Issues

Bringing Back Aspen’s Community Spaces

Our town thrives on connection. But today, we're losing the vital "third spaces" where community happens – those gathering places beyond home and work where Aspen's spirit comes alive.

What Are Third Spaces? Think of your daily life in three parts:

  • First Space: Your home

  • Second Space: Your workplace

  • Third Space: Where community happens – the casual meeting spots, hangouts, and places where Aspen's heart beats strongest

The Challenge We Face The disappearance of these community spaces isn't just about losing buildings – it's about losing the soul of Aspen. Every shuttered gathering place weakens the bonds that make our town special.

My Action Plan: I'm committed to revitalizing Aspen's third spaces through:

  • Creating incentives for businesses that foster community gathering

  • Exploring targeted subsidies to preserve existing community spaces

  • Activating city-owned properties for public use

  • Developing innovative policies that put community connection first

Making Childcare Work for Aspen Families

Aspen's 0.45% sales tax has funded our Kids First childcare program since 1989, making a real difference for local families. In 2023, that sales tax supported local programs and families with $1.3 million in subsidies out of a $4.3 million budget. But we can do more.

The Challenge Today: Despite this dedicated funding, Aspen families still face significant burdens:

  • Parents spend up to 15% of their annual income on childcare (even more without financial assistance)

  • Childcare centers rely on private donations to maintain quality and affordability

  • Working parents struggle to balance career and family needs

My Vision: We must maximize every tax dollar to strengthen childcare in our community. Quality, affordable childcare isn't just a family issue – it's essential infrastructure that:

  • Enables parents to participate fully in our workforce

  • Reduces employee turnover for local businesses

  • Creates stability for working families

  • Builds a stronger, more sustainable Aspen; quality early childhood education has long term benefits for health and wellbeing into adulthood

The Entrance to Aspen: A Critical Crossroads

Where We Stand on the Entrance to Aspen 

The Entrance to Aspen was a defining issue of the March election—and the conversation is far from over …

What Passed:

  • Referendum 2 passed with 51% of the vote

  • It grants CDOT permission to use portions of Marolt/Thomas Open Spaces for a new highway alignment—either the1998 record of decision plan or a future alternative.

What Happens Next

The next city council will decide whether to: 

  1. Re-evaluate the Record of Decision (approved “preferred alternative”) or 

  2. Reopen the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study updated options.

My Position: 

I voted “no” on both referendums, but I also ran on a commitment to respect and implement the voters’ decision. Moving forward, I will:

  • Ensure responsible implementation — I support re-evaluating the ROD to ensure the best path forward

  • Prioritize smart solutions, not personal agendas — This decision should reflect community needs, not political pressure

  • Tackle traffic and congestion beyond the Entrance debate — Solutions like expanded transit, improved circulation, and data-driven policies must be part of the plan

  • Listen to all perspectives — Aspen’s future depends on thoughtful, community-led decision-making. 

The Path Forward

Aspen deserves leadership that is pragmatic, solutions-focused and adaptable to evolving challenges.  My role is to ensure we move forward with transparency, accountability and a commitment to the community’s vision.