This is why we’re scrutinizing city’s budget
As I write this column we’re still enjoying beautiful fall weather – but I’m reminded I’m past the halfway point in my term as mayor. As you know if you’ve…
Welcome To Your Front Row Seat
….where you can stay on top of, and in tune with, the dynamic issues and initiatives that impact all of us who call Durango home. In addition to running for Durango City Council, I will continue–albeit on a more limited basis–to research, write and share articles, guest editorials and blog posts about issues I’m passionate about, like outdoor recreation, education, economic development, arts and culture, and responsible growth. Through Your Front Row Seat, I strive to present information and facilitate discussion to advance, enhance and support the character and qualities that make Durango special. What drives me is the promise of a high quality of life for everyone who lives here.
Outdoor Recreation
You can’t separate Durango from its stunning natural beauty, rugged geography, and world class recreational opportunities. These opportunities represent some of the most unique, inspiring and compelling aspects of our community. As an active outdoor enthusiast and athlete, as well as a current member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a member of the Board of Directors for Trails 2000, I have a finger on the pulse of the issues affecting recreation in our area. Check back in for policy updates!
Community
The notion of community – the sharing of common attitudes, values, and interests – is the glue that unites and motivates us to work together toward common goals. I care deeply about protecting and building on the character qualities that make Durango distinct and unique. Stay tuned to stay abreast of what’s happening in Durango.
Education
Among all of the opportunities we want to provide for our children, I believe education is paramount. A solid and richly textured education will give today’s students the tools to become America’s next great leaders. I believe in promoting educational choice and rigorous curricula, and engaging in solution-based conversations about the problems confronting educators in our community (and across the U S) today.
#FrontRowSeat
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Nov 05 2019
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Nov 05 2019 
Strategic plan on homelessness focuses on practical solutions
As Arctic air moved into Durango on Tuesday night bringing below-freezing temperatures, residents discussed practical options for helping homeless residents endure the cold.
Mayor Melissa Youssef and La Plata County Commissioner…
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Oct 22 2019 
Finance director for city of Durango resigns amid investigation
Colorado Bureau of Investigation looking into misappropriation of funds
The finance director for the city of Durango resigned this week amid an investigation into an alleged misappropriation of public funds.The city…
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Oct 18 2019 
Durango City Council takes its time with $94 million budget
Durango City Council agrees that the $94 million municipal budget should be easier to read for laypeople and more clear about income and cost assumptions based on trends and staff…
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Sep 30 2019 
Durango ends contract with City Manager Ron LeBlanc
Durango City Council decided Tuesday to terminate City Manager Ron LeBlanc’s contract, ending his 12-year tenure, and appointed Assistant City Manager Amber Blake to serve in the interim position.
It is…
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Sep 30 2019 
Durango leaders express support for new homeless camp
Durango City Council agreed Tuesday to offer resources for a temporary homeless camp established last week by La Plata County government south of downtown Durango.
La Plata County commissioners approved 200…
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Sep 23 2019 
There’s more to city budgeting than ‘simple math’
Our city’s annual budgeting process is now underway and won’t be completed until December.
I can speak for City Council when I assure you that we’re always cognizant of the fact…
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Sep 10 2019 
Setting goals is a positive first step
This famous quote coined by Zig Ziglar was taken to heart by the city of Durango at its Aug. 20 board meeting (see the Herald’s Aug. 27 article). Never heard…
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Sep 06 2019 
Durango City Council adopts specific policy goals to guide staff
Durango City Council’s policy goals changed this week for the first time in five years, despite an almost $30 million revenue increase since 2014.
Most of the money the city spends…
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Sep 06 2019 
Here’s how we’ll choose our next city manager
During a city council meeting on Aug. 20, City Manager Ron LeBlanc announced his retirement after almost 12 years of service.
Although his announcement took City Council by surprise, we recognize…
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Aug 09 2019 
Durango residents call for 100 percent renewable energy by 2050
City Council vows to research how to achieve carbon-neutral goal
Dozens of area residents are asking the Durango City Council to set a goal of powering the city with 100% renewable… -
Aug 09 2019 
Durango City Council drafts job evaluations for top officials
Durango’s city manager may soon be under a more watchful eye as the City Council mulls dozens of evaluation criteria for the municipality’s top administrator.
Five city councilors identified more than…
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Jul 30 2019 
On streets, Durango is already ahead of the game
All over the world and through the ages, streets historically served as the most basic public spaces in communities.
