January 20, 2020

Town Manager’s Newsletter January 20, 2020

1. Thank You’s - A. Domus Pacis 2. Upcoming Events - A. 30th International Snow Sculpture Championships - January 20th - 29th B. Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story - Jan. 21st C. CLIMATE TALK: Disruption: Defining Radical in the Age of Humans - Jan. 24th D. State of the Town - February 13th 3. Dec. 31 2019 Occupancy Forecast Notes & Report -

 Winter Season occupancy is down 5.8% to last winter season.

 Winter Season Room nights on the books are down 4%.

 Due to an increase in the number of available room nights to sell in 2019 -20 vs 2018-19; we can experience a decline in occupancy % and a growth in occupied nights.

 Winter season ADR is up $10 or 2.8% ($334 vs. $324). RevPAR is $128 vs $132 last year.

 December 2020 occupancy was 56.8% down 4.5% to December 2019 (59.5%). Occupied room nights were down 3.7% YOY. December ADR was $419 vs. $393 and RevPAR was $238 vs $234, a 1.8% increase. 4. DMMO Download from the BTO - A. January 14th, 2020 Issue Town Manager’s Newsletter January 20, 2020

5. Summit County Government - A. Work Session Agenda - Cancelled 6. Summit County Government News - A. Project THOR Broadband Access Project Launches B. Trail Enhancements in 2019 7. Northwest Colorado Council of Governments - A. Resources Bulletin - January ‘20 8. Colorado Municipal League - A. Newsletter - January 17th Issue B. Annual Legislative Workshop - February 13th, 2020 9. Mountain Travel News from Inntopia - A. January 17th Issue

30th International Snow Sculpture Championships

During the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships, 16 teams from around the world descend on Breckenridge, Colorado to hand-carve 20-ton blocks of snow into enormous, intricate works of art. Artists are only allowed to use hand tools, creativity and inspiration to bring their ideas to life. No power tools allowed! Teams sculpt countless hours across five days (totaling around 96 hours), resulting in a temporary outdoor art gallery in historic downtown Breckenridge! This is and has always been a free event open to the general public. Competition/ Sculpting Days: January 20-24, 2020 Viewing Days: January 24-29, 2020 The event site will close at 7:00 p.m. on January 29 and the Sculptures will be taken down.

2020 ISSC TEAMS

2020 ISSC TEAMS include: USA-Alaska, Argentina, USA-Breckenridge, China, Ecuador, France-Normandie, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, USA-Minnesota, Mongolia, Switzerland, Turkey, USA-Wisconsin, USA-Vermont.

Sculpting Week | January 20-24, 2020 All events are free and open to the public. WATCH HOW THE SCULPTURES ARE BUILT

Sculpting begins at 11:00am on Monday, January 20th with a cannon start! Sculpting ends on Friday, January 24th at 9:00am and the judging begins.

Sculpting starts: Monday, January 20 at 11:00 a.m. Sculpting ends: Friday, January 24 at 9:00 a.m.

Location: Sculpting and Viewing week are held in and around the Riverwalk Center, located in the heart of Breckenridge on South Park Avenue between Washington Street and Adams Avenue.

THE FIRSTBANK WARMING HUT EXHIBIT Warm-up and immerse yourself in the 30-year history of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Located inside the Riverwalk Center, the FirstBank Warming Hut will feature a history exhibit, souvenir shop and volunteers to answer any event questions.

Warming Hut Hours: January, 20-29 12:00pm -8:00pm

PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING

Text to Vote for your favorite sculpture at the event.

Voting starts: Wednesday, January 23 at 12:00 p.m. Voting ends: Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Hint: Thursday, January 23 is one of the best times to visit. Artists are preparing to stay up all night to do detail work and the atmosphere is celebratory. Why not spend a night or two and catch the whole weekend? You won’t regret seeing the sculptures evolve and witnessing the awards given out. Award Announcements | January 24, 2020 All events are free and open to the public. 9:00 AM – SCULPTING ENDS AND JUDGING BEGINS

12:00 PM – 8:00 PM – THE FIRSTBANK WARMING HUT EXHIBIT

7:30 PM – GRAND ILLUMINATION

You won’t want to miss the finished sculptures lit to perfection with an ever-changing and unique lighting display. There will be 10 minutes of white light on the hour and ½ hour.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING

Text to Vote for your favorite sculpture at the event.

Voting starts Wednesday, January 22 at noon Voting ends Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Viewing Weekend | January 25-29, 2020 All events are free and open to the public. SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 Sculpture viewing available 24/7 during viewing week Visit them during the day to see them pop against the Colorado sky then come back in the evening for the lightshow.

People’s Choice Voting People’s Choice Voting ends today at 2:00 p.m.

Nightly ISSC Lightshow The sculptures will be illuminated from dusk to dawn throughout viewing week.

The FirstBank Warming Hut Exhibit Warm-up and immerse yourself in the 30-year history of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Open 12:00pm – 8:00pm at the Riverwalk Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Sculpture viewing available 24/7 during viewing week Visit them during the day to see them pop against the Colorado sky then come back in the evening for the lightshow.

Nightly ISSC Lightshow The sculptures will be illuminated from dusk to dawn throughout viewing week.

The FirstBank Warming Hut Exhibit Warm-up and immerse yourself in the 30-year history of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Open 12:00pm – 8:00pm at the Riverwalk Center

MONDAY, JANUARY 27 Sculpture viewing available 24/7 during viewing week Visit them during the day to see them pop against the Colorado sky then come back in the evening for the lightshow.

Nightly ISSC lightshow The sculptures will be illuminated from dusk to dawn throughout viewing week.

The FirstBank Warming Hut Exhibit Warm-up and immerse yourself in the 30-year history of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Open 12:00pm – 8:00pm at the Riverwalk Center

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

Sculpture viewing available 24/7 during viewing week Visit them during the day to see them pop against the Colorado sky then come back in the evening for the lightshow.

Nightly ISSC lightshow The sculptures will be illuminated from dusk to dawn throughout viewing week.

The FirstBank Warming Hut Exhibit Warm-up and immerse yourself in the 30-year history of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Open 12:00pm – 8:00pm at the Riverwalk Center

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 (LAST DAY TO VIEW SCULPTURES) Sculpture viewing available 24/7 during viewing week Visit them during the day to see them pop against the Colorado sky then come back in the evening for the lightshow.

Nightly ISSC lightshow The sculptures will be illuminated from dusk to dawn throughout viewing week.

The FirstBank Warming Hut Exhibit Open 12:00pm – 8:00pm at the Riverwalk Center

7:00pm Sculptures taken down

CLIMATE TALK: Disruption: Defining Radical in the Age of Humans

WHEN: January 24, 2020 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

WHERE: Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge 107 Denison Placer Road Breckenridge CO

Speaker: Rob Davies

Bio: Robert Davies is a physicist and noted science communicator whose work focuses on complexity, global change and human vibrancy. Over the past decade Rob has delivered hundreds of public lectures ― to policymakers, business leaders, civic organizations and faith communities ― and his “performance science” theatrical collaboration The Crossroads Project | Rising Tide has been performed across the U.S. and in three countries. Dr. Davies has served as a scientific liaison for NASA on the International Space Station Project; as a project scientist with USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory; and an officer and meteorologist in the United States Air Force. Originally hailing from the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rob is currently Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Utah State University’s Dept. of Physics, in Logan, Utah.

