HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.138-24RESOLUTION #138
(Series of 2024)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
ADOPTING A 2025 REGIONAL, STATE AND FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA
WHEREAS there has been submitted to the City Council a 2025 Regional, State and
Federal Policy Agenda, a true and accurate copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A";
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO:
That the City Council of the City of Aspen hereby approves that 2025 Policy Agenda, a
copy of which is annexed hereto and incorporated herein and does hereby authorize the Mayor or
City Manager to approve said policy agenda on behalf of the City of Aspen.
�TTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Aspen on the
of , 2024.
TORRE, Mayor
I, Nicole Henning, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is a
true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen,
Colorado, at a meeting held on the day hereinabov`e,�
Nicole Henning, City Ckr
Adopted and Approved at the December 3, 2024
regular City Council meeting Resolution #138, Series of 2024
2025
REGIONAL, STATE AND
FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA
Jenn Ooton
Jenn.Ooton@aspen.gov
(970) 429-2756
SR. PROJECT MANAGER
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGEN DA 2 Torre, Mayor
Torre@aspen.gov
(970) 948-2023
Bill Guth
Bill.Guth@aspen.gov
(970) 300-2120
Ward Hauenstein
Ward.Hauenstein@aspen.gov
(970) 948-3858
Sam Rose
Sam.Rose@aspen.gov
(802) 752-7026
John Doyle, Mayor Pro-Tem
John.Doyle@aspen.gov
(970) 948-6251
CITY COUNCIL
Sara G. Ott
Sara.Ott@aspen.gov
(970) 920-5083
CITY MANAGER
Tara Nelson
Tara.Nelson@aspen.gov
(970) 920-5059
SR. PARALEGAL
Mailing Address: 427 Rio Grande, Aspen, CO 81611 Website: https://aspen.gov/1276/Policy-Agenda
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGEN DA 3 CONTENT
T itle P ag e Nu m b er
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY AGENDA 4
PRINCIPLES (*not in any particular order of preference) 5
DELIVER QUALITY ESSENTIAL SERVICES 6
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 6
LANDS & NATURAL RESOURCES 6
HEALTH, HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES 7
SERVICE INTEGRATION & COLLABORATION 8
LOCAL CONTROL 8
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY 8
DELIVER ASPEN AREA COMMUNITY PLAN THEMES 9
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING 10
ELECTIONS 10
PRIORITIES (*not in any particular order of preference) 11
AFFORDABLE HOUSING 12
CLIMATE ACTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION 13
PUBLIC LANDS – NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE, PARKS, RECREATION 14
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY 15
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 16
WATER AVAILABILITY & CONSERVATION 16
RIVER HEALTH 17
EARLY CHILDHOOD 17
RENEWABLE ENERGY 18
REGIONALISM 18
TRANSPORTATION 19
PROCESS 20
WHO'S WHO - OUR LEGISLATORS 2 0 -21
DISTRICT MAPS AND DISTRICT NUMBERS 2 2-2 3
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 4 The purpose of the City of Aspen’s 2025 Regional, State and Federal Policy Agenda (hereinafter “Policy Agenda”) is to inform city advocacy
on policy decisions that have the potential to significantly impact 81611 and surrounding jurisdictional boundaries. This includes legislative
decisions that may be made by the Colorado General Assembly or the U.S. Congress. It also includes various non-legislative decisions
that can be opined at the federal, state and regional levels, including but not limited to those before Colorado agencies (i.e., Air Quality
Control Commission, Public Utilities Commission, Department of Transportation, Department of Regulatory Affairs), federal agencies
(i.e., Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission), regional governments
(i.e., Roaring Fork Transportation Authority) and intergovernmental coalitions (i.e., Colorado Municipal League, Mountain Pact, Colorado
Communities for Climate Action, Climate Mayors, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, Colorado Association of Ski Towns, Water
Quality/Quantity Committee, Elected Officials Transportation Committee, West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition)
The City offers the Policy Agenda as a guideline to regional, state and federal policy leaders for reference when considering decisions
impacting the City of Aspen. This agenda was developed in advance of the 2025 Colorado General Assembly. With the coordination of
the policy team staff and the City Manager, it will be used by individual City Council members and city staff to inform city positions taken
on specific bills once these legislative sessions begin. At that point, Council may consider adopting amendments to the Policy Agenda to
address specific bills that have been proposed.
