News Flash

City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

Four Canyons Parkway Project

• 25 Rd. Will be closed from F ½ Rd. To Waite Ave.
• Temporary roadway in place, use caution.

Main Street Holiday Light Work

• City crews will begin removing Holiday lighting on the 200 block, then move east through the 700 block, and continue along Colorado Ave. 

Non-City Project with Travel Restrictions

• Patterson & 24 ½ Rd.  
  • Patterson eastbound and 24 ½ northbound will be closed Sunday night and Monday night.
  • Closures will take place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • Follow detours in place 
• CDOT I-70B Phase 7 Construction
  • Construction will begin in February and is expected to continue through early 2027. 
  • General working hours will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.
  • Some night and weekend work may take place as needed throughout the course of construction.
  • Project information is available on the project site

The City of Grand Junction is launching City Updates to provide residents with timely, clear, reliable information about City services, projects, and community impacts.

City Updates will help keep the community informed about the everyday work the City is doing across departments, including efforts that maintain infrastructure, support public safety, improve quality of life, and keep essential services running for residents and businesses.

City Updates will generally be published following City Council meeting weeks, providing a consistent rhythm of updates throughout the month.

Residents can expect City Updates to be shared through the City’s official communication channels, including the City website and social media platforms.

As part of the 2026 budget presented and approved by City Council in 2025, the City of Grand Junction will implement downtown parking rate and operational updates beginning in 2026. 

The downtown parking system is structured to support downtown businesses, residents, and visitors by keeping short-term parking available near storefronts, encouraging turnover in the highest-demand areas, and providing long-term options for employees. Parking rates and fees are used for cost recovery only and support the day-to-day expenses of operating and maintaining the system. 

These changes take effect Feb. 2, 2026. 

What’s Changing in 2026 

Updated Parking Meter Rates 

• Short-Term Meters (2-hour): $1.30 per hour
• Short-Term Meters (4-hour) and main floor of the parking garage: $1.20 per hour
• Downtown Parking Permits: $50 per month
• Parking Garage Short-Term Lease (Month-to-Month):
  • Surface Spaces: $55 per month, Covered Spaces: $80 per month

Operational Change to Increase Turnover: To improve near-term availability in the highest-demand areas based on feedback from business owners, the City will transition to two-hour parking on 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Streets between Rood Avenue and Colorado Avenue. This change is intended to increase turnover and improve access for customers near downtown storefronts. 

Enforcement and When Parking Is Free: Metered parking is enforced Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free outside of enforcement hours, on weekends, and on federal holidays. In addition, those with an official Handicap placard or license plate may park for free at City parking meters or parking lots. 

Payment Options and How to Pay for Short Visits: Drivers have multiple ways to pay, including options that work well for quick stops.  

• Coins (no extra fee): Pay only for the time you need. You do not have to pay for a full hour. Coins allow payment in small increments, including nickels, dimes, and quarters for short visits.
• Credit/debit card: Insert or tap to pay for your time. A $.10 processing fee applies.
• Passport App: Pay and extend time without returning to the meter. A $.35 app fee applies.

Parking Locations, Time Limits, and Permits: Time limits and permit-eligible locations vary by block and lot. For the most up-to-date information, including a detailed downtown parking map, visit www.gjcity.org/parking. 

The City’s goal is to keep downtown parking accessible and convenient for residents, visitors, and businesses by balancing time limits and parking options across the downtown area, while maintaining a sustainable, cost-recovery parking system. 

The City of Grand Junction, in partnership with Colorado Mesa University and the Mesa County Workforce Center, will host three hiring events to connect job seekers with seasonal and part-time opportunities. As one of the community’s major employers, the City is committed to making it easy for applicants to learn about openings, meet directly with hiring staff, and move through the process quickly. Candidates can apply, interview, and in some cases receive a conditional offer on the spot. Positions offer a chance to earn income, build experience, and help support the public spaces and programs residents use during the spring and summer season.

