The City of Grand Junction continues to implement the strategic priorities developed by City Council which are to support economic development, mobility and infrastructure, housing, public safety, and quality of life. The year 2022 brought success in these areas, as well as unique accomplishments by many city departments. The city has been recognized by regional and national professional associations, and accrediting bodies. In addition, Grand Junction has been identified by a number of national media outlets as a notable destination for tourism and an ideal place to live.
“We are very proud of all that our city staff has achieved this past year,” stated Greg Caton, city manager. “We are thrilled that the work performed on behalf of the Grand Junction community has received this level of recognition. Having our beautiful city and the surrounding area featured in so many national publications serves to reinforce our belief that Grand Junction is a very special place to visit, live, work, and play,” Caton continued.
2022 Recognition for Projects/Departments/Divisions
- Grand Junction Parks & Recreation received the Columbine Award for Innovation for the River Park at Las Colonias from the Colorado Parks & Recreation Association
- Visit Grand Junction was awarded Outstanding Marketing Program at the annual Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference
- Grand Junction won “best tasting water” competing in the American Waterworks Association Rocky Mountain Section
- Grand Junction received the Innovative and Collaborations Merit Award from the Colorado Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) for the Riverfront at Dos Rios
- Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) presented Grand Junction with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
- Grand Junction Finance received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA
- Grand Junction Fire Department was accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International
National/Regional Recognition for Grand Junction
- Forbes Advisor featured Grand Junction in “Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2022
- Insider.com published “I’m an Outdoor Enthusiast Who Loves Going Camping and Glamping – Here Are 9 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Winter” (Colorado National Monument, Camp Eddy, and Palisade Plunge)
- Travel Lemming listed Grand Junction as one of “50 Best Places to Travel in 2023”
- Texas Lifestyle & Travel Magazine published “How To Spend a Perfect Weekend in Grand Junction
- Pride Journeys published “Winter Wonderland: Grand Junction, Colorado” (Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Hotel Maverick, Camp Eddy, Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort, Tiara Rado Golf Course, Redlands Mesa Golf Course, and the upcoming El Jet’s Catina and Sky Outpost and Development)
- Travel + Leisure’s online “How to Take a Colorado River Rafting Trip This Fall – Cliff Jumping, Wildlife Spotting, and Canyon Hikes Included” (family rafting adventure through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon)
- AAA’ s blog “The Best U.S. Cities for Biking” featured the Grand Junction area’s Colorado Riverfront Trail for leisure riders and the Grand Mesa for serious cyclists
- Red Bull published a five-page feature article highlighting Grand Junction in their print edition of The Red Bulletin, an international lifestyle magazine, titled Get it. Do it. See it. Guide – Hidden Gem