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Home My WebLink Aboutresolution.council.005-26RESOLUTION #005 (Series of 2026) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, ADOPTING A 2026 REGIONAL, STATE AND FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA WHEREAS there has been submitted to the City Council a 2026 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 2026 Policy Agenda, a copy of which is annexed hereto and incorporated herein, and does hereby authorize City staff, individual Council members, and the Mayor to take positions consistent with said Policy Agenda on behalf of the City of Aspen. RESOLVED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED FINALLY by the City Council of the City of Aspen on the 27th day of January, 2026. 1 E. Richards, M�.y 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 hereinabove stated. Nicole Henning, City C 'mplll'�Ij�, yLim ' � ITYIIII 2026 CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA CITY COUNCIL Left to Right:.lohn Doyle, Rill G��th, Rachryel Richards, Christine Benedetti, Sam Rose Rachel E. Richards, Mayor Rachael.Richards@ aspen.gov (970) 471-8329 Bill Guth BiII.Guth@ aspen.gov (970) 300-2120 CITY MANAGER Peter J. Strecker Pete.Strecl<el-@ aspen.gov (970) 920-5083 John Doyle, Mayor Pro-Tem John. Christine Benedetti Doyle@ aspen.gov (970) 948-6251 Chl-istine.Benedetti @ aspen.gov (206)349-5212 SR. PARALEGAL Tara Nelson Tara.Nelson@ aspen.gov (970) 92O-5o59 Sam Rose Sam.Rose@ aspen.gov (802) 752-7026 MANAGEMENT ANALYST Emily Kinney Emily. Kinney@a aspen.gov (719) 656-0938 Mailing Address: 427 Rio Grande, Aspen, CO 8161� Website: https://aspen.gov/�276/Policy-Agenda CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA L�G��D o '' 0 V 0�� Q``�oi ire �� 6o��tiicular order of pref�r��rnce) AFFORDABLE HOUSING 6 CLIMATE ACTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION 7 DELIVER ASPEN AREA COMMUNITY PLAN THEMES 8 DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION &BELONGING 9 EARLY CHILDHOOD io ELECTIONS » FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY 11 GAMING » HEALTH, HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES 12 HOME RULE AND LOCAL CONTROL 13 PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY 14 PUBLIC LANDS - NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE, PARKS, RECREATION 15 REGIONALISM i6 RENEWABLE ENERGY 17 TRANSPORTATION 18 WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY 19 OR REPRESENTATIVES 20 LEGISLATORS 20-21 DISTRICT MAPS AND DISTRICT NUMBERS 22-23 CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA The purpose of the City of Aspen's 2026 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 Association of Ski Towns, 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 2026 Colorado General Assembly. With the coordination of 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 signcantly 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; 1. 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 Legislative Review Process: 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 2025 the City of Aspen renewed their contract with Bowditch &Cassell Public Affairs, afull-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 Tara Nelson and Emily Kinney. L m G %ff La Affordable Housing Climate Action and Resource Conservation Deliver Aspen Area Community Plan Themes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging MB k�4 :J L!b Early Childhood Elections Fiscal Responsibility Gaming Health, Housing & Home Rule and Public Health Public Lands -Natural Human Services Local Control & Safety Resources, Wildlife, Parks, Recreation Regionalism Renewable Energy Transportation Water Quality and Quantity The following are the City of Aspen's priorities for the 2026 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 (nave interest to us. CITY OF ASPEN ON 2026 POLICY AGENDA Affordable Housing The City of Aspen is focused on the provision of quality affordable housing to ensure the continued viability of the community. This provision is possible through 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. 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 CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Climate Action and Resource Conservation Climate change is leaving an indelible mark on Colorado and threatens the quality of life of residents. The City of Aspen's economy depends on a stable climate and thriving natural resources. Aspen is committed to achieving science -based targets by reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 63% by 203o and i00% by 205o. Aspen will achieve these goals through policy, programs, and partnerships in the following categories: • Low and zero emission transportation. • Waste reduction. • Maintaining a l00% renewable energy grid for Aspen Electric. • Energy reduction and electrification in buildings. • Co -beneficial programming for human health, nature, and