Ellen Babers

The special meeting, convened as the local licensing authority, focused primarily on the consideration of a retail marijuana license transfer for J&J Enterprises, doing business as Greenhouse Durango. The discussion clarified that the request constituted a brand new application for the new entity, despite similar ownership, necessitating the payment of full initial application fees totaling $10,000, rather than the $8,000 renewal fee. Council members discussed the financial implications of this structure. The meeting also included a reading of the indigenous land acknowledgement. The council ultimately voted to approve the license application.

The study session focused on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations and adherence. Key discussion points included background on the ADU program, which aims to provide housing solutions for multi-generational and mixed-income communities. Staff provided data on the 161 documented approved units, detailing their status (legally non-conforming, registered, or fully approved) and distribution across zoning districts. The presentation also covered current regulations, such as the one ADU per parcel limit, owner-occupancy requirements, size restrictions (maximum 550 sq. ft.), and parking mandates. Enforcement protocols were discussed, noting challenges in tracking owner occupancy affidavits, which are required biannually but have not been consistently enforced. The complexity of enforcing rules due to non-registered units, property sales, and distinguishing ADUs from legally existing detached duplexes or non-dwelling living spaces was highlighted. Alternatives for stricter enforcement, particularly concerning owner occupancy, were proposed, including mailing notifications to ensure affidavit renewal.

This White Paper, published in January 2026, presents a data-driven housing strategy for the City of Durango to address its critical housing affordability crisis. It aligns workforce housing with the City's broader Strategic Plan, economic goals, and long-term prosperity. The document details current conditions, forecasts trends, and outlines existing strategies such as public-private partnerships, infill development, down payment assistance, and short-term rental regulation. It also explores potential funding sources and scalable strategies to ensure a balanced housing stock and support housing options across all income levels through a five-year outlook.

The Durango Business Improvement District Special Board of Directors Meeting agenda included a dialogue with the Durango Chamber of Commerce, followed by board and staff reports. Key discussion points in the reports covered the Durango Fire Protection District's ballot measure concerning a mill levy increase, potential consolidation of auto sales properties, and considerations for new development plans in south Durango. The board chair report noted that a suggestion was made to nominate David Moler for the open seat on the La Plata County lodgers tax board. Financial reports for September were presented, noting that total income was at 99% of the year-to-date budget while expenses were at 101%. The Marketing report highlighted that the NoMAD promotion did not meet its goals, suggesting a new promotion for 2026. Staff also reported on the success of the Durango Farmers Market pilot program on Main Avenue, and the Executive Director's report detailed the ongoing discussions regarding Downtown's Next Step project, addressing concerns related to parking, turning movements, and maintenance.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement and the introduction of a translator. Key discussions involved updates on the Three Springs Elementary School Project, including construction timelines anticipated for 2026, and the introduction of the new Public Works Director. Staff provided an overview of the newly published 2026 Administrative Procedures Manual for the Fair Share Housing Program, detailing affordability options. The consent agenda included approval of minutes from prior meetings and introduction of an ordinance regarding electric fences. Public hearings were held concerning the annexation and initial zoning of 1720 County Road 240, which involved substantial discussion regarding Fair Share compliance and deed restriction duration for the proposed townhomes. Resolutions adopted addressed the 2026 Legislative Agenda, participation in the Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County, approval of the U-Haul Self-Storage Revised Preliminary Development Plan, authorization for Lodgers' Tax Council Determination Fund expenditures, and an amendment to the Financial Reserve Policy to set a target range of 20% to 25% of budgeted operating expenditures. Consideration of ordinances included the first reading of the ordinance to annex 1720 County Road 240 and zoning it Residential High (RH). The meeting concluded with other new business discussions before adjournment.