By Michael Clark
Glenwood Springs is our home. We live here for the rivers, the hot springs, the sky, the access to trails—but increasingly, many of us feel priced out, stuck in traffic, or watching vital services lag behind rising expectations. I believe it’s time to focus on issues that won’t fade with the weather: affordable housing, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
The Housing Crunch
One of the most pressing concerns I hear from friends, co-workers, even neighbors is: Where do I live? A survey of residents showed that “having enough workforce housing” and “affordable housing” are among the top-rated problems facing our town—two items with clear negative net sentiment. Meanwhile, housing costs keep climbing, making it harder for teachers, firefighters, service workers, our young people to stay in Glenwood Springs. Without them, the soul of this community fades.
Infrastructure Strain and Traffic Woes
As our population grows, so do the strains on what already exists: roads, bridges, sidewalks, utilities. During recent surveys, many residents rated the condition of streets and the water/sewer system negatively. Traffic congestion consistently appears as one of the top frustrations in our daily lives—commutes take longer, access to trails and grocery stores becomes harder, especially for folks living farther out.
Growth That Respects What We Value
Growth isn’t the enemy. We need homes, jobs, visitors—it’s what keeps a town alive. But development that happens without respecting existing neighborhoods, avoiding overburdening infrastructure, and maintaining safety in emergencies risks eroding the “Glenwood Springs” character we all cherish.
Key Actions We Should Demand
- Expanded workforce housing options—long-term rentals, deed-restricted units—and stronger protections against displacement.
- Investment in roads, sidewalks, transit, and utilities to support what we already have (plus what’s being added).
- Transparent planning processes that include public input early—so that decisions balance new growth with safety, environment, and quality of life.
We’re at a crossroads. We can let rising costs and traffic define our town, or we can take action together—elect leaders who listen, demand accountability, push for housing solutions, and safeguard the things that make Glenwood Springs worth staying for. If we’re deliberate, inclusive, and united, we can preserve this place not just as a destination—but as a home.