resiliency. • Sustainability education. • Advocating for state and federal regulations that support GHG emissions reductions in meaningful and measurable ways, climate action and resilience. We collaborate with partners to achieve the following: • The goals and actions outlined in the Aspen's Sustainability Action Plan (ASAP). • 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 to reduce GHG Emissions and prepare for resilient and thriving communities. This may include topics outside core GHG mitigation focuses, including water conservation and air quality improvement. • Legislation regarding climate action, environmental protection, pollution, and resilience. Aspen The city works with Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA), a coalition of local governments across the state, and other coalitions such as The Mountain Pact and Climate Mayors, to advance climate change mitigation and resiliency efforts regionally and federally. • Pursuing funding opportunities to support this work. GHG emissions are produced from numerous sources, including those sources and activities not directly controlled by the City of Aspen. The City of Aspen supports innovative solutions to address those sources, for example mitigating methane gas emitted from regional coal mines. 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. CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA MDeliver Aspen Area Community Plan Themes We are committed to revitalizing and sustaining the underpinning of our thriving community, the Aspen Idea'. 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 20�2 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 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. CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at Belonging 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. CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA BAD Early Childhood Early childhood education provides the infrastructure to support a thriving economy. Without it, the workforce must choose between continuing to work or staying home with children. 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 decreased women's employment by �3%for those with children under a e 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. The City of Aspen supports policy that bolsters programmatic enhancement and optimization of early childhood care and education. 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 I_� - F� -�! l�_ _1 +-J "aW Elections CITY Or ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA 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. The City supports efforts that build the public's trust in the elections process„including but not limited to, increasing transparency in the election process, improving access to increase voter participation, strengthening safeguards against fraud and interference, ensuring access to accurate information concerning elections, , and additional mechanisms to protect election integrity. Gaming Fiscal Responsibility City of Aspen budgeting reflects a priority on high -quality government services through seven strategic focus areas being. • Community engagement • Fiscal health & economic vitality • Smal-t, 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 • 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. Gambling has been attributed to negative public health outcomes in surrounding communities across the country, such as mental health issues, family breakdowns, and child neglect. Gaming impacts citizen's quality of life by permanently altering the character of their towns, and can negatively affect communities by increasing the strain on local services, public safety, housing and limited mountain community resources. These social and strained infrastructure impacts far outweigh potential revenue generated by gaining. The City of Aspen opposes any legislation aiming to expand gambling statewide. This includes, but is not limited to, opposing. • Allowing Gaming and casinos expansion in Colorado into communities that were not authorized in the �990 statewide vote. • Video and slot machine Gaming in Colorado airports • Playing the State Lottery online with credit cards for scratch and lottery drawings CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Health, Housing &Human Services Aspen is dedicated to supporting and sustaining healthy communities that strengthen individuals and farnilies while providing reasonable health and human services for anyone who calls the Aspen area horne. 