HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-05 Agenda and Supporting Documentation Town Council Afternoon Meeting1.Site Visit:Topping Off Celebration at Timber Ridge Building A (12:00pm)
1280 North Frontage Road, Vail, CO 81657 (60 min.)
2.Call to Order (1:00pm)
3.Presentation/Discussion (1:00pm)
3.1 Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance Development
Update: Stakeholder Engagement Results and Policy
Recommendations Presentation (1:00pm)
45 min.
Listen to presentation and provide feedback and policy
direction.
Presenter(s): Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability
Manager
Background: The purpose of this presentation is to provide the
Vail Town Council the results of the stakeholder engagement
and policy recommendations and implementation approaches
for a single-use plastic reduction ordinance.
3.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Strategy
Modeling (1:45pm)
45 min.
Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
Presenter(s): Kristen Bertuglia, Environmental Sustainability
Director, Kim Schleapfer, Lotus Engineering
Background: The town has contracted with Lotus Engineering
to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and model
strategies to reach the Town Council's goal of 50% reduction
by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Afternoon Session Agenda
Vail Town Council Chambers and virtually by Zoom.
Zoom meeting link: https://vail.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_12snSV4KT5mEvDEoL7Ye6w
12:00 PM August 5, 2025
Notes:
Times of items are approximate, subject to change, and cannot be relied upon to determine what time
Council will consider an item.
Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance Staff Memo- 080525.docx
Attachment A- Vail Single-Use Plastics Recommendations Memo By Lotus_080525.docx
Attachment B- Single-Use Plastics_Research Memo by Lotus_080525.docx
Attachment C- Vail Single-Use Plastics Reduction Ordinance Engagement Summary-
080525.pdf
Attachment D- Single-Use Plastic Survey Open-Ended Responses_080525.pdf
Vail SUP Council Presentation_FINAL_08052025_PPT.pdf
Single Use Plastics Public Comment.pdf
Memo - GHG Inventory and Modelling.pdf
GHG Inventory & Modeling Overview PPT_Lotus_080525.pdf
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3.3 Amendment to the Lionshead Redevelopment
Master Plan (West Lionshead) (2:30pm)
45 min.
Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
Presenter(s): Matt Gennett, Director of Community
Development
Background: The applicant, comprised of the Town of Vail,
East West Partners, and Vail Resorts, is requesting an
amendment to Section 5.17 and pertinent sections of the
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan (LRMP).
4.DRB/PEC (4:15pm)
4.1 DRB/PEC Update (5 min.)
5.Information Update (4:20pm)
5.1 July 2025 Revenue Update
6.Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports (4:20pm)
6.1 Matters from Mayor, Council and Committees (15 min.)
6.2 Town Manager Report (5 min.)
Community Picnic at Donovan Pavilion is on Tuesday,
August 12 at 11:30am
6.3 Council Matters and Status Update
7.Executive Session (4:40pm) (45 min.) Executive Session pursuant to:
1. C. R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b)(e) - to have a conference with the Town Attorney to receive legal
advice on specific legal questions; and to determine positions, develop a negotiating strategy
and instruct negotiators regarding 1. SeeWalker vs. Town of Vail Civil Action:24-cv-02833-
RMR-SBP; 2. Timber Ridge EHU Exchange Program; and 3. Development Agreement for
Cornerstone Site.
8.Recess 5:25pm (estimate)
GHG Inventory & Modeling Report_Lotus_080525.pdf
Staff Memo TC Afternoon 8-5-25.pdf
Presentation.pdf
Attachment A. Section 5.17 Comparison
Attachment B. Section 5.17 Proposed/Clean
Attachment C. Subsections Comparison
Attachment D. Subsections Proposed/Clean.pdf
DRB Results 7-16-25.pdf
PEC Results 7-14-25.pdf
PEC Results 7-28-25.pdf
250805 Revenue Update.pdf
TM Update 080525.pdf
250805 Matters.docx
Future Topics.docx
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Meeting agendas and materials can be accessed prior to meeting day on the Town of Vail website
www.vail.gov. All Town Council meetings will be streamed live by High Five Access Media and available
for public viewing as the meeting is happening. The meeting videos are also posted to High Five Access
Media website the week following meeting day, www.highfivemedia.org.
Please call 970-479-2460 for additional information. Sign language interpretation is available upon
request with 48 hour notification dial 711.
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
TIME:45 min.
SUBMITTED BY:Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability
ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion
AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (1:00pm)
SUBJECT:Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance Development Update:
Stakeholder Engagement Results and Policy Recommendations
Presentation (1:00pm)
SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback and policy direction.
PRESENTER(S):Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability Manager
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance Staff Memo- 080525.docx
Attachment A- Vail Single-Use Plastics Recommendations Memo By Lotus_080525.docx
Attachment B- Single-Use Plastics_Research Memo by Lotus_080525.docx
Attachment C- Vail Single-Use Plastics Reduction Ordinance Engagement Summary- 080525.pdf
Attachment D- Single-Use Plastic Survey Open-Ended Responses_080525.pdf
Vail SUP Council Presentation_FINAL_08052025_PPT.pdf
Single Use Plastics Public Comment.pdf
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To: Vail Town Council
From: Department of Environmental Sustainability
Date: August 5, 2025
Subject: Single-Use Plastics Reduction Policy
I. Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum and presentation is to provide the Vail Town Council with
policy recommendations and implementation approaches for a single-use plastic reduction
ordinance. These recommendations were informed by research of single-use plastics impacts
and engagement with local businesses, residents, visitors, industry experts, external
stakeholders, and peer resort communities who have already implemented single-use plastic
reduction ordinances.
II. Background
The specific direction to develop a single-use plastics reduction ordinance was initiated from
public comment at Town Council on January 16, 2024, on single-use plastic ordinances other
peer resort communities have adopted, and a student presentation to the Vail Town Council on
September 17, 2024, highlighting the environmental and health impacts of plastics. Following
these events, Vail Town Council directed staff to explore a single-use plastic reduction
ordinance that would align with the Vail community and its values. The Town of Vail worked with
Lotus Engineering and Sustainability to assist with the stakeholder engagement, research to
inform the recommendations, and to synthesize the research and engagement into proposed
recommendations for how the Town could advance a policy to reduce single-use plastics.
Goals
A regulation on single-use plastics is in alignment to the Town of Vail’s broader environmental
objectives, as outlined in its 5-Year Strategic Plan. Pursuing this effort would reinforce the
Town’s commitment to environmental leadership and resource stewardship. The single-use
plastics reduction initiative complements two key environmental outcomes prioritized by the Vail
Town Council:
1. Restoring Gore Creek’s health by using a single-use plastics ordinance to limit plastic
pollution and other contaminants that could jeopardize aquatic ecosystems and the
waterway’s Gold Medal fishery status.
2. Supporting the Town’s emissions reduction targets of 25% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and
80% by 2050, relative to 2014 levels. A single-use plastics reduction policy would
decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills, helping to prevent emissions associated
with landfill expansion.
a. Achieve a townwide 50% waste diversion rate:
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i. Divert 80% of organics through a town-wide compost program.
ii. Convert residential waste collection to a single hauler.
iii. Develop policy prohibiting single-use plastics.
iv. Divert 100% of all locally recoverable construction and demolition
materials from the landfill.
III. Research and Community Engagement
Lotus and staff conducted online research and gathered findings in a research report that
offers a clear, fact-based look at the impacts of single-use plastics on the environment and
public health. In addition, research of other peer resort communities who have already
implemented single-use plastics reduction policy, including the Town of Breckenridge, Town of
Frisco, Town of Telluride, and Town of Truckee. The goal of the research was to provide
information to both the community and to Council, to make informed decisions on a single-use
plastics policy.
The Town of Vail worked with Lotus Engineering and Sustainability to administer a stakeholder
engagement campaign with community members in the spring of 2025. The purpose of this
engagement was to help the Town of Vail assess resident and business opinions on single-use
plastics reduction policy and gather input on potential resources and needs from community
members if the Town were to move forward with such a policy. Engagement activities included a
community-wide survey, two in-person community meetings, one in-person business meeting,
direct business outreach, and a virtual meeting with external industry partners.
Lotus developed a Single-Use Plastic Reduction Memo that summarizes the research and
community engagement findings and provides detailed policy recommendations. This memo is
included as Attachment A. In addition, the comprehensive Single-Use Plastic Research Memo
is included as Attachment B and a detailed report of the Community and Business
Engagement Summary is included as Attachment C. Open ended survey responses are
included as Attachment D.
IV. Policy Recommendations
Based on the outcomes of the research and engagement conducted, the project team identified
a few recommended options for the Vail Town Council to consider if they choose to advance a
single-use plastic reduction ordinance. The action-specific recommendations below were born
from the single-use plastics research, results from the community and business survey,
discussions from the community and business workshops, and the direct business outreach on
this policy.
