We appreciate the La Plata County commissioners’ column, “La Plata County budget crisis calls for shared responsibility and leadership” (Herald, July 21), which outlines several structural and economic challenges contributing to our current fiscal shortfall. Rising service demands, tax regulations and inflationary pressure on county operations are valid concerns.
A major factor left unaddressed is the role of the county’s own policies, particularly within the planning, building and legal departments that suppress reasonable economic activity and deter sustainable development.
Raising property and sales taxes, as the commissioners suggest, is one option. Equally important, however, is fostering opportunities for new revenue through well-managed growth that supports the county’s livability and economic stability. We think voters will be hesitant to support any tax increases if they feel their ability to earn, invest and build is routinely constrained by the system asking them to pay more.
At the core of the issue is a regulatory environment that has grown increasingly burdensome and risk-averse. The county’s current approach prioritizes rigid process and enforcement over facilitating practical, productive use of land and resources.
Overly restrictive land-use codes, inconsistent enforcement, excessive delays and a legal culture that discourages creative problem-solving have made it difficult for property owners, businesses and residents to launch or complete projects. This stifles economic growth, shrinks the tax base, undermines job creation and worsens the critical shortage of workforce housing.
Builders, homeowners and businesses can point to drawn-out approval timelines, shifting code interpretations, surprise fees and unclear expectations. Even well-capitalized projects are frequently delayed or abandoned. Many took their investments and future tax contributions elsewhere.
The outcome is predictable: fewer homes built, fewer businesses started, fewer local jobs and fewer long-term revenue sources for the county. Meanwhile, housing costs continue to rise, pricing out local families and workers.
High permit and impact fees may appear fiscally prudent in the short term, but they front-load the cost of local investment. These costs are passed along to homebuyers, renters and consumers, worsening affordability. At the same time, when projects are halted or downsized because of excessive costs and red tape, the county forfeits future revenue streams from property taxes, sales taxes and employment growth.
To be clear, we do not advocate for eliminating oversight or unregulated sprawl. Sensible codes, transparent processes and consistent enforcement are vital to a thriving community. But when the system becomes so rigid and adversarial that it pushes away even responsible development, it’s counterproductive.
La Plata County is not alone facing budget pressures, but we may be unique in how much our own internal processes are contributing to them. The public conversation must include not only how to raise revenue, but how to stop chasing it away.
We urge the county commissioners to initiate a meaningful, expedited, solutions-oriented dialogue with residents, builders, business owners and landowners to reform a system that, whether by design or inertia, is obstructing the very opportunities we need if families and workers are to have a place in La Plata County.
Nothing should be off-limits, including a reevaluation of restrictive communication policies that prevent county and planning commissioners from gaining firsthand insight into the real-world challenges of the permitting process. Staff members are the gatekeepers of that information to the exclusion of our commissioners. Only by understanding these experiences can we build a more responsive and efficient system.
Superficial public engagement and internal resistance to change must be set aside. If we are to move forward, shared responsibility must include a willingness to look inward. And leadership must include the courage to change course and change it quickly as every county commissioner candidate has declared for years.
Only then can we unlock the true potential of La Plata County – for everyone who lives, works and builds here.
Jack Turner is the project manager for The Code Rights Project, a nonpartisan, community-led initiative focused on identifying and addressing systemic issues in planning, building and legal processes in La Plata County. Learn about its mission to support fair, transparent and efficient practices to benefit the entire community at CodeRights.org.