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 aiding opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to achieve a Ind community standards in prov higher quality of life through: • Deliver Quality Essential Services to All: We must ensul-e a broad visitor base over the long term by supporting the necessary commercial sector in provision of services to visitors. Additionally, the city recognizes the need for and fosters policy that promotes the sustainability of essential businesses that provide services that rneet the year-round community's needs. Whether one resides here or is from out of town, these services should be of the highest quality. • Self Reliance: We must work together to help each person in our community meet basic needs and remain self-sufficient to the greatest extent possible. • Public Safety: We must continue to ensure that oul- safety services (police, sheriff, fire, child and adulL protection, Mountain Rescue and emergency response, etc.) are efficient, effective, accessible and coordinated. • He�.�D��:C[I �-21U=od I/^�Reing: 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, incorne 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. • Education and Lifelong Learning: We must work together to ensure educational opportunities are available to all members of our community. • Menta�DEehavioral Health Services: We must continue to work with regional partners (Aspen Hope Center, A Way ClUt, Aspen Family Connections, Community Health Services, PACT, Mind Springs, HeaclQuarters, Youthzone, mental health providers/practitioners, and community health workers, etc.) to collaborate and implement programs needed for residents to expand rnental/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. CITY or ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Home Rule and Local Control As a home rule municipality, since June �6, �970, 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. The City supports strengthening and preserving home rule authority of municipal governments and opposes intervention in matters of local concern or matters that unnecessarily or adversely affect the City's ability to manage and operate pursuant to its home rule authority. Underfunded mandates from the state legislature create twice the negative impact 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 an unanticipated cost burden. Additionally, the City of Aspen opposes the imposition of conditions on federal or state funding that interfere with local decision -making and constitutional home rule authority. CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Public Health at Safety A core function of rnLinicipal government is to provide services contributing to public heall-h and safety that allow for a higher quality of life: 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 residents of the more rural and less populated Western Slope, we would like to see a less populated side of Colorado, we would like to see equitable distribution of resources needed to protect our community health and safety • In the event of an epidemic, pandernic, crisis or future public health concern, ensure medical services are equally accessible to everyone. Public Lands - CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Natural Resources, Wildlife, Parks, Recreation Pitl<in County's 88��o public land base is essential to Aspen's economy, environment, and quality of life. These lands provide critical resources, recreation opportunities, and ecological services that sustain our community. The City of Aspen advocates for policies that ensure responsible federal management of public lands, balancing recreation, commercial uses, and conservation to protect biodiversity and long-term health in the face of climate change, such as: ® Proactive Forest Management &Wildfire Mitigation: Reduce wildfire risks at the Wildland-Urban Interface and fund fire mitigation programs. e Balanced Federal Lands Management: Apply best practices that protect biodiversity while supporting recreation, respect for- our agricultural heritage and commercial uses. a Collaborative Federal Processes: Ensure public engagement, responsiveness, and adaptation to local needs in policy and regulatory decisions. • Sustainable Recreation Management: Preserve habitat, protect air and water quality, enhance user experience, and maintain diverse, equitable access opportunities. Opposition to Public Land Transfers: Oppose transferring federal lands to states unless public access and benefits remain unchanged. Adequate Funding for Agencies: Support funding for the U.S. Forest Service, emergency agencies, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center- for- fire fuel removal, campsite restoration, and resource maintenance. Local Commitment: Continue protecting Aspen's �,ioo acres of open space for recreation, wildlife habitat, water quality, and scenic view planes. CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Regionalism The City of Aspen recognizes the importance of working within both private and public partnerships to close gaps, meet demands, and bring a united front to tackling issues faced by region. 