Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vision 2030 Final Report
Vision 2030 Final Report
Vision 2030 Final Report
ROUTT
APRIL 2009 COUNTY,VISION
CO 2030 FINAL REPORT APRIL 2009
• http://www.vision2030routt.org
“The Yampa Valley has
For me, the heart and soul of the Yampa Valley
extraordinary people,” is us – the people who call this amazing place
was something my mom, Marie Bowes, would home. Those of us who live here, work here and
often say when I was growing up. There is an play here, also volunteer here. Our heritage of
incredible spirit of volunteerism within our area community events such as the Routt County Fair,
that confirms this to me on a daily basis. Folks Winter Carnival, Oak Creek’s Labor Day and, even
see a need, and then take action to get it done. more recently, North Routt’s Coureur du Bois ski
This has rung true for the Vision 2030 project. race were all born from the spark of an individual’s
We were blessed with a very diverse, multi- idea and the volunteer ethic to make it happen.
talented and energetic citizens’ committee whose The legacy continues onward as our legions of
daily occupations range from small business volunteers continue to make these events happen
owners to ranchers, a retired military colonel, today.
oil executives, professors, elected officials, and I am hopeful for the future of the Yampa Valley.
corporate officers. I am grateful for their time, Our dedicated and tireless pioneers have left their
talent, energy and concern for our community. marks on our landscape and shaped our legacy.
Our group had incredible dedication to their Those of us who are now taking the torch and
primary role of listening to members of the leading our communities forward continue their
community about what people value most and visionary work. Vision 2030 will indeed become
how to ensure those values are maintained. reality through the stewardship, passion and
We heard from a very broad cross section dedication of those who care enough to take ideas
of residents – more than five times the number and turn them into action. I urge all of us to join
of people who took the Vision 2020 survey together in this journey.
answered the Vision 2030 survey. The Vision
2030 Citizens’ Committee made certain that
citizens’ concerns and intents were incorporated
in this final report. Personal agendas were set
aside and the benefit of the community as a Tammie Delaney
whole was placed front and center. Vision 2030 Project Manager
Table of contents
Arts & Culture We have a long tradi- Seniors Our seniors – our institutional
tion of appreciating accessible, affordable and high- memory and guides – deserve a well-planned
quality arts and cultural opportunities for residents of variety of housing options, accessible trans-
all ages, and we encourage their continued success. portation, and a wide range of ways for stay-
ing connected to the communities they helped
Economy We rely on a healthy regional create.
economy that must be diverse, sustainable and
productive while at the same time enhancing our Sustainability It is not enough for
community’s character and providing realistic us to enjoy life here. We must find new avenues
opportunities for sustainable employment. for keeping our heart and soul alive for future
generations. That means healthy, clean air and
Education We place great importance on water; respectful land-use practices; “green”
our schools, from pre-school through college, and building and living; and a lifestyle that leaves
we strive for a high-level, community-supported, in- our neighborhood better than we found it.
novative 21st century continuum of lifelong learning
opportunities. Transportation We are a vehicle-
centered society, our roads, streets and parking
Government Our local governments lots are becoming increasingly crowded. We
have reputations for being accessible, responsive want our leaders to plan for a multi-modal,
and accountable. We insist on their being fiscally efficient, environmentally sound transportation
responsible and service-oriented, and we support system that will be sufficiently affordable and
their efforts to create the infrastructure and services appealing that we might not need to use our
that will foster a strong economy and a safe, cars quite so much.
comfortable quality of life.
Youth It truly takes a village to raise a
Heritage Nothing defines our regional child and we want our villages to provide pro-
identity as well as our Western history and heritage. grams and facilities that are caring and sup-
We choose a lifestyle that promotes the protection portive, healthy and safe for our youth. That
and continued use of our historic built environments, means encouraging affordable and accessible
the living reminders of our rich past. child care for working families, and providing a
family-friendly environment in which our young
Planning We understand that there will be people can thrive.
growth, and that growth can be good, but we insist
on paced and placed growth: growth that can be What follows are the details of what the com-
engineered and absorbed in such a way as to pre- munity said about where we should be going
serve and enhance the community’s character. and how we might get there. This Vision 2030
report is intended to be more than just a sum-
Recreation Recreation is a celebrated mary of the community’s opinions. It is meant
aspect of life in our corner of Colorado. We treasure to form the basis for a checklist for our progress
a recreational lifestyle that embraces all populations, in carrying out the plan to achieve the vision. In
ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds the end, we will all be the judges of how well we
– one that goes hand-in-hand with our abiding love succeed.
for the land.