Council may revisit the Policy Agenda at any point. It may do so as a body or with staff. City policy team members may convene on an ad hoc
basis as necessary when one or more of the following circumstances exist:
1. There is an immediate need for council members to participate with staff in developing a strategy to advance or defeat a proposed
policy which is clearly addressed by the City’s Policy Agenda or other council-approved policy documents, or
2. A decision is expected to be made on regional, state or federal policy that affects a matter which council has previously provided
general direction on and that could significantly impact the city, but which council did not provide sufficient specific direction on (either
through its Policy Agenda or other approved policy documents) and with timing that will not allow for council direction to be obtained.
In these limited situations, the City Manager and Senior Paralegal may discuss such policy proposals so that the city can advocate
accordingly. Council is to be informed whenever such direction has been provided and may choose to subsequently revisit such
direction.
3. In taking a position on bills, the City of Aspen interprets and applies the various policies that are included herein. On any specific
matter City Council may choose to take a position to support, oppose unless amended , or oppose specific legislation relative to issues
that affect the community's quality of life and governance.
Modifications to this Policy Agenda require consistency, when applicable, with the criteria listed below:
1. Uniformity with current city council goals, community expectations and Aspen Area Community Plan;
2. Impact on our citizens general health, safety & welfare;
3. Expected relevance in the upcoming or present state and federal legislative sessions;
4. Uniqueness of issue or impact to the City of Aspen and/or to our regional partners;
5. Viability or likelihood of achieving goal weighed with importance of beginning to address/highlight critical issues;
6. Opportunity for providing funding for City of Aspen or its community partners; and,
7. Availability of metrics of success that would allow the position to be deleted from future agendas if achieved
This policy agenda recognizes circumstances arise wherein a City Council member may be a lone representative of an organization and must
address and/or vote on a policy position on the spot. Departures from these criteria are made in unique circumstances as determined by
council, such as when adoption of a city position is important to support its regional partners, even while the policy in question is otherwise
of limited consequences to the city. Further, departures may broaden our approach for advocacy with policies that align with our values and
intention for our state and nation even when they are benign towards Aspen or may disadvantage Aspen for a larger good or shared goal.
This policy agenda further recognizes that Aspen may look at how affiliations and like– minded organizations may take position on certain
pieces of legislation. Aspen will strive to take position with the recognition that it is unique, and although guidance from interest groups and
Colorado Municipal League may be sought, there are times where our position may not be consistent or aligned.
In 2023, the City of Aspen hired Bowditch & Cassell Public Affairs, a full-service government relations firm located in Denver, that provides
support for the organization in advocacy matters related to the Colorado General Assembly.
The City welcomes the opportunity to discuss the Policy Agenda. Please direct any questions to Jenn Ooton and Tara Nelson.
PURPOSE OF THE
POLICY AGENDA
PRINCIPLES
AT A
GLANCE
C IT Y O F A S PE N - 20 2 5 P O LI CY AG E N DA
{r om co [; es at a g ; am e c
Deliver Quality
Essential Services
Environmental
Sustainability
Lands & Natural
Resources
Health, Housing
& Human Services
Service Integration
& Collaboration
Local
Control
Fiscal
Responsibility
Deliver Aspen Area
Community Plan
Themes
Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion &
Accessibility
Elections 5
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGEN DA 6 The City of Aspen has established a dynamic
natural resource program that encompasses both
the urban forest and the surrounding natural
resources. With over 1,100 acres of open space
being 'locally secured' and protected by taxpayer
funded acquisitions situated within a county
comprised of thousands of acres of Federal BLM
and Forest Service lands, we are committed to
preserving and protecting these vital resources
as well as enhancing our natural surroundings. We
work to preserve open spaces for recreational
use, wildlife habitat, scenic view planes and
sustainment of our agricultural heritage; protect
water sources and ensure a sustainable water
supply; protect air quality and water quality
to reduce impacts to residents; and support
programs and funding for equitable access to
public space and services.
