News Flash

Durango, CO: Council heard the results of a community survey Tuesday that provides staff and council with a comprehensive look at Durango’s strengths, areas of improvement, and residents’ priorities. 

The survey was conducted throughout the summer, and asked residents for their opinions on 10 central facets of the community, including economy, natural environment, and safety. 

“I think this good step for us to use the survey as a benchmark,” said Mayor Melissa Youssef. “This data is good for our accountability, allowing us to see how well we are meeting the needs and expectations of our residents.” 

Council held a 2:15 p.m. study session and its regularly scheduled 5:30 p.m. meeting at council chambers, 949 East Second Ave.

At the study session council: 

• Received a presentation of the results of the community survey conducted over the summer.  The survey measures the general attitudes and satisfaction levels of residents toward city services and programs. The survey was mailed to 3,000 households in city limits, and through an online URL available to the public. "Durango's response rate was 26% which is one of the highest I've seen in a while," Jason Neumey with Polco said. 
• Received information on updates being made to the draft Multimodal Transportation Plan. The update process began in 2021 with extensive public outreach to receive feedback from the community regrading transportation needs and vision. 

At the regular meeting council: 

• Received the results of the annual transit ridership survey. Results show that 62% of riders who took the survey use Durango transit daily, and on average riders ranked their satisfaction with transit services an 8.3 out of 10. Durango Transit worked with a sustainability class at Fort Lewis College to conduct and present results for the ridership survey. 
• Received an update on the city’s new DuranGO! Microtransit system. The service launched on Oct. 18, and has already accommodated over 320 riders. “Expanding Durango Transit’s hours has been one of our highest service priorities for several years,” said Transportation Director Sarah Hill. “Our current schedule is challenging for anyone who works later than 9 p.m., or who needs a safe and affordable ride home in the evening. We have worked hard to find an innovative solution to this service gap, and hope that the service is useful to our community.” 
• Voted to approve a subdivision of a 19.5-acre parcel west of Mercy Hospital, where developer BLD Group is planning to create 492 housing units. 
• Voted to set a public hearing to make Land Use Development Code text amendments. The amendments include minor updates to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit program, reconfiguration of the Community Development Boards and Commissions, and process improvements. 
• Voted to set a public hearing and hear the introduction of a proposed ordinance for the Land Use Development Code that would make amendments to the city’s Fair Share Housing Program. The most significant updates include enhancing the potential for public-private partnerships between developers and the City or other government or nonprofit entity. 

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Media Contact
Tom Sluis
Public Information Officer 
Phone: (970) 375-5090
Email: Tom.Sluis@durangogov.org

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