NOV 2007 Community gatherings Five community gatherings in North Routt, Steamboat Springs, West Routt and
South Routt with round table discussions exploring “What do you most value
about living here” and “Living here 20 years from now, what would enhance it — --
making it better or easier to live here?” using keypad polling for prioritization.
MARCH 2008 Surveys completed Data Analysis Committee compiled the findings from the gatherings and surveys,
developing a database using citizens’ committee members and volunteers to analyze
and categorize more than 7,600 responses. Comments were grouped into the
following categories: amenities, beauty, community, culture, diversity, economy,
environment, friendliness, government, heritage, housing, recreation, safety, small-
town feel, transportation, other.
Established focus groups Twelve focus groups with 60 participants with subject area expertise were tasked
with developing “Desired Outcomes and Recommended Actions” from survey
and gathering comments. These groups were: affordable housing, agriculture
and open space, arts and culture, economy, education, government, heritage,
planning, recreation, seniors, sustainability, and youth.
NOV 2008 Community gatherings Presentations in North Routt, Steamboat Springs, South Routt, and West Routt to
describe report findings, including focus on community character and managing
growth, and to seek validation for these findings using roundtable discussions and
keypad polling. Results reinforced findings of surveys and previous gatherings.
JAN 2008 Final report compilation begins Led by a final report committee with
technical assistance for writing and
graphics sub-contracted.
Survey question:
Vision 2020 review What do we value?
A subcommittee reviewed the 1994 Vision 2020
report to discuss the successes and challenges from the North Routt
past 15 years. Focus groups within this subcommittee
1. Community 38%
recommended further development on several items for
the eight report categories. Vision 2030 focus groups 2. Environment 25%
then used these suggestions along with new data
obtained from surveys and gatherings to help define 3. Heritage 13%
desired outcomes and recommended actions.
The Vision 2020 process led to successful formation South Routt
of several citizen-led initiatives: 37%
1. Community
• First Impressions of Routt County – a nonprofit orga- 2. Friendliness 18%
nization that supports early childhood education
• Purchase of Development Rights – a program that 3. Recreation 9%
helps landowners use conservation easements to
protect their land from development Steamboat Springs
•Routt County Open Lands Plan – furthers open space 1. Community 43%
needs
• Yampa Valley Recycles – a county-wide recycling 2. Environment 16%
effort
3. Small-town feel 11%
In addition, the Community Agriculture Alliance,
West Routt
Yampa Valley Partners, Yampa Valley Land Trust and ex-
panded medical services at Yampa Valley Medical Center 1. Community 35%
all were inspired partly because individuals championed
causes of interest recognized by Vision 2020. The report 2. Education 16%
also helped several nonprofit organizations and the City
3. Heritage 16%
of Steamboat Springs procure more than $25 million in
grants for open space, trails, education, historic preser-
vation and transportation. The City of Steamboat Springs Complete responses to the survey and polling
uses the Vision 2020 report as a gauge for determining if results from the community gatherings are
city goals are in line with community desires. available at: http://vision2030routt.org
Survey question: What should be done to ensure that what you hope to
see, feel, or experience is still here in twenty years?
Preserve open space Conservation easements, preserve Emerald Mountain, support land
trusts, require open space deeded with development
Provide Enforce master plans and zoning, less government, city/county coop-
better governance eration, long-term planning, enforce conflict of interest rules
Provide affordable living Encourage affordable day care, require affordable housing, don’t
require affordable housing, encourage diverse retail
Preserve character Provide education programs about local history, encourage ability to
live and work in same location, preserve ranches/ranching, historic
preservation ordinance, protect downtown areas
Limit traffic congestion Highway 40 bypass around Steamboat Springs, support bikes and
pedestrians, improve regional transit system
Promote green living Require renewable energy, improve recycling program, buy local
products, provide environmental education programs
Promote Expand regional transit, expand trails and trail infrastructure, provide
auto alternatives more sidewalks
Other themes included: Promote healthy environment, preserve ranches, preserve historic buildings, be friendly,
preserve local businesses, provide recreation access, support better infrastructure, support better schools, support
the arts, support youth, support charities
u ltural re
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so
Agriculture
ral an
urces
Econ
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u
Heritage Sustainability
a t
my
N
Affordable
Housing
l ife
f Economic
Viability
Quality o
Arts
& Culture Youth
ernme
Recreation Education Gov
nt
Seniors Government
and infras
Planning Transportation
tru
cture
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Public land use policy and Adjust community development policies and short term and
decision-making processes as needed to allow ongoing
processes need to increase the
greater density and more developable land
supply of available and suitable where appropriate in and adjacent to our
land, increase the density of living existing communities and adapt to changing
market demand.