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 across the state. These regional efforts help drive successful outcomes, and the City of Aspen supports statewide legislation that would encourage, but is not limited to: • Cooperation amongst community to realize 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 CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Renewable Energy Aspen has long -supported efforts to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. In 2oi5 the City became the 3rd City in the nation to provide i00% 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. CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Transportation The City of Aspen is a leader in Transportation Demand Management, actively supporting prograrrrs, services and infrastructure that promote the use of transit, cycling, walking and shared mobility over single occupant vehicle travel (SOV). 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, autonornous 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 rIiodes 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 econorny 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, car-pool/ vanpool and derrrand 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 • We oppose state of Colorado transportation funds being diverted to only fund roads • Support the continued use of transportation funds for mass transportation / transportation demand management (TDM) purposes CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Water Quality and Quantity 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: u 0 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 regional 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. 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 envir-onmenta protection and off -set the impacts from development CITY OF ASPEN = 2026 POLICY AGENDA To be most effective with our voice, it is vital to establish aline 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. RD DISTRICT Phone: (970) 208-046o Grand Junction office Colorado Congressional Districts (Final Approved Plan) tsl Cocgre�s�on�il Distract I. i ?nd Conpre�,londl Dstncl I� aid Conlaiessu!ndl Dlshlcl 41h Conwe5s nn.,I District IF 5 1 h Conyressmn iI OrAncI Olh District Ij /Ih congie';s nnal Oislnct IHlh Congiessonal D191rk1 Map pieparad by Cobredo Indrpendant 17ad�slrKbng Conmssbns Stall. Septn_mt�r78. 2U"1. CITY Or ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA Washington , DC 20510 www.bennet.senate.gov Delaney Deskin, Regional Rep Email: Delaney_Deskin�a bennet.senate.gov Phone: (720) 438-5178 Washington , DC 20510 www.hickenlooper.senate.gov Janeth N. Stancle, Regional Rep Email: Janeth.Stancle@hlckenlooper.senate.gov Phone. (970) 342-3150 CITY OF ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA j email: elizabeth.velasco.house�a coleg.gov Phone: (303) 866-2949 wolf, .IlNiMp,l �Il �i�l A I' Colorado House Districts Statewide - Final Approved Plan Denver Hetro Area LocnN MOFFAT JAL KSON LARIVER (65 WELD 53 52 FNItuF Ri �llTi 26 49 51 �* 63 50 64,/' MOR-,AN ANI, HILDFRfi 48 mc'DI :rro .10 --- -- 13 G, PIN 6R' �+M EtD ADAMS 1'Jn .1 .i IIa ll`N rL FAR 27 'DENVER GARFIELD 57 EAIiLF CREEK 'ARAFAHOE �j SUMMIT 1 25s 44 45� 1DN KIT CARSOR JEFFERtiON 39� ELRERI 55 K LAKE / 56 54 PARK �20' LINL tILN -- U�L'fA I.-HE1'ENNE Lll e r GUNNISON ' If n•FFE E. TELLERI M frN (ROSE ER EM OHT ' 58 60 i{ OUR AV � SAN MRiUEL AG UAC HE t U.iI EC 46 /1 HIN SOALE DI)LuRE5 SAN r IIIAN MIN ERAL 62 (((NUERFA N� ''. RIO ORANDE 'ALAMOSA _•L,NJ P�THMA 59 ' --- La FLAia �. u,:nun ARLHULETA CONEIOS K1;-I':l�. i H' �'N- F � OEkI �'Ri1V E�: TER' 47 / \ 0 25 50 100 Miles A.iop prepared by Colorado hldependent Redislricting Cornnus:ions Staff. Approved October 11, 2021. 19 10 IIIwh 48 12 33 49 II f 34 ADAMS 29 31 32 7 3 24 5 �7 23 4 5 8 304,ri 6 42 36 2 9 41 PANI,E 28 3 40 38 37 61 25 43 44 156 39 r LN,-H 7 45 Colorado Splines hletro Area 20 14 22 I_LI <• 16 15 18 17 60 56 21 CITY Or ASPEN - 2026 POLICY AGENDA ;TA—TE SENATE DISTRICT 5 Email: marc.catlin.senate@coleg.gov Phone: (970) 209-3436 i MOFFnT RIO RLANCO Colorado Senate Districts Statewide -Final Approved Plan 'JACKSOH L:R�r.1E fi r,� \'lCID NuuTT L 15 1u'. 8 e4t I. GRAND BOULDER CLEAR ; GAR FIEND . - ., EAGLE ,9UM41iT/�E—RF—EK PITKINLAKE �� '/ESA PARK 7 --DEL-TA -- J\ 5MAFFEE 4 7El }( GUr:N150`f t MON I R0tiE-----�,��.\ FREMONT S A'I r.iIGUEI SAGUACHE CUSTER NINSOn L F.} % DOLOR LS %AN JUAN RIO GRANDE ALA4i,JSA P I ATf. PASO .: I,I.,.I•:F. LfjGAN 1 vllMn ,NGE 21 EtOENT KII CARSON I INC OI.N ' CNEYEHNE Klarrn 3 r.RGWLe, PUEDLo 35 LENT PROWER'; �------�` I OTERO NU[RFANO f.0� 111.� cRCNui LTf, CONFJu!: ----' L AS ANIh'A'. �\ 0 25 50 100 Miles N I I 1 I 1 h4ap prepared by Colorado lndopendenl Redisfdcfinq Commissions Sfa/1. Approved Ocfoher 12. 2021. Denver Metro Area 23 ,•,E1 �r DOULGC 1 � I 13 1- - 'J r BROOKIFIELD J J 15r 25 24 lf.2 fst � f 19 ;I�rr,f 133 TLi. 4'f . r 22 34/nrt1VERj r 28 `�.. r2_- 31 0 J FFFT RSON ]- 0--,.32*1 29� 22gnP 6 AyoE_, �rP 16 _ 27 C" 4 30 2 � �,,.� Colorado Springs Metro Area 9 I 7ELLEN� 10 -3 35 ELPA50 k 1 11 4 12 PRE110NT rr p, ,A� PIS CITY OF ASPEN 0 www.aspen.gov 427 Rio Grande Place ,Aspen, CO 8�61