Grand Junction Planning Department Loses 11 Staff Members

The Grand Junction Community Development Department lost 11 employees over the past year, including its director, leaving six positions vacant. Former staff members claim they resigned because the city manager's office failed to protect them from real estate developers who allegedly used personal influence to override zoning and planning decisions.

This conflict is centered on the city council's recent repeal of the Significant Trees ordinance. The repeal was recommended by the Housing Affordability Code Task Force but faced opposition from the Forestry Board and city staff.

Jane Quimby, a project manager and member of the task force, dismissed the claims of a mass exodus as disingenuous. Quimby attributed the instability to personnel issues and a repetitive planning process. She defended City Manager Mike Bennett, stating he has improved transparency and that the development community is seeking collaborative solutions to the housing affordability crisis rather than undue control over staff.