Save the dates:

- Tuesday, February 17, 2 – 6 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn (910 N. 12th St.)- Wednesday, March 11, 3 – 6 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn (910 N. 12th St.)- Tuesday, April 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Mesa County Workforce Center (512 29 ½ Rd.)

The jobs include:

Camp Counselors and Recreation LeadersEvent Support Staff and Guest Service RepresentativesGolf and Facilities MaintenanceHorticulture Worker and Plant Health CareIrrigation MaintenanceLifeguards, Swim Instructors, and Pool ManagerSports OfficialsTurf Maintenance and Sports Field CrewUrban Forestry Worker

The positions range in skill level as well as qualification and age requirements. Candidates will be assessed for related experience, equipment, and operation skills. 

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at gjcity.org/Jobs for a seasonal job today. For additional information, interested applicants can email hr@gjcity.org. 

Due to the warm winter weather, the City of Grand Junction Forestry Division recommends that residents water their trees to help maintain tree health. During prolonged dry periods from October through March, trees should be watered one to two times per month. Water only when temperatures are above 40 degrees and there is no snow cover. 

The City of Grand Junction’s Parks Department will begin temporary watering operations in city parks this week. This proactive measure is designed to protect the community's valuable tree canopy and reduce environmental stress on plants before the spring growing season begins. These operations will continue for the next three to four weeks. Crews will be re-winterizing irrigation systems immediately after completing work at each location. 

For more information on the benefits of winter watering or how to do it, please visit the Forestry page on the City's website or contact the Parks and Recreation Forestry Division at forestry@gjcity.org or 970-254-3849.

City Council is scheduled to consider an agreement on February 4 with the Pecos League for 2026 summer use of Suplizio Field. If approved, it would bring semi-professional baseball back to Grand Junction, adding family-friendly entertainment and keeping the stadium more active during the summer months. The proposal would also enable additional usage during the summer by other groups.

After the Jackalopes announced they would not return in 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals. City Council discussed the update at the January 26 Workshop, and a formal decision is expected next week. Stay tuned for updates.

The City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Junior Lifeguarding Class this February. Junior Lifeguarding is designed as an introductory program for youth who are interested in becoming lifeguards in the future, while building valuable water safety skills.

The number of lifeguards needed in the community is about to increase significantly with the Community Recreation Center (CRC) opening later this year. The CRC will include five separate pools and a significant amount of water space and aquatic amenities that will require many lifeguards to keep those pools safe. The Junior Lifeguarding Class is an excellent way to prepare for a lifeguard position at the CRC or many of the other aquatic facilities operated by Grand Junction Parks and Recreation.

Participants gain hands-on experience and insight into the responsibilities of professional lifeguards, while learning skills such as basic water rescues, CPR fundamentals, teamwork, and professionalism. Once participants reach the age of 15, they may apply for lifeguard positions with Grand Junction Parks and Recreation.

The program is open to anyone interested in lifeguarding between the ages of 11-14. The class will be from February 3 through 26 and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Orchard Mesa Pool, 2736 Unaweep Ave. The registration fee is $94. To participate in the Junior Lifeguarding Class, please sign up online. 

The City of Grand Junction’s Parks and Recreation Department is one of the largest employers of teenagers in the community in a variety of roles. Available positions are posted at gjcity.org under employment. Those interesting in learning more about various programs and positions can contact Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, email gjparksandrec@gjcity.org, or visit the Parks and Recreation office at 1340 Gunnison Avenue.

Beginning in February, the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County will engage residents, stakeholders, and community partners to develop a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). The assessment will provide a shared understanding of housing conditions and needs across the community, while informing two separate Housing Action Plans—one for the City of Grand Junction and one for Mesa County—each tailored to the priorities and housing challenges of their respective jurisdictions. 

Public engagement opportunities will include a community open house, a county-wide housing survey, targeted resident focus groups, and key stakeholder engagement with service providers, employers, developers, and housing partners. Ongoing information, updates, and opportunities for participation will be shared through the City of Grand Junction’s Engage GJ platform. 