NO ACTION
There is always an option to take no action on this issue. The Town of Vail can move forward
without enacting any single-use plastics reduction policy. Businesses and community members
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can continue plastics reduction efforts on a voluntary basis, and the Town may opt to provide
resources and a certain level of support for those doing so.
However, as demonstrated in the research, while single-use plastics are low cost and
convenient, they have adverse impacts on the environment and significantly, on public health.
Furthermore, research on plastic bag bans has shown that these bans can be effective in
reducing plastic pollution in local environments. Taking no action will make it more challenging to
meet the Town Council’s strategic goals in the waste sector.
OPTION 1: A COMPREHENSIVE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS BAN
Adopt a comprehensive ban on a broad set of single-use plastic items within Town limits. This
would disallow the sale and distribution of the following products:
1. Plastic water bottles under 1 gallon
2. Plastic takeout containers
3. Plastic cutlery
4. Plastic straws
5. Plastic cups and lids
6. Plastic carry-out bags (already implemented at all retailers, but the ordinance would
expand bag prohibition to restaurants)
7. Plastic spill protectors and stir sticks
8. Personal mini hygiene/care products (e.g., hotel shampoo bottles)
9. Plastic condiment and creamer packages
OPTION 2: TARGETED BAN ON HIGH-IMPACT ITEMS
Adopt an ordinance that prohibits the sale and distribution of widely supported and highly visible
waste items. The remaining single-use plastics items could be listed as advisory or voluntary.
Option 2 includes disallowed sale and distribution of the following products:
1. Plastic water bottles under a gallon
2. Takeout containers
3. Plastic cutlery
4. Plastic straws
5. Plastic beverage cups and lids
PHASE APPROACH
To support an effective and manageable transition for both the Town and local businesses, the
ordinance could take a phase-in approach for either Option 1 or 2. The first phase would target
a small set of core, high-impact single-use plastic items, which could include: plastic water
bottles under a gallon, plastic takeout containers, plastic cups and lids, cutlery, and/or straws.
This initial focus allows for clear communication and smooth implementation, while also laying
the groundwork for potential future phases.
Additional product categories could be addressed in future ordinance updates, pending
community readiness and additional stakeholder input. The ordinance could include language
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allowing for the gradual rollout of future phases based on established criteria and policy
implementation and effectiveness checkpoints.
COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT
Whichever option is selected, for a business to comply with these requirements, they must
refrain from the sale and distribution of the determined products in the ordinance and switch to
approved, non-plastic alternatives that are either reusable, recyclable, or compostable. A
designated time period for which a business must come into compliance with the adoption of the
ordinance will need to be determined. Many businesses requested a long runaway leading up to
enforcement. It is recommended there be a 6-to-9-month window for educational efforts and
generally ensuring local businesses are informed of the ordinance and supported.
After the adopted time period for compliance passes, staff will conduct compliance checks with
all businesses to ensure proper compliance with the ordinance. If staff determine non-
compliance within a business, a three-step approach is recommended. The first step will be for
staff to provide additional education on the requirements of the ordinance and the business
owner or manager will be given an established date on which compliance must be met. If non-
compliance is continued, the second step will include a formal warning letter with an established
date on which compliance must be met indicating. The third step will require the determined fine
structure within the code will be applied.
POLICY EXEMPTIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Exemptions to compliance with this policy will need to be considered, particularly in the wake of
emergencies and if a business is experiencing economic hardship. Emergencies may include
natural disasters, loss of power, disruption to water treatment facilities, and/or hazardous
material spills.
Exemptions in certain social service and healthcare settings, which single-use plastics are
required to upkeep health standards, and for financial hardship can also be considered. The
Town could also put an exemption in place for emergency services departments, so they have
supply on hand in situations that call for the need for single-use plastic products.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
It was important to community members who participated in the stakeholder engagement that
Town of Vail show leadership on this initiative. As part of this policy approach, it is recommended
the Town start by removing single-use plastics from town operations alongside local businesses
who will be asked to comply. Exemptions for emergency services departments can also be
considered.
Recommendations for Business & Public Support and Infrastructure
To ensure the success of a single-use plastics reduction ordinance, stakeholder engagement
participants emphasized the need for clear, accessible support for both businesses and the
public. The Lotus Single-Use Plastic Policy Recommendation Memo (Attachment A) details the
support and infrastructure being proposed. The recommendations included in the Lotus Memo
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reflect consistent themes from Town of Vail stakeholder feedback, as well as successful models
from peer communities. Examples include:
A grant program to help businesses transition to alternatives (procuring durable/reusable
items, compostable items, installing water refill stations, etc.).
Providing additional public water filling stations in town.
Creating reusable water bottles for distribution and/or sale to visitors, residents, and
businesses.
Providing composting infrastructure, clear signage and education.
Developing product guides of approved alternatives.
Facilitating bulk purchasing agreements to reduce costs to businesses.
A budget of $50,000 – $200,000 could be allocated for these measures, depending on which
support, and infrastructure measures Council prioritizes for community and business
implementation of the ordinance. Staff have identified $100,000 of available funds in the current
2025 operating budget in the Destination Stewardship fund that could be allocated towards
support measures with staff requesting additional funding during the 2026 budget process.
VI. Input from The Planning and Environmental Commission
Staff and Lotus Engineering and Sustainability presented the research, community and
stakeholder engagement findings, and the policy recommendations to the Planning and
Environmental Commission on July 28, 2025. There were five commissioners present, and they
all supported a single-use plastic reduction ordinance. Several themes emerged, including:
Providing businesses with ample time for compliance is a must. The suggested runway
varied from 6 months-3 years.
The majority supported the comprehensive option to the single-use plastic items
included in the ordinance with many supporting implementing in a phased approach
starting with the most impactful. At least one commissioner supported the
comprehensive option with implementation happening all at one time.
Behavior change is very difficult, and education and clear signage is going to be critical.
When considering behavior change, there is a balance of responsibility between the user
and provider of single-use items that must be considered.
Business support will also be critical to ensure a smooth roll out and compliance.
VII. Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend Option 1- the comprehensive option with implementation occurring with a
phased approach. Staff recommend the following high impact items be included in the first
phase:
1. Plastic water bottles under 1 gallon
2. Plastic takeout containers
3. Plastic cutlery
4. Plastic straws
5. Plastic cups and lids
A nine-month period for compliance of the first phase is recommended with Council revisiting
the implementation of phase two after one full year of implementation. Additional single-use
plastic items to be included can be identified at that time. Staff recommends Council adopt a
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Lead-by-Example approach, ensuring town operations are also required to follow the ordinance
requirements. Staff also recommend exemptions for emergency scenarios, emergency services,
business hardships, social services, and health care. Staff recommend the three-step
compliance approach and enforcement approach identified above. Staff recommend all the
community and business support measures identified above be implemented in some capacity
and seek Council direction on the appropriate budget allocation for implementation.
VIII Input Requested of the Vail Town Council
After reviewing the materials and listening to the presentation on research, community
engagement, and policy recommendations for a single-use plastics ordinance in Vail, staff
request council input and direction on the following:
A. Does Council support moving forward with a single-use plastic ordinance? If so, is there
support for the comprehensive option with a phased approach?
B. Does Council support a “Lead by Example” approach for town operations?
C. What is the Council direction on the implementation timeline?
D. Which community and business support measures does Council support?
E. What type of budget does Council support for implementation?
F. Which policy exemptions does Council want to consider including in the ordinance?
VII. Next Steps
Based on input from Vail Town Council with direction on the policy recommendations,
implementation timeline, and community and business support and infrastructure, staff will
return with a proposed ordinance, detailed program design, and implementation plan including a
budget breakdown for infrastructure improvements and community and business support to
implement the ordinance.
VIII. Attachments:
a. Vail Single-Use Plastics Reduction Memo by Lotus Engineering
b. Single-Use Plastic Research Report by Lotus Engineering
c. Vail Single-Use Plastics Reduction Ordinance Engagement Summary by Lotus
Engineering
d. Single-Use Plastic Survey Open-Ended Responses
e. Vail SUP Presentation Final- 080525 by Lotus Engineering
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Single-Use Plastics Reduction Memo
To: Vail Town Council
From: Lotus Engineering & Sustainability
Date: August 5, 2025
Subject: Single-use Plastics Reduction Ordinance Recommendations Memo
Purpose & Structure
The purpose of this memo is to present the Vail Town Council with policy recommendations
and implementation approaches for a single-use plastics reduction ordinance. These
recommendations were informed by research of single-use plastics impacts and
engagement with local businesses, residents, and visitors.