About the talk: The BAD news…Sixty percent of Earth’s wildlife has disappeared in the past forty years. Ninety-nine percent of Earth’s coral reefs will likely be gone within two decades; and humanity’s disruption of the planetary climate is accelerating toward thresholds of extreme risk. Meanwhile forty million people today exist in modern slavery; seventy million are forcibly displaced from their homes; more than two billion live in states of critical deprivation; and just thirty individuals today possess the wealth of the world’s poorest half ― 3.8 billion people. The GOOD news…The human systems driving this situation… are going away. Humanity’s systems of food, energy, and economy require more resources than Earth can provide ― by a wide margin. The physics is crystal clear: The likelihood that these systems of ecological devastation will persist, for even a few more decades, is essentially zero. The BAD news…We exist in a state of planetary emergency. The party’s raging and we’re nowhere close to meeting the challenge. The GOOD news…We haven’t really tried. We have what we need to build a sustainable, just, and vibrant space for humanity. With courage and resolve, we stand on the edge of extraordinary achievement.

Let’s try.

——

Presented by HC3, the Towns of Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, and Summit County government.

December 31, 2019 Occupancy Forecast Notes

Hello Breckenridge Business Community,

We hope the Holiday Season was good to you. The month end reports are out and the amount of “fill” or the amount of rooms booked during the month of December is top of mind. Bookings made in December and arriving December 1 – May 31 were greater than the same period last year by 5%.

As of December 31, 2019, Winter Season occupancy on the books is down 5.8% and the number of room nights on the books are down 4% YOY. The average nightly rate is up 2.8% or +$10 per night. Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) is down $4 or 3% YOY.

December arrivals booked in December ’19 were up 59% to the same period in 2018. Lodgers added 8.4 points of December occupancy in the month, which resulted in a 56.8% occupancy rate for December. At the end of November 2019, December 2019 occupancy was 10% behind 2018 figures. Breckenridge closed December down 4.5% in occupancy and down 3.7% in occupied room nights.

The Christmas Holiday dates of Dec 21 – Jan 5 have 7% more room nights on the books in 2019-20 vs. 2018-19. Breckenridge’s quantity of available rooms has grown year over year and the 7% growth in room nights translated to occupancy indicates a 1% growth on occupancy percentage during this valuable holiday season. Keep in mind these results are based on data as of Dec. 31, 2019.

January arrivals booked in December 2019 were 10% greater than January arrivals booked in the same period of 2018. January 2020 occupancy is now 6.7% below last year vs. the 11.6% deficit we recorded on November 30, 2019. The number of room nights on the books for January are currently down 6% to last year, an improvement from the 12% deficit at the end of November 2019.

The International Snow Sculpture Championships start carving on Jan 20 and come to end on Jan 29. During this period, Room Nights on the books are up 15% year over Year (YOY). Every night during this period shows increases in nights on the books.

February 2020 arrivals booked in December 2019 were down 20% to the same period in 2018. February occupancy is down 15% YOY with a 10% deficit in room nights on the books. A change in the volume of group nights on the books accounting for most of the deficit. The midweek nights between Feb 1 and Feb 21 being affected the most.

Arrivals booked for March 2020 during the month of December 2019 were down YOY by 7%. March occupancy is now down 7% with a 6% drop in the number of room nights on the books. On Dec 31, 2019, we have approximately 60% of the historical room nights on the books for the Spring Break dates of March 7 – 28. On December 31, 2019, Breckenridge had 22% more nights on the books than for the same dates in 2019. March 7 – 14 has the peak occupancy dates, but overall we do not see large spikes or valleys of occupancy during the month of March. Demand for April rooms during December 2019 was significantly higher than the demand for April nights in Dec. 2018. April occupancy on the books is now at 11% vs. 8% one year ago and room nights on the books are up 46% YOY. Easter occurring on April 12 vs. April 21 has moved some March business into April in 2020.

Month by Month Winter Occupancy on the books as of December 31, 2019 vs. December 31, 2018 YOY Variance on Prior 2019 2018 YOY Variance Month Report November 31.5% 32.8% -4.0% -8.4% December 56.8% 59.5% -4.5% -10.7% January 56.4% 60.4% -6.7% -11.6% February 43.6% 51.3% -15% -13.4% March 28.3% 30.5% -7.1% -7.0% April 11.3% 7.8% +45% +27.7% Season 38.5% 40.8% -5.8% -8.6%

The Martin Luther King weekend occupancy is down 3% to last year when we had 76%, 85%, 90% and 84% occupancy respectively on the Thursday thru Sunday nights of the weekend. However, due to the increase in the number of available rooms for sale during this period, occupied room nights on the books are actually up 21%. Expect occupancy percentage to be relatively flat, however expect an increased number of people in town as more Breckenridge lodging units are occupied and we see an increase in the number of nights on the books in Greater Summit County.

February 2020 remains on our watch list. The DestiMetrics West Industry Wide report, which includes Breckenridge, indicates February occupancy is down 2% YOY compared to our 15% decline. The graph below gives you the best look at how the daily picture looks in February. During the first 20 days of February, on the books occupancy is very close to last year’s figures. Given our history of last minute demand and a greater volume of units available for sale, I expect the deficits in occupancy percentage to diminish between now and the Jan 31 reports.

The nicest looking dates on the charts are the March 1 – April 11, 2020 dates. In the March and April notes earlier in this report, I indicated a 7% decline in YOY occupancy for March and a 6% decline on nights on the books. You will notice the daily chart indicates daily increases in YOY occupancy. How does this happen? The daily chart accounts for owner use nights that are not included in the “paid” nights reports we used to compare data when looking at a month long snapshot.

Prepare yourselves for a busy 6 weeks late in the season. If you track along the blue line, you will see how few peaks and valleys occur during this period. You also notice the expected growth in occupied nights and occupancy percentage when you measure the vertical black lines along the 0% axis. Once March arrives, the first significant change in occupancy happens on March 29 when midweek occupancy will fall back down into the 50% range vs. the 70% - 80% levels we see earlier in March.

Thank you to the lodging companies who supply the data and have fun every day.

Bill Wishowski – Breckenridge Tourism Office Executive Summary Daily Occupancy Report as of Dec 31, 2019

Content & Overview

Contents Graph a. Rolling 6-month view b. Static summer view c. Static winter view d. 60-day advance view

Participating Properties

Peak Property Mgmt Pine Ridge Condominiums Ski Country Resorts & Sports VRI - Breck - Crystal Peak Lodge

VRI - Breck - One Ski Hill VRI - Breck - Village at Breckenridge Property VRI - Breck - Double Tree VRI - Breck - Mountain Thunder Lodge Place Mgmt

VRI - Breck - Gravity Haus WoodWinds Property Management Pinnacle Lodging VRI - Breck - River Mountain Lodge

Grand Lodge on Peak 7 Ski Colorado Vacation Rentals Residence Inn Breckenridge Alpine Edge

The Lodge & Spa at Wyndham Vacation Rentals - Beaver Run Resort Blue Sky Lodge Breckenridge Breckenridge

Grand Timber Lodge/Peak Great Western Lodging Resorts

The Daily Occupancy Report tracks occupancy on a daily level of granularity. The report combines the data sets of participating properties into a destination wide view that features three data sets (providing that sufficient information is available) including: i) current YTD occupancy, ii) last YTD occupancy, iii) last season's ending occupancy.

The Daily Outlook Report is generated on a monthly or twice-monthly basis, usually for a 12 month subscription period, and is created from data provided by a group of properties participating in a cooperative manner,

As is the case in all Inntopia data, all information provided by individual properties is strictly confidential, except when aggregated with other data and indistinguishable as a result.