spaces and decrease housing
Foster focused and effective political leadership ongoing
costs in order to preserve and that engages the community in dialogue and
promote affordable housing (both decision-making processes and which enables
inclusive, affordable neighborhoods.
ownership and rental) in Routt
County. Participation from the four municipalities of ongoing
Steamboat Springs, Yampa, Hayden and Oak
Creek on a regional organization or entity
for affordable housing such as Yampa Valley
Possible interest groups/stewards Housing Authority that fosters collaboration and
cooperation.
Governmental agencies; organizations such
as Yampa Valley Housing Authority; housing Develop a regional plan for affordable short term and
advocacy groups; concerned interest groups; housing and coordinate affordable housing ongoing
for-profit and non-profit entities; chambers; programs and activities with collaboration and
economic cevelopment commissions cooperation on a regional level.
FUNDING
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Create and implement Encourage and support the coordination short term and
mechanism(s) that fund of regional housing collaboration with one ongoing
lead agency such as Yampa Valley Housing
affordable housing in Routt Authority reflecting regional needs and
County. participation from Hayden, Oak Creek,
Steamboat Springs and Yampa.
Create a private donation fund that can act short term and
as a secondary source of funds for affordable ongoing
housing.
60%
40%
20% 17%
5%
0%
Increase Increase Increase
in income in median in rental
home sale costs
price
Source: Routt County Housing Needs Assessment,
BBC Research & Consulting
Seek a balanced economy that Develop and implement methods that short term and
enable collaborative decision making (with ongoing
provides services, meets needs developers, employers, governmental entities,
and attracts and retains residents workforce and community organizations) for
solutions to affordable housing.
for a diverse community, and
Create or assign a lead organization such as short term and
that simultaneously values open Yampa Valley Housing Authority to collaborate ongoing
space and a sense of place with workforce employers and develop and
implement an educational program that
while addressing the need for presents options to employers and helps to
affordable housing and inclusive supply workforce housing for employees.
community. Develop and implement outreach affordability short term and
education for community as a whole. ongoing
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE & OPEN SPACE & OPEN SPACE
Vision 2020 recommended and the work of Vision 2030 confirms that comprehensive
agriculture and open space strategies are necessary to preserve the “heart and soul”
of the Yampa Valley. Open space and agriculture are two general characteristics
that the community uniquely identifies, values, and desires to preserve for future
generations in Routt County.
AGRICULTURE
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Preserve, maintain and enhance Continue to emphasize and advocate the ongoing
our working agricultural importance of western agricultural heritage
through planning, zoning and public policy.
landscapes; multi-generational
Continue to support entities that promote our ongoing
ranching families; Western western agricultural heritage.
values; and cultural authenticity
Maintain and develop strategic partnerships ongoing
of our rural communities. to promote and support the Western traditions
such as the Routt County Fair; community
rodeos, Winter Carnival, etc.
Possible interest groups/stewards
Maintain and provide incentives for future mid term
County/city planning and elected officials; historic easements and facades through public
community museums and historical societies; education and incentives.
organizations such as Western Heritage
Partnership; Historic Routt County!; Community
Agriculture Alliance; Cattlewomen/Cattlemen;
chambers, Steamboat Ski Area, lodging
industry, agriculture and environmental
organizations
WATER
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Preserve, maintain and enhance Require that all new developments prove they short term and
can meet and/or provide for sufficient water ongoing
the water resources of the Yampa quantity needs and maintain quality standards.
Valley; increase awareness Encourage active involvement and participation short term and
and emphasize the importance of agricultural, wildlife, forestry municipal, ongoing
recreational and environmental interests in
of water quality, quantity and the Yampa-White River Basin Round Table
conservation issues and in regional water conservancy districts in
order to aid in the protection and appropriate
Possible interest groups/stewards development of the water resources of the
Yampa Valley.
