The Mayor's State of the Town..July 2025 Edition

July 2025 is the time for your Trusted Mayor, that's right Teddy Errico has more than one job in Telluride. to deliver his bi-annual State of Town Address.  What is teh topic for this one?

Sense of Community.

Read the Dail'y Planet's take on the State here

Or?  Read it word for word:

State of the Town Address
July 1, 2025
Mayor Teddy Errico

Sense of Community — Does Telluride still have it? I’ve heard that question time and again. But what does that mean for the State of the Town of Telluride in 2025?

Community has always been the heartbeat of Telluride. And while we’ve grown — arguably more than at any time since the mining era——we still remain one of the most close-knit places on the map. New faces arrive every day: locals, second homeowners, seasonal workers, and visitors. Change is visible and, yes, deeply felt. But in a town like ours, change is also a symbol of resilience, creativity, and shared commitment. It reflects our collective love for Telluride and our dedication to preserving its legacy while embracing opportunities ahead. 

We can’t stay the same, and we certainly can’t go back in time. That’s neither realistic nor healthy.

As your Mayor, my primary mission is to protect and enhance this sense of community. It may look different as we evolve, but it must remain strong. Here’s how your Town government is working to make that happen:

Inclusion
True community thrives when everyone feels welcome and empowered to participate. We are doubling down on ensuring Telluride is a place where everyone has a voice and a stake—regardless of background, income, or tenure.

This commitment runs through our core priorities: from prioritizing inclusive infrastructure, to expanding bilingual communications in Spanish and English, to updating our websites and forms for greater accessibility.

We know that meaningful public engagement is essential to good governance, and we continue working to ensure our processes invite participation from all corners of the community.

We recognize that differing perspectives are a hallmark of a thoughtful town. What matters most is how we engage—with empathy, humility, and a shared commitment to Telluride’s future. Disagreement is inevitable—but our commitment to treating each other with kindness and respect is what keeps our community strong.

Affordable Housing
As I stated in January, we are more committed than ever to keeping locals local. Yes, construction can be inconvenient. But projects like Voodoo, Shandoka’s expansion and remodel, Canyonlands, Tower House, Virginia Placer—and the early planning of Carhenge and the Shandoka Parking Lot redevelopment—are how we safeguard our future. Housing is not just policy, it is community.

Regional Partnerships
Telluride does not exist in a vacuum. Whether you live in Mountain Village, Placerville, Norwood, Ophir, or beyond—you’re part of the extended family of the Telluride Region. Our collaboration with the Town of Mountain Village, San Miguel County and our neighboring municipalities has never been stronger. Together, we’re creating continuity that benefits the entire region.

Infrastructure
Yes, it’s unglamorous—but it matters. We’re doing the hard work now so that future generations enjoy a better Telluride. Safer bump-outs on Main Street. A revitalized West Pacific Street for cyclists. A new warming hut. And yes, even sewer pipe lining.  These investment matter.

And we’re working hand-in-hand with regional partners on shared needs like the Gondola, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and, of course, housing

What You Can Do
Telluride locals have more options than ever. But every day, we each face a choice: “Do I want what’s best for me, or what’s best for the community?”

You absolutely have the right to prioritize your personal needs. But it’s hard to wax poetic about Telluride’s magic of the past, if we’re all pulling in different directions. If we each put the community first—just a little bit —we’ll safeguard the very soul of this town.

So, step up. Join a nonprofit board. Apply for a Town Commission position. Bake cookies for a neighbor. Say hello and make eye contact. Volunteer for something—anything. It could be a festival, a nonprofit, KOTO DJ Slot, or a community event that needs your help. Every small act matters.

And yes, please help curb the negativity. We all see it. Social media. National politics. Speeding through town. Be the counterweight. Be the example. When second homeowners and visitors see our values in action, they adapt—and that’s how we preserve Telluride’s culture.

The Current State of Community
I’m proud to say: Telluride has not lost its sense of community. Don’t believe me? Travel to any other mountain town and see the difference for yourself. But we cannot take it for granted. As we grow, evolve, and adapt—we must protect it with everything we have.

By investing in our shared values and future, we lay the foundation for a Telluride that’s more inclusive, resilient, and connected. A place where future State of the Town addresses celebrate meaningful progress and continued unity.

It won’t be easy. Mistakes will happen. We’ll get some things wrong. But if each of us commits—even incrementally—to being better, together we’ll lift Telluride into the stratosphere. 

Thank you. Let’s keep moving forward, together.