© 2019 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the copyright holder. Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these Trademarks. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document. Breckenridge Total Occupancy (Most Recent Data) Daily Occupancy Report as of Dec 31, 2019

© 2019 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia All Rights Reserved. Information provided here is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION and is the exclusive property of Inntopia. It is expressly not for reproduction, distribution publication or any other dissemination without the express written permission of Inntopia. Sample reports may be provided to interested persons, specifically for purposes of their evaluation of a potential subscription and are subject to Copyrights of this product. Data and Metrics represented on this report are representative of the Sample Properties only and may not be representative of the entire Community or Industry. Persons using this data for strategic purposes do so at their own risk and hold Inntopia harmless. Breckenridge Total Occupancy (Winter-to-date) Daily Occupancy Report as of Dec 31, 2019

© 2019 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia Inntopia's business practices, metrics, reports, systems and procedures and all subscriber data is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and protected by law. Reproduction or distribution is prohibited. All individual Inntopia subscriber data is kept strictly confidential and displayed only when aggregated with other similar data and indistinguishable as a result. Inntopia, [email protected] Breckenridge Total Occupancy (Summer-to-date) Daily Occupancy Report as of Dec 31, 2019

© 2019 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia Inntopia's business practices, metrics, reports, systems and procedures and all subscriber data is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and protected by law. Reproduction or distribution is prohibited. All individual Inntopia subscriber data is kept strictly confidential and displayed only when aggregated with other similar data and indistinguishable as a result. Inntopia, [email protected] Breckenridge Total Occupancy (60-Day Advance View) Daily Occupancy Report as of Dec 31, 2019

© 2019 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia Inntopia's business practices, metrics, reports, systems and procedures and all subscriber data is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and protected by law. Reproduction or distribution is prohibited. All individual Inntopia subscriber data is kept strictly confidential and displayed only when aggregated with other similar data and indistinguishable as a result. Inntopia, [email protected] Calendar Events Daily Occupancy Report System and Destination Events

Event Name Start Date End Date Description Lighting of Breckenridge 12/07/2019 12/07/2019 Hartford Ski Spectacular 12/09/2019 12/14/2019 Ullr Festival 12/11/2019 12/15/2019 Christmas 12/25/2019 12/25/2019 New Year's Eve 12/31/2019 12/31/2019 New Year's Day 01/01/2020 01/01/2020 MLK Weekend 2020 01/18/2020 01/20/2020 International Snow Sculpting Championships 01/20/2020 01/29/2020 Valentine's Day 02/14/2020 02/14/2020 President's Day Weekend 2020 02/15/2020 02/17/2020 Pride Festival 04/01/2020 04/05/2020 Easter Holiday 04/12/2020 04/12/2020 Memorial Day Weekend 05/23/2020 05/25/2020 Hartford Ski Spectacular 12/03/2018 12/09/2018 Santa Race 12/08/2018 12/08/2018 Lighting of Breckenridge 12/08/2018 12/08/2018 Winter Dew Tour 12/13/2018 12/16/2018 Christmas 12/25/2018 12/25/2018 New Year's Eve 12/31/2018 12/31/2018 New Year's Day 01/01/2019 01/01/2019 56th Annual Ullr Fest 01/09/2019 01/12/2019 MLK Weekend 2019 01/19/2019 01/21/2019 29th Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships 01/21/2019 01/25/2019 Snow Sculpture Viewing 01/25/2019 01/30/2019 Valentine's Day 2019 02/14/2019 02/14/2019 President's Day Weekend 2019 02/16/2019 02/18/2019 Mardi Gras 03/05/2019 03/05/2019 Breck Pride 04/02/2019 04/07/2019 Easter Holiday 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 Memorial Day Weekend 05/24/2019 05/27/2019 WAVE: Light + Water + Sound 05/29/2019 06/02/2019 Town Party 06/12/2019 06/13/2019 Gold Panning Championships 06/14/2019 06/16/2019

THE DMMO DOWNLOAD

30th Anniversary of International

Snow Sculpture Championships Sculpting/competition: Jan. 20 - 24 Awards ceremony: Jan. 24, 6pm Viewing weekend: Jan. 24 - 29 Sculpture tear-down: Jan. 29, 7pm Event FAQ Answers Employee Permit Parking Information Posters for store windows available for pickup at the Welcome Center

In our Backyard

2020-2021 Official Breckenridge Visitor Guide Reserve Your Space Today! Ad rates released for the only visitor publication of the Breckenridge Tourism Office

 Official Visitor Guide produced by the BTO

 The only Breckenridge-specific publication offered at the Breckenridge Welcome Center, annual visitation 500,000  Online edition available at GoBreck.com, linking directly to your business's website  26% of guests use the Official Visitor Guide to get the most out of their Breckenridge experience

Ensure your business is represented, reserve now

Connect to Breck - Get in the Know

Directly following the 2019 Breckenridge Destination Management Plan (DMP), the Town of Breckenridge and

Breckenridge Tourism Office created Connect with Breck, a monthly e-newsletter to keep Breckenridge residents informed. Sign up to receive the news the matters to you

Business Reel

Service Champion Breakfast - Jan. 22 8am, Downstairs at Eric's Join the BTO in celebrating the following businesses for outstanding guest service performed this holiday season: Alpine Edge Property Management,

Avalanche Physical Therapy, Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, Breckenridge Recreation Center, Cabin Coffee, City Market, Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Mountain Tees, Ski Butlers, The Lodge at Breckenridge, and Wyndam Vacation Rentals RSVP Now! (Free event)

Promotional Events

 MTN AXE Breckenridge Service Industry Appreciation Jan. 14  Bhava Yoga 2nd Anniversary Party Jan. 15

 10K Merchant Association ISSC activation signup deadline Jan. 15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Concierge Box - Front Line Resource Center

Downloadable Breckenridge info at your fingertips, including winter activity guides, event schedules, maps, and answers to every other guest FAQ to prepare your front-line staff and keep your customers informed.

Top PR Placements

Click on the images below to read some of the Breckenridge’s PR placements so far in January. Thank you to our partners that continue to put Breckenridge in the news!

Occupancy Report

January 14 - 15: Occupancy expected in the mid-50s before gearing up for the holiday weekend January 16 - 20 (MLK Weekend): Expect 75% occupancy on January 16, 85% January 17, 90% January 18, and dropping to 83% January 19 January 20 - 29 (ISSC): Expect January 20 at 55% occupancy before jumping to the 90s for Snow Sculpture viewing weekend

FULL OCCUPANCY REPORT

Upcoming Events & Festivals

 The Great Gatsby at Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Jan 16 - Feb. 16  International Snow Sculpture Championship Jan. 20 - 29  Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story at the Riverwalk Center Jan. 21  The Wailers with Policulture live at the Riverwalk Center Jan. 31  15th Annual Backcountry Film Fest at CMC

Jan. 31

Getting questions about Snow Sculptures? We've got answers to all the FAQs covered

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Project THOR Broadband Access Project Launches in Summit County

Regional fiber network will provide secure, high-speed access to critical community anchors across 10 Colorado counties

Contact: Sarah Vaine, Assistant County Manager: 970-668- 4006

SUMMIT COUNTY – Summit County and the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments are excited to announce the local launch of Project THOR, a regional high-speed broadband access project. The new network adds resilience to communications systems for emergency responders and makes Summit County a more attractive location for future investment by commercial broadband service providers.

“This project has taken several years and significant collaboration and resources to come to fruition," said Karn Stiegelmeier, Summit County commissioner and NWCCOG board chair. "We are excited about the potential it offers our local partners and the increased confidence it will bring to our public safety system.”

Project THOR is a middle-mile network comprised of more than 400 miles of existing public and private fiber optic cable, establishing high-speed connectivity among 14 communities across Northwest Colorado.

The project also provides reliable and resilient high-speed Internet access to our region from the Front Range. Each partner community has a minimum of two independent paths through which to receive services from the Regional Internet Exchange Point in Denver, rather than through a single connection pathway offered by current service providers. In the case of the Summit County 911 Center, Project THOR will help ensure that the lines of communication among 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, fire crews, ambulance crews and other responders aren’t interrupted.

“Whenever there’s a fiber cut, it impacts not only consumers in our towns, but also cellphone carriers, public safety centers, schools, hospitals and other critical services," said Nate Walowitz, NWCCOG regional broadband director. "By leveraging the fantastic technical and engineering support, we can offer carrier-grade services, have a real-time view into our network as well as the ability to reroute traffic in the event of an outage.”