The community open house will be held on Feb. 12, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Junction Central Library, 443 N. 6th St. The event will begin with an overview of the Housing Needs Assessment and the process moving forward, followed by opportunities for attendees to share input on the community’s greatest housing needs and the types of housing that would be supported. Both the open house and housing survey are open to all Grand Junction and Mesa County residents. The survey will be available in English and Spanish and will remain open through March 31, 2026. 

This effort is supported by grants awarded to both the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and aligns with recent state legislation that requires housing needs assessments to be created and updated regularly, and that also requires coordinated local housing planning, strong community engagement, and the adoption of data-driven Housing Action Plans.  

More information about the Housing Needs Assessment and engagement opportunities can be found at Engage GJ or on the City of Grand Junction website. For questions, please contact the Housing Division at 970-256-4081 or email housing@gjcity.org. 

The City of Grand Junction is beginning Phase Two of the Four Canyons Parkway project, a major transportation improvement designed to support future growth by reducing traffic on neighborhood streets, easing congestion, and improving overall traffic flow along the 25 Road and Patterson Road corridors.

In preparation for roadway construction planned in 2026, Xcel Energy recently completed the 25 Road Natural Gas Project to enhance natural gas system safety. Upcoming work will include installation of additional utility infrastructure along 25 Road. Beginning the week of January 12, 2026, the City’s contractor will start construction on a small section along 25 Road.

Phase Two of Four Canyons Parkway is located east of 24½ Road and is currently focused on utility installation prior to roadway construction. Planned improvements include a new four-lane arterial connecting 24½ Road to and along 25 Road south to Patterson Rd, a reconfigured intersection at 25 Road to improve traffic capacity and safety, and a widened, reconstructed intersection at 25 Road and Patterson Road in the final stage.

The Four Canyons Parkway is designed to provide a safer, more efficient route through a rapidly developing area, helping divert traffic from smaller streets and reducing congestion on existing roadways. The corridor is also being constructed with future growth in mind, allowing for additional lanes as traffic demand increases.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS AND ACCESS

Construction along 25 Road will occur in phases to minimize traffic impacts. Work will progress from north to south, ending at the intersection of 25 Road and Patterson Road. During closures, local traffic will be detoured onto nearby residential streets to maintain access to homes, businesses, and schools. A map showing the first closure and detour route, as well as more information on the project can be found at: www.gjcity.org/1213/Four-Canyons-Parkway-Project.

The City of Grand Junction has named Peter Skeris as the City’s next Fire Chief. Skeris will join the department on February 17, 2026.

Skeris was selected following a nationwide recruitment process that included multiple rounds of interviews and meaningful input from Grand Junction Fire Department personnel, City leadership, and a guest panel of experienced fire chiefs from other cities and regions.

As Grand Junction continues to grow, the City focused on choosing a Fire Chief who will protect what residents value most: a department that is dependable, prepared, and deeply committed to service.

“Chief Skeris has the experience, demeanor, ability, passion, and drive to lead the dynamic GJ Fire Department. He made this clear during a robust national search. Our amazing first responders in the department deserve the type of leadership Chief Skeris brings and their feedback was central to this decision. I look forward to our community meeting and welcoming Chief Skeris,” said Grand Junction City Manager Mike Bennett.

Chief Skeris brings more than two decades of fire service leadership experience. He joined the Charlotte Fire Department in North Carolina in 1997 following six years in law enforcement and has served in a variety of operational, training, and executive leadership roles. Most recently, he oversaw day-to-day operations for 45 firehouses, 67 staffed apparatus, and nearly 1,100 personnel across Operations, Special Operations, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Fire and Rescue. In 2025, Skeris was presented with the Medal of Valor by the North Carolina Firefighters Association.

“I am extremely excited and honored to be selected as the next Fire Chief for the City of Grand Junction,” said Chief Peter Skeris. “As a department we will focus on supporting our members and their families, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring we continue to deliver the exceptional, reliable, and compassionate service the department has always delivered, and the community has come to expect.”

Chief Skeris holds an associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He is a designated Chief Fire Officer through the

Center for Public Safety Excellence and serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health, and Survival Section.