The City urges Congress and the General
Assembly to expand resources for those
essential services that serve the city’s
most vulnerable, including childcare
assistance, access to affordable health
care, and addiction services, and protect
the community and the environment. As
identified in the Aspen Area Community
Plan, the City of Aspen’s intent is to
ensure a broad visitor base over the
long-term, bolstering the sustainability
of our visitor-based industry. In addition,
this plan calls for more aggressive
measures to ensure that the commercial
sector provides essential products and
services, and to ensure balance between
a local-serving and visitor-oriented
commercial sector. We foster policy to
facilitate the sustainability of essential
businesses that provide basic community
needs. It is apparent that gaps still exist
in the provision of essential services
including adequate housing and health
care options for all community residents.
We value a collaborative approach to
finding creative, sustainable solutions. As
a principle, we are guided by professional,
legal and community standards that
provide opportunities for people of all
ages and abilities to achieve a higher
quality of life through: self-reliance, public
safety, health and well- being, education
and lifelong learning.
The City of Aspen maintains its commitment to
promote environmental stewardship and lead
climate action efforts throughout the Roaring
Fork Valley and beyond. We will investigate and
support efforts and policies that offset and reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in meaningful
and measurable ways as well as those that reduce
waste through prevention, diversion and attention
to supply chains. We will continue to advance
policy that supports our ability to protect our
unique local environment, conserve resources,
improve resiliency, and deliver a sustainable future
for all.
Deliver Quality
Essential Services
Land & Natural Resources
Environmental
Sustainability
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 7 Aspen is dedicated to supporting and sustaining healthy communities that strengthen individuals and
families while providing reasonable health and human services for anyone who calls the Aspen area home.
We will strengthen the quality of life and well-being for all people in our community by practices that
provide and promote opportunities in housing through the lens of policy that expands access and aids in
inclusion and equity regionally and statewide. We strive to advance the framework for jobs and access to
services, such as education, public safety and health through all phases of life. We value a collaborative
approach to finding creative, sustainable solutions and are guided by professional, legal and community
standards in providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to achieve a higher quality of life
through:
• S elf Rel ia nce: We must work together to help each person in our community meet basic needs and
remain self-sufficient to the greatest extent possible.
• Pu b l ic S afet y: We must continue to ensure that our safety services (police, sheriff, fire, child and adult
protection, Mountain Rescue and emergency response, etc.) are efficient, effective, accessible and
coordinated.
• H ea l th a nd Well -B ei ng : We must encourage the highest level of personal health for everyone in our
community through programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, reduce risks and create access to
quality health care regardless of age, income or ability. Local and regional public health agencies, local
boards of health, providers and non-profits must work together to ensure community-wide access to a
comprehensive set of health services, including women’s reproductive care.
• Ed u c ation a n d Life l o n g Le a rn i ng : We must work together to ensure educational opportunities are
available to all members of our community.
• M enta l/B eh aviora l H ea l t h S e r v ices: We must continue to work with regional partners (Aspen Hope
Center, A Way Out, Aspen Family Connections, Community Health Services, PACT, Mind Springs,
HeadQuarters, Youthzone, mental health providers/practitioners, and community health workers, etc.) to
collaborate and implement programs needed for residents to expand mental/behavioral health services
and reduce barriers to care, including ones that would reduce stigma surrounding mental/behavioral
health issues and those that ensure treatment and recovery options
Health, Housing & Human Ser vices
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 8 As a home rule municipality, the City of Aspen
believes the authority to address issues that
pertain to the city must reside within. Local
governments are best suited to identify
solutions to local issues particularly regarding
the services provided and land use decisions
we make. Local authority also includes the
flexibility to determine use of funding locally
and precludes unfunded mandates from the
state or federal government.
