Year in Review
Under Durango’s Home Rule form of Government, our city’s charter specifies a council-manager form of government. Citizens elect five city council members to serve four-year terms, during which they are…
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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Jan 05 2021
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Dec 30 2020 
Melissa Youssef and Jim Griffin: 9-R bond election was more significant than you thought
Amid all the noise and drama of the November presidential election, readers may have missed the full significance of the recent Durango School District 9-R bond vote, also on Nov.…
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Dec 01 2020 
Reality TV: How are Durango public officials adjusting to Zoom?
Do virtual meetings foster or limit civic participation?
Dogs leaping into a city councilor’s lap. Crunching on tortilla chips without hitting mute. Kids yelling and partners doing chores in the background.Eight…
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Dec 01 2020 
Our View: Council correct on mask ordinance
Council makes the courageous choice to protect the public from COVID-19
After several discussions and a marathon meeting Monday, Durango City Councilors voted 4-1 in favor of a new ordinance requiring… -
Oct 02 2020 
Durango weighs culturally appropriate names for Horse Gulch trails
Community Relations Commission aims to create inclusive process
As the city of Durango prepares to update trail signs at Horse Gulch, city staff members are asking for input on trail names.… -
Sep 18 2020 
High fives all around in job search
To the editor,
I want to take this opportunity to convey my deep gratitude to the many members of our community who participated in the search process for Durango’s new city… -
Aug 24 2020 
Durango offers city manager position to Texas candidate
‘I am thrilled,’ says Jose Madrigal. ‘I am excited to take on new challenges’
After months of searching for the right city manager candidate, Durango City Council unanimously decided Friday to… -
Aug 06 2020 
Durango city manager finalists take citywide tour
Two candidates ‘exceptionally qualified,’ officials say
Finalists for the Durango city manager position took a citywide tour this week, and both left excited and impressed by what the town has to… -
Jul 27 2020 
Durango City councilors take a spin around downtown
Pair uses wheelchairs to learn about obstacles to access for disabled people
“This is tough. I’m not even going to try to open the door because I roll down the incline,”…
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Jun 18 2020 
Durango extends mandatory face-mask order indefinitely
Councilors say coverings improve safety during reopening
The city of Durango will extend its mandatory face-covering order indefinitely in response to the coronavirus pandemic.Durango City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend…
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Jun 15 2020 
Durango Herald Questions on Durango Policing Policies
Activists have suggested defunding police departments and #8CantWait reforms. What are your thoughts? ( for example, feasibility, challenges, opportunities)
I believe a well-functioning police department that reflects, protects and promotes the… -
Jun 02 2020 
Durango City Council signals support for partial closure of Main Avenue
Restaurants, shops would be allowed to expand operations to the street
Planters, tables and bike lanes could take over the outer edges of Main Avenue by mid-June as Durango tries to… -
Apr 30 2020 
Durango plans for staff furloughs, $10 million shortfall
City outlines cutbacks in face of coronavirus impacts
The city of Durango plans to make budget cuts and furlough employees one day per week to make up for an estimated $10… -
Apr 24 2020 
Our view: What a year for Durango’s leader
Mayor Melissa Youssef leaves office after managing unprecedented events
Durango’s outgoing mayor Melissa Youssef wrote her final here’s-what’s-going-on-in-the-city column for The Durango Herald Saturday (“Well that was quite a year as Durango’s mayor,”… -
Apr 17 2020 
Well that was quite a year as Durango’s mayor
What extraordinary times these are! On April 21, my term as mayor comes to an end. In a reflection of how life in Durango has changed, I’ll pass the gavel…
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Apr 10 2020
City of Durango begins budget cuts forced by Coronavirus
Monthly lost sales tax revenue could average 29% through 2020
More than 30 projects planned by the city of Durango in the 2020 budget have been deferred or scaled back, including… -
Apr 07 2020 
Durango city council warns of potential trail closures
Citizens urged to respect ordinances or lose access
Trail systems serve as the lifeblood for Durango outdoor recreation. Keeping those networks open during the coronavirus pandemic is important to public officials,…
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Apr 03 2020 
Public comment by email – the new Durango city meeting during pandemic
Virus-related restrictions require remote meetings
The city of Durango introduced coronavirus-adapted public meeting procedures for participants in the City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.Social-distancing policies and stay-at-home orders have forced…
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Mar 28 2020 La Plata County reaches 18 COVID-19 cases, officials urge residents to stay at home
“Act like you already have it,” officials advise
San Juan Basin Public Health reported 18 positive COVID-19 cases Friday afternoon and one in Archuleta County.
