Here’s a key takeaway from the results of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) survey released earlier this year: “Infrastructure & Water” and “Affordable Housing” have risen to the top of Mesa County residents’ concerns.

We have been monitoring the Grand Junction ARPA Committee’s decisions by staying in contact with committee members and attending City Council meetings. They originally decided to accept proposals on the topic of “Homelessness.” Western Colorado of Mesa County has shared the survey results with all committee members and included them in the process along the way. Now, an update on the Grand Junction municipal website states they would be receiving proposals for not only “Homelessness,” but “Affordable Housing” and “Mental Health,” as well.

The change allowed for more organizations to submit proposals to be decided upon by the City Council. We intend to share this information with those who took the survey.

Meanwhile, as “Affordable Housing” has risen to the top of our community’s concerns, a recent project by an outside developer called Richmark inspired our Alliance of Mesa County to start a “Just Housing” committee. Richmark has bought the old City Market building on Rood Avenue and asked the city to assist them in waiving development fees. The Just Housing Committee, as decided by the members, worked hard to get letters to the editor published, and has attended several City Council meetings in order to speak on the topic of Richmark.

We have also talked to City Council members to gauge their opinion on the Richmark project. Although the vote for Richmark passed 4-2, the Just Housing Committee wants to continue to fight for safe, affordable, sustainable, and equitable housing.

Toward that end, an Open House was held in October to let people know we are here, that we want to work with other organizations, and we want to inform the community on what is happening with housing. The Just Housing Open House told our community that the first step in achieving ”just housing” is a vote for what you feel is just on the ballot.

Western Colorado Alliance of Mesa County is not slowing down! We have signed onto Solar United Neighbors’ solar co-op once again to bring clean energy to Mesa County. The launch was September 27, and will deliver information for all and allow community members to apply for affordable solar panel installation.

We will continue to listen to our community, grow our member base in a more diverse and equitable way, and work to campaign for our community’s needs.