Project THOR is the result of years of cooperative planning among seven northwest Colorado local governments (including Summit County), two regional electric co-ops, one health district and one nonprofit organization, in partnership with several Colorado state agencies, NWCCOG and Mammoth Networks. NWCCOG is the network owner, and Mammoth Networks serves as the network operator.

“Mammoth is working closely with project partners to create a robust and flexible network architecture that brings open, secure and redundant broadband at a lower cost to NWCCOG members," said Evan Biagi, vice president of business development for Mammoth Networks. "A lack of reliable broadband limits economic development. We hope that this brings new applications and services to Colorado.” The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) provided generous matching grants for the cooperative venture: $1 million for network infrastructure and $270,000 for the first three years of fiber leases from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Project THOR is not a consumer service, but the resulting network will enable Summit County to offer reliable, resilient, cost-competitive middle-mile services to businesses and local government agencies. These organizations could then provide services that would enable delivery of competitive broadband to community residents and businesses.

As an example, Project THOR was a key component in the launch of high-speed consumer Internet and television services by Allo Communications and the Town of Breckenridge through the Fiber9600 project. In addition, there are plans to provide services that will deliver reliability and stability to public safety, health and education organizations.

Key Facts about Project THOR in Summit County:

 Project THOR leverages more than 400 miles of existing unused fiber optic cable, much of it owned by CDOT.  The Summit County portion of Project THOR includes two broadband service hubs, known as Meet Me Centers. The Breckenridge Meet Me Center was built and funded through a partnership between the Town of Breckenridge and Summit County. This partnership will continue as the Town of Breckenridge looks to leverage the services made available by Project THOR to improve its own operations.  The Town of Breckenridge and Allo Communications have utilized services provided through Project THOR as a core component of the Fiber9600 project, delivering competitive television, high-speed Internet and telephone services to Breckenridge residents and businesses. The host communities that will be connected to the Project THOR network include Summit County at Frisco and Breckenridge, Clear Creek County at Georgetown, Rio Blanco County at Meeker, Vail, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Yampa Valley Electric Association at Craig and Hayden, Middle Park Health at Kremmling and Granby and Northwest Colorado Broadband at Steamboat Springs.

###

Summit County Open Space & Trails Enhances Trail Network in 2019

The County protected 136 acres of new open space and conducted unprecedented avalanche debris cleanup

Contact:

 Brian Lorch, Open Space & Trails Director: 970-668-4067  Katherine King, Senior Resource Specialist: 970-668-4061

SUMMMIT COUNTY – 2019 proved to be a productive and exciting year for the Summit County Open Space and Trails Department, now in its 23rd year of operation. Summit County protected an additional 136 acres of open space, acquired several key trail easements and contended with an historic avalanche cycle that buried a section of the Summit County Recpath in debris piles more than 20 feet deep.

"We faced some highly unusual challenges in 2019 in the Open Space & Trails arena," County Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier said. "Nevertheless, we had some great victories for natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation and river restoration."

Summit County acquired five backcountry mining claims in the Snake River Basin, ensuring the area retains its undeveloped character and iconic mountain scenery. Jointly with the Town of Breckenridge, the County purchased about 65 acres of land on the front side of Baldy Mountain, protecting the scenic backdrop to the town and public access to a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities.

In June, Summit County worked jointly with the Town of Silverthorne and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to build a new 1.5-mile trail between Silverthorne and the neighborhoods of Wildernest and Mesa Cortina. The trail provides an important link for residents to reach the Eagles Nest and Salt Lick trail systems and was a long-envisioned goal for Summit County and Silverthorne.

In the same vicinity, the County completed a forest health and hazardous fuels reduction project on the Mesa Cortina Open Space in October, a project made possible by voter-approved Strong Future funding. In collaboration with the Colorado State Forest Service, crews cut and removed or stacked trees on 32 acres to reduce fuels in this wildland-urban interface adjacent to one of Summit County’s largest residential neighborhoods. Crews will burn the remaining piles once they have cured and conditions are suitable for safe burning and good smoke dispersal.

Spring of 2019 was an interesting and challenging time for the management of the Summit County Recreational Pathway System. Summit County maintains approximately 38 miles of paved Recpath. An historic avalanche cycle in early March deposited 23 massive debris piles on the Tenmile Canyon Recpath. A contractor spent three weeks in June clearing the debris with heavy machinery, at a cost of $45,000. An additional $35,000 was required for cleanup and river bank stabilization. The avalanche debris had caused bank erosion along Tenmile Creek, threatening a segment of the Recpath. The Town of Frisco, U.S. Forest Service and Copper Mountain Resort all contributed toward the cost of the cleanup.

The Tenmile Canyon Recpath is now closed to all users for the winter because of seasonal avalanche danger from the 23 avalanche paths above the Recpath between Frisco and Copper. The Swan Mountain Road Recpath is closed to protect sensitive wildlife. Winter grooming of the Recpath between the Frisco Nordic Center and Breckenridge Recreation Center will continue this winter in collaboration with the towns of Frisco and Breckenridge. This free amenity is open to Nordic skiers, fat bikers and walkers. Motorized uses are not allowed.

Summit County installed widened shoulders and colored pavement at intersections near both ends of Swan Mountain Road this past fall to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. These new improvements serve as important connections among multiple heavily used sections of the Recpath system.

After an extensive public process with over 1,200 responses, the Board of County Commissioners and the U.S. Forest Service opened the Recpath to Class 1 pedal-assist electric bicycles in spring 2019. On natural surface trails, e-bikes are still considered motorized vehicles and are prohibited.

The Recpath has over 200,000 user visits per year. In an effort to maintain quality experiences on the Recpath, Open Space staff completed a capacity analysis of the Recpath and the Dillion Reservoir Recreation Area with the assistance of a local contractor in 2019. The study looked at issues such as perceptions of crowding, access, parking and overall user satisfaction. A final report is anticipated in early 2020.

The Open Space Program relies heavily on its volunteers to build and maintain trails and the Recpath. In 2019 alone, 261 volunteers donated 1,315 hours of their time. Under the leadership of the County’s seasonal trail technicians, and in partnership with the Town of Breckenridge, volunteers assisted in the construction of the Red Pig Trail and Swan River Trails. County staff conducted maintenance and tree limbing on more than 50 miles of natural surface and paved Recpath.

“Volunteers are critical to the success of open space and trails efforts in Summit County,” said Brian Lorch, Open Space and Trails Director. “We can’t thank our volunteers enough for all of their efforts each year.”

After two seasons of vegetation establishment, Reach A of the Swan River Restoration Project site officially opened to the public in October. Restoration work on jointly owned County and Town open space included over a mile of new stream channel, 26 acres of naturalized riparian floodplain and uplands and a new natural surface trail providing non-motorized access through the site. Design work and gravel removal for the next phase of the project is ongoing. Additional information can be found at www.RestoreTheSwanRiver.com and www.SummitCountyCO.gov/SwanRiverBlog. Last but far from least, voters overwhelmingly approved a permanent extension of the Open Space Program in November. This will help the County plan strategically for future acquisitions of large properties and develop long-term management actions to address increasing use of open spaces, trails and trailheads.

The Summit County Open Space Program is funded by a mill levy approved by voters in five elections, most recently in 2019. This permanent funding mechanism provides about $1.2 million per year for open space property acquisitions. Established in 1996, the Summit County Open Space Program has preserved the rural mountain character of approximately 17,500 acres of land in Summit County. For more information, visit the Open Space and Trails Department on the Summit County website at www.SummitCountyCO.gov/openspace. ###

Resources Bulletin

January 2020 archived bulletins can be found here.

Funding & Technical Assistance

Future of Shopping Small Grant More info here. American Express® is teaming up with Main Street America to give 10 small

business owners $10,000 each to help their businesses innovate in this evolving retail landscape. The program is intended to support small businesses that have demonstrated new approaches to traditional business strategies and those businesses looking to try out creative techniques, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial districts. Deadline is March 31 or whenever 3,000 applications have been received.

