Salida Daily Digest Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Ty's Take
Between the zoning fight over Ordinance 2026-09, a county commission meeting called early, the housing authority scrambling to make Jane's Place work, and Mountain Valley Transit turning away half its riders, it's pretty clear what's eating at Salida and Chaffee County right now. We're growing, or at least the Front Range thinks we should be, and the machinery that got us through the last thirty years is groaning under the weight. The commissioner debate video is out there for anyone who wants to actually look at what these folks are saying about density and density and more density. Tuesday's meeting will matter, the community discussion on the fifth will matter more, and every ballot measure between now and November will keep mattering until we figure out whether we're building for ourselves or for somebody else's investment portfolio.
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Ark Valley Voice
Chaffee BoCC Calls Early Meeting for Tuesday October 20
The Chaffee Board of County Commissioners will start their October 20 meeting at 8:30 a.m., a half hour earlier than usual, at the Chaffee Public Safety Complex at 200 Steele Drive in Buena Vista. The early start will allow time for an executive session followed by two public hearings.
Arkansas Valley Indivisible Shares Chaffee County Commissioner Debate Video
Arkansas Valley Indivisible has released video from its October 12 County Commissioner debate held at the Salida SteamPlant, featuring District 3 candidates Toby Taylor and P.T. Wood. The debate was moderated by Heart of the Rockies Radio broadcaster and journalist Dan R.
Community Discussion Set For Ordinance 2026-09 (5-H LLC R2 Zoning) Ballot Issue
Salida residents are invited to a community discussion on October 20 at 6 p.m. at the Scout Hut, 210 E. Sackett Ave. in Salida, to learn more about the 5-H LLC R2 zoning ballot measure. The development team will present their proposal ahead of the vote.
Investing in Colorado Students’ Success
Governor Jared Polis has opened applications for nonprofit scholarship granting organizations to qualify for Colorado's eligibility list under the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. The program aims to support Colorado students' success through federal tax incentives.
BV Trustees Approve Fine Increase for Loose Dogs
The Buena Vista Board of Trustees has approved an ordinance to increase fines for dogs running loose within town limits. The increase comes after the issue was first raised in June 2026 and addresses ongoing concerns about code enforcement.
Letter To The Editor: Vote “Yes” on Ordinance 2026-09
A Salida resident with deep community roots is urging voters to support Ordinance 2026-09 for the 5-H LLC zoning project. The letter writer contends the project will help preserve the character and vitality of the community.
Chaffee Housing Authority Eyes Financial Opportunity As Jane’s Place Construction Wraps Up
The Chaffee Housing Authority may have approximately $480,000 in unused construction financing that could cover about three years of debt payments for Jane's Place as the project wraps up. This financial opportunity could free up rental revenue to support affordable housing operations and future...
Amid Funding Crisis Mountain Valley Transit Turns Away Nearly Half of Ride Requests
Mountain Valley Transit is turning away between 45 and 50 percent of ride requests due to a funding crisis in Chaffee County. The transit shortage highlights transportation challenges as the region works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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The Mountain Mail
In cross-country SHS teams finish 5th, 7th
Salida High School's cross-country teams competed at the Eric Wolff Invitational in Monte Vista on October 16, with the girls placing fifth and boys placing seventh among their respective scoring teams. The girls' team was led by sophomore Elise Keyser, who finished 13th overall with a time of 23...
SHS volleyball continues to win, have two games this week
Salida High School's volleyball team improved to 14-3 after defeating Woodland Park 3-0 on October 13, with the girls not dropping a set in their last three games. The Spartans face Crested Butte on October 20 and will host Lamar on October 22 in what could be a Tri-Peaks League title-deciding...
Community discussion on 5H set for Oct. 20
Salida residents can attend a community discussion on the 5H zoning ballot measure on October 20 at 6 p.m. at the Rotary Scout Hut, 210 E. Sackett Ave. in Salida. The measure would allow R2 medium-density residential zoning for approximately 15 acres on Salida's west side, potentially accommodating...
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