Streets were populated by local markets and door-to-door vendors. They were places…
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Jul 30 2019 
Farmington Daily Times: Aztec, Durango mayors call for tough methane regulations
As elected officials in Durango, Colorado, and Aztec, New Mexico, we each serve communities that are very different. But what we have in common is a 2,500-square-mile problem that affects…
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Jul 19 2019 
Homelessness divides Durango City Council
Two recently elected city councilors pushed their colleagues to answer a question some members of the community, city government and civil rights groups have been asking for years: What role…
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Jul 15 2019 
Report finds that the city of Durango worker wages are too low
Durango doesn’t pay its workers enough, and if the municipality doesn’t start paying more soon, residents may see a decline in services, according to a study on city employee compensation. -
Jul 13 2019 
Motels converted into long-term housing on north Main Avenue
Life as a homeless camper “wasn’t easy” for Bella Brown. Once, while living outdoors near Durango, her tent collapsed in the snow. She propped it up with her walking sticks. -
Jul 09 2019 
Draft goals released for how to address homelessness in Durango
Draft goals for tackling homelessness in La Plata County call for more housing, greater understanding of the issue and more services with a higher quality to assist homeless residents. -
Jul 03 2019 
Animas River Trail a glorious work in progress
What a wonderful time of year to be in Durango!
City council has worked hard throughout June and made significant progress on a number of important projects. I’m very optimistic that…
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Jun 11 2019 
Weighing in on Cannabis Clubs in Durango
Durango marijuana enthusiasts have almost a dozen places to buy cannabis, but there aren’t any public venues to consume it. That may change next year, but only if city leaders…
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May 30 2019 
Durango City Council looks to give better direction to staff
Durango has a new City Council, with fresh ideas, open minds and a willingness to challenge the status quo. We recently gathered for a day-and-a-half retreat. It was a valuable opportunity to establish council priorities and lay the groundwork for the proactive, collaborative and transparent leadership this council is committed to providing. -
May 21 2019 
City councilors scrutinize practices and policies during annual retreat
City Council retreat spent examining best management and financial practices, how to better address the issue of homelessness in the community and the functional communication between city advisory boards and commissions and the City Council. -
Apr 23 2019 
Durango mayor pledges to rebuild trust
On April 16th, 2019, Durango City Council welcomed two new members and appointed Melissa Youssef as the new mayor as longtime councilors Sweetie Marbury and Dick White step off the dais. -
Apr 22 2019 
New Council and fresh restart for city
Spring has arrived in Durango and change is in the air.
Mother Nature delivered both negatives and positives this past year, with a devastating drought and a wildfire that raged for…
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Apr 19 2019 
Melissa Youssef Appointed Durango Mayor
On April 16th, 2019, Durango City Council welcomed two new members and appointed Melissa Youssef as the new mayor as longtime councilors Sweetie Marbury and Dick White step off the dais. -
Dec 17 2018 
American Rivers Podcast – Ripple Effects Episode 2: Durango, Colorado
I want to share a podcast that I recently collaborated on with American Rivers, a Colorado-based non-profit dedicated to protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature. It was a fun project, highlighting the importance of investing in natural resource-based community assets that improve our quality of life, enhance our enjoyment of the outdoors, and bring tourist dollars to our local economy. -
Mar 21 2017 
Complex Homeless Issue Weighs Heavily on Durango Residents
Dear Durango Community-
What are the biggest issues challenging Durango?
All five candidates running for Durango City Council have repeatedly been asked this question in recent weeks. Our answers are appearing in…
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Mar 13 2017 
Your Voice: Results of the First “Your Front Row Seat” Reader Survey
Since I started “Your Front Row Seat” in summer 2016, it’s been both gratifying and inspiring to see the level of interest in the local issues presented. I’ve also been…
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Mar 08 2017 
A View From the Campaign Trail – March 2017
I have been wanting to send an update for weeks now..… This campaign is a B-I-G effort and has been a full-time-PLUS job in terms of time and energy as…
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Jan 22 2017 
Teens Thrive- Durango Mental Health Initiative
New Initiative in Durango Focuses on Teen Suicide, Bullying and Mental Health Awareness
We want our teens to live lives of joy and purpose. Far too often that joy can be…
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Jan 16 2017 
Fort Lewis College’s New Geosciences, Physics and Engineering Hall – One Extraordinary Facility, Many Benefits to the Community
This month, students at Fort Lewis College will for the first time enter the brand new Geosciences, Physics and Engineering Hall. The building is the culmination of a massive infrastructure…
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Jan 16 2017 
Melissa Youssef Announces Bid for Durango City Council
Melissa Youssef announced Wednesday she’s running for a Durango City Council seat, and she promised to invest in Durango’s infrastructure, provide transparent fiscal oversight and work with the community to…
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Dec 30 2016 
An Invigorated Fort Lewis College Commits to STEM-Focused Education
An Invigorated Fort Lewis College Commits to STEM-Focused Education
In January 2017, students at Fort Lewis College (FLC) will for the first time enter the brand new Geosciences, Physics and…
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Dec 19 2016 
Interview with Cathy Metz – Director of Parks and Recreation
Q & A with Cathy Metz
Cathy Metz has served the City of Durango as Parks and Recreation Director for 20 years. The Parks and Recreation Department is nationally accredited by…
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Dec 19 2016 
History of Organic Parks in Durango
Organic Park Management in Durango, Plus a Q&A with Cathy Metz, Parks and Recreation Director
Last week on “Your Front Seat,” guest contributor Cody Reinheimer wrote a blog post on Durango’s… -
Dec 09 2016 
Cody Reinheimer on Parks are for People and Pets, Not Poison
Guest Opinion: Cody Reinheimer on Parks are for People and Pets, Not Poison
Cody Reinheimer of Durango, COA public park is exactly that—a place where the public can park themselves…
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Nov 21 2016 
Happy Thanksgiving
Hello Friends!