Unfunded mandates from the state legislature
are a double-whammy for local communities
in that they do not allow the community to
decide the best course of action at the local
level and come with the burden of costs that
are unanticipated.
City of Aspen budgeting reflects a priority
on high-quality government services through
seven strategic focus areas being:
• Community engagement
• Fiscal health & economic vitality
• Smart, customer-focused government
• Environmental protection
• Safe, lived-in community of choice
• Development of publicly funded
housing, including broader support and
involvement in the creation of affordable
housing developed outside of the City's
mitigation requirements
• City of Aspen believes it is critical to
the health of our economy to address
the state revenue structure that
restricts the state’s ability to respond to
changing economic conditions, including
the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR),
Amendment 23, and statewide legislation
limiting property tax growth.
Fiscal Responsibility
City of Aspen aims to ensure effective use
of taxpayer funds and successful outcomes
through efficient service delivery and integration
of public programs and services. To increase
efficiency and effectiveness, City of Aspen
engages in and strongly supports collaborative
efforts within city departments and with
partner agencies and organizations in the local
community, regionally, and state-wide.
Ser vice Integration
& Collaboration
Local Control
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 9 We are committed to revitalizing and sustaining the underpinning of our thriving community, the
Aspen Idea1. Our vision, map and plan of action for achieving goals resides within our Aspen Area
Community Plan (AACP). We strive to encourage collaboration among non-profit organizations,
local government, local businesses and individuals while fostering greater inclusivity and
participation in cultural events amongst the spectrum of community residents and visitors while
supporting activities and infrastructure, both social and physical, that enable and sustain the
Aspen Idea.
Implementing the themes of the 2012 AACP requires collaboration and cooperation among public
sector agencies, businesses, private non-profits, local institutions and the general public.
We are committed to:
• Revitalizing and sustaining the Aspen Idea
• Achieving sustainable land use practices that support a healthy year-round community and a
thriving, vibrant visitor-based economy
• West of Castle Creek Corridor area should provide a transition from rural expanses of
Pitkin County to urbanized atmosphere of downtown Aspen
• Providing an efficient, multi-modal and integrated transportation system that reduces
congestion and air pollution
• A strong and diverse year-round community and a viable and healthy local workforce are
fundamental cornerstones for the sustainability of the Aspen area community
• Aspen will be a local, regional, state and national leader in all aspects of environmental
stewardship
• Preserving our historic resources differentiates us a community and contributes to our
long-term cultural awareness and sustainability as a community
• Strengthen the quality of life and well-being for all people in our community by providing or
promoting opportunities in housing, jobs and access to services, such as education, public
safety and health through all phases of life
• Supporting programs and policies that promote affordable housing locally, regionally and at
the state level
1 Based on the concept created by Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, the Aspen Idea is a philosophy that defines the culture of Aspen,
Colorado, as a place to renew the mind, body, and spirit.
Deliver Aspen Area
Community Plan Themes
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 10 The City of Aspen is committed to
creating an inclusive and equitable
community. By “inclusive”, we mean that
we strive to give all people a place at the
table as we engage in the processes to
consider policies and make decisions
toward our shared future. We will work
to ensure that everyone, regardless of
identity, feels welcome and is able to
contribute to, and enjoy, the vibrancy
of the community. By “equitable”, we
mean that the outcomes of our inclusive
processes aim to create conditions
where all people, especially historically
marginalized groups, have full and equal
access to the opportunities and resources
necessary to thrive in the community. We
will identify and remove any structural
inequities in our city policies, land
use regulations, city charter, or other
governing documents. In this commitment,
we are affirming that our individual
and collective diversity in gender, race,
ethnicity, religion, national origin, age,
sexual orientation, gender identify,
citizenship status, education, disability,
socio-economic status, or any other
identity is a valuable asset to Aspen’s
present and future. Accordingly, we will
support policies and efforts that have the
potential to increase, promote, achieve
and foster inclusivity and equity in Aspen
and the greater Roaring Fork Valley
region.