Background
The specific direction to develop a single-use plastics reduction ordinance was spurred from
public comment on January 16, 2024 on single-use plastic ordinances other mountain
tourism-based communities have adopted, and a student presentation to the Vail Town
Council on September 17, 2024, highlighting the environmental and health impacts of
plastics. Following these events, Vail Town Council directed staff to explore a single-use
plastics reduction ordinance that would align with the Vail community and its values. The
Town of Vail worked with Lotus Engineering and Sustainability to assist with the stakeholder
engagement, research to inform the recommendations, and to synthesize the research and
engagement into proposed recommendations for how the Town could advance a policy to
reduce single-use plastics.
A regulation on single-use plastics is in alignment the Town of Vail’s broader environmental
objectives, as outlined in its 5-Year Strategic Plan. Pursuing this effort would reinforce the
Town’s commitment to environmental leadership and resource stewardship. The single-use
plastics reduction initiative complements two key environmental outcomes prioritized by the
Council:
1. Restoring Gore Creek’s health by using a single-use plastics ordinance to limit plastic
pollution and other contaminants that could jeopardize aquatic ecosystems and the
waterway’s Gold Medal fishery status.
2. Supporting the Town’s emissions reduction targets of 25% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and
80% by 2050, relative to 2014 levels. A single-use plastics reduction policy would
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decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills, helping to prevent emissions
associated with landfill expansion.
3. Achieve a townwide 50% waste diversion rate:
a) Divert 80% of organics through town-wide compost program.
b) Convert residential waste collection to a single hauler.
c) Develop policy prohibiting single-use plastics.
d) Divert 100% of all locally recoverable construction and demolition materials
from the landfill.
Impacts of Single-Use Plastics on Human and Environmental
Health
Lotus conducted online research and gathered findings in a research memo that offers a
clear, fact-based look at the impacts of single-use plastics on the environment and public
health. The goal of the research was to provide information to both the community and to
Council, to make informed decisions on a single-use plastics policy. A comprehensive
research memo was developed by synthesizing findings from a range of reputable sources
including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD), Scientific American, the National Institute of Health
(NIH), and others. These sources were selected for their scientific rigor. Primary takeaways
are listed below, and the full research memo and bibliography of citations can be found in
Appendix A.
1. Single-Use Plastics Are Challenging to Recycle and Hazardous to Reuse
Single-use plastics present major challenges for recycling systems. Scientific
American reports that over 90% of global plastic production consists of “primary
plastics” made from fossil fuels, with only 10% of plastics having been recycled even
once, and just 1% recycled twice.1 Infrastructure limitations, contamination, and
inconsistent labeling contribute to low recycling rates. In tourism-heavy areas like
Vail, visitors may have different recycling rules in their hometowns and often
“wishcycle” (i.e., tossing non-recyclable items into recycling bins with the hope that
they will be recycled) which further exacerbate the problem.2
1 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-its-so-hard-to-recycle-plastic/
2 https://lalaplast.com/our-planet-is-choking-on-plastic/
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Moreover, the reuse of single-use plastics, including PET bottles, carries potential
health risks. Studies show that phthalates and other plasticizers can leach into bottled
contents under certain conditions, especially with low pH liquids or elevated
temperatures. These substances have been linked to hormonal disruption,
reproductive issues, and developmental impacts.3,4
2. Single-Use Plastics Pollute the Environment and Can Enter the Ecosystem in Many
Ways
Single-use plastics are among the most pervasive pollutants in both urban and
natural environments. Between 2000 and 2019, plastic waste more than doubled
globally, with 22% of waste ending up in uncontrolled environments like open dumps
and waterways.5 As single-use and other plastics break down in the environment,
they become pervasive pollutants that are extremely difficult to extract and can
travel via atmospheric and waterborne transport across the globe. In Colorado,
microplastics have been found in every sampled waterway and in the snowpack of
high-alpine ecosystems such as Rocky Mountain National Park.6 According to
anecdotal evidence from the Eagle River Coalition, Walking Mountains, and Town of
Vail, a majority of the waste collected in local highway and river cleanups in Eagle
County is single-use plastics.
Even when plastic pollution originates outside of Vail, it can still affect the region
through atmospheric and waterborne transport. Airborne plastics deposited via dust
and rain have been traced back to distant urban centers and found in high-elevation
environments surrounding Vail.7 Locally, plastic waste can enter Gore Creek and other
sensitive habitats, undermining ecological health of these riparian areas and Vail’s
sustainability goals to restore Gore Creek.
3. Microplastics Cause Major Health Impacts
Microplastics come into our environment from many sources, including single-use
plastic bottles, packaging, food service ware, textiles, discarded plastic gear and
equipment, and more.8 There are serious risks associated with inhalation, ingestion,
or skin contact of everyday single-use plastic use, especially in food service and
3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3299092/
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22412286/
5 https://doi.org/10.1787/de747aef-en
6 https://www.denverpost.com/2020/06/11/plastic-pollution-wind-rocky-mountain-national-park/
7 https://www.denverpost.com/2020/06/11/plastic-pollution-wind-rocky-mountain-national-park/
8 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072287/
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beverage packaging, which transmit microplastics into our bodies. Microplastics
have been detected in the human bloodstream, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and even
placentas.9,10 These particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta,
potentially leading to inflammatory responses, hormonal disruption, and
neurological or developmental issues.11 Plastic-associated chemicals like phthalates
and flame retardants are classified as probable human carcinogens and are
particularly dangerous to infants and pregnant individuals.12
4. Plastic Bans Have Been Studied to be Effective
A study conducted by Papp and Oremus (2025) for the journal, Science, provides peer-
reviewed evidence that plastic bag bans and fees are effective tools for reducing
plastic pollution on shorelines. Analyzing six years of coastal cleanup data across
hundreds of U.S. jurisdictions, the researchers found that plastic bag bans were
associated with a 37% reduction in shoreline bag litter, while fees led to a 30%
reduction. These effects were consistent even after controlling for factors like volunteer
behavior and cleanup frequency, suggesting a direct causal link between policy
adoption and pollution outcomes. The Town of Vail has also experienced the impact
of a plastic bag ban. Since the policy was put in place in 2015, an estimated annual 4.5
million plastic bags have been taken out of the waste stream. There was additionally
a significant decline in plastic bags picked up during highway and river cleanup
events.
Importantly, the study found that policies were most effective when they applied
broadly across retail sectors rather than being limited to grocery stores alone. Both
bans and fees were particularly impactful in high-pollution areas, indicating that
targeted local action can yield significant environmental benefits. This research offers
some of the strongest statistical evidence to date that regulating plastic bags,
whether through bans or economic disincentives, can measurably reduce plastic
waste in natural environments.
Plastics are not just a waste management problem, they pose serious and far-reaching risks
to human health, and ecosystems. These research findings underscore the importance of
9 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020322297
10 https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP13435
11 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9552327
12 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151227
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local action and set the stage for considering how Vail can lead to meaningful solutions to
address the risks of plastic pollution in the local community.
Peer Community Ordinances
Importantly, the Town of Vail is not the only mountain town with a tourism-based economy
to implement an ordinance to reduce single-use plastics. The following communities have
enacted single-use reduction ordinances. As part of the project team’s investigation into
potential policy options for the Town of Vail, interviews were conducted with Breckenridge
and Telluride to better understand the mechanics of their policies, and to understand lessons
learned from policy implementation. These communities’ policies provide example
approaches for penalties for non-compliance, resources and support for businesses,
exemptions, and more.
BRECKENRIDGE, CO – POLICY ENACTED IN 2024
Policy Summary:
Products included
o Banned single-use plastic water bottles (under one gallon) and food service
ware (including but not limited to all types of single-use items provided by a
retail food establishment or third-party delivery platform, including, but not
limited to, utensils, chopsticks, napkins, straws, stirrers, splash sticks, and
cocktail sticks, designed for a single-use).
o Polystyrene food service ware, and container items (cups, clamshells).
o Compostable plastics are not allowed as an alternative to single-use plastic
products. Fiber and aluminum products are allowed as alternatives.
o “Skip the Stuff” requirement for single-use (compostable or plastic) cutlery,
condiments, etc. This requirement asks food service businesses to provide
these items by request only.
o The policy also applies to all local government items and operations.
Penalties
o Municipal fines and enforcement codified via Ordinance 12-23 aimed at
reducing plastic consumption and achieving waste reduction goals.
Resources for businesses
o Outreach through Restaurants Association meetings, public education
campaigns (“Good ToGo”), FAQs, supplier guidance, and highlighting
alternatives such as compostable or aluminum service ware.
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Exemptions
o Meals provided as part of a social service to vulnerable populations.
o Use of existing inventory, purchased prior to adoption of the ordinance.