County/city planning and elected officials;
developers; develop a citizen’s group comprised Develop a citizens’ water group that is active short term and
of all agricultural and environmental groups in protecting water resources for the Yampa ongoing
concerned with water resources , government Valley in order to ensure continued agriculture,
agencies, municipalities, agriculture producers, wildlife, forestry, municipal, and recreational
etc.; Colorado Division of Water Resources, usage.
Routt County Environmental Health, Colorado
Department of Health and Public Safety, Natural Be active on local water rights and water ongoing
Resource Conservation Services; Sustainability conservation projects to ensure adequate water
Council quantity and quality.
The Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, which includes the area from
the headwaters of the Yampa River to below the Craig power plant, has been
active for more than 30 years in protecting and appropriately developing
the water resources of the Yampa Valley. These meetings are public and
interested citizens are encouraged to attend.
“Create and implement the recreation areas when usages are not
Routt County Agricultural Lands, compatible (e.g. snowmachine, cross-country
skiing, horses, bikes, etc.).
Natural Areas and Open Space
Resources Protection Plan.” Develop linkage to parks and trails in and ongoing
around our communities.
Routt County Open Lands Plan
was established in 1995. It is
a plan for the protection of
agricultural lands, natural areas
and open spaces.
Protect, maintain and enhance Adhere to existing and develop land use plans ongoing
that establish a high priority for the protection
open space and view corridors to of open space and view corridors.
maintain our sense of place for Continue to require higher density in urban ongoing
current and future generations. areas.
County/city planning and elected officials; Encourage voluntary conservation easements ongoing
Purchase of Development Rights board, and continue to support entities that facilitate
develop a transfer of development rights them.
citizens’ group; organizations such as Yampa
Valley Land Trust; Colorado Department of Encourage and educate about the benefits of ongoing
Wildlife; Natural Resource and Conservation light pollution ordinances, ridgeline standards,
Services; Colorado Cattlemen’s Land Trust; increase skyline ordinance areas and
private landowners; CSU Routt County underground utility line placements.
Extension; private landscaping companies,
builders and homeowners Encourage native landscaping. ongoing
Protect, conserve and enhance Adhere to existing and develop future land ongoing
use and wildlife habitat plans that promote the
the wildlife habitat, riparian protection of these natural resources.
areas and wetlands. Prevent Develop a comprehensive wildlife plan: mid-term and long-
fragmentation of wildlife habitat, term
Identify and honor habitat corridors;
protect wildlife migration corridors
and provide important transition Identify and seek preservation of critical
wildlife habitats;
zones from different habitat types.
Develop and honor wildlife mitigation plans;
99 Yampa River
78 Emerald Mountain
69 Howelsen Hill
67 Downtown Steamboat
66 Steamboat ski area
FUNDING
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Support, encourage, and foster Create an endowment fund for administration long-term
of local non-profit agencies and programs
funding efforts that will sustain (such as Community Agriculture Alliance,
the values of public open space Yampatika, Yampa Valley Land Trust, and
other agricultural entities (e.g.: Funding for
and agriculture as they relate to the arts model from Strings)).
the preservation of the character Identify collaborative partnerships from ongoing
of our valley. agricultural/public open space groups so that
available funds can be better used.
ARTS
ARTS & CULTURE & CULTURE
To enhance our quality of life and sense of community, Vision 2030 participants said
that we must maintain and create accessible, affordable and quality arts and cultural
opportunities for audiences, performers, and artists while growing the creative arts
industry as a significant contributor to the local economy.
PROGRAMS
Organizations such as Steamboat Springs Arts Develop programs to attract arts events as ongoing
Council; Strings in the Mountains; schools; destination motivators.
galleries; local artisans; Northwest Colorado
Continue to have education and community ongoing
Cultural Heritage Tourism; Colorado Mountain
outreach for people of all ages, both
College; Colorado Northwestern Community
traditional and non-traditional audiences.
College; museums
Expand arts education as core curriculum in ongoing
public schools from K-12.
PEOPLE
Possible interest groups/stewards Recommended actions Timeframe
Organizations such as Steamboat Springs Arts Expand audiences through programming, ongoing
Council; Strings in the Mountains; schools; outreach, marketing, education, and venues.
galleries; local artisans; Northwest Colorado
Cultural Heritage Tourism; Colorado Mountain Recognize opportunities for free performances short term and
College; Colorado Northwestern Community in unusual venues. ongoing
College; museums; community support funds
(SS); chamber; newspapers; radio Develop a community where performers and short term and
artists are valued and able to attain a viable ongoing
standard of living and are supported through
professional development and compensated
for the work they do.