D iversity, Equity,
Inclusion & Belonging
The City of Aspen conducts municipal
elections biennially on the first Tuesday of
March and special elections as required
by the citizen (or Council) initiative
process. The City of Aspen has full faith
and trust in the elections of Colorado
and is committed to conducting a clear,
legal and trustworthy city and county
election. However, the validity of our
vote can be deteriorated by other states
when it comes to final selection of the
Senate and the Congress. Steps need to
be taken to ensure quality civic dialogue.
The City supports efforts at a state,
regional and national level that strengthen
our democracy, including but not limited
to, increasing transparency, reducing or
eliminating corruption, campaign finance
reform, reducing or eliminating money in
politics, gerrymandering and redistricting,
open primaries, voter enfranchisement,
process improvements such as mail-in
ballots, steps that encourage voter
participation and increase voter choice,
and additional mechanisms to protect
election integrity.
Elections
PRIORITIES
AT A
GLANCE
Priorities at a glance
Affordable
Housing
Climate Action
and Resource
Conservation
Public Lands -
Natural Resources,
Wildlife, Parks,
Recreation
Public Health
& Safety
Telecommunications Water Availability
& Conservation
River Health Early Childhood
Renewable Energy Regionalism Transportation 11 C IT Y O F A S PE N - 20 2 5 P O LI CY AG E N DA
The following are the City of Aspen’s priorities for the 2025 legislative session, NOT including references to legislation
that will be introduced in the General Assembly. City staff will closely monitor active legislation introduced in these
areas as well as request regional support for bills that pertain and have interest to us.
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 12 This policy area includes deed restricted and free market owner-occupied and rental housing
units which house Aspen and Pitkin County residents whose annual income is up to 240% of
AMI. Affordable housing is essential to the economic and social health and sustainability of
the City of Aspen. The City of Aspen is focused on the provision of quality affordable housing
to ensure the continued viability of the community. As such, the City advocates for State and
Federal policies and regulations which support its affordable housing program, including:
• State laws respecting home-rule authority and permitting municipal government to raise
revenue and budget for the development of affordable housing to meet local demand;
• State laws which enable local government to acquire or dedicate land for the development
of affordable housing;
• Increased federal and state funding for affordable housing tax credits, vouchers, subsidies
and other financial tools to support the development of affordable housing;
• Federal and state funding assistance for housing authorities to support the development
and management of affordable housing.
• Support for local government's ability to regulate, manage or generate alternative sources
of funding for affordable housing, including public-private partnerships
• Support policy, programs, and funding that serve local needs and the AMIs of Rural Resort
Communities
• Reformation of the state's construction defect law so as to increase the supply of diverse
housing options, including condominiums
Affordable Housing
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 13 Climate change is leaving an indelible mark on Colorado and threatens the quality of life of residents.
The City of Aspen’s Climate Action Office identifies our city as one that is dependent on a stable climate
and the maintenance of natural resources for a thriving economy. Aspen is committed to reducing
GHG emissions through programming and policy in the following categories: low and zero emission
transportation, waste reduction, maintaining a 100% renewable energy grid for Aspen Electric, energy
reduction and electrification in buildings, sustainability education, and advocating for state and federal
regulations that support GHG emissions reductions. We support climate change preparedness, adaptation
and resiliency efforts, the Colorado GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap, as well as more aggressive
goals and regulations that would require the state and country as a whole to reduce GHG Emissions.
Aspen’s Sustainability Action Plan (ASAP) reflects the city’s new science-based targets for greenhouse
gas emissions reductions of 63% by 2030 and zero carbon by 2050, along with the necessary actions
to achieve these goals and realize a sustainable future for our community. Updated most recently in
February 2024, the ASAP refocuses our commitment to Aspen’s future. The City works in collaboration
with Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) to address the legislation that the City expects
to focus the bulk of its resources and political capital on regarding climate action. CC4CA is a coalition of
local governments across the state that work to strengthen state and federal climate policy. The Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) mark historic
federal investments in clean energy and infrastructure. The City is working internally and with external
partners to capture this funding for eligible projects.
