Aspen City Council unanimously adopted the city’s first comprehensive strategic plan and advanced a major affordable housing ordinance for 845 Meadows Road during their January 27 meeting at City Hall. Council also approved a 2026 policy agenda opposing gambling expansion in Colorado resort communities and supporting mass transit funding priorities. The strategic plan establishes six objectives including climate resilience, housing, exceptional services, and sustainable economic vitality through 2027. Council appointed nine members to various boards and commissions and approved Old Powerhouse preservation contracts totaling over $1 million for the historic structure’s completion.
Strategic Plan Adoption
Council adopted the city’s first strategic plan via Resolution #016 following years of departmental planning efforts. The plan consolidates work from 25 departmental groups into unified strategic objectives.
Staff emphasized the plan provides foundational direction for city operations and aligns department priorities with council goals. The strategic plan will guide city activities through 2027.
Aspen Meadows Affordable Housing
Council approved Ordinance #05 on first reading for the Aspen Meadows affordable housing project at 845 Meadows Road. The ordinance addresses planned development amendments, use variances, growth management quotas, affordable housing credits, and transportation management.
Council members raised concerns about extended construction timelines potentially lasting over 10 years and neighborhood impacts. Officials discussed requiring more rigorous construction management plans including employee parking requirements and bear-proof site maintenance. A site visit was requested before second reading scheduled for a future meeting.
Policy Agenda
Council approved Resolution #005 establishing the city’s 2026 regional, state and federal policy positions with amendments. The agenda opposes gambling expansion statewide, including casino expansion beyond communities authorized in the 1990 vote, airport video gaming, and online state lottery purchases with credit cards.
Council amended transportation language to oppose using transportation funds solely for roads without mass transit components. The policy supports using transportation funds for mass transportation and transportation demand management uses.
Other policy positions address climate action, water quality and quantity, health and housing services, elections, and local control including home rule protections against underfunded mandates.
Old Powerhouse Preservation
Council approved Resolutions #018 and #019 for Old Powerhouse construction contracts exceeding $1 million. The contracts with A2 Associates cover construction services and project contingencies. The project includes detailed specifications, completion scope, and general conditions.
Board and Commission Appointments
Angi Wang, Amanda Tanaka, and Judd Clarence were appointed to the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission following interviews. Barb Pitchford was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission, Jennifer Fulton to the Board of Adjustments, and Judy Clauson to the Grants Committee.
Council reappointed Tom Kurt to the Wheeler Board in a 4-1 vote with Councillor Guth voting no. Guth raised concerns about automatic reappointments discouraging newer community members from applying and urged more board turnover for fresh perspectives. Mayor Richards suggested discussing term limits at the spring board retreat.
Teraissa McGovern was appointed to Planning and Zoning Commission 4-1, with Guth voting no. Peter Grenney was appointed to the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority board 4-1, with Mayor Richards voting no and expressing concerns about approaches to unit turnover versus community stability. Council recommended Jacqueline Matthews to the county for the APCHA alternate position.
Historic Preservation Certificate
Council approved Ordinance #04 on first reading establishing two transferable development right certificates for 504 W. Hallam Street. The Historic Preservation Commission previously approved the project in October 2025.
The certificates would remove 500 square feet of development rights from the property, leaving 282 square feet remaining. Second reading public hearing was set for February 24.
Consent Calendar
Council approved multiple consent calendar items including Resolution #017 for a Zipcar contract, Resolution #020 for an APCHA Salesforce license renewal, and draft minutes from January 13. Council members commended the Zipcar program for leveraging specialized service providers.
Mayor and Council Comments
Mayor Richards reported on climate concerns following the warmest December on record for Colorado with over 1,000 daily high temperature records set statewide. Officials discussed upcoming fire mitigation work sessions with the Aspen Fire District and tree ordinance revisions differentiating between development-related and safety-related tree removal.
Richards also attended a Colorado Municipal League mayor’s summit covering leadership, ethics, and strategic planning. Council will send representatives to the Colorado Association of Ski Towns meeting January 29-30 in Salida and a Colorado Municipal League legislative workshop February 19. The Aspen Chamber Resort Association board continues working on airport improvement communications for the planned summer 2027 closure.
Council addressed immigration enforcement concerns and scheduled an executive session for litigation regarding Pauline M. Mayer Family Partnership LLP v. City of Aspen.
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