Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Zornio: Should private citizens be allowed to own or charge for Colorado’s 14ers?

For many Coloradans, summiting the state’s tallest peaks is a rite of passage. From the unparalleled beauty of the Rocky Mountains, to a deep sense of adventure after a long day at altitude, enjoying Colorado’s rugged wild spaces is part of who we are.  But what many outdoor recreators — and even longtime residents — […]

Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Opinion: Mt. Blue Sky — a name that honors its natural and cultural values

On a cold November day in 1864, a military regiment in Colorado slaughtered hundreds of peacefully gathered Cheyenne and Arapaho men, women, and children in what is known as the Sand Creek Massacre.     While he did not directly lead the assault, Colorado’s then-territorial governor, John Evans, bears much responsibility for the massacre. Evans created the […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Outdoors, Outsider

Colorado mountain towns can now use tourism tax revenue to deal with visitor hordes, housing shortage

Voters in mountain towns could soon redirect lodging taxes traditionally collected to lure visitors toward housing and recreational infrastructure.  Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1117, the bipartisan legislation allowing that option, into law Thursday in Edwards. Since 2002, voters in 29 Colorado counties have approved a lodging tax for tourism marketing. The new legislation […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Outdoors, Outsider

Jeff Hermanson, developer of Denver’s Larimer Square and Union Station, is investing big in Crested Butte

There’s a new heavyweight investor buying up properties on Crested Butte’s historic Elk Avenue.  But this time it’s not a reclusive billionaire from afar. Jeff Hermanson, who transformed Denver’s Larimer Square and Union Station, has lived in Crested Butte for 48 years. And he’s buying commercial properties on what he calls “one of the greatest […]

Posted inBusiness, Housing, News

Colorado mountain communities vote “yes” on new short-term rental fees but reject heavier regulation

Colorado voters in several resort communities approved increased fees and taxes meant to squeeze more revenue for affordable housing from short-term rentals. But voters in end-of-the-road Crested Butte and Telluride stopped short of heavier restrictions intended to slow and limit short-term rentals in the tourist-dependent communities. Jim Day, who is retired and lives part time […]