The City also engages with other coalitions, such as The Mountain Pact and Climate Mayors, to advance
climate change mitigation and resiliency efforts at the regional and federal levels. Aspen is committed to
resource conservation through building efficiency, renewable energy sources, zero emissions vehicles,
and waste reduction. Per the AACP, Aspen supports policies which will promote resource conversation
by these methods. The City of Aspen understands that greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and
carbon dioxide, are produced from numerous sources, including those sources and activities not directly
controlled by the City of Aspen. One such source of warming causing emissions is abandoned coal mines
located across the west. The City of Aspen supports the activities necessary to reduce, capture and
eliminate the vast amounts of methane gas that is emitted from regional coal mines and the partners and
organizations leading and contributing to that work.
Furthermore, we support the preservation and expansion of local governments’ ability to engage in
climate action efforts that include local and multi-city commitments. These partnerships and affiliations
leverage successes at the state, national, and international level and create further value for our
community and others.
Climate Action and
Resource Conser vation
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGEN DA 14 Pitkin County is 88% public land. Those lands provide essential resources, landscapes, and recreation
opportunities which support the health and sustainability of our community, economy, and ecosystems.
The proper management of public lands mitigates community impacts from natural disasters, ensures
these lands support ecological health and biodiversity, provides diverse recreation opportunities, and
supports commercial and conservation uses. Given Aspen’s proximity to public lands, dependence on
those lands for community sustainability, and prioritization of climate and environmental action, the City
advocates for policies and regulations which deliver the following:
• Proactive forest management and wildfire mitigation which reduces threats from wildfire at the
Wildland-Urban Interface and provides resources for wildland fire mitigation and management;
• Federal lands management rooted in best practices and which balances recreation development and
commercial uses with conservation ensuring the long-term health and biodiversity of public lands;
• Federal lands policy and regulatory processes focused on public engagement and input,
collaboration, responsiveness, and adaptation to local needs and conditions;
• Recreation management focused on habitat preservation, user experience, diversity of travel and
access opportunities, and the sustainable management of existing resources.
• Extremely limited support for transfer of public lands to the states in cases where public access and
public benefit remain unchanged
• Adequate funding for Colorado Avalanche Information Center and overall adequate funding for
Forest Service and emergency agencies enacting and removing fire fuels, load mitigation, campsite
restoration and maintenance
Public Lands –
Natural Resources, Wildlife, Parks , Recreation
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGEN DA 15 A core function of municipal government is to provide these quality of life factors: Community policing,
safe drinking water, safe, clear air and a healthy environment, safe food, development regulations, safe
transportation, and parks, recreation and open space programs. These essential elements embody a
healthy community. The City of Aspen is dedicated to providing these community services. The City is
focused on advocating for policies and regulations which assist in providing the services essential to a
healthy, safe community, including:
• Federal and state policies supporting community policing, intervention, prevention, public health, and
rehabilitation programs which support local control of public safety and health outcomes;
• Financial and policy support for inter-governmental coordination in the provision of public safety and
health services and programs;
• Local control over land use and development regulations which guarantee Aspen’s ability to implement
planning, zoning, and design controls on the built environment, and assess impact fees and other
exactions on development activities to deliver community goods and off-set the impacts from
development;
• Regulatory and financial support for the conservation of lands and provision of recreation services to
support public and environmental health;
• As members of the Western slope and residents of rural Colorado, a less populated side of Colorado,
we would like to see equitable distribution of resources needed to protect our community health and
safet y
• In the event of an epidemic, pandemic, crisis or future public health concern, ensure medical services
are equally accessible to everyone.
Public Health & Safety
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 16 Providing a safe, legal and reliable water
supply to the City’s water customers
is necessary for supporting a vibrant
community. Water, especially in the West, is
a precious resource that must be diligently
protected. The City promotes the efficient
management of water through:
• Long-range planning efforts to identify
future water needs and projects;
• Legal strategies that protect the city’s
water rights;
• Conservation programs that promote
efficient water use;
• Coordinated responses for drought
management;
• Participation in State-wide efforts to
manage water resources to the benefit of
Colorado communities, especially on the
West Slope;
• Recognition of the importance of water
storage in providing a reliable water
supply. With less than a day’s worth of
storage, Aspen is especially vulnerable to
disruptions in the water supply.
