Eagle County commissioners approved a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Health Foundation at their December 9 meeting to fund ongoing community engagement work by Eagle County Public Health & Environment.
The grant supports existing public health work connecting with county residents. The Colorado Health Foundation funds community health initiatives across the state, with this grant targeting Eagle County’s public health outreach efforts through 2026.
Housing Coalition Partnership
Commissioners approved joining the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition with a $20,000 commitment. The regional partnership brings together the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys to address housing needs on a larger scale.
The coalition will partner with Eagle County Housing and Development Authority on the Good Deeds Community Partner Program, which matches funds for buydowns on open market housing purchases that add deed restrictions. The price-capped deed restrictions will be administered by ECHDA.
2026 Budget and Mill Levy Adopted
The board unanimously adopted the county’s 2026 budget and mill levy. A public meeting for budget presentation was held November 18, with public notices completed November 13 and December 4.
Consent Agenda Approved
The board approved 10 consent items including a 30-year renewal of the Sheriff’s Office shooting range access road in Wolcott through 2055, termination of a fentanyl testing strip distribution contract due to lack of demand, a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Health Foundation for public health community engagement, and a three-year law enforcement services agreement with the Town of Gypsum beginning January 1, 2026.
Other items included warranty releases for Tree Farm PUD Phase II improvements, a wastewater treatment facility permit for Edwards, an airport ground lease with United Ground Express, a Crown Mountain Park water line extension agreement, an ice skating rink license with Mountain Recreation for Freedom Park, and approval of August and September meeting minutes.
Cell Tower Application Tabled
The board tabled a special use permit application for a cell tower at 641 Green Mountain Drive until January 20, 2026. The application from US Cellular seeks approval for a monopole tower structure and related equipment.
Land Use Regulation Reform Work Session
Commissioners held an extensive work session on Eagle County Land Use Regulation reform, focusing on use-specific standards for guest ranches, campgrounds, resorts, and places of assembly. Discussion covered zoning district methodology, mapping strategies, implementation timelines, and public outreach plans including regional meetings.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Tom Boyd encouraged residents to donate at EagleCountyColoradoGives.org during Colorado Gives Day. He also warned that BLM director nominee Stephen Pierce previously favored large-scale public land sell-offs during his Senate time, urging residents to research Pierce’s record including a 2012 letter to John Boehner.
Chair Jeanne McQueeney reported the Colorado Counties Incorporated conference revealed significant upcoming state changes to childcare and human services funding that will require new legislation. Eagle County Human Services Director Megan Birch attended and advocated for county concerns.
The county manager noted record airport enplanements with new flights starting December 18 and major ski season flights beginning December 20. He asked residents not to put snow in roads as plow teams work across the county.
Riverview Budget Approved
As the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority, commissioners approved the 2026 Riverview Apartments budget.
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