Water Plan Grant Program In fiscal year 2019-2020, $10 million will be available from the Water Plan Grant program. The funding categories include: development of additional storage, technical assistance, project, or program funding for agricultural projects; long-term strategies for conservation, land use, and drought planning; water education, outreach, and innovation efforts; environmental and recreational projects. Please visit bit.ly/2MHnYzs for more information about qualifying projects and examples of past approved applications in each category.

Advanced Industries Grants Offered by Office of Economic Development & International Trade. Deadline: March 2. The Advanced Industries Accelerator Programs were created in 2013 to promote growth and sustainability in Colorado's advanced industries by helping drive innovation, accelerating commercialization, encouraging public-private partnerships, increasing access to early stage capital and creating a strong ecosystem that increases the state's global competitiveness. Colorado's advanced industries are: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources/cleantech, infrastructure engineering, and technology and information. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and due by 5 PM on March 2, 2020 . More info here.

NextFifty Initiative Census 2020 Outreach Fund to Support Efforts to Ensure Older Hard to Count Adults are Counted in 2020 Census Given the impacts of the Census on funding for older populations over the next 10 years, it is essential that all are counted. The maximum grant award per qualifying organization is $25,000. The Census 2020 Outreach Fund application will open on January 27th with applications being reviewed on an ongoing basis. For more information and to apply, visit their website here.

USDA Agriculture Innovation Grants USDA Rural Development offers a grant to establish and operate Agriculture Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance to help rural businesses market value-added agricultural products. Apply by March 20. For more information click here.

USDA Reconnect Pilot Program: Funding for Rural Broadband Second round of $550 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect Pilot Program. The application window for this round of funding is set to open Jan. 31, Deadline for applications March 16. A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Program funding is available here: bit.ly/2FAEEEE. To learn more about eligibility, technical assistance, and recent announcements, visit usda.gov/reconnect.

Stipends available to rural economic development organizations to attend SelectUSA 2020 The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is offering stipends for two rural economic development organizations (EDOs) to join the State at the SelectUSA Investment Summit June 1-3 in Washington, D.C. In an effort to increase rural participation, showcase investment opportunities in rural Colorado, and to introduce rural EDOs to the opportunities provided by foreign direct investment (FDI), OEDIT is offering two stipends of $2,000 to cover event registration and travel expenses. Submit the questionnaire found here by February 1, 2020. Applications will be reviewed and stipend recipients will be notified by February 7th.

Main Street Façade Grant Program More info here. Main Street America (MSA) will open applications to coordinating programs for the National Park Service Main Street Façade Improvement Grant Program. Through a competitive selection process, MSA will select four coordinating programs to participate, and three communities within each state will receive funds to be used toward façade improvements in commercial districts. Learn more in a webinar on Jan. 21. To register for the webinar, visit bit.ly/2T9ZfaU.

Pop-Up Placemaking Toolkit This Pop-Up Placemaking Toolkit is a new free publication by AARP and the placemaking specialists of Team Better Block, and is a practical guide to demonstrating how temporary projects can inspire long-term change.

University of Colorado Denver Capstone Program University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs is creating the next generation of visionary leaders in the government and nonprofit sectors. Let our students put their skills to work for you by hosting a capstone project. About capstone projects: client-based research and consulting project that allows master's-level students to put into practice the competencies gained throughout their education at the CU Denver School of Public Affairs. Examples of types of projects include program and procedure evaluations, community or organizational needs assessments, performance measurement, strategic plan development, stakeholder surveys, best practices research, employee retention studies and many more. More information and apply to host a graduate student capstone project here.

AARP Community Challenge Grants The next round of AARP's Community Challenge grants will launch in early 2020. This program is a great way to spark quick action change in communities regarding public spaces, transportation, housing, and other issues. For more information, visit bit.ly/365IoJm.

FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants Offers funding to implement a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program with the goal of reducing overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events. Deadline: Jan. 31, 2020. More info here.

Build your Capacity: Host an AmeriCorps VISTA Community Resource Center is placing talented, diverse AmeriCorps members to serve in nonprofits and community based organizations across rural Colorado. Members will build the internal capacity of your organization through CRC's AmeriCorps VISTA program. Apply today to become a Rural AmeriCorps Partner Site. Partner sites will be chosen based on their ability to provide members with significant work experience, as well as their need for an innovative leader who can help them take on a project they otherwise could not afford, or infuse energy into an existing project. Deadline to apply: Jan. 21, 2020. More info here.

Agriculture Innovation Demonstration Grants USDA Rural Development offers a grant to establish and operate Agricultural Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance to help rural businesses market value-added agricultural products. Deadline: March 20, 2020. More info here.

Colorado Department of Health & Environment Nonpoint Source Funding Opportunities Funding for watershed implementation projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients or protect waterbodies currently meeting water quality standards from degradation due to nonpoint sources of pollution. Deadline: Feb. 3, 2020. More info here.

Colorado Creative Industries Career Advancement Grants This grant award supports Colorado creative entrepreneurs and artists to help support career growth and enhance their commercial creative business. The goal of funding is to assist awardees in achieving tangible business benefits such as increased revenue, new audiences/consumers or improved management practices. This is a great opportunity to expand your creative business! Deadline is rolling, more info here.

Kroger Foundation Deadline: Rolling. More info here. The purpose of this program is to make a difference in the communities where Kroger Co. operates by supporting the needs of communities and finding solutions to help end hunger. Funding will support nonprofit organizations focused on ending hunger, improving food security, and bringing balanced meals to families who need them most. The funding agency aims to help communities grow and prosper and make them better places to live and work. It focuses its efforts on the following key areas: Zero hunger/zero waste; Diversity and inclusion; Health and nutrition; Stronger communities.

USDA Technical Assistance & Training for Water and Wastewater Projects This USDA grant program assists communities with water or wastewater systems through free technical assistance and/or training. Examples of project types: Identify and evaluate solutions to water problems relating to source, storage, treatment, or distribution; identify and evaluate solutions to waste problems relating to collection, treatment, or disposal: assist applicants in the preparation of water and/or waste loan and/or grant applications; and/or provide technical assistance and/or training to water/wastewater system personnel that will improve the management, operation and maintenance of water and waste disposal facilities. Learn more and apply here. Deadline: 12/31/19.

2020 Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant Program Deadline: 1/15/2020. The intent of the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity is to stimulate, expand, and support wood products markets and wood energy markets. Counties, municipalities, universities, for-profit businesses, and non-profit organizations may apply. More information here. Program announcement here.

Training, Workshops & Events NWCCOG Regional Economic Summit Thursday, May 7, 2020 at the Silverthorne Pavilion NWCCOG is partnering with the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) in 2020 on our 3rd annual event. Save the Date! Registration opening soon!

Vail Innovation Hub Meetup January 20 in VailJoin the Vail Innovation Hub the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Two Arrows Coffee & Bar in Vail Village for a night of collaborating and meeting other like-minded people. We invite a speaker every time who is growing their business in the mountains; then we open it up to questions and networking. Free to attend, everyone is welcome! The vibe is casual and fun. The idea is to make new connections, learn from each other and inspire others to start/grow a business here. More info here.

Beating Burnout, Using Inspiration and Empowerment to Foster Successful Organizations January 23 from 8:30 am - 10 am at CMC Edwards Campus Presented by the Vail Valley Business Forum. Two-thirds of Americans report being burned out on the job - a staggering percentage of the workforce. But burnout isn't an abstract phenomenon: It's been shown to have serious health consequences up to and including precipitous death. But what's causing it? And what can we do about it? More info and register here.

Business Series: So You Want to Start a Business January 28 in Glenwood Springs Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs will host a series of business basic workshops beginning January 28. Join SBDC Consultant Larry Williams for the whole series or pick and choose the topics most relevant to you. Advanced registration is required in order to guarantee the class will be held. More info and register here.