Water Availability
& Conser vation
Like transportation, water, sewer, and
energy services, telecommunications
infrastructure is an essential public utility.
The 21st Century economy relies on
fast, reliable, accessible, and affordable
telecommunications services. As a rural
community, Aspen and its surrounding
area are underserved by private
telecommunications providers, particularly
widely accessible high-speed broadband
access. Aspen is focused on ensuring
that telecommunications infrastructure is
responsibility deployed and managed to
mitigate impacts to community aesthetics,
public health, and public property
while providing accessible, reliable
telecommunications utility services.
Aspen supports policies and regulations
which:
• Support the development of
municipally owned or managed
telecommunications utilities
infrastructure and franchises, including
cellular and broadband services;
• Oppose federal or state preemption
of municipal control over access
to and regulation of infrastructure
and development within public
rights-of-way and the preemption of
imposition of design controls over
utilities infrastructure;
• Ensure equitable and affordable
access to high-speed, quality mobile
and broadband telecommunications
services
Telecommunications
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 17 Early childhood education is a pressing issue
that has the potential of providing infrastructure
for or holding back a thriving economy. When
parents who wish to work are unable to fully
engage, it negatively impacts us all. Childcare
is difficult to find, especially infant care, forcing
many families to use less desirable care, work
less, delay returning to work, or leave the
community. Childcare is expensive, often costing
a family more than housing. The rising cost of
childcare has dampened women’s employment
by 13 % for those with children under age 5.
Childcare is a 3-legged stool: a functioning
system that supports families and children
requires investing in affordability, accessibility
and high quality. If a childcare proposal focuses
only on bolstering one leg, the others will grow
weaker under the pressure. More childcare spots
won’t necessarily mean parents can afford them.
More money for parents won’t help address
quality or access.
The City of Aspen advocates for:
• An early childhood education comprehensive
plan that addresses high quality, access, and
affordability.
• Paid Family Leave that benefits children,
families, and the community
• Labor and workforce recognition and support
for the needs of families with young children
• Workforce development in early care and
education field, including scholarships,
training programs, and assessment and
coaching support
Early Childhood
Like all of our natural environment, our local
rivers are some of the community’s greatest
assets and the reason many people choose
to visit or make the Aspen area their home.
Our rivers provide for a high quality life;
support recreational, real estate, and tourism
economies; and provide our downstream
neighbors with drinking water. The health of
these rivers remains of highest importance to
our citizens and is identified in several guiding
documents for the City, including the Aspen
Area Community Plan and the Ecological Bill
of Rights. As such, the City is committed to
making choices and implementing programs
that protect, preserve, and promote river
health now and into the future, and is focused
on advocating for policies and regulation which
deliver the following:
• Watershed and water resources protection
and/or enhancement;
• Local control over water resources projects
and regulations that have the potential to
impact the quality or quantity of water in
the Roaring Fork watershed;
• Local control over land use and
development regulations which guarantee
Aspen’s ability to implement planning,
zoning, and design controls on the built
environment, and assess impact fees and
other exactions on development activities
to deliver environmental protection and
off-set the impacts from development
River Health
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 18 Aspen has long-supported efforts to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. In 2015 the City became the 3rd
City in the nation to provide 100% renewable energy to its customers. Aspen continues to support
efforts by other communities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Aspen will continue to develop and invest
in energy resiliency. New and creative options such as storage, local renewable energy generation, and
other emerging technologies should be explored to address community needs, enhance energy choices,
and respond to emergency preparedness on our local scale.
