Vision 2050 Open House Kicks Off Pitkin County Comprehensive Plan Public Process

PITKIN COUNTY, COLO. (Oct 23, 2024) - The Pitkin County Vision 2050 project is hosting a community open house from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, at the Pitkin County Library. The event aims to provide those who live, work and recreate in the county with information about the work that has led to the Vision 2050 project and an official Comprehensive Plan kick-off. All members of the public are invited to join this important discussion about the county's future. During the drop-in event, county staff and representatives from the project team will provide an overview of the project, including background on the Community Growth Advisory Committee (CGAC) recommendations that launched this effort and will be available to answer community questions and collect feedback on the current direction.

Pitkin County is asking for feedback from the full community to establish the basis for implementing recommendations stemming from years of work from the CGAC, a diverse group of 26 community members representing a wide range of constituencies, expertise and interests.

The comprehensive plan update identifies five elements based on the shared values and quality of life goals the committee envisioned for the community: Built Environment, Natural Environment, Economic Health, Community Health, and Regional Approach. During the Community Open House, the county will be soliciting comments from the community on all five topic areas. The respective policy areas for each plan element have been developed to draw the CGAC recommendations forward into implementation. Caucus area master plans will continue to provide grassroots input, and the updated Comprehensive Plan will provide policy direction for the unincorporated county as a whole.

"Public process is crucial in developing a comprehensive plan," said Kara Silbernagel, Pitkin County Deputy Director. "This is an exciting time to come together to curate a vision that incorporates the ideals and desires of the community, and honors the hard work from the Community Growth Advisory Committee."

Counties are required by the state to adopt Comprehensive Plans as advisory documents. These plans provide guidance for land use and other county programs and policies, promoting a long-term vision on various topics. Pitkin County's current Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Planning & Zoning Commission in 2003 and consists of common themes of preservation of rural character and the natural environment. While many of the themes have remained constant over the last 20 years, additional state requirements, changes in our community, and updated Caucus Master Plans and CGAC recommendations necessitate a more substantial update, and provides an opportunity to incorporate additional feedback from the community.

Vision 2050 Community Open House

Wednesday, October 30, 5 - 7 p.m., drop-in anytime

Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room, 120 N. Mill Street, Aspen

All are welcome, food and drinks will be served.

Additional information resources include the project webpage and newsletter.

Media Contact: Kara Silbernagel, Deputy County Manager, Pitkin County, [email protected], 970 429-2815