TELLURIDE, CO – POLICY ENACTED IN 2023, EFFECTIVE 2024
Policy Summary:
Products included
o Single-use plastic water bottles (under one gallon), straws, plastic cutlery,
polystyrene containers, and small plastic items (swabs, condiment packets).
o Introduced “Skip the Stuff” requirement.
Penalties
o Tiered fines based on number of violations within the same calendar year.
Resources for businesses
o FAQs, business forums, guidance on alternatives, and supplier referrals.
Exemptions
o Materials used for packaging of medical supplies, emergency situations in
which single-use plastic water bottles are necessary for public health, and first
responder situations.
FRISCO, CO – POLICY ENACTED IN 2023, EFFECTIVE 2024
Policy Summary:
Products included:
o Proposal bans single-use plastic water bottles (under one gallon), polystyrene
to-go containers; implements “Skip the Stuff” requirements (see above) for
condiments and service ware (effective July 2024); continues state-aligned
bag bans.
o Single-use plastic water bottles and plastic cups are prohibited in Town owned
and operated buildings and Town operated and permitted special events.
Penalties
o General penalties for Town of Frisco code violations apply which can include
fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both.
Resources for businesses
o Guidance includes FAQs, supplier outreach, and info on bag alternatives
following state rules.
Exemptions
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o Emergency situations, including disruptions to potable water, medical
device/product packaging.
Other important details
o Frisco aligns with statewide HB 21‑1162, the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, bag
rules, which requires stores with 3 or more locations in Colorado to charge a fee
for either paper or plastic bags, and emphasizes transition through public
education and phased rollout.
TRUCKEE, CA – POLICY ENACTED IN 2024, EFFECTIVE 2025
Policy Summary:
Products included
o Bans commercial sale/distribution of single-use plastic water bottles, paper
cartons (under one gallon), and expanded polystyrene.
o Implements “Skip the Stuff” requirements for condiments and single-use food
ware (effective January 2024).
Penalties
o Administrative Citation written for Municipal Code Violations:
First Violation $100, Second Violation $200, Third Violation $500
Resources for businesses
o Water bottle filling station grant program and accompanying map of locations,
and fact sheet.
Exemptions
o Emergencies, patient care at healthcare facilities, social services.
Other Important Details
o All restaurants or other prepared food vendors are required to charge
customers twenty-five cents ($0.25) for each disposable cup and disposable
takeout container provided.
Town of Vail Stakeholder Engagement Summary
The Town of Vail worked with Lotus Engineering and Sustainability to administer a stakeholder
engagement campaign with community members in the spring of 2025. The purpose of this
engagement was to help the Town of Vail assess resident and business opinions on single-
use plastics reduction policy and gather input on potential resources and needs from
community members if the Town were to move forward with such a policy. Engagement
activities included a community-wide survey, two in-person community meetings, one in-
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person business meeting, direct business outreach, and a virtual meeting with external
industry partners.
Overall Town of Vail resident and business engagement revealed strong shared values
around environmental stewardship, with many full-time residents and some businesses
expressing support for reducing single-use plastics in Vail. However, levels of support diverge
depending on the stakeholder group and their perspectives on the impact of policy
implementation.
COMMUNITY SUMMARY OF INPUT
1. The community survey received nearly 140 responses from full-time residents,
seasonal residents, non-Vail Eagle County residents, and visitors. The two public
workshops drew participation of ~50 locals. The majority of public participants,
across residential statuses, were supportive of efforts to reduce single-use plastics
in the Town of Vail.
2. For those who supported the policy, the top priorities for reducing single-use plastic
products included plastic water bottles, plastic carry out bags, to-go containers,
plastic cutlery, plastic cups, and plastic straws.
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Figure 1: Aggregated answers to the survey question: "Which single-use plastic items should be prioritized for
reduction?"
3. Residents want to see Vail lead on this issue, citing climate responsibility and
alignment with the Town’s identity.
4. Residents flagged limited composting infrastructure, confusion about what is
recyclable or compostable, and concerns about plastic product replacements, such
as compostable plastics that are corn-based products, as barriers that will need to
be resolved to address the waste of the replacement single-use items.
5. If Vail was to move forward with an ordinance disallowing the sale of single-use plastic
water bottles, workshop attendees emphasized the need for more water refill
stations in Town, consistent signage on where water stations are and the water
quality of those stations, and better public education on the effort and alternative
options for those that rely on single-use water bottles, with a focus on visitors and
guests.
BUSINESSES SUMMARY OF INPUT
1. Business participation included 24 survey respondents, a dedicated workshop, and
targeted outreach to 16 additional businesses.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Other
None
Plastic spill plugs
Plastic mini personal hygiene containers
Plastic condiment packets/packages
All
Plastic mini creamer container
Plastic cotton swabs
Plastic garnish spears
Plastic lids
Plastic wrapped toothpicks
Plastic stirrers
Plastic food containers
Plastic cutlery
Plastic cups
Plastic straws
Plastic to-go containers
Plastic carry-out bags
Plastic water bottles under a gallon in…
Which single-use plastic items do you think should be
prioritized for reduction?
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2. Of the Town of Vail Businesses engaged, there were mixed levels of support for a
single-use plastic ordinance. 65% of businesses have already taken the initiative to
reduce single-use plastics, 11 cited concerns with an ordinance but could be
supportive, and 2 were not supportive of advancing a single-use plastic ordinance.
Others engaged were neutral or unclear. Those who could be supportive of an
ordinance cited needs from the Town, such as financial and logistical assistance in
switching to alternatives, adequate time to come into compliance, and training and
education, in order to be supportive.
3. Between the survey and the direct business outreach, nearly 30 businesses reported
they are already reducing single-use plastics through replacing those products with
compostables, reusables, or alternative packaging.
4. Key challenges identified by businesses in finding alternatives to their single-use
plastic items include supply availability of alternative non-plastic products; the
potential for increased costs; operational burdens and additional time required of
business owners (e.g., training seasonal labor force, lack of space, finding
alternatives); and finding products that meet customer expectations.
5. Many businesses prefer to start with “like-for-like” product swaps, using plastic
alternatives such as compostable plastics or non-plastic single-use products, as
this will be easier to implement than reusables or durables.
6. Several businesses expressed preference for collaborative approaches to reduce
single-use plastics over mandates, though some would support an ordinance with
clear guidance and recognition programs for businesses who’ve already made strides
to reduce single-use products.
7. Businesses called for improved compost infrastructure to accommodate the switch
to compostable alternatives, to achieve the goal of overall waste reduction, and
strong visitor education from the Town of Vail to ensure businesses do not have to be
the education arm of the ordinance.
EXTERNAL PARTNERS SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS
Outside of the Vail community, Lotus and Town of Vail Staff engaged with experts in the
materials, waste, and packaging field to better understand the ecosystem in Colorado and
gain insights into how a future ordinance could be successful in Vail.
Representatives from the Colorado Beverage Association, Colorado Restaurant Association,
U.S. Foods, Beyond Plastics, Recycle Colorado, City Market, and Feather Petroleum Company
highlighted larger systemic considerations such as:
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At present, there are some limited supplier inventories of single-use plastic alternative
products.
Durables (reusable items such as plates, Tupperware, bamboo utensils, stainless steel
or sports water bottles, etc.) should be the end goal. If following the “Reduce, reuse,
and recycle” framework for waste diversion, durables can help the community both
reduce single-use plastic products and reuse existing products, lowering overall
consumption.
Cost differentials between the single-use plastic item and a compostable, reusable,
or recyclable non-plastic alternative.
Equipment costs and constraints for companies to make the switch to producing non-
plastic beverage alternatives, which has been a limiting factor in alternatives being
widely available.
Some compostable products may act like conventional plastics, persisting in the
environment and causing similar pollution, especially if they do not break down as
intended in real-world waste or natural conditions without proper industrial
composting facilities. This underscores the need for clear waste processing pathways
and public communication on best composting practices.
CROSS-CUTTING THEMES FROM STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
1. There is support for reducing single-use plastics, with strong backing from residents
and majority, though mixed, support from businesses. The most frequently mentioned
items include plastic water bottles, to-go containers, carry-out bags, utensils, cups,
and straws.
2. If an ordinance was to move forward consistent messaging, clear guidance, and
standardized signage emerged as shared needs.
3. For businesses that were concerned about the ordinance, there were common
concerns around cost, potentially limited supply of alternatives, guest experience,
operations impacts, and insufficient composting infrastructure to manage the
waste of “alternative” plastic products.
Options for Policy Approaches & Resources
Based on the outcomes of the research and engagement conducted, the project team
identified a few recommended ways forward for the Town of Vail if they chose to advance a
single-use plastic reduction ordinance.