RESOURCES
Possible interest groups/stewards Recommended actions Timeframe
Organizations such as Steamboat Springs Arts Seek sustainable sources for ongoing public short term and
Council; Strings in the Mountains; schools; and private funding. ongoing
galleries; local srtisans; Northwest Colorado
Cultural Heritage Tourism; Colorado Mountain Increase opportunities for grants (awareness, short term and
College; Colorado Northwestern Community applications, ) and private contributions ongoing
College; museums; community support funds (foundations, business sponsorships &
(SS); chamber; newspapers; radio; National individual contributions).
Endowment for Arts; foundations; government
agencies; volunteer groups Funding and support by local government. ongoing
INFRASTRUCTURE
Possible interest groups/stewards Recommended actions Timeframe
RESOURCES
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
We will nurture and promote a Increase broad-band capacity through public short term to mid
private partnerships. term
regional, diverse, and sustainable
Ensure county-wide cell-phone coverage. short term
economy, fostering a range of
industries, employment, and Pursue new technology, new industry sectors mid term
(e.g. location neutral businesses such as
resources and resulting in a software programming, financial services,
variety of products and services. bio-tech industries), new energy economy
(bio-fuels, waste to energy, etc.) in order to
This will be provided by resources, develop a diverse economy.
initiatives for businesses, land use
Provide economic education that includes short term
options, and transportation. economic trending, research and bringing
new information from the region’s businesses.
Colleges such as Colorado Mountain College; Fund Small Business Resource Center long-term. mid term
organizations such as Northwest Colorado
Council of Governments Create local incubator program. mid term
Colleges such as Colorado Mountain College; Implement entrepreneurial advocacy and seek short term
planning schools adaptive zoning that enables entrepreneurial
activities.
TRANSPORTATION
Possible interest groups/stewards Recommended actions Timeframe
Organizations such as the Transportation Develop railhead access for large-scale mid term
Solutions Group; Yampa Valley Airport transport.
Commission; County/City Government;
Chambers; Cultural Heritage Tourism Form regional transportation authority short term
to provide and maintain transportation
infrastructure and opportunities.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
The educational systems in the Yampa Valley will offer an exemplary and exceptional
level of community-supported 21st century innovative education that is sufficiently
funded, serves a spectrum of learners and makes collaborative use of all available
educational resources.
EDUCATIONAL CLIMATE
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Foster an educational climate that Maintain and enhance high quality, accessible ongoing
facilities, fitting the community character, with
creates access to a variety of 21st current and innovative technology for all types
century educational opportunities of learners.
from early childhood education Increase a regional funding base that is fair short term and
and equitable to all educational entities in ongoing
through lifelong learning. Routt County to provide services to all student
populations.
Possible interest groups/stewards Enhance collaboration on a county-wide level ongoing
to provide educational services, work-force
Public and private schools; school boards; development, and comprehensive resources.
Colorado Mountain College; Colorado
Northwestern Community College;
organizations such as First Impressions;
Education Fund Board; Rocky Mountain Youth
Corps; Yampatika
EXCEPTIONAL STAFF
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
QUALITY EDUCATION
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Promote quality education Maintain a caring and welcoming, safe and ongoing
secure school environment with small class sizes
through maintaining small, through appropriate student to teacher ratios.
personable, community-based
Promote outreach and volunteer programs that ongoing
learning environments that integrate the learning environment with our
emphasize high-achievement communities.
and foster innovative, creative Adapt our educational resources to meet the ongoing
needs of our changing learner demographics in
problem-solving. order to attain high achievement.
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Governmental entities within Planning ahead (at least one to five years) for short term; annual
providing desired services and facilities at the
Routt County will be fiscally highest level that is commensurate with the
responsible. resources that they expect to have.
Governmental agencies; municipalities; county Supplementing tax revenues with appropriate short term and
charges for services, grants and increases in ongoing
productivity.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Government entities will continue Determine the water and sewer capacities ongoing
needed to meet the needs of projected growth
to provide adequate water within Routt County. Work with development
and sewer capacity, roads and interests to provide those capacities.
bridges, public facilities and Seek supplemental revenues and collaborative ongoing
partnerships to provide for ongoing
parks, and communication and maintenance and improvement of roads
transportation networks. and bridges, public facilities and parks, and
communication and transportation networks.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
The Vision 2030 Report will serve Governmental agencies are highly mid term updates;
encouraged to regularly review, update, ongoing for existing
Routt County decision-makers integrate and implement Master Plans after
with clear statements of citizens’ seeking citizen input and direction.
