Guest Column from President Gail Garey and Pro Tem Joella West with Steamboat Springs City Council.

 

On behalf of the Steamboat Springs City Council, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the members of the Brown Ranch Community Solutions Project Deliberation and Stewardship Team (DST) for volunteering their time and thoughtful work over the past several months.

 

Last week, 34 members of the 40-person DST gathered at Olympian Hall to conclude Phase One of the project. After more than five months of study, dialogue, and collaboration, the group reached a shared understanding: the conversation around Brown Ranch and community housing should continue. The fact that 33 of 34 participants supported moving forward, even if with questions or concerns, shows both the urgency of our housing needs and the willingness of our community to wrestle with difficult issues together.

 

We recognize the significant commitment each member made to this process—attending meetings, researching, and engaging with neighbors who brought very different perspectives to the table. By leaning in and working through a tough issue that has divided our community in the past, the DST showed us what is possible when respect and determination guide the conversation.

 

The DST’s contribution marks an important milestone, and Council looks forward to reviewing the Phase One Summary Report at our September 9 work session, where we will discuss possible next steps. Most of all, we are grateful for the example this group has set—demonstrating that patience, dedication, and open dialogue can help our community find common ground on even the toughest challenges.

 

Thank you, DST members, for your service and your commitment to our community.

 

Gail Garey, President & Joella West, President Pro Tem

Steamboat Springs City Council