Chaffee BoCC Session: Solvista Report, EDC Goals, Climate Action

Chaffee County Board Tackles Key Issues in Recent Work Session

In a recent work session, the Chaffee Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) addressed a variety of significant topics impacting local residents, spanning areas from mental health to economic development and climate action. Reports from various county service entities were presented during the session held on February 2, offering insights into ongoing challenges and future strategies.

Solvista Health Center’s Update

Mandy Kaisner, LPC, Executive Director of Solvista Health Center, highlighted the implications of reduced Medicaid funding, particularly affecting mental health first aid and disaster response. Despite these cuts, she emphasized the continued bipartisan support for mental health services in the state. “We are hopeful that behavioral health continues to have bipartisan support,” she remarked.

The Solvista Regional Assessment Center, launched in 2022, has made significant strides in providing acute behavioral health care, reducing wait times, and serving clients from multiple counties. Kaisner noted, “Prior to that, anyone with an acute behavioral health incident had to wait for a spot and then be transported, often four hours away.” The center reported seeing 681 clients and providing 2,608 site days in the past year.

With a focus on ‘transitions of care,’ Solvista aims to connect patients to ongoing care post-release to minimize readmission. The center is aiming for certification as a state demonstration site for community health clinics, which would bring additional federal funding. “I’d ask for a letter of support,” Kaisner stated.

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Chaffee Economic Development Corporation’s Vision

Deborah Cameron, Executive Director of the Chaffee Economic Development Corporation (EDC), discussed the EDC’s strategic priorities for 2026, which include fostering business creation, shaping policies for economic growth, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. The focus areas also cover workforce housing, water management, education, childcare, infrastructure, and land use.

Cameron pointed out the importance of local investor groups like the Ark Angels and emphasized the significance of strategic partnerships in enhancing economic diversity. She mentioned that most local remote workers are software developers and highlighted initiatives like the EDC Powder Pitch and Demo Day to support business growth.

“Colorado’s favorite photographer,” John Fielder, in an April 2018 appearance at the Salida SteamPlant. He described his 2017 raft trip down the Dolores River, while showing a photo of Class IV Snaggletooth Rapid. The Dolores rarely has sufficient flows for rafting, which Fielder attributed to the combination of McPhee Dam and climate change.

Climate Action Initiatives with CC4CA

The BoCC also received an update from Jacob Smith, Executive Director of Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA). With 47 counties as members, CC4CA focuses on collaborative climate policy initiatives. Smith emphasized, “Jurisdictions are joining for our climate lens … part of what we do is advocate at state level on climate issues.”

Smith highlighted the complexities of addressing climate action alongside affordability, mentioning that nuclear power is part of the discussion. CC4CA’s current priorities include the re-authorization of the Public Utilities Commission and addressing the impact of data centers on water resources.