Durango is ever-changing: more people, more homes, and more conversation about what kind of town we want to be. I write this as someone who loves being here—who hikes the trails, swims in the Animas, and roots for local businesses—while also worrying that in our rush to grow, we might lose what makes Durango special.
The signs many of us see
First, housing. Prices continue to rise, and homes often go off the market faster than many locals can save for a down payment. Rent is steep, and for people working service jobs—or starting their careers—it can feel like there’s no path to staying here.
Second, infrastructure and resources. Water rates are up, traffic feels thicker, and trails and public spaces are fuller than they used to be. We hear worries that growth could strain our water sources, especially in drought years, and that we might not be able to maintain the balance between wild spaces and neighborhoods.
Third, belonging. Our recent community survey shows that while many residents love Durango’s natural environment and strong sense of safety, fewer feel that all people are welcome, respected, or included. Some say the voices of longtime locals, working families, and people from diverse backgrounds don’t carry enough weight in decision making.
What we value—and what we risk
We value our openness to nature. Clean rivers, hiking trails, and panoramic views aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re essential to who we are. We like that we can drive a few miles and leave traffic behind or that downtown still has locally owned stores and places where everybody knows your name.
But we risk becoming a place where only those with enough money—those who can buy second homes or have remote jobs—can really participate in daily life. We risk losing public land to development without thoughtful planning, and we risk losing connection to neighbors as homes become short-term rentals or investment properties.
Steps toward a future that fits us
- Support affordable housing: Encourage mixed-income housing, controlled rents, and restrictions on turning homes into purely seasonal properties so long-term residents can stay.
- Plan infrastructure with foresight: Protect water sources, manage trail use, and ensure transit and roads keep pace without destroying the landscapes we love.
- Invite more voices to the table: Make it easier for people with less time or money—service workers, families, people of color—to weigh in when decisions are made. Community engagement needs to be real, not just symbolic.
- Protect our character: Celebrate and preserve historic sites, natural features, local arts, and the independent businesses that bring color and heart to Durango.
Growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of belonging. If our community leaders, businesses, and citizens commit to making space—quite literally—for everyone, Durango can remain both growing and grounded. It takes intention, but when our landscape, values, and people align, that’s when Durango becomes more than a place: it becomes home.