Just a note to let you know how GRATEFUL I am to be on this journey with you through my blog, “Your Front Row Seat.” I’ve learned so much… -
Nov 10 2016 
Bill Zimsky on Airports, Roads and Bridges – Guest Opinion
Guest Opinion: Bill Zimsky on Airports, Roads and Bridges in La Plata County
Now that the voters have rejected mill levy increases for both the expansion of the airport and for… -
Nov 03 2016 
Durango Transit – Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?
“You can’t get there from here!” These words are NOT a hallmark of a healthy community!
Public transportation has been a vitally important social service for Durango since 1982, connecting residents…
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Oct 21 2016 
Roger Zalneraitis on Airport Ballot 1B – Guest Opinion
Guest Opinion: Roger Zalneraitis, Executive Director La Plata County Economic Development Alliance – Airport Ballot 1B Guest Opinion
As the director of the Economic Development Alliance, we have been strong advocates…
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Oct 18 2016 
The Durango La Plata Airport – Ballot 1B
Not unlike air traffic controllers directing flights in and out of the world’s largest cities, La Plata County voters in the coming election are asked to determine what routes will…
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Oct 11 2016 
ESchools – Guest Opinion Post by Mike Freeburn
Back in 1990 when I was a student teacher at Durango High School, the Internet didn’t yet exist and a flip-phone was purely Star Trek fodder. Now, the flip-phone is…
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Oct 08 2016 
“Those who can do, those who can’t teach” – The downfall of American Education
Guest Opinion Post by Dave Farkas
As an educator at a PBL/EL charter school, we’re trying everything we can do to motivate our kids and present a unique and interesting approach… -
Oct 05 2016 
Southwest Colorado eSchool and the Emerging Online Education Evolution in Durango
I’m an ardent proponent for educational choice. I believe in supporting and promoting diverse educational venues where parents and students can opt for excellence via educational pathways that best meet…
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Aug 23 2016 
Durango Business Improvement District
Durango Business Improvement District: Ensuring That Downtown Durango is a Desirable Destination for Locals, Visitors, and Business Owners
Although Durango has many thriving neighborhoods, most locals and visitors consider downtown the… -
Aug 22 2016 
E-Bikes on Durango Trails
Backed by support from the Parks and Recreation and the Natural Lands Advisory Boards, the Durango City Council prohibited electronic bikes on city trails as of May 2016. Safety was…
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Aug 21 2016 
Recreation and Usage at Lake Nighthorse
There’s no question that Durango residents want public access for recreation on Lake Nighthorse. It is, however, a complicated and contentious issue with many stakeholders involved. After decades of negotiation,…
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Aug 20 2016 
Roads and Bridges Mill Levy Ballot Initiative
In November 2015, voters in La Plata County said no to a mill levy increase on residential property taxes. In July 2016, the La Plata County Board of Commissioners voted…
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Aug 19 2016 
Durango Parks and Recreation Roadmap and Priorities
It has been my privilege to serve on the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Advisory Board since January 2014. Members of the Board collectively provide recommendations to City Council…
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Aug 18 2016 
Testing in Schools Detracts From Our Children’s Education
When the mayor of America’s largest city is ecstatic that 38 percent of New York City students passed the Common Core test for English, we have a problem. From a…
About Melissa
Those of us fortunate enough to live in Durango, Colorado have access to amazing experiences around every corner. From recreation to culture to serving and shaping the future of our community – these opportunities motivate me every day. Inspiration is ever-present and the rewards are many. Read More
Recent Posts
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This is why we’re scrutinizing city’s budget November 5, 2019
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Strategic plan on homelessness focuses on practical solutions November 5, 2019
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Finance director for city of Durango resigns amid investigation October 22, 2019
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Durango City Council takes its time with $94 million budget October 18, 2019
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Durango ends contract with City Manager Ron LeBlanc September 30, 2019
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Durango leaders express support for new homeless camp September 30, 2019