The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
By Kendra Walker
Dark Sky certification
Town staff have begun working on the process to obtain a Dark Sky Certification for the town of Mt. Crested Butte. According to staff, certification typically takes at least a year to complete all requirements. To be Dark Sky Certified, the town will need to complete an inventory of all municipal lighting (exempting holiday lighting), take sky quality measurements at four locations every month, pass a Dark Sky Compliant Lighting Ordinance, and host two or more Dark Sky educational events per year while working on the certification.
Let’s talk parking
The town has issued a request for qualifications for a 2026 Town Parking Needs Assessment to address both immediate and long-term parking challenges resulting from growth in population, tourism and civic events. Through the assessment, the town will develop a 20-year vision for parking management and plans to involve various local project stakeholders.
Stuff:
— There is still a vacancy on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board. To qualify for a board seat, a person must live within the DDA boundaries, own property in the DDA or be a major player in a business within the DDA.
—The council updated the town’s Admissions Tax Grant guidelines for the 2026 and 2027 grant cycles. Some updates include more streamlined guidelines, prioritizing Mt. CB businesses, local business engagement and off-season visitation, and establishing clear consequences for non-compliance.