The City looks forward to welcoming Chief Skeris and supporting the Grand Junction Fire Department’s continued strength and success under his leadership.

The City of Grand Junction and the Commission on Arts and Culture have announced six new calls for artists to create original artwork for the upcoming Community Recreation Center, currently under construction. The deadlines to submit proposals are in February 2026 with most installation dates from July-August, 2026. Detailed information about submitting proposals can be found at gjcity.org under the Arts and Culture tab. 

The call for six pieces of art include mural designs for the Child Watch room, the Mezzanine Fitness studio, and Community Room, as well as additional artwork for a Story Wall, Recognition Wall, and a design for an acoustic panel in the Community Lounge. Artwork should utilize the design threads and color palettes outlined in the call.  

Artists are offered a two-month process to assemble their proposals for this project. Interested artists are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, proposal, design sketches, and annotated images of original representative work. The selection panel will consist of representatives from the City of Grand Junction and the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture.

Funding comes from the City’s 1% for the Arts Program. This program expands opportunities for residents and visitors to experience high quality art by facilitating the acquisition and display of art in public places by budgeting 1% for public art from certain city capital improvement projects.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture is dedicated to helping create and nurture a climate and conditions in Grand Junction in which the arts and culture can thrive and grow. For more information about serving as a volunteer for the Commission on Arts and Culture or on other city boards and commissions, email cityclerk@gjcity.org or call 970-244-1509. 

The City of Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture annual funding program is now open for applications. Nonprofit organizations or governmental/educational agencies in Colorado that support local arts and cultural events, projects, or programs are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Funding Program Details:

• Funding available: $70,000 to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations
• Events must take place between March 31, 2026 - March 30, 2027
• Requests may not exceed $4,500 for projects
• Applicants are expected to present to the Commission in person on February 23 or February 24, 2026
• Notification to funding recipients will occur the week of March 2, 2026

This funding program helps provide employment, sales, and performance opportunities for working artists and those who work for cultural nonprofits. It supports a broad range of community cultural events, exhibits, presentations, and projects. The arts are an important industry to recognize, and the business of art is an essential part of our community's economic foundation. For more information, email Commission on Arts and Culture liaison Haley Van Camp at haley.vancamp@gjcity.org.

Apply for Commission on Arts and Culture Funding

The City of Grand Junction is announcing the relaunch of the Almost Home Guide, a long-standing community rental listing resource that will now be managed by the City's Housing Division. Previously overseen by Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, the guide will become a component of the City's At Home in GJ Landlord and Tenant Program.

The Almost Home Guide is a free, biweekly rental listing designed to help individuals and families in Mesa County locate available rental units. Listings will be published on the City's website on the first and third Tuesday of each month and will include units that are currently available or anticipated to be available within 45 days. Listings will be removed after two weeks unless resubmitted. There are no fees to list units in the Almost Home Guide.

The rental listing submission form is expected to go live in mid-July, with the first updated edition of the Almost Home Guide scheduled for release in early August. A GIS-integrated version of the guide is also in development to offer an interactive map format in future updates.

The Almost Home Guide will become part of the broader At Home in GJ program, created from the implementation of the Grand Junction Housing Strategies. The "At Home in GJ" program is designed to be a comprehensive initiative and includes a voluntary rental registry, landlord incentives, and tenant education workshops, all aimed at easing rent burdens and increasing rental market accessibility for residents in Grand Junction. Additionally, it seeks to maintain housing affordability, attract new landlords, and encourage safe and stable housing options.

For interested landlords, the City is hosting a Landlord Info Session on August 7, 2025, from 12-1:30 pm at the Fire Administration Building at 625 Ute Ave. Registration is required and can be completed here. For interested community members, the next Rent Smart class is scheduled for July 23, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the Garden Village Community Room 2601 Belford Ave. Registration is required and can be completed here.

To learn more about the Almost Home Guide or the At Home in GJ program, visit the City's Website.. For questions, contact the City of Grand Junction Housing Division at housing@gjcity.org or 970-256-4094.