La Plata County and Durango officials told… -
Mar 26 2020 
La Plata County grinds to a halt after stay-at-home order
Directive limits travel and services to slow spread of coronavirus
On Day 1 of a statewide stay-at-home order, Durango and La Plata County roads appeared congestion-free, parking lots were all but… -
Mar 25 2020 
Colorado governor issues statewide stay-at-home order starting Thursday
At least 19 deaths have been linked to the coronavirus in Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday said he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order starting Thursday morning to try to… -
Mar 24 2020 
Durango issues stay-at-home advisory in response to COVID-19 health crisis
City hopes to see an order from state of Colorado
The city of Durango issued a stay-at-home advisory Tuesday in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
La Plata County has…
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Mar 04 2020 
Durango releases corrected 2020 budget
City Council asks for more time to review 300-plus page document
Durango City Council asked for more time this week to review the city’s 2020 budget, a 300-plus page document that… -
Mar 04 2020 
Possibilities expand for Animas River Trail crossing at 32nd Street
City Council plans to open bids for original proposal on March 24, 2020
More options for a pedestrian crossing of the Animas River Trail at 32nd Street to link two now-separated…
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Feb 20 2020 
Durango adopts homeless strategic plan, which calls for center directing people to services
City Council, residents acknowledge shift in community attitude
A shift in attitude toward homelessness became tangible, at least in part, on Tuesday when Durango City Council adopted a plan with concrete… -
Feb 17 2020 
‘Seamless connectivity’ explains bridge project
A Jan. 22 article in The Herald, featuring an artist’s rendering of a proposed pedestrian bridge across the Animas River and over 32nd Street, prompted a flood of emails to…
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Feb 10 2020 
Do we need a footbridge at 32nd Street in Durango?
City, community have worked for years to design $4.1 million project
Who knew an image could disrupt years of planning?That’s the situation the city of Durango found itself in when a…
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Feb 03 2020 
We’re checking the city budget more than twice
Small-town politics are unique because local residents are connected to each other in so many ways. We are friends, neighbors and co-workers. We experience multi-layered community relationships and interactions through…
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Jan 23 2020 
Does Durango have blight? The answer could help city redevelop
An urban renewal authority would help spur construction
Does Durango have blighted neighborhoods in need of help?
For some city officials and business representatives, the answer is yes.
“I do think that there…
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Jan 14 2020 
Durango to hire new auditing firm to help resolve budget problems
City reported misappropriated funds, financial irregularities late last year
Durango plans to hire a new auditing firm to scrutinize city spending, adding to a growing list of remedies sought to understand… -
Jan 09 2020 
Durango seeks state support to vet 2020 budget
Colorado Department of Local Affairs will review document
The city of Durango is working with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to review the 2020 budget for accuracy and best practices,… -
Jan 09 2020
Durango City Council seeks input on preferred qualities for next city manager
Councilors plan to fill position sometime this spring
The Durango City Council wants input from community leaders in its search for a new city manager, a position it hopes to fill… -
Jan 01 2020 
Colorado Just Named Three New Creative Districts. The Title Comes With The Promise Of An Arts Economy Boost
Three cities hope to get an economic boost from their arts and culture scenes after receiving Creative District designations from the state.
Sterling, Durango and Loveland join 23 other communities across…
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Dec 16 2019 
The most thoroughly vetted Durango budget in years
Each December, City Council fulfills one of its most important responsibilities – approving a budget for the coming year.
In council’s view, the budget should be directly linked to council’s established…
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Dec 09 2019 
Durango completes its most expensive construction project
Santa Rita water facility produces cleaner water with less energy
With the snap of oversize scissors Wednesday at Santa Rita Park, the city of Durango signaled the completion of its most…
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Nov 22 2019
With home rule come great responsibilities
I hope you read my column last month (“This is why we’re scrutinizing city’s budget,” Nov. 2). In addition to summarizing all that City Council has accomplished in the past…
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Nov 19 2019 
City, county express support for homeless ‘navigation center’
Officials informally agree to pony up $150,000 per year
Durango city councilors and La Plata County commissioners gave their informal blessing Monday to a new navigation center that would provide a… -
Nov 05 2019 
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…
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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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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 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 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 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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Year in Review January 5, 2021
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Melissa Youssef and Jim Griffin: 9-R bond election was more significant than you thought December 30, 2020
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Reality TV: How are Durango public officials adjusting to Zoom? December 1, 2020
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Our View: Council correct on mask ordinance December 1, 2020
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Durango weighs culturally appropriate names for Horse Gulch trails October 2, 2020
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High fives all around in job search September 18, 2020