Attract & Retain Great Talent January 30 in Edwards Do you struggle filling open positions? Are experiencing high turnover rates on your staff? Join the Vail Valley Partnership, Northwest Colorado Workforce Area, and Skillful for an interactive workshop to give you the tools and techniques to hire and retain successful employees. This session will be valuable for anyone involved in hiring, from small business owners and managers to HR professionals for large organizations. More info and register here.

Business Marketing Series January in Winter Park - first Class Jan. 16 Grand County Economic Development and Grand County Higher Education are sponsoring a series of business marketing topics throughout the month of January, followed by other topics each month in 2020. Class topics include social media, video, SEO, and email promotions. Scholarships are available. More info and register here.

Biz-Opoly Business Summit February 21 in Glenwood Springs The agenda will include breakout sessions and keynotes with small business owners in mind. Topics include buying and selling a business, HR, EOS, marketing, finance & more. Event specifics coming soon, and find more events posted here.

Northwest Colorado Workforce Centers: Find/Keep Summit April 2, 2020 at the Silverthorne Pavilion Join us for a community conversation on attracting and retaining a workforce in Colorado's mountain and resort communities. Save the date, more information coming soon.

Downtown Colorado Inc. Annual Meeting 2020 - Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program April 14 - 17, 2020 in Colorado Springs DCI is proud to announce the application process is open to participate in the 2020 Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program! DCI has worked with over 24 communities to transform a challenge into an opportunity. Does your community have challenges you'd like to turn into opportunities? We can help! We've assisted with a variety of issues from branding to housing to downtown design and financing. Applications due Nov. 15 - apply here.

Demystifying Entrepreneurship - Yampa Valley May 15 - 16 in Hayden, CO The CU Leeds School of Business faculty is launching their popular entrepreneurship program in the Yampa Valley. This program is designed for startup entrepreneurs, current business owners, and community leaders looking at ways to support Yampa Valley's entrepreneurial community. More information and registration will soon be available through the Northwest SBDC.

West Slope Startup Week June 1-5, 2020 Participate in hometown days throughout the region June 1-2 and meet your west slope neighbors in Grand Junction June 3-5. Want to see something specific on the agenda? Submit your requests and presentation proposals now through February 28. JOIN US and find more information HERE.

CML Annual Conference June 23 - 26 , 2020 in Westminster Save the date for CML's Annual Conference at the Westin Westminster (June 23-26, 2020). CML is currently developing the schedule and will announce the finalized, detailed agenda in an upcoming CML Newsletter publication. Registration will open in early 2020. Scholarships Available! You must be an elected official, or a member of key management, or a department head (e.g., manager, finance director, clerk) of a CML member municipality to apply. Application and paperwork are due to CML by Wednesday, Feb. 19. Questions? Contact CML Training and Marketing Specialist Courtney Forehand at 303-831-6411, toll- free at 866-578-0936, or at [email protected].

Demystifying Entrepreneurship - Vail Valley The fourth year of CU's program in Vail is on the books. We welcome previous attendees and those interested to attend for the first time. Save the date, you will not want to miss this popular program! Newsletter Vol. 46, No. 2, January 17, 2020

$550M available in rural broadband grant funding On Dec. 12, 2019, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture USDA will make available up to $200 million A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Sonny Perdue announced the availability of a for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/ Program funding is available on page 67913 second round of $550 million in United States loan combinations, and up to $200 million of the Dec. 12, 2019, Federal Register Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect for low-interest loans. Applications for all at bit.ly/2FAEEEE. To learn more about Pilot Program funding appropriated by funding products will be accepted in the same eligibility, technical assistance, and recent Congress. The application window for this application window, which will close no later announcements, visit usda.gov/reconnect. round of funding is set to open Jan. 31. than March 16.

Water plan grants due Feb. 1 The purpose of the Water plan grant funding The funding categories include: • $1.75 million to implement long-term is to make progress on the critical actions • $3.75 million to facilitate the development strategies for conservation, land use, and identified in Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) of additional storage, artificial recharge drought planning. and its Measurable Objectives. All into aquifers, and the dredging of existing • $500,000 for water education, outreach, applications will be assessed based on reservoirs to restore the reservoirs' full and innovation efforts. funds available for a particular CWP decreed storage capacity for multi- • $2.25 million for environmental and Measurable Objective category. Eligible beneficial projects and those projects recreational projects. recipients include municipalities, districts, identified in basin implementation Please visit bit.ly/2MHnYzs for more enterprises, counties, State of Colorado plans to address the water supply and information about qualifying projects and agencies, mutual ditch companies, nonprofit demand gap. examples of past approved applications in organizations, and partnerships. • $1.75 million to provide technical each category. In fiscal year 2019–2020, $10 million will be assistance, project, or program funding available from the Water Plan Grant program. for agricultural projects.

CML Annual Conference scholarships The scholarship application process is now breakfast or luncheon; and a mileage stipend. open for the 98th CML Annual Conference, (Note: Municipalities that had a scholarship June 23–26 in Westminster. awarded to someone in their city or town in You must be an elected official, or a member 2019 are not eligible to receive a scholarship of key management, or a department head for 2020.) Application and paperwork are due (e.g., manager, finance director, clerk) of a CML to CML by Wednesday, Feb. 19. Incomplete member municipality to apply. Ten selected applications will not be considered. individuals (one application per municipality) Questions? Contact CML Training and will receive complimentary registration; lodging Marketing Specialist Courtney Forehand at (arranged by CML at a contracted hotel); 303-831-6411, toll-free at 866-578-0936, or at tickets to the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday [email protected].

