The City of Grand Junction is now solidly into 2022 and is excited about the year ahead. In 2022, the City has planned new and expanded projects and programs as prescribed by City Council’s adopted budget. This includes projects and investments focused on resiliency and economic recovery, housing, mobility, infrastructure & economic development, and public safety.
Resiliency and Economic Recovery – The City is increasing its focus on promoting economic recovery and resiliency efforts over the coming year. This includes working with City Council and community leaders to leverage $10.4 million in federal recovery funds which will fund social and economic resiliency projects in the community. This year, the City will also establish an employee childcare center which will open approximately 40 new childcare slots, relieving pressure on the current network of providers. The City will also build resiliency through the creation of a Sustainability Plan which will outline strategies and tools that will increase sustainability practices throughout the city.
Housing – Recognizing that market-rate and affordable housing options have become increasingly limited, the City is focusing on housing and homelessness solutions. This includes a $1 million investment to understand and address the housing needs of City residents, increased City personnel dedicated to housing, and continued regional collaboration with our local housing partners. The City has a long-standing partnership with the Grand Junction Housing Authority and non-profits providing housing resources including Habitat for Humanity, HomewardBound, and The House. This support includes years of funding affordable housing projects and homeless shelter capital and operations, including $450,000 in 2022.
Mobility, Infrastructure & Economic Development – The total capital investment in 2022 is approximately $84.7 million and planned projects include efforts to improve and expand transportation and mobility infrastructure. This includes a continued emphasis on our curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement projects and a $27.7 million investment in our transportation network to add capacity to the street network. Additional capacity in Public Works will support the expansion of mobility options by identifying and acquiring necessary rights-of-way and easements for infrastructure and trails. Other planned infrastructure improvements include $38.3 million in capital spending for water and sewer. These investments will result in improvements to the Kannah Creek water treatment plant to enhance reliability, safety, and energy conservation. Additional personnel in Wastewater will assist in expanding the existing septic elimination program and ensuring the City completes projects identified in the 2020 Wastewater Master Plan. Parks & Recreation will also continue working on the renovation project at the Lincoln Park Stadium, as part of the many parks system improvements identified in the PROS Master Plan.
Supporting economic development activities in the city remains an essential part of the City’s 2022 priorities. The City plans to allocate $3.7 million to our local economic development partners which will be used for workforce development, business attraction, and other economic activities in the city. Las Colonias and Dos Rios Parks, envisioned as regional destinations, also drive new economic activity. Improvements to these parks include improvements to public amenities such as shelter and irrigation enhancements as well as a zipline expected in early 2022. Dos Rios is also planned for vertical construction of mixed-use development in 2022. Tourism is another major economic driver for our region and the City is strategically investing in destination marketing to increase the visibility of the community and its amenities to promote tourism.
Public Safety – Public safety services remain a high priority of the community and investments made using the 2019 First Responder Tax fund will directly support our fire and police services. In 2022, an increase in Police personnel was approved bringing the total sworn personnel to 137. When fully realized, these investments will allow for a more proactive police presence in the community. Additional resources for police are planned in 2022 which include enhanced bias training, an extension of the Co-Responder program, and improved community outreach efforts. Significant investments are also made in Fire. This includes the addition of Fire Station 8 in 2022, purchasing of 3 new ambulances, a new wildfire mitigation program, and further investments in personnel and personnel training. These services will result in improvements to Fire’s capability to respond to a noted increase in calls for service over the past year.
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Contact: Greg LeBlanc, Sr. Assistant to the City Manager | 970-244 1557 or gregoryl@gjcity.org.