HERITAGE HERITAGE
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Preserve the elements and Design and implement an evaluation process short term
for the impacts of proposed actions (decision
promote the protection and making or policies) on historic resources.
continued use of our built
Define, encourage and adopt a community ongoing
environments that reflect the preservation ethic that encompasses our
heritage of Routt County. western heritage, small town feel and
friendliness as the basis for policy-making and
from which decisions and development impacts
are evaluated.
Possible interest groups/stewards
Instill a historic preservation education and ongoing
Citizens; planning commissions and planning ethic for K-12 and beyond.
staff; elected officials; Historic Preservation
Advisory Committee; Routt County Historic Implement sustainable building practices short term
Preservation Board; Partners in Preservation; that include historic preservation as a green
Historic Routt County!; MainStreet Steamboat initiative.
Springs; schools; colleges and museums;
Yampa Valley Recycles; chambers of Develop, seek public approval and implement mid term
commerce, Sustainability Committee a Purchase of Development Rights Fund for
historic buildings . Build capacity to buy-down
the difference between existing square footage
and the maximum allowable by zoning and to
purchase façade easements.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Desired outcomes Recommended actions Timeframe
Encourage public policy and economic ongoing
Preserve the elements and development that promotes and enhances the
patterns of the rural cultural financial viability of local farming and ranching
to maintain the cultural landscape.
landscape shaped by agriculture,
mining, recreation, the arts, Encourage preservation of the structures that short term and
contribute to and help define the cultural ongoing
forestry, industry, transportation, landscape.
water and commerce. ongoing
Foster the stewardship of our heritage through
Possible interest groups/stewards education and awareness in k-12 and life-long
learning.
Economic development councils; chambers;
organizations such as Community Agriculture Identify the elements and patterns of the mid term
Alliance; Yampa Valley Land Trust and others; cultural landscape and use this as the
citizens; government; elected officials; framework to incorporate into future design
finance directors; schools; colleges; planning and new construction.
commissions; grocers; Historic Routt County!,
Preserve and maintain the integrity of ongoing
museums
conservation and access easements on those
properties that contribute to our cultural
What is a cultural landscape? landscape.
“Distinct geographical areas or properties Connect people to their food sources and ongoing
uniquely representing the combined work teach them where their food comes from.
of nature and of man.” — World Heritage
Committee Invest in and implement cultural heritage short term and
tourism programs that interpret and showcase ongoing
“A geographic area, including both cultural local history.
and natural resources and the wildlife or
domestic animals therein, associated with a Transform the Legacy Ranch and other public mid term
historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting spaces into interpretive centers for agriculture
other cultural or aesthetic values.” — National and the working landscape.
Park Service
Continue to expand the County Purchase mid term
of Development Rights (PDR) program to
What is cultural heritage tourism? fund conservation/ preservation of cultural
landscapes.
“Traveling to experience the places and
activities that authentically represent the stories
Seek methods to develop and implement mid term
and people of the past and present. It includes
financial incentives for property owners in
historic, cultural and natural resources.” —
coordination with Purchase of Development
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Rights program.
REGIONAL IDENTITY
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
agriculture and arts and culture Encourage and foster local gathering places. short term and
ongoing
events are the backbone and
building blocks of our regional Continue to support traditional events and ongoing
celebrations (Winter Carnival; Routt County
identity. Fair; Labor Day; Fourth of July; Colorado
Days, Olympic Legacy, rodeo; homecomings,
etc.) and encourage new traditions to evolve
Possible interest groups/stewards that reinforce our western heritage (farmers
markets, South Meets West, Coureur des Bois,
Economic development councils, chambers, Steamboat Springs Marathon, etc.).
business communities, local governments;
citizens, planning officials, planning
commissions, elected officials, media,
organizations such as MainStreet Steamboat
Springs; Community Agriculture Alliance;
Historic Routt County!; Steamboat Springs
Winter Sport Club
“We must not lose our ranching heritage ... it is a special thing to drive down
Rabbit Ears Pass & see the hay fields & the Yampa. We must protect it.”
