City of Grand Junction for this week. Expect delays in highlighted areas and follow posted detours. 🚧 City of Grand Junction Projects With Travel Restrictions Ouray Ave. Water Project 📍 Ouray Ave. from 12th St. to 15th St. * Temporary detours may be

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

News

Housing Affordability on the Western Slope: Local Communities Are Taking Action

Housing costs are rising across the state, but Grand Junction, Montrose, and statewide leaders are responding with new incentives, faster permitting, and community-focused housing solutions.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Colorado AG Weiser pitches streamlined permitting, renter protections in affordable housing plan

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s housing plan aims to add 40,000 attainable homes and lower costs for 100,000 renters by 2035 through streamlined permitting, renter protections, and a coordinated state housing strategy.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Health insurance premiums on Colorado’s individual marketplace to double in 2026

Health insurance premiums on Colorado’s individual marketplace are set to double in 2026, with a 101% average increase driven by the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits. Officials warn that tens of thousands may lose coverage without congressional action.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read