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The action-specific recommendations below were born from the single-use plastics
research, results from the community and business survey, discussions from the community
and business workshops, and the direct business outreach on this policy. Following the policy
recommendations are detailed the resources and support the Town of Vail may consider, to
help the community and businesses transition away from single-use plastics, whether an
ordinance is enacted or not.
NO ACTION
There is always an option for the Council to take no action on this issue. Council can move
forward without enacting any single-use plastics reduction policy. Businesses and
community members can continue plastics reduction efforts on a voluntary basis, and the
Town may opt to provide resources and a certain level of support for those doing so.
However, as demonstrated in the research, while single-use plastics are low cost and
convenient, they have adverse impacts on the environment and significantly, on public
health. Furthermore, research on plastic bag bans has shown that these bans can be
effective in reducing plastic pollution in local environments. Taking no action will make it
more challenging to meet the Town Council’s strategic goals in the waste sector.
OPTION 1: A COMPREHENSIVE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS BAN
Adopt a comprehensive ban on a broad set of single-use plastic items within Town limits.
This would disallow the sale and distribution of the following products:
1. Plastic water bottles under 1 gallon
2. Plastic takeout containers
3. Plastic beverage cups and lids
4. Plastic cutlery
5. Plastic straws
6. Plastic carry-out bags (already implemented at all retailers, but the ordinance would
expand bag prohibition to restaurants)
7. Plastic spill protectors and stir sticks
8. Personal mini hygiene/care products (e.g., hotel shampoo bottles)
9. Plastic condiment and creamer packages
COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT
For a business to comply with these requirements, they must refrain from the sale and
distribution of the products listed above and switch to approved, non-plastic alternatives
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that are either recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Council may decide on a designated
time period for which a business must come into compliance with the adoption of the
ordinance. Many businesses requested a long runaway leading up to enforcement. It is
recommended there be a 6-to-9-month window for educational efforts and generally
ensuring local businesses are informed of the ordinance and supported.
If Council was to pursue Option 1, a next step would be to determine non-compliance
penalties and a proposed system for compliance checks for this policy. For the plastic bag
ban, the Town has used appropriate documentation of bag fees collected and any other
records that could verify compliance.
POLICY EXEMPTIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Council may opt to consider exemptions to compliance with this policy, particularly in the
wake of emergencies and if a business is experiencing economic hardship. Emergencies
may include natural disasters, loss of power, disruption to water treatment facilities,
hazardous material spills and/or a demonstration of hardship for a business.
The Council could also consider for exemptions in certain social service and healthcare
settings, which single-use plastics are required to upkeep health standards. The Town could
also put an exemption in place for emergency services departments, so they have supply on
hand in situations that call for the need for single-use plastic products.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
It was important to community members who participated in the stakeholder engagement
that Town of Vail show leadership on this initiative. As part of this policy a pproach, it is
recommended the Town start by removing single-use plastics from town operations
alongside local businesses who will be asked to comply. As stated above, Council may
consider an exemption for emergency services departments.
OPTION 2: TARGETED BAN ON HIGH-IMPACT ITEMS
Adopt an ordinance that prohibits the sale and distribution of widely supported and highly
visible waste items. The remaining single-use plastics items could be listed as advisory or
voluntary.
Option 2 includes disallowed sale and distribution of the following products:
1. Plastic water bottles under a gallon
2. Takeout containers
3. Plastic beverage cups and lids
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4. Plastic cutlery
5. Plastic straws
COMPLIANCE
Compliance and implementation are the same as Option 1. It is recommended the Town
give Vail businesses adequate time to become educated on ordinance details and
determine their own product needs. If single-use plastic items beyond the products banned
are listed as advisory, there would be no penalty for non-compliance.
If Council was to pursue Option 2, a next step would be to determine non-compliance
penalties and a proposed system for compliance checks for this policy.
POLICY EXEMPTIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Like Option 1, exemptions could be considered for emergencies, hardships, and social
services/healthcare operations.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Like Option 1, leading by example for the Town would be a strong recommendation for policy
implementation.
OPTION 1 AND 2 ALTERNATIVE: PHASED APPROACH
To support an effective and manageable transition for both the Town and local businesses,
the ordinance could take a phase-in approach for either Option 1 or 2. The first phase would
target a small set of high-impact single-use plastic items. This initial focus allows for clear
communication and smooth implementation, while also laying the groundwork for potential
future phases.
The initial product scope could include plastic water bottles under a gallon and plastic
takeout containers. Additional product categories, such as cutlery, bags, straws, lids, cups,
etc. could be addressed in future ordinance updates, pending community readiness and
additional stakeholder input.
The ordinance could include language allowing for the gradual rollout of future phases
based on established criteria and policy implementation and effectiveness checkpoints as
determined by Council.
Compliance, exemptions, and lead by example elements of each recommendation would
also apply in a phase approach.
OPTIONS FOR BUSINESS & PUBLIC SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
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To ensure the success of a single-use plastics reduction ordinance, stakeholder
engagement participants emphasized the need for clear, accessible support for both
businesses and the public. The following recommendations reflect consistent themes from
Town of Vail stakeholder feedback, as well as successful models from peer communities.
The Town of Vail sustainability staff proposes using funding from the Destination Stewardship
budget specifically for business support in complying with a single-use plastics reduction
policy. The following strategies to support businesses should be considered:
1. Create standardized signage and outreach materials to support consistent
messaging and reduce confusion for both staff and customers.
2. Launch a recognition initiative to spotlight local businesses that have taken
meaningful steps toward reducing single-use plastics, thereby fostering community
goodwill and peer motivation.
3. Develop partnerships with vendors of single-use plastics alternatives to create
product guides to help businesses select and acquire compliant products.
4. Establish rebate or grant programs to help offset the initial cost of switching to
alternative products.
5. Coordinate opportunities for Vail businesses to collectively purchase compliant
products at reduced costs through bulk buying initiatives.
6. Implementation and/or subsidization of a durable take out pilot program to reduce
single-use to go items, like coffee cups, at coffee shops and restaurants in Vail.
The following strategies to support the Vail resident and visitor community should be
considered:
1. Launch and fund an ongoing public education effort to build awareness of the
ordinance, clarify what is and isn’t allowed, and encourage community buy-in.
2. Continue work to expand access to composting services throughout the Town and
access to ensure that compostable alternative products can be disposed of properly
in compost and avoid contamination in the recycling waste stream. The education
efforts mentioned above will be crucial in the success of compost service expansion.
3. Increase the number and visibility of public water refill stations to reduce reliance on
single-use plastic bottled water and support behavior change.
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Recommended Policy Approach, & Business & Community
Resources
Based on community engagement and research conducted, it is recommended that
Council proceed with Option 1, the comprehensive product ban, paired with a phased
approach. This structure allows for the Town to take meaningful action on high-impact items
while giving businesses and the community time to adjust.
In this recommendation, Phase 1 would include five high-impact items: single-use plastic
water bottles, takeout containers, beverage cups and lids, cutlery, and straws. The ordinance
would also include a built-in pathway to expand to the remaining items.
To support a successful rollout, a 9-month runway is recommended, during which education
and outreach efforts will scale up to ensure that both businesses and the public are well-
informed about the ordinance, resources are able to be created and widely shared, and
business resourcing support from the Town can be leveraged. A second phase may be
implemented up to a year after Phase 1, with the option to reassess the included items to
confirm that a ban remains the most effective approach.
Exemptions should be limited and clearly defined. Exemptions should include at the onset
public safety departments (e.g., fire and police) to ensure operational flexibility while still
leading by example. Exemptions for emergencies, water supply disruptions, and natural
disasters should be included in the policy. Finally, additional hardship exemptions for
businesses that may include supply chain constraints, financial burden, or other hardships
should be available to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, offering flexibility on
compliance timelines.
A three-step compliance process is recommended, aligned with the Town Code fine
structure to ensure clarity and fairness. For the first violation, staff would educate the business
on the policy and rules, the second violation would result in a warning, and a third violation
would result in a fine.
Business and community support is also strongly recommended to be tied to policy
adoption. Staff has identified a potential resource range of $50,000–$200,000 to support
implementation, depending on the level of support and infrastructure Council wishes to
provide. Ideally, $100,000 would be allocated for a business grant program and another
$100,000 for public education, public water refill stations, a reusable bottle program, and
other resources as needed. It is estimated that $100,000 could be allocated to this initiative
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from the Destination Stewardship budget for 2025. Based on models from peer communities
with business grant programs, grant awards typically range from $2,500–$5,000 per
business. A budget of $100,00 would enable support for 20–40 businesses to transition away
from single-use plastics.