— Steamboat Springs resident
PLANNING PLANNING
Paced Growth Identify and promote location and direction for short term and
growth by innovative zoning and urban growth ongoing
Develop regulations and boundaries throughout the county and four
municipalities.
guidelines for paced growth that
Research, design and implement growth short term and
are incremental, where growth management processes and tools that ongoing
can be limited and absorbed in a are deemed proven successes in similar
communities and regions.
way that retains or enhances the
community character (e.g. growth Ensure city and county officials collaborate on short term
growth control tools and implementation.
caps; square footage restrictions;
limits on building permits). Cultivate better regional collaboration among short term
municipalities regarding growth issues.
Placed Growth
with the intent to build mutual Establishment of a weekly newspaper insert (i.e. short term
Development Activity This Week) that publishes
trust and respect between citizens weekly development applications, informing
and decision-makers. the public as to major planning decisions
and encouraging involvement ahead of time.
Create a funding line item in budget for cost
of insert or negotiate with local newspaper for
Possible interest groups/stewards insert subsidized by ad sales. Cost could be
offset by hybrid of both.
City; county planning departments; elected
officials; citizens committees; newspapers
Require timing and scheduled updates of city, short term; mid term;
Decision-makers must recognize long term
county and area plans and identify responsible
that citizens expect master plans parties for updating plans.
to be upheld and enforced and City and county review plans annually
that plans need to be regularly
Plans are updated every five years.
updated with specificity and
Enforce existing municipal and county planning ongoing
clarity to minimize interpretation.
regulations.
RECREATION
RECREATION
Recreation is one of the key components to the lifestyle, culture and character of Routt
County and should ensure inclusivity for all populations, ages, genders, abilities and
socio-economic backgrounds.
FUNDING
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Environment 26.9%
Recreation 15.2% North
Beauty 13.7% Routt
Environment 27.4%
Sourth
Beauty 13.6% Routt
Community 12.4%
AMENITIES
Desired outcome/actors Recommended actions Timeframe
SENIORS SENIORS
Develop adequate housing, facilities and transportation to ensure that the seniors can
reside in Routt County for as long as they desire, through all the phases of aging.
TRANSPORTATION
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Seniors must have access to Keep existing free bus service in Steamboat ongoing
Springs.
adequate transportation services
where in a large, mountainous Continue low-cost transportation from outlying ongoing
areas such as Hayden and Craig.
geographical area with severe
weather, transportation becomes Expand low-cost transportation from North and short term
South Routt.
a critical lifeline for many rural
Create sliding scale payment for seniors. short term
seniors.
Increase services for frail and disabled seniors. short term
Seniors need to be able to
get out of their homes to do
necessary chores or to make
connections with their community,
contributing to their quality of life.
senior programs and services in Create new programs for volunteers, ongoing
connecting businesses in need of help with
Routt County while developing seniors willing to give their time and expertise.
new programs and services to
Create new programs that integrate seniors
meet the demands of the future. with younger generations as a way to share
ongoing
SUSTAINABILITY
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability enhances the current quality of life for future generations by setting goals
and measuring progress toward attaining clean water, clean air, affordability, clean
renewable energy sources, and a diversified economy.
AIR QUALITY
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Maintain or enhance existing Ensure compliance with the National Ambient short term; ongoing
Air Quality Standards county-wide.
air quality for future generations
that includes both health based Educate to encourage retrofit or replacement short-term; ongoing
of solid fuel burning devices to cleaner
standards and visibility. technology.
180
VISION 2020 TO REALITY
Air quality in
160 24-hour maximum
downtown Steamboat
micrograms per cubic meter
140
Springs has improved
120
since 1990.
100
Source: Community 80
Indicators Report, Yampa 60
Valley Partners, 2009 40 annual average
20
0
1990 1995 2000 2005
20,000
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Irrigation Industrial
Evaporation Municipal
Growth management and land use planning should be compatible with sustainable land use
practices including protection of bio-diversity and conservation of natural resources [applicable
action items are listed within Agriculture/Open Space and Planning]
ENERGY
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Use clean, renewable energy, with Support and encourage efforts of organizations ongoing
in collaboration with governmental agencies to
conservation, diversification, and promote conservation, encourage renewable
mitigation of fossil fuel impacts energy sources, and implement energy
strategies.
that focus upon sustainable
Immediately implement energy conservation short term
technologies and practices programs.
to meet the needs of future
Immediately implement a renewable energy short term
generations. mitigation program that funds and supports
local renewable energy efforts.
existing infrastructure when Develop a plan and adopt a standard to mid term
possible, including renovation, obtain efficient energy use and zero waste
buildings by 2030.
preservation and use of historic
Encourage the development and short term; ongoing
assets to ensure community implementation of water conservation
character and heritage. standards.