Empowered cities and towns, united for a strong Colorado Funding and technical assistance In memory deadline is Jan. 29. For more information, CML extends its sympathy to the City of Colorado Tourism Office visit bit.ly/2QG6aa3. Salida and the family of City Clerk Sonia Send your press releases and pitching Walter. Walter was killed in a car crash on material on tourism to the Colorado Tourism Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants Jan. 5. She had worked for the City of Office. Upcoming topics of interest include Salida for the past two years. Colorado Is for Lovers in preparation for FEMA offers Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants Valentine’s Day and Walk on the Wild Side to to implement a sustained pre-disaster natural focus on unique wildlife events. Contact Abby hazard mitigation program with the goal Leeper at [email protected] for details of reducing overall risk to the population Save the date! or with your 150– to 200-word description. and structures from future hazard events. Deadline is Jan. 31. For more information, Road safety tools visit bit.ly/30a7xB4. The U.S. Department of Transportation NextFifty has funding for road safety tools to help communities devise policies to reduce NextFifty Initiative offers funding to support roadway fatalities. Up to $3 million is available projects, ideas, technology, and innovations to develop, refine, and deploy safety tools that that improve the lives and capacities of those who are aging. Deadline is Feb. 14. For more Save the date for CML's Annual Conference at address specific roadway safety problems, information, visit bit.ly/37YdV0L. the Westin Westminster (June 23–26, 2020). with awards anticipated between $250,000 CML is currently developing the schedule and $500,000 to each successful applicant. Agriculture innovation grant and will announce the preliminary agenda in Apply by Jan. 17. For more information and to USDA Rural Development offers a grant to an upcoming CML Newsletter publication. apply, visit bit.ly/2sX6cS6. establish and operate Agriculture Innovation Registration will open in early 2020. Main Street Façade Program Centers that will provide technical assistance In January, Main Street America (MSA) will to help rural businesses market value-added open applications to coordinating programs agricultural products. Apply by March 20. For Correction for more information, visit bit.ly/2R81ngL. Legislative Workshop for the National Park Service Main Street Façade Improvement Grant Program. Through Community Challenge grant a competitive selection process, MSA In the Jan. 3 issue of the CML Newsletter, we will select four coordinating programs to The next round of AARP’s Community stated incorrect information regarding lodging participate, and three communities Challenge grants will launch in early 2020 for the Legislative Workshop. The lodging within each state will receive funds to be (likely February). This program is a great information should have stated that there is a used toward façade improvements in way to spark quick-action change in limited amount of discounted lodging available commercial districts. Learn more in a communities — not only to enhance public for $162 at the Warwick Denver, 1776 Grant St. webinar on Jan. 21. To register for the spaces, but on transportation, housing, and Call the Warwick and ask to speak to Laverne webinar, visit bit.ly/2T9ZfaU. other issues as well. Visit bit.ly/308t8K4 for Rodgers; 303-861-2000; mention Colorado more details. Municipal League. For more information, see Future of Shopping Small Grant page 4 of this issue. Rural Opportunity Map American Express® is teaming up with Main Street America to give 10 small business The Rural Opportunity Map from the Center on owners $10,000 each to help their businesses Rural Innovation was born out of the need for innovate in this evolving retail landscape. a new framework to understand opportunities Newsletter The program is intended to support small in small-town America in the 21st century — a businesses that have demonstrated new framework that takes into account the way industry and employment are changing, and CML Newsletter (ISSN 7439903) is published approaches to traditional business strategies biweekly by the Colorado Municipal League, and those businesses looking to try out the demographic trends that have defined 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203-2207, for creative techniques, while also helping to small towns for the past decade. The tool Colorado's municipal officials. (USPS 075-590) is meant to allow anyone to find insight and Periodical postage paid in Denver, Colorado. revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial districts. Deadline is March 31 opportunity in small-town America. To view Designer and editor: Courtney Forehand the map, visit bit.ly/35Ce9sV. Circulation/mailing lists: Mark Vanderbrook or whenever 3,000 applications have been received. For more information and to apply, POSTMASTER: Send address change form 3579 Pop-Up Placemaking Toolkit to Colorado Municipal League, 1144 Sherman St., visit bit.ly/36IMtEj. Denver, CO 80203-2207; (p) 303-831-6411 / This Pop-Up Placemaking Toolkit is a 866-578-0936; (f) 303-860-8175. Big Read grant new free publication by AARP and the Subscription to CML Newsletter is offered as a Nonprofit organizations interested in placemaking specialists of Team Better portion of member dues. Cost to nonmembers is increasing community engagement, creating Block, and is a practical guide to $300 a year. new partnerships, and celebrating great books demonstrating how temporary projects should apply for the National Endowment can inspire long-term change. To view the for the Arts Big Read grants. Application toolkit, visit bit.ly/2TbdQ5T. 2 CML Newsletter Course notebook 2020 Election Webinar Series Main Street is participating in sessions on be announced soon. The session will focus on • Jan. 21 — Canceling an election and the Pickaxe Project, Colorado Downtown ways to build best practices and solutions to signature verification. Discuss the Streets, Second Stories, People and the Plan, the barriers that limit small-scale development circumstances that must exist for and the Science Behind Historic Net-Zero and meaningful redevelopment of our main a municipal election to be canceled, Buildings. Stayed tuned for details on a Main street corridors. To register, visit bit.ly/2QK0eMj. including how to determine terms during Street social on Wednesday evening. For more information and to register for the event, visit State Demography Office: data vacancies. Additionally, procedures for tools webinar verifying signatures in municipal mail bit.ly/2FDRdPA. The State Demography Office (SDO) will hold ballot elections will be presented, so this a data tools webinar on Thursday, Jan. 30, at is a must-attend session for any Outdoors Conference noon. This one-hour webinar will demonstrate municipality holding its own mail ballot Partners in the Outdoors Conference takes the data tools available from the SDO website, election in April. Send questions to Karen place April 27–29 in Vail. Explore the like population data downloads; housing and Goldman at [email protected]. complicated relationship between conservation household data; demographic dashboards; • March 12 — Canvassing and final election and recreation in our state to cultivate jobs, labor force, and base industries; and questions. Learn about what happens common ground and ensure a sustainable Colorado demographic profiles. The SDO local once the election is over, including the future for Colorado’s outdoors. To learn more, conference call number is 720-279-0026 or canvass of votes, judges' statement, visit bit.ly/2R6OinM. toll free at 877-820-7831. The participant and abstract. Please send all questions passcode is 830653. For more information, in advance to Karen Goldman at Main Street Now Conference visit bit.ly/37TEOTB. [email protected]. Registration is open for the Main Street • April 21 — Election debrief. The purpose Now Conference, May 18–20, in Dallas, Future webinars will cover Census Geographies, of this webinar will be to debrief the April Texas. Network with peers from across the demonstrate the data.census.gov website, and 2020 elections. This will be a wide-ranging country, find solutions to common problems, demonstrate other SDO data tools. conversation, and clerks are encouraged and discover innovative techniques and to describe what worked, what didn't, tools to help your community to thrive. Get Get grants what they wished they had known ahead inspired by Dallas and surrounding Main The Community Resource Center is offering a of time, etc. Please send all comments Street communities as you learn from their variety of workshops from getting grants in advance to Karen Goldman revitalization successes and challenges. (Jan. 23 in La Junta, Jan. 28 in Denver, at [email protected]. Register at bit.ly/2OXPc6n. Feb. 18 in Lafayette), to finding funding on the web (webinar on Jan. 17 and March 24), and Regional Economic In the Game Annual Conference tools for innovation (Feb. 11 in Denver). Development Forum Early registration is open for Downtown For more information, and to register, Save the date for the Regional Economic Colorado Inc.’s In the Game, April 14–17 in visit bit.ly/36CQTwl. Development Forum nearest to you! The Colorado Springs. This three-day interactive Economic Development Council of Colorado is educational experience harnesses resources Bicycle Colorado — Moving People hosting events in Commerce City on Feb. 14, to expand the way downtown champions think Forward Conference Hugo on March 12, Silverthorne on May 7, and and provide real problem-solving opportunities. Want to change Colorado’s transportation Pueblo on June 27. For more information, visit bit.ly/2tOEpTG. future? Then you will want to attend Moving People Forward, hosted by Bicycle Colorado Saving Places Conference Small-scale development solutions on Feb. 10, at the Embassy Suites Downtown Colorado Preservation Inc. (CPI) will present for the Main Street corridor Denver. This year’s policy conference features the 2020 Saving Places® Conference, Join Downtown Colorado, Inc., in the continued urban neuroscientist Robin Mazumder, The Jan. 29–Feb. 1, in Denver. This dynamic four- conversation about small-scale development War on Cars podcast’s first episode with a live day event features high-quality educational in the second and final sessions of this three- audience, a breakfast panel on Roadmaps to content and networking opportunities for part series. The March 5 session will include Vision Zero, networking lunch, happy hour, individuals, organizations, and communities discussions about how changes in thinking and and more. Breakout sessions include Get working with historic and cultural places. CPI practice can make small development possible, on the bus; Turning research into action; is still looking for volunteers — if you serve at as well as examples of other districts facing Could regions solve Colorado’s transportation least two shifts, you can attend for free! To similar challenges of building small. funding dilemma?; and Data, technology, and volunteer, visit bit.ly/2NhF3jI. our right-of-way. The conference will sell out. The final session in the series will be on Save your spot today at bit.ly/MPF2020. May 13, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the location to