Priority business and community support mechanisms that are recommended to
accompany a policy include the following measures:
Businesses
1. Create standardized signage and outreach materials to support consistent
messaging and reduce confusion for both staff and customers.
2. Launch a recognition initiative to spotlight local businesses that have taken
meaningful steps toward reducing single-use plastics, thereby fostering community
goodwill and peer motivation.
3. Develop partnerships with vendors of single-use plastics alternatives to create
product guides to help businesses select and acquire compliant products.
4. Establish rebate or grant programs to help offset the initial cost of switching to
alternative products.
Community
1. Launch and fund an ongoing public education effort to build awareness of the
ordinance, clarify what is and isn’t allowed, and encourage community buy-in.
2. Increase the number and visibility of public water refill stations to reduce reliance on
single-use plastic bottled water and support behavior change.
Expansion of composting infrastructure for community members and businesses was also
flagged throughout engagement as necessary to accompany a single-use plastic ban to
enable the diversion of non-plastic alternatives. The continued growth of Town of Vail efforts
already in place for businesses composting (grant program) and residential composting
(subsidies) is encouraged alongside the resources outlined above.
With Council direction, staff would return with draft ordinance language, a full program
design, inclusive of enforcement and compliance protocols, and a detailed budget for both
community and business support. It is also an option to sync ordinance messaging with the
upcoming Love Vail rebrand and the Better Than Bottled campaign, which offers a timely and
effective platform for public engagement—pending confirmation of launch timing.
Future Considerations & Innovations
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While immediate ordinance implementation may focus on core product categories and
foundational support, the Town of Vail is encouraged to remain open to creative, longer-term
partnerships and resource development. The following ideas are not recommendations for
immediate Council action but represent potential avenues for future exploration. The
partnerships outlined below could help Vail stay at the forefront of waste reduction and
plastic reductions in the state. The following ideas came out of direct conversations had with
local organizations, involved community members, and innovations from peer communities.
1. Develop partnerships with companies to provide reusable cups and to go container
programs, such as the pilot program Town of Breck is implementing with a reusable
goods company called Retrocycle.
2. Consider developing partnerships with local canned water companies, such as Lost
Identity Beverages in Eagle County, to support alternatives to plastic water bottles
while also bolstering the local economy.
3. Build relationships with distributors of plastic-free product alternatives to increase
local access, improve product availability, and reduce logistical challenges for
businesses.
4. Maintain and strengthen partnerships with organizations like EcoCycle and Recycle
Colorado to stay informed about emerging technologies, regulatory developments,
and new waste reduction strategies that could inform future ordinance evolution.
Council Decision Points
As the Town of Vail moves toward finalizing a single-use plastics reduction ordinance, the
following components will require Council discussion and input to shape the final language
and implementation approach:
● Does the Council support the comprehensive ban with a phased approach?
● Does the Council support a 9-month timeline for the first phase of implementation?
● Confirm the scope of exemptions to include in the ordinance. Current
recommendations include emergency exemptions (e.g., natural disasters, water
disruptions, health care, and social services) and hardship exemptions to ensure
flexibility for businesses with unique operational challenges.
● Provide guidance on the types and level of support the Town will provide for
businesses and the public. This may include vendor guides, grants or rebates, bulk
purchasing coordination, standardized signage, composting infrastructure, and
education campaigns, all of which were strongly supported during stakeholder
engagement.
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With thoughtful planning and targeted support, Vail has the opportunity to lead on reducing
plastic waste in a way that aligns with its environmental values and economic vitality.
Council direction will ensure the ordinance is right sized for community success.
Accompanying Documents
Research Memo with Bibliography
Stakeholder Engagement Summary
Open-Ended Survey Responses
Example Product List from Town of Vail
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
MEMO
TO: Town of Vail
FROM: Lotus Engineering & Sustainability
SUBJECT: Single-Use Plastics Research
Overview of Research
Source: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Addressing Single-Use
Plastic Products Pollution Using a Lifecycle Approach1
About: UNEP is an arm of the United Nations whose work focuses on addressing the
world’s environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution,
and waste.2 This publication was commissioned and supervised by UNEP and the Life
Cycle Initiative, which is hosted by UNEP.
The objective of this report is to guide policy and decision making around single-use
plastics using a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a tool, which calculates and
evaluates the environmental impacts of the life-cycle of a product, material, or
service. The report provides a set of actions that have already been undertaken by
Member States (U.S.), and examines the results of eight meta-studies on the LCA of
single-use plastics products and their alternatives.
Potential bias: The United Nations’ mission is to promote peace, dignity and equality
across the globe3. The report cited in this memo examines several meta-analyses,
which can mitigate bias through thoughtful examination of various studies. The
website, mediabiasfactcheck.com identifies UNEP as “Pro-Science”, with legitimate,
unbiased, evidence-based sourcing.4
Findings: The meta-analyses that were conducted examined shopping bags,
beverage bottles, beverage cups, takeaway food packaging, tableware, diapers,
menstrual products, and facemasks. For each product that was examined, key
1https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/35109/ASUP.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y
2https://www.unep.org/who-we-are/about-us
3https://www.unep.org/who-we-are/about-us
4 https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/united-nations-environment-programme-unep/
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
characteristics and factors were identified to inform policies and select alternatives.
The report found that for shopping bags, reusable bags must be used multiple times
for optimum reduction of environmental impacts, and that consumer behavior must
be considered to increase reuse rates. For plastic bottles, the following key factors
were identified for consideration to better understand their environmental impact
compared to alternatives:
● The material and weight of the beverage container: The studies found
significant differences between container materials and their environmental
performance.
● Functional differences: Considering beverage system’s functional differences.
For example, a container’s capacity to deliver large volumes to households
that do not have access to clean drinking water.
● Beverage container volume: Volume can also impact performance. For
example, cartons can be the best choice for juice packaging of small volumes,
but larger polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles may be preferable to
smaller ones depending on the volume.
● Maturity of technologies and production routes: The scale of the solutions of
providing beverages could also influence environmental performance.
● Reuse rate and end of life practices: Collection, recycling, reuse, extent of
landfilling or incineration, and energy recovery are important considerations.
For example, glass bottles may need to be reused at least three times to be
environmentally comparable with aluminum cans and PET bottles.
● Geographic context: The geographic context of production and end of life
processes, as well as user behavior all influence the environmental impact of
alternatives and other solutions.
The report identified 10 factors for policymakers to consider when using LCA to inform
policymaking on single-use plastic products and their alternatives. The 10 factors are
below and can be further explored in the report:
1. Promotion of multiple use. Can you reduce the use of single-use products
and incentivize reuse, whatever the material?
2. Sources of information. Are a range of information sources being used?
3. Context-specific data and information. Do you have robust data and
information specific to your local context?
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
4. Functional differences. Are there functional differences that need
consideration?
5. Production. How can impacts be reduced at the production stage?
6. Technology maturity. What is the level of technological maturity of solutions?
7. End of life practices. What are the end of life practices in your location?
8. Future changes. What is the potential for change?
9. Trade-offs and burden-shifting. Are trade-offs and burden-shifting
identified?
10. Design. How can the design of the products help reduce environmental
impacts?
Recommended policy actions to address single-use plastics fall into three
categories: regulatory (bans, labeling and reporting requirements, etc.), market-
based (taxes, pay as you throw, etc.), and information and voluntary (research,
industry voluntary agreements, etc.).
The report also suggests considering the gender dimension when crafting such
policies. For example, a report by OECD (2020), referenced in this report, noted that at
the household level, women are often responsible for managing plastic in terms of
purchasing household necessities, recycling, and waste disposal.
Lastly, the report summarizes that single-use products require careful examination
and consideration of a variety of factors. Replacing one disposable plastic product
with another disposable product made from different material is likely to shift the
burdens and impacts to other stakeholders and create other environmental impacts.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. If Vail wants to ban single-use plastic bottles, there are many factors that
should be considered when comparing them to their potential alternatives:
a. The material and weight of alternative beverage containers, as this can
influence environmental impacts through transportation and
production.
b. The technologies and production routes, as these can impact
environmental performance.
c. The reuse rates and end of life practices. Particularly Vail’s geographic
context and local behaviors around end of life practices for each
material.
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
2. When considering which alternatives to use in place of single-use plastics,
further research should be conducted to ensure there are no other
environmental impacts across its lifespan that are just as harmful or more
harmful than the single-use plastic product.
3. Alternative products can shift the burdens and impacts to other stakeholders
throughout its lifecycle such as communities near extraction sites or waste
management systems that may be strained with the introduction of a new
material. Further exploration of who in Vail households is responsible for
managing plastics could inform stakeholder engagement. The OECD report
cited above noted that women are often responsible for managing plastic in
terms of purchasing and recycling or waste disposal. Having conversations
with these stakeholders could be informative in developing the policy or
supporting educational materials.
