Opinions about Land Use? Cortez Is Open to Feedback

June 26, 2024

The City of Cortez is updating its Land Use Code and is inviting community members to learn more and share their input. The local nonprofit Community Connections announced that it will be separating into two entities to accommodate regulatory changes and organizational growth. Cortez Tours is leading free, guided art tours on the first Friday of each month through October with the next tour starting at 4:00 p.m. on July 5th. Mesa Verde Country’s monthly business partners meeting is this Thursday, June 27th at 2:30 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Learn More...

ZU Gallery - https://zugallery.com/

Cortez Tours - https://www.corteztours.com/

City of Cortez - https://www.cortezco.gov/

Mancos Food Share - https://www.facebook.com/MancosFoodShare

Mancos Opera House - https://www.facebook.com/MancosOperaHouse/

Community Connections - https://www.communityconnectionsco.org/

Our Own Lives - https://www.ourownlives.org/

Mesa Verde Country - https://mesaverdecountry.com/

Mesa Café - https://www.mesacafecortez.com/

Cortez Cultural Center - https://cortezculturalcenter.org/

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Big O Tires - https://www.bigotires.com/location/co-cortez-81321/006168

Blondie’s Trophy Room - https://www.facebook.com/Blondiestrophyroom/

Read the Full Transcript

The City of Cortez is modifying its land use code and is open to public feedback. Community Connections is going through an organization transition to accommodate new regulations. Cortez Tours is leading free, once-a-month art tours. And Mesa Verde Country is conducting partnership meetings for local business owners. You're watching the "Local NEWS Roundup," brought to you by Big O Tires and Blondies Trophy Room. I'm Connor Shreve. The City of Cortez is updating its land use code and is inviting members of the community to learn more and share their input. The Cortez Planning Commission and Cortez City Council are holding a joint work session to discuss the new draft chapters of the land use code on Tuesday, June 25th. The public is welcome to attend, but comments will not be taken at that time. For feedback and questions regarding the draft chapters, community members are invited to a drop-in open house on Wednesday, June 26th, from noon to 2:00 at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, and from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cortez City Hall. The land use code has not been revised since 2001. The current changes seek to update outdated language, as well as improve the development review process. The draft changes are available for public review on the City of Cortez website. The local nonprofit Community Connections announced that it will be separating into two entities to accommodate regulatory changes and organizational growth. Since 1985, Community Connections has functioned as both a case management agency and direct service provider for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Colorado. Starting this July, all of its direct services programs would be transitioned to a new organization called Our Own Lives. Meanwhile, Community Connections will continue to provide early intervention services for children and family support for those living at home. Cortez Tours is leading free guided art tours on the first Friday of each month through October. The next tour is coming up on Friday, July 5th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, beginning at the Zoo Gallery. Tours will highlight 16 street murals, explore locally-owned galleries, and include a free wine or treat taster. Tours are accessible and open to everybody. You can reserve your spot on the Cortez Tours website. As summer tourism continues, Mesa Verde Country's Tourism Director, Brian Bartlett, says there's a lot for both tourists and local business owners to look forward to. The Cortez Cultural Center has brought back Native American dances. Sand Canyon trails have undergone improvements, and a new coffee shop has opened in Downtown Cortez called Mesa Cafe. In addition to activities for locals and tourists, Mesa Verde Country also conducts monthly partners meetings for businesses on the last Thursday of every month. Business owners are encouraged to come network, share ideas, and discuss opportunities for cross-promotion with other local businesses. The next meeting will be held on June 27th and July 25th at 2:30 at the Welcome Center in Cortez. Learn more about these and other stories online at montezumalocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the "Local NEWS Roundup." I'm Connor Shreve.

Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Farm Direct Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

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Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

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Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

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