green spaces and integrating sustainable practices into its growth strategy. Bell highlights a major initiative in the heart of downtown: “Centennial Plaza, right next to the Rathbone Hotel, is undergoing a complete redesign. It hasn’t been updated in decades. With the addition of a new boutique hotel and a high-end restaurant in the old city hall building, this space will become a vibrant centerpiece for the community.” Long-term sustainability is at the forefront of city projects. “We incorporate solar and geothermal energy in many of our city buildings,” Bell notes.“Our visitor center and council chambers use geothermal systems, and we aim for building quality that lasts 50 to 100 years. Brick and masonry dominate, ensuring durability and minimizing future waste.” The city’s sustainability initiatives extend to transit and energy. “We’ve added charging stations throughout Montrose and partnered with San Miguel Transit Authority and San Miguel County to create increase three- to fourfold over the past five or six years. While wages have also risen, housing costs continue to challenge workers.” The city is addressing this by pursuing innovative solutions. Mayor J. David Reed explains, “We’ve implemented a new hotel tax, raising it from 0.9% to 6%. A significant portion of the revenue—up to $1.5 million annually—will support affordable housing, childcare, transit, and infrastructure projects, particularly those tied to the hospitality industry.” Montrose is also exploring land-banking strategies to ensure housing development can meet demand. Reed emphasizes the city’s need: “We’re short by about 500 to 1,000 units of diverse housing types. There’s flat, buildable land on the south side, east of town on East Main, and north of town ready for residential development.” GREEN SPACES AND SUSTAINABILITY: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Montrose is placing significant focus on enhancing 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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