Montrose’s Future: Honest Talk on Housing, Infrastructure & Local Growth with City Manager

Описание: In this week’s episode of WKRP Montrose, Dennis and Rob welcome Montrose City Manager Bill Bell back into the Clear Network Studio for another installment of The Bell Curve — the ongoing series where local government gets translated into real-world conversation.

WATCH MORE Bell Curve episodes HERE -    • Civic Engagement in Montrose with WKRP  


Instead of politics as headlines, the discussion focuses on how decisions actually get made, why city processes take time, and what residents often don’t see behind the scenes. From city council elections and community engagement to the importance of learning before leading, Bill explains why good civic leadership starts with curiosity, patience, and a genuine interest in serving the whole community — not just a single issue.

The conversation dives into Montrose’s current growth phase, including housing supply, mixed-use developments, and the Greenline project at Colorado Outdoors. Bill breaks down why market-rate apartments matter just as much as income-based housing, how supply affects pricing, and why nurses, teachers, and first responders often fall into the “in-between” gap — earning too much for subsidized housing but not enough to buy a home.

Why can’t projects move faster? Why build apartments? Why do councils need varied perspectives? The Bell Curve turns complicated civic topics into approachable conversation, reminding listeners that community progress isn’t instant — it’s built step by step through participation, transparency, and people willing to stay informed.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics:

Timestamp:
0:00 City Council Elections (2:07-2:46): The upcoming city council elections in April have one confirmed opening and two incumbents up for reelection. There's increased interest in running for council seats, indicating a more engaged citizenry.
3:34 Qualities of City Council Members: Bill Bell emphasizes that the most important quality for a city council member is having the community's best interests at heart, rather than being a single-issue candidate. He also highlights the importance of being ready to learn and not having preconceived answers.
11:17 Green Line Project : This urban renewal authority (URA) project within Colorado Outdoors is a mixed-use development, including retail/restaurant space and an apartment complex similar to Base Camp Apartments. Construction is expected to start on the retail component first.
Housing Development (12:20-16:10): The discussion touches on the boom in multi-family housing in Montrose, with new market-rate apartments like Base Camp filling up quickly. There are also income-based housing projects under construction. Bill explains the importance of both market-rate and affordable housing to accommodate diverse income levels, including professionals like nurses and teachers who may not qualify for subsidized housing but also cannot afford high-priced homes.
17:20 Urban Renewal Authority (URA) : The URA is facilitating redevelopment projects, and the discussion clarifies that these initiatives do not raise taxes. Instead, they transform empty or deteriorating spaces into active businesses that generate sales tax revenue, which then supports city services.
Downtown Expansion of URA (19:04-19:50): There's potential for a second URA project area to include the downtown core, extending to the river to incorporate areas like the Bullock Power Plant and the old Arcadia piece. This expansion aims to revitalize downtown and attract private development.
22:37 City Revenue Sources: Montrose is the largest city in Colorado without a property tax, with about 90% of its revenue coming from sales and use tax. 85% of this revenue is generated from big box stores in the south end, which is then reinvested into small businesses on Main Street through programs like facade renovation and mural programs.
25:29 Demorette Park Changes: Demorette Park will no longer host food vendors due to a contract with Eatery 66 North, which will create an outdoor seating area. The park will be contracted to a private entity, allowing for trespassing of individuals engaging in "nefarious things." Food trucks will be relocated to other prime spots on Main Street.

28:48 Three-Mile Plan : This plan refers to the extra-territorial jurisdiction around the city that bleeds into the county. The city works with the county to ensure responsible development in these areas, as they may eventually be annexed into the city limits. The city prefers to infill existing open spaces rather than expanding outwards.

36:52 New Childcare Facility: An additional childcare facility is set to open around March 1st in the old Passage Charter School on South 7th. It will accommodate about 50 children, including 10 infant slots, and will primarily serve public employees first, then the general public.