It’s been a while since we provided an update, but today we have a couple very important items to share.

We are elated that the County’s Motion for Reconsideration of the Court’s December 21, 2022, ruling regarding the Diamond Ridge rezoning has been denied. You can see the full Court order HERE , but in short, the Court saw no merit to any of the County’s arguments for why the ruling should be overturned, and in fact stated in its closing remarks that “The BOCC abused its discretion by disregarding the relevant provisions of the Master Plan.” The result of this Court Order is that he Diamond Ridge parcels retain their original F/Ag zoning, though it remains to be seen how the County will decide to proceed with respect to an appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals. The deadline for such an appeal is May 30, 2023.

In other significant news, Commissioner Hilary Cooper has announced her intention to resign from the Board of County Commissioners, effective May 8, 2023, citing her decision to join the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) as Director of Innovative Funding for Housing Programs. You can see Commissioner Cooper’s correspondence on this matter HERE.  It is unclear who will replace Commissioner Cooper, but according to the Colorado Constitution, Article XIV, Section 9, the San Miguel County Democratic Party (https://smcdemocrats.org/) has the authority to name a replacement.

We will continue to provide updates on these and other developments, but in the meantime, our group of advocates still needs support. Please consider donating to help us keep addressing the collective concerns.