3 January 17, 2020 CML Annual Legislative Workshop About exempt forms from the Warwick — be sure to ask for them when you make your reservation. Plan to attend the CML Annual Legislative Workshop on Feb. 13. Municipal officials from across the state will gather to discuss Registration and questions key municipal issues before the 2020 General Assembly, CML’s legislative program, and what municipal officials can For more information, or special needs, call 303-831-6411 do to influence the legislative process. or 866-578-0936. Register at www.cml.org by Feb. 7. (To receive the early registration rate, register by Jan. 31.) CML will host an open house reception for state legislators and all attendees following the workshop at the CML offices. Agenda CML MUNIversity 9 a.m. Registration and breakfast Five MUNIversity credits will be awarded for this training. 9:45 a.m. Welcome 10 a.m. Opening general session Location 10:30 a.m. 2020 General Assembly: Legislation and issues • Workshop: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver affecting municipalities • Reception: CML Building, 1144 Sherman St., Denver Noon Lunch: Legislative leadership panel Members of the Legislature’s leadership will be Parking invited to review 2020 statehouse activity of There is limited complimentary parking at the League building municipal concern (approximately one block from the venue). Garage parking across 1:15 p.m. Federal advocacy: Report from Washington, D.C. from the venue at the Cultural Center Garage (enter on 12th from Broadway) costs approximately $12 for the day. 2 p.m. Affordable housing: A new tool for municipalities 3 p.m. Vaping: How legislation may affect local Lodging regulations Limited discounted lodging of $162 is available at the Warwick 4 p.m. CML Legislative Workshop Reception at the CML Denver, 1776 Grant St. Call the Warwick and ask to speak to Building Laverne Rodgers; at 303-861-2000; mention Colorado Municipal League. If claiming tax exemption, you will need to fill out tax

CML scrapbook: CML's Legislative Kickoff Webinar

CML’s Legislative and Policy Advocates (from left to right: Heather Stauffer, Meghan Dollar, Brandy DeLange, and Morgan Cullen) prepare for the Legislative Kickoff webinar. To view the webinar, visit bit.ly/38657Gv.

4 CML Newsletter Advocacy, information, and training to build strong cities and towns

Research corner: 2020 Colorado Business Economic Outlook released The University of Colorado Boulder may also find the information useful in •In 2019, over 2.7 million people were Leeds School of Business Research understanding the economic landscape and employed in Colorado, with average Division recently released its 55th annual in their decision-making process. annual earnings of $58,941. Colorado Business Economic Outlook. The full outlook includes analysis best read •Even as Colorado outperforms much The publication, developed in partnership from the source, but interesting statistics in of the nation, there are signs that the with 125 private and public leaders across the report include: economy is slowing. While economic Colorado, provides a forecast of the state’s •Colorado ranks 7th in the nation for real growth continues, the rate of growth economy by sector, using historical data gross domestic product (GDP) growth for various economic factors has and expert analysis to provide insight into year-over-year in 2019, and its five-year decreased. what lies ahead for Colorado. CML’s Morgan average ranks 5th. •Locally, 3 out of every 5 municipalities Cullen contributed to the Local Government •Other areas where Colorado performs responding to CML’s State of Our section, using data compiled from CML’s in the top ten nationally include low Cities and Towns Survey indicated that annual State of Our Cities and Towns unemployment rate, personal income municipal revenue in 2019 had increased Survey. growth, per capita personal income over 2018. Other sectors profiled in the outlook include growth, population growth, and labor •Municipalities reported budget agriculture, natural resources and mining, force participation rate. constraints, lack of affordable housing, construction, manufacturing, professional •Between the years of 1940 and 2020, and infrastructure funding as the services, hospitality, and international trade. Colorado recorded 80 employment greatest challenges they expect to face While the publication’s primary audience growth years and only 8 years of job over the next five years. may be business leaders, policymakers loss. To view the report, please visit bit.ly/2sq5rAI.

Municipal Revenue in FY2019 Compared to FY2018

5 January 17, 2020

CML's Annual Legislative Workshop is on February 13, 2020!

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MOUNTAIN TRAVEL NEWS | JANUARY 17, 2020 Rates Keep Rising, Occupancy Continues to Soften; Western Snowpack in Good Shape; How Some Resorts are Mitigating Overcrowding; Airbnb Guests Overpaying Sales Tax; New Stock Market Record, and more...

Welcome to the January 2020 edition of Mountain Travel News. Below you will find this month's articles that will keep you up-to-date on happenings around the ski industry, vacation rentals/rent by owner and broader travel trends. For more

information on Inntopia Business Intelligence or DestiMetrics, please contact Katie Barnes. For past Mountain Travel News issues or to subscribe, click here.

Rates Keep Rising at Western Mountain Resorts, Occupancy Continues to Soften

Generous snowfall and good slope conditions throughout most of the U.S. western resorts along with less than ideal conditions in other regions is helping to buoy lodging rates even as occupancy figures continue to slip.

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It’s been an above-average year for snowfall at most Colorado ski resorts

As we hit the halfway point of the 2019-20 Colorado ski season, resorts are celebrating good snow this year with a positive forecast heading into Martin Luther King. Jr. Day.

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Vail’s holiday crowds aren’t going away any time soon

Just about every mountain resort was packed over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. In Aspen, the holiday crush led a city council member to put his foot squarely into his social media mouth.

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Weather or not, snow-making keeps ski conditions solid

We were heading north for our first ski adventure of the year. The week before, my Insta feed had been peppered with the decidedly delicious: friends frolicking in the deep snow and trees, groups c…

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In response to overcrowding over the weekend, Crystal Mountain changes its ticket policy

Heavy snowfall should have meant a weekend of fresh powder at local ski areas for skiers and snowboarders. Instead, many were turned away.

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Ski resorts lure millennials with the sound of music

t’s Thursday evening at Geneva airport and about 60 British holidaymakers are waiting for a bus to take them to the French ski resorts of Chamonix and Morzine. All but a handful are over 50.

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Climate Change Is Killing Alpine Skiing as We Know It

At the northern edge of the Alps, ski runs near the foot of Germany’s highest mountain snake down the greenish-brown slopes in narrow white ribbons of artificial snow.

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Typical ski pass climbs toward $100 in Utah, with one resort charging $209 some days

As she ordered another shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky from the bartender, Ryannon Padilla talked about budgeting.

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Sierra Nevada snowpack begins 2020 in good shape

The Sierra Nevada snowpack provides nearly one-third of California’s water supply. As 2020 begins, snow levels are near normal, a positive early sign for the year

ahead.

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Another Utah ski resort changes policy to favor carpooling

A second ski resort near Salt Lake City is changing its parking policy to favor carpooling amid concerns about traffic congestion in a Utah canyon home to popular ski resorts.

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Storms keep pulsing with powder over the Tetons

A bumper-to-bumper line of cars snaked up Ski Hill Road as eager skiers vied for parking spots Sunday morning before lifts started spinning at Grand Targhee Resort. Likewise, skiers and

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Indoor skiing is one entrepreneur’s bet on how to diversify and grow skiing and snowboarding

Indoor skiing ventures in the U.S. have failed before ever being built, but Big Snow Resort — a 1,000-foot slope inside a New Jersey mall — is seeing thousands of skiers a day and turning curious city folks into downhill diehards.

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The ski industry used to only be about operations. Women leaders are helping refocus it on experience.

Vail Resorts, with women at the helm of eight ski areas — including three of its five Colorado resorts — is leading the industry’s charge toward gender diversity.

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US ski towns have a rampant affordable housing problem

The ski industry's workforce can't secure housing due to the rise of mountain home prices and the boom of the short-term rental market.

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Lawmakers push Airbnb and similar sites to disclose hefty fees

Airbnb hosts are allowed to charge fees that can nearly double your nightly rate. Lawmakers are looking to crack down.

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Airbnb guests overpaying sales tax on short-term rentals in unincorporated Summit County

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once wrote that nothing is certain “except death and taxes.” But if it’s a private company and not the government that’s doing the tax collection, how certain are we about those taxes?

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Stock-market benchmarks post new records after U.S. seals trade accords with China, Mexico and Canada

U.S. stocks rallied again Thursday, with all three benchmark indexes closing at new records, following

the signing of a trade truce between the U.S. and China on Wednesday and Senate approval of a new trade deal between the U.S., Mexico and Canada on Thursday.