Glenwood Springs voters narrowly approved Ballot Measure 2A during last week’s Nov. 5 election, a sales tax increase aimed at tackling essential street and infrastructure maintenance across the city. The measure passed with 2,285 (50.8%) in favor and 2,217 (49.2%) opposed. Beginning Jan. 1, the one-cent sales tax will replace the existing half-cent tax and channel funds toward the upkeep of aging roads, utilities, and other vital infrastructure for the next 20 years.
The tax measure, proposed by the local group Community on the Move, was brought to city council before the existing half-cent tax was due to expire in 2026. Glenwood Springs Mayor Ingrid Wussow expressed confidence in the community-driven initiative, highlighting the thorough planning that went into it.
“When Community on the Move brought this forward, they had a lot of logic and careful planning,” Wussow said. “There’s a 20-year plan for how these funds will be used.”
Wussow explained the new tax provides for covering street repairs as well as critical infrastructure improvements beneath them.
“We’ll appropriate these funds solely for roads and infrastructure,” she said. “This will allow us to replace water lines before they burst and maintain the streets people rely on.”
The city has created a detailed spreadsheet to help prioritize projects. Roads in urgent need of repair are marked, while streets in better condition are planned for maintenance further down the line. Wussow noted that this approach will help the city allocate funds transparently, using objective criteria to decide which areas need attention first.
Colorado Springs implemented a similar infrastructure tax, titled the 2C sales tax, in 2016. Wussow noted the success of the 2C program and the potential for Glenwood Springs. According to the Colorado Springs 2C Road Improvements website, the program has since doubled the number of roads in “good” condition, cut pothole complaints by over 33% and has allowed the city to repave 1,665 lane miles. In addition, 2C funds supported the installation of 9,300 pedestrian ramps and saved the city an estimated $648 million over 30 years by reducing costly long-term repairs. Wussow said Glenwood Springs plans to adopt a similar approach, focusing on proactive maintenance to save money and improve infrastructure over time.
According to Glenwood Springs Public Information Officer Bryana Starbuck, the city’s approach to project prioritization will remain the same.
“City staff considers many factors when determining which roads to fix next, with the top priority being roads with life safety issues,” Starbuck said via email. “Other factors include traffic volumes, large truck traffic loads, road surface quality, condition of underground utilities, storm sewer infrastructure needs, pedestrian and bike facility planning, nearby projects, and funding.”
Starbuck also pointed out that areas needing urgent underground utility upgrades get higher priority, since combining underground and surface improvements in a single project is more cost-effective and reduces disruption for nearby residents.
As 2A funds become available via city council approval, the city plans to address streets like Blake Avenue, which has already seen recent improvements but still requires additional work. While the primary focus remains on road repairs, the tax will also cover upgrades to sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure as part of a holistic approach.
Feedback from the community has been mixed, as the tight voting margin illustrates. Wussow noted that residents are divided, with about half pleased and half disappointed by the outcome.
“The vote probably reflects that about half the people are pleased and half are not,” she said. “It’s a close margin, and it shows how people feel about taxes.”
To ensure continued transparency, Wussow said that the city of Glenwood Springs plans to create an interactive website, similar to Colorado Springs’ 2C website, where residents can see how their tax dollars are being used.
Some residents have expressed concern about potential traffic disruptions during construction, a sentiment familiar to those who remember recent projects like the 27th Street Underpass. Wussow acknowledged these challenges but underscored the necessity of improvements.
“There’s always the possibility of disruptions, but without funding, we risk having streets that are hardly passable,” she said. According to Wussow, the funds will likely be used for residential streets and smaller thoroughfares to avoid major disruptions on primary routes.
Beyond roads and utilities, the new tax allows the city to install sidewalks, bike lanes, and other amenities that can make streets safer and more accessible for everyone. Glenwood’s bike advocacy groups pushed for this broader scope, advocating for a measure that goes beyond the basics to improve quality of life.
“This funding allows us to add bike lanes and pedestrian features when we do a street,” Wussow said. “We’re able to make these improvements right the first time, and that’s been a key concern for many residents.”
While the new tax is designed to last two decades, the measure includes a sunset clause, giving residents an opportunity to reassess its necessity. Wussow stressed that the sunset clause builds accountability and voter trust.
“It allows us to stop and ask, ‘Is this still working for our community?’” she said. “It’s a chance to pause and reflect.”
According to Starbuck, Blake Avenue, Glenwood Park, North Glenwood, Coach Miller Drive, Red Mountain Drive, Wulfsohn Road, and similar areas will be marked as high priority because of road conditions, the need to upgrade underground utilities, and traffic volume.