Source: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Global Plastics
Outlook - Economic Drivers, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Options.5
About: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a
global forum and public policy hub, working with over 100 countries including the
United States to shape policies that improve society6. This organization published a
report on the lifecycle of plastics around the world, including production,
consumption, waste, recycling, disposal, leakage, and greenhouse gas emissions.
OECD examined production, trade, and use of plastics, as well as plastic waste
management and leakage into the environment using modeling techniques, and
developed a roadmap towards net-zero plastic leakage and more circular use of
plastics7.
Potential bias: OECD appears to be generally recognized as a reliable, non-biased
organization8. However, there has been public and scientific criticism that it holds
some bias towards principles of the western liberal tradition9.
5 https://doi.org/10.1787/de747aef-en
6 https://www.oecd.org/en.html
7 https://doi.org/10.1787/de747aef-en.
8 https://www.state.gov/the-organization-for-economic-co-operation-and-development-oecd
9https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738059325000562#:~:text=There%20has
%20been%20both%20public,items%20differently%2C%20that%20their%20understanding
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
Findings: This report found that between 2000 and 2019, plastic waste more than
doubled, with about 9% of plastic being recycled, 19% being incinerated, and almost
50% going to landfills. The remaining 22% was disposed of in uncontrolled
environments such as open pits or unofficial dumpsites.
Macroplastics, which are plastic debris larger than 5 millimeters in size, made up
about 88% of plastic leakage which was mainly due to inadequate collection and
disposal. Microplastics (smaller than 5 millimeters) accounted for the remaining 12%
of leakage. In 2019, about 22 million metric tons of plastic material leaked into the
environment, and the presence of microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial
environments suggests that microplastics contribute to the exposure of ecosystems
and humans to leaked plastics and their related risks.
About 6 metric tons of plastic waste leaked into rivers, lakes, and the ocean, and the
clearing of these plastics from aquatic environments is becoming increasingly
challenging and costly as plastics continue to break down.
The report also noted that plastics contribute about 3.4% of global greenhouse gas
emissions throughout their lifecycle, with the vast majority of those emissions
coming from production and conversion from fossil fuels.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. If plastics and single-use plastics are not being properly recycled in Vail, they
will most likely end up in the landfill or in the environment as pollution. The
plastics will then break down into smaller pieces - and eventually
microplastics - causing the plastic to “leak” into the environment.
2. Plastic use and production causes plastic to "leak" into the environment - both
in larger plastic pieces and as micro plastics. Both are considered an issue
and as plastics leak into the environment they are hard to clean up and may
break down into microplastics.
3. OECD countries (which includes the U.S.) contribute 14% to global plastic
leakage, but 46% of micro plastics leakage. Microplastics are the largest issue
for "plastic leakage" in our country.
4. Very low levels of plastic produced actually make it into the recycling stream
to be recycled and reused.
5. While there are no local production facilities for plastics, plastic production
does result in a high amount of global greenhouse gas emissions.
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Source: World Economic Forum: Plastic Bag Bans in the U.S. Reduced Plastic Bag Use by
Billions, Study Finds.10
About: The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization that
provides a global platform for connection between stakeholders to establish trust
and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.11
The WEF published an article that summarizes a report conducted by Environment
America, U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, and Frontier Group
about bans on plastic bags around the U.S.
Potential bias: The website, mediabiasfactcheck.com identified WEF as having a
slight to moderate liberal bias, often publishing factual information but strategically
using wording to influence an audience or invoke an emotion12. Additionally,
Environment America and Frontier Group are both non-profit organizations
advocating for sustainability,13 and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education
Fund is also a non profit organization that claims to be nonpartisan and focuses on
consumer issues. All of these organizations are part of the Public Interest Network.
Non profit organizations tend to have an agenda so there is a risk of bias in their
study.14
Findings: The findings from this report suggest that plastic bag bans could cut
single-use plastic bag use by around 300 bags per person each year if adopted.
More specifically, plastic bag bans in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, and in
two cities - Portland, Oregon, and Santa Barbara, California - have reduced the
number of single-use plastic bags used each year by around six billion.
Some challenges to these bans included companies using loopholes, and replacing
thin, single-use plastic bags with thicker plastic bags labeled as recyclable, or
swapping plastic bags with paper bags, which are still single-use bags. California
implemented a plastic bag ban in 2016, while still allowing thick, recyclable plastic
10 https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/plastic-bag-bans-reduce-waste/
11,https://www.weforum.org/about/world-economic-forum/
12 http://mediabiasfactcheck.com/world-economic-forum/
13 https://environmentamerica.org/about/
https://frontiergroup.org/about/
14 https://pirg.org/edfund/about/
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
bags for a 10 cent fee. As a result, the weight of plastic bags used and thrown out per
person increased.
The authors of the report concluded that policymakers should be thoughtful about
the design of their plastic bag bans so they do not promote the use of any single-
use plastic bags, including ones labeled as recyclable. The actual report referenced
in this article15 outlines policy recommendations to prevent harmful loopholes and
create a well-designed ban. The recommendations include:
● Not permitting grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops to distribute plastic
film bags of any thickness at checkout.
● Stores should be required to charge a fee of at least 10 cents for single-use
paper bags to limit the expected increase in paper bag use after a plastic bag
ban.
● Regular enforcement should be conducted to ensure compliance.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. If Vail has not considered these recommendations yet, it may want to revisit its
plastic bag ban to ensure there are no loopholes in the policy. Currently
plastic bags are banned at all retail locations and at special events, but not at
restaurants. These considerations are also relevant for plastic bottle bans and
other single-use plastic products bans.
It is worth noting that prior to Vail’s implementation of the plastic bag ban,
approximately 4.5 million plastic bags were distributed annually. After the
plastic bag ban, no plastic bags were handed out at grocery stores the sale of
paper bags went up to over 790,000 in 2024, indicating many businesses
successfully made the switch and many consumers adapted to using
reusable bags.
2. Vail should check with all retailers to ensure no other types of plastic bags are
being distributed, particularly ones that may be mislabeled as recyclable. For
other single-use plastic bans, Vail should ensure that the alternatives retailers
use are reusable or locally recyclable and a better environmental alternative.
15 https://publicinterestnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Plastic-Bag-Bans-Work-
January-2024.pdf
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
3. Vail may revisit any paper bag fees and conduct an analysis to determine
their effectiveness of limiting the purchase of paper bags, and adjust fees if
needed.
4. Enforcement efforts require dedicated staff time and therefore can be
challenging. If Vail was to move forward with a single-use policy, the Town
should consider allocation of funding or staff time dedicated to enforcement
alongside a policy to ensure all eligible retailers are in compliance.
Source: The Denver Post: Carried by wind and rain, plastics pollution is contaminating
Rocky Mountain National Park and other western wildernesses.16
About: The Denver Post is a Denver-based media company. This article reports on
research conducted on plastic pollution at Rocky Mountain National Park and other
high elevation sites in Colorado by a former University of Colorado Scientist.
Potential bias: According to AllSides, a bias checking website for news sources, the
Denver Post has a center bias rating17. It is unclear if the scientist possesses any bias,
but the article does note that the research was peer-reviewed.
Findings: The research conducted by scientist Janice Brahney found that the
heaviest deposits of plastic particles are found at high elevation sites in Colorado
including Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). More than 1,000 tons of plastic
fragments per year contaminated 11 public land sites in the western United States.
Roughly 4% of the particles in dust collected at these sites during the winter turned
out to be plastic fragments. The fibers are small enough to be inhaled and lodged
into lung tissue, so there is concern about animal and human health.
Researchers collected 340 dust and rainwater samples over 14 months in these 11
sites and found that 98% of the samples contained plastic. The highest daily average
deposition was found in RMNP.
The scientists tested the plastic fragments and pinpointed initial sources in cities.
They also found that airborne pollution was responsible for more than 75% of the
16 https://www.denverpost.com/2020/06/11/plastic-pollution-wind-rocky-mountain-national-park/
17 https://www.allsides.com/media-
bias/ratings?field_featured_bias_rating_value=All&field_news_source_type_tid[1]=1&field_n
ews_source_type_tid[2]=2&field_news_source_type_tid[3]=3&field_news_source_type_tid[
4]=4&field_news_source_type_tid[5]=5&field_news_bias_nid_1[1]=1&field_news_bias_nid_1[
2]=2&field_news_bias_nid_1[3]=3&title=Denver%20Post
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plastic mass deposits found. This result suggested that urban centers tend to be the
initial source, but plastics accumulate in the atmosphere and are transported long
distances then deposited into higher elevations. Most of the fragments were found to
have come from garments such as fleece, polyester, and nylon, and industrial
materials.
