The Conifer Town Hall Meeting held on February 1, 2025, focused on gathering community feedback regarding draft goals developed from a resident survey conducted in 2024. The meeting aimed to engage residents in discussions about the town's progress and future initiatives.
State Representative Jamie Storey addressed attendees, providing an overview of the current legislative session, which began in early January and will conclude in early May. She explained the process of how bills are introduced and passed through the state legislature, emphasizing the importance of the education committee and her role as chair of the capital development committee. This committee evaluates the construction and capital needs of state buildings, including educational institutions and state parks.
Storey highlighted the significant funding challenges facing Colorado, noting that the state receives approximately $1 billion in high-priority funding requests from various agencies, but typically only has around $150 million available to allocate. This year, the state is facing a budget shortfall of $700 million compared to the previous year, compounded by an additional $350 million required for local law enforcement funding due to a recent ballot initiative.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for residents to provide their input on the draft goals and to discuss any questions they may have. The council expressed gratitude for community participation and emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of Conifer.