Renewable Energy
By exploring innovative and collaborative ways to close the gaps and meet demands, the City government
plays an important leadership role in the ethic of community. Regional and multi-jurisdictional cooperation and
collaboration enhances our quality of life. The City of Aspen engages in and strongly supports collaborative
efforts within city departments and with partner agencies and organizations in the local community, regionally,
and state-wide. The City of Aspen supports statewide legislation that would encourage, but is not limited to:
• Cooperation amongst community including affordable housing goals
• Proposals that recognize the range of impacts and advocate for reform around short term
rentals in our community
• Health and well being
• Trails & Open space systems and acquisitions
• Adequate funding for Colorado transportation needs
• Healthy rivers and streams
• Early childhood education funding
• Fiscal funding for K-12 education
• Emergency Plans / Public Safety / Emergency Response
• Public Lands / Forest Management / Wildfire Mitigation
• Broadband
• Legislation that affects and relates to elections: ensuring enfranchisement, campaign finance reform,
increased civic and voter participation, and that elections remain fair, open, accessible and honestly run for
all registered voters
• Improvement of government transparency and accountability
• Climate Action
Regionalism
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 19 The City of Aspen is a leader in Transportation Demand Management, actively supporting programs,
services and infrastructure that promote the use of transit, cycling, walking and shared mobility over
single occupant vehicle travel. We support commuter fringe benefits that encourage transit, bicycle,
walk and other non-SOV transportation modes and oppose fringe benefits for parking and others that
encourage SOV travel for commute trips. As new transportation technologies and services emerge and
evolve (e.g.: dockless mobility, autonomous vehicles, etc.) the City of Aspen supports efforts to maintain
the authority for local regulation of these services. The City supports efforts aimed at regulating the
shared mobility industry to ensure safety, equity, data sharing, customer privacy and fair treatment of
employees. We support new transportation funding for:
• Projects that maintain existing infrastructure and that are multimodal in design, legislation that
encourages “complete streets” that accommodate people using all modes of travel
• Policies that support increased transportation funding for both ongoing and new transit planning
efforts, transit operations, clean transit vehicles and safe transit infrastructure that reduce the reliance
on single occupant vehicle travel
• Innovative multi-modal projects including bicycle, pedestrian and first/ last mile services
• For demonstration or “sandbox” projects that provide the opportunity to test emerging services and
technologies
• Resort communities for recognizing that the needs of a commuting public and the importance of a
tourism economy are directly tied to transportation improvements and reduction in traffic congestion
• Encouragement of a balanced state transportation policy that addresses the need to maintain and
expand roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, transit, carpool/ vanpool and demand management options to
improve Colorado’s transportation system including preservation of the constitutional requirement
that highway user revenues be used for the construction, maintenance and supervision of the public
highways and bridges of the state
• Legislation that enables and encourages the cleanest, most efficient possible technology for both
private vehicles as well as public transit vehicles while preserving local control over regulation and
local implementation
• Transportation / infrastructure programs that support resilient communities and emergency access
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Aspen’s support and emphasis on grade separated multi-use trail projects that support alternative
transportation and provides bicyclists safer, non-motorized commuter trail platforms
• Modernized airport including terminal redevelopment and runway improvements
Transport ation
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 20 U.S. CONGRESSMAN
JEFF HURD -
3RD DISTRICT
Phone: (970) 208-0460 Grand Junction office
LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
To be most effective with our voice it is vital to establish a line of communication with our
affiliated district representatives. This direct method will help us be most successful with our
pertinent goals and where we can provide the most assistance.
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 21 U.S. SENATOR
MICHAEL F. BENNET
Washington , DC 20510
www.bennet.senate.gov
Phone: (970) 243-3936 Grand Junction office
Hilary Henry, Regional Rep (970) 782-8020
Hilary_Henry@bennet.senate.gov
U.S. SENATOR
JOHN HICKENLOOPER
Washington , DC 20510
www.hickenlooper.senate.gov
Janeth N. Stancle, Regional Rep
Phone: (970) 342-3150
Janeth_Stancle@hickenlooper.senate.gov
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 22 REP. ELIZABETH VELASCO
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 57
Email: elizabeth.velasco.house@coleg.gov
Phone: (303) 866-2949
CITY OF ASPEN - 2025 POLICY AGENDA 23 SENATOR MARC CATLIN
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 5
Phone: (970) 209-3436
www.aspen.gov
427 Rio Grande Place
Aspen, CO 81611