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  "description": "Montrose leaders are advancing a $168.9 million 2026 budget focused on infrastructure upgrades, housing expansion, a new Public Works facility, wastewater plant improvements, and police staffing goals as the city manages continued growth.",
  "path": "/montrose-sets-course-for-2026-with-major-infrastructure-housing-and-public-safety-investments/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-27T17:46:29.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.westernslopetrellis.com",
  "textContent": "Montrose city leaders are moving into 2026 with a proposed $168.9 million budget focused on infrastructure modernization, housing expansion, and public safety staffing.\n\nCity leadership described 2025 as a strong operational year and framed 2026 as a year of execution, with several major projects already underway or nearing completion.\n\n## $41 Million Public Works Facility\n\nConstruction continues on the new Public Works facility off Rio Grande Avenue, a $41 million project that is roughly halfway complete.\n\nDuring the February 23 State of the City presentation, officials described the facility as providing a “safer, cleaner environment” for city crews while improving public accessibility and operational efficiency.\n\nThe project is expected to continue through 2026.\n\n## $33 Million Wastewater Plant Upgrade\n\nThe city is also preparing for a $33 million overhaul of its wastewater treatment plant, originally built in 1980. The improvements are required to meet updated state and federal environmental standards.\n\nStaff havereferred to the project as a necessary “redo” of aging systems, and the city plans to issue a revenue bond in 2026 to finance the upgrades.\n\n## Childcare Facility Opening This Spring\n\nA new childcare center at 73 South 9th Street is expected to wrap construction in March, with a grand opening planned for mid-April.\n\nThe facility will add approximately 50 childcare slots for local families, addressing a workforce challenge that has surfaced repeatedly in community discussions.\n\n## Housing and Zoning Actions\n\nResidential development continues to expand across Montrose. Several housing projects are expected to break ground within the next six to seven months.\n\nAt the February 25 City Planning Commission meeting, commissioners recommended rezoning a 4.14-acre parcel to R3A medium-high density as part of a land exchange involving Volunteers of America. The change could support future affordable senior housing development.\n\n## Transportation and Sidewalk Improvements\n\nInfrastructure improvements tied to growth remain ongoing. A new sidewalk along Otton Road, funded through the increased lodging tax, will improve pedestrian access near the Black Canyon Flats housing development.\n\n## Police Staffing and Public Safety\n\nThe Montrose Police Department expects to be fully staffed or close to full staffing by the end of 2026. Once staffing levels stabilize, the department plans to launch specialty initiatives including a dedicated traffic unit and expanded community programs.\n\nDuring the State of the City presentation, Mayor Dave Frank said the city aims to remain “progressive and futuristic” while managing growth proactively.\n\n## Looking Ahead\n\nWith bond financing planned, major capital projects underway, and continued housing development on the horizon, 2026 will be a pivotal year for Montrose.\n\nInfrastructure upgrades, childcare expansion, zoning changes, and police staffing goals are all advancing simultaneously, signaling a year focused less on announcements and more on implementation.",
  "title": "Montrose Sets Course for 2026 With Major Infrastructure, Housing, and Public Safety Investments",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-27T17:46:29.677Z"
}