These two trees have been standing next to our school since it began.
They remind us how change can be beautiful if done right.”
— Madison King, North Routt Community Charter School
GREEN LIVING
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
Create, educate and implement Maximize the options for transportation mid term; ongoing
choices, including pedestrian, bike, car-
safe and convenient choices for sharing, transit and more.
self-sufficient living that reduces Address the recycling barriers of an isolated ongoing; short term
individual carbon footprints and community.
enhances the greater public Continue to support efforts of Yampa Valley ongoing
health, safety and security. Recycles, Home ReSource and the Yampa
Valley Sustainability Council.
All interested parties; public/private partnerships Determine ways to reduce and re-use short term; ongoing
and governmental agencies food, yard, beetle kill, manure and other
compostable waste through Green Waste
programs.
Successes from Vision 2020 include formation in February 1998 of Yampa Valley
Recycles, a dedicated group of citizens, representing Routt County, concerned
VISION 2020 TO REALITY
with promoting the recycling of solid waste and educating the public on reducing,
re-using, and recycling.
“YVR believes it is possible for people to co-exist with the environment without depleting
natural resources or polluting the environment. We aim to expand and support
comprehensive recycling programs in the Yampa Valley by educating, promoting, and
implementing creative solutions to help communities reduce, reuse, and recycle. We have
a strong sense of citizenship towards our community, both locally and globally. We feel a
responsibility to encourage a “Stewardship of the Earth” in the projects we promote and in
the way we live our lives.”
TRANSPORTATION
These recommendations are proposed by the Transportation Solutions Group.
TRANSPORTATION
Create a multi-modal Establish a local funding source to share and short term
initiate future transportation projects.
transportation system of corridors,
Establish a Regional Transportation Authority
highways and pathways that to coordinate the planning, funding
will relieve congestion and and implementation of an integrated
transportation system.
move people throughout the
Yampa Valley in an efficient, Expand and develop transit centers throughout mid term
the valley. Transit centers are hubs for our
environmentally sound, affordable multi-modal transportation system comprised
and appealing manner. This of commuter rail lines, walking paths, bike and
equestrian trails, tramway, vans, buses and
system will more effectively link taxis.
local communities with each other
Seek opportunities to create land bank for
and facilitate regional, national future park-and-rides.
and international connections. Continue to develop alternative parking
options for ski area access.
Governmental agencies, commercial interests, Develop transit site at east end of town.
individuals, and organizations
Park and ride in Hayden.
Develop transit pods or hubs within the Steamboat area for mountain, Pine Grove; Downtown
and West Steamboat areas with interconnecting systems.
Collaborate with private businesses and organizations to provide airport and county-wide bus
service.
Ensure that local land use planning processes assess the transportation ramifications of all short term
planning and development petitions.
Re-configure traffic generation centers (schools, post offices, etc.) to reduce congestion impacts
and determine feasibility for local solutions to congestion.
New commercial offices and retail establishments should be located as close as possible to trails,
sidewalks and transit stops to encourage transit use and to enable pedestrian access.
Preserve rail corridors and opportunities for commuter rail systems to enable future construction of short term; ongoing
a commuter rail system connecting all parts of the community, distant ski areas, and feeding into a
statewide and national passenger train system.
Continue to seek opportunities to improve local transit and parking within Steamboat Springs. ongoing
Develop ongoing management of shuttles, system and partnerships with shuttle agencies, public-
private partnerships and company partnerships.
Seek opportunities to improve parking capacity and develop systems for parking management.
Increased capacity and ramp capacity at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
Continue to maintain the existing infrastructure for roads and transportation. ongoing
YOUTH
YOUTH
CHILD CARE
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
FAMILY-ORIENTED COMMUNITY
Desired outcome Recommended actions Timeframe
in order to maintain the Yampa Seek innovative partnerships to promote and ongoing
Valley as a “great place to raise develop community awareness for youth literacy
and education.
kids.”
Promote affordable housing initiatives to foster short term; ongoing
a family-oriented community.
Action groups
The Citizens’ Stewardship Committee may form action groups that will focus on specific areas
of interest, such as transportation, growth management, etc. The action groups’ roles are to
convene around the desired outcomes and recommended actions; monitor their progress,
successes, challenges and emerging new opportunities; and report on these areas as necessary
and required to the citizens’ stewardship committee.