This article does not explicitly name that the plastics found were microplastics, rather
they are referred to as “plastic fragments”. However, the article does note that the
researchers focused on fragments measuring between 10 microns and 4 microns.
For reference, the width of a human hair is 70 microns. According to the OECD article
cited above,18microplastics are plastics less than 5 millimeters. 10 microns is equal to
one tenth of a millimeter,19 so it can be deduced that this article is focused primarily
on microplastics.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. Even if plastic use decreases in the Town of Vail, microplastics can be found in
the rivers and mountains surrounding Vail and can be ingested by humans
and animals.
2. While the accumulation of microplastics in rivers and mountains is mostly out
of Vail’s control, particularly if these plastic fragments are coming from urban
areas, Vail can use this data to demonstrate how ubiquitous plastics have
become and highlight the importance of reducing human reliance on plastic
products and single-use plastics.
Source: KQED: Would Banning Plastic Bottles Help or Hurt the Planet?20
About: KQED is a news media source that is based in San Francisco, California
and a PBS member television station21. This KQED article is about the pros and
cons of banning plastic bottles. The sources used in this article include National
Geographic, BBC, The Guardian, Scientific American, and more.
18 https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/global-plastics-outlook_de747aef-en.html
19 https://www.unitconverters.net/length/micron-to-millimeter.htm
20 https://www.kqed.org/education/532653/would-banning-plastic-bottles-help-or-hurt-the-
planet
21 https://www.allsides.com/news-source/kqed
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Potential bias: Allsides rates KQED as a news source with a center bias. Allisides
notes that “center” doesn’t always mean better, just as left and right don’t always
mean extreme, unreasonable, or wrong. Community feedback on Allsides notes
that over 1,000 people have voted on KQED’s rating and on average, those who
disagree with the center rating think it’s more left leaning.
Findings: This article starts out explaining how plastic bottles grew in popularity
and have become a problem. During World War II, plastic technology was
focused on war efforts. After the war, there was a lot of plastic that needed
somewhere to go, so they directed it to consumers. It is estimated that humans
have created over 8 billion tonnes of plastic, most of which still exist since plastics
never really biodegrade. Because they don’t break down into the earth, they make
their way into the natural environment including oceans, being ingested by
marine life. While no source reference is provided, the article notes that some
research studies have predicted that by 2050, plastics in the ocean may
outweigh all the fish.
Pros of plastic bottle bans include reducing demand for plastic and therefore
reducing the risk of it ending up in the environment. This article notes that the
Pacific Institute found that it took about 17 million barrels of oil to produce enough
plastic for bottles of water consumed by Americans in 2006, and consumption
has increased by 65% since then. Bans could also reduce the oil needed to
produce plastic bottles.
The article cites that plastic bottle bans can have unintended consequences. For
example, the University of Vermont adopted a single-use plastic water bottle ban
on campus, but total shipments of plastic bottles increased 20% due to people
purchasing other plastic bottle beverages like soda. The original study,22
published in the American Journal of Public Health did come to these same
findings. The study identified several limitations, including a short data collection
period, a small sample size representative of a specific student population, the
reliance on beverage companies for shipment records, and focused only on
cafeteria and vending machine sales, which may not be indicative of the entire
22 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4463390/
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community. The study also does not mention factors such as water refill
infrastructure, behavior change campaigns, or information sharing.
This article also noted that switching to other materials like glass or metal can
require more energy to transport due to their heavier weight, causing more
lifecycle emissions and pollution.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. If Vail institutes a plastic water bottle ban, having evidence-based data to
back up the environmental impacts of plastics, including the amount of oil
required to keep up with human demand of plastic, and health and
environmental impacts of plastics, can help the Town get buy-in from the
community.
2. A lesson learned from the University of Vermont study is that understanding
consumer behavior, providing suitable alternatives, and ensuring proper
infrastructure is in place is key to a successful plastics ban.
a. Note, the University of Vermont study identified several limitations which
may have influenced the findings. The analysis period was short, the
sample size was small and specific to University of Vermont students,
and there is no mention of any other factors that could influence
consumer behavior. This suggests that more comprehensive research
to understand any negative impact of these bans may be needed.
Source: UNEP: Our Planet is Choking on Plastic23
About: UNEP is an arm of the United Nations whose work focuses on addressing the
world’s environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution,
and waste.24
This story map examines the world’s reliance on plastic, the impact of plastics and
plastic pollution, and recommends ways to beat plastic pollution.
Potential bias: The United Nations’ mission is to promote peace, dignity and equality
across the globe.25 The report cited in this memo examines several meta-analyses,
which may mitigate bias through thoughtful examination of various studies. The
23 https://lalaplast.com/our-planet-is-choking-on-plastic/
24 https://www.unep.org/who-we-are/about-us
25 https://www.unep.org/who-we-are/about-us
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website, mediabiasfactcheck.com identifies UNEP as “Pro-Science”, with legitimate,
unbiased, evidence-based sourcing.26
Findings: One million plastic bottles are purchased around the world each minute,
and up to five trillion plastic bags are used every year. About half of all plastic
produced is made for single-use purposes. Plastics and microplastics are now being
found in the natural environment, with a new marine habitat called the
“plastisphere”.
Plastic production and waste has increased significantly since the 1970s, and today
about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced each year. Approximately 36%
of all plastics produced are used in packaging (including food and beverage
containers, and packaging for everyday consumables and durable goods), with
about 85% ending up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Of the seven billion tonnes
of plastics waste generated around the world, less than 10% has been recycled. The
estimated annual loss in the value of plastic packaging waste during sorting and
processing alone is $80 - 120 billion U.S dollars.
About 98% of single-use plastic products are produced from fossil fuels, contributing
to greenhouse gas emissions.
Much of the plastic pollution found in the ocean comes from rivers, with small urban
rivers being the biggest contributors.
This storymap also highlights the health impacts of plastics due to their inability to
fully break down in nature, resulting in microplastics that can enter the human body
and accumulate in organs through inhalation and absorption. Microplastics have
been found in human lungs, livers, spleens, and kidneys, and the storymap
references a study that detected microplastics in the placentas of newborn babies.27
This study, published in Environmental International, found microplastics in all
placental portions (maternal, fetal, and amniochorial membranes), and notes that
microplastics carry substances that can be endocrine disruptors, potentially causing
long-term effects on human health. It also notes that there is substantial evidence
that plastics-associated chemicals like methyl mercury, plasticisers, and flame
retardants, can enter the body and are linked to health concerns.
26 https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/united-nations-environment-programme-unep/
27 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020322297
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Top solutions to reduce plastic pollution point to local governments, who can
eliminate plastic products we do not need through bans, promoting innovation that
allows for more reuse of plastics, and pushing for a circular economy for plastics. The
storymap also calls on the plastic industry to accelerate efforts by eliminating
problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging or products through innovative
designs, reworking their business models to utilize reusable plastic products versus
single-use plastics, opting for the use of more recycled content in new products, and
providing transparency around their products so consumers can make informed
decisions about their purchases.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. About 36% of plastics being used around the world are plastic packaging, 85%
of which ends up in the landfill. With plastic packaging accounting for the
majority of plastic being used, Vail might consider including it in its next phase
of policy development. It is recommended to look if other communities have
banned plastic packaging to glean lessons learned prior to Vail adding it to its
policy. At the time of writing, The Town of Vail is in conversation with
Breckenridge and Telluride, who have comprehensive single-use plastic bans.
2. Small urban rivers are the main contributors to plastic pollution that ends up
in the ocean. Although Vail is not technically urban, it does sit within the
headwaters of the Colorado River system, so Vail should underscore the
importance of keeping its waterways free of plastics, as they are a critical
asset in maintaining the balance of river ecosystems, Vail’s community values,
and its tourism economy.
3. Microplastics can enter the human body and cause endocrine system
disruptions and other health impacts. Although Vail’s policy is not focused on
microplastics, and microplastics accumulate from more than just single-use
plastics, there is still a connection to be made between the use of single-use
plastics and their contribution to microplastics. Human health should be a key
driver of Vail’s policy.
Source: The Scientific American: Why It’s So Hard to Recycle Plastic28
28 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-its-so-hard-to-recycle-plastic/
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About: The Scientific American is a science magazine that covers research, ideas,
and knowledge in science, health, technology, environment, and society.
Contributors to the magazine include journalists, scientists, scholars, policy makers,
and people with relevant lived experience29.
This particular article was written by Sarah Deweerdt, who is a Seattle-based science
writer. The article is part of Nature Outlook: Circular Economy, which is an editorially
independent supplement produced with financial support from Google30. The article
examines the problems associated with recycling plastics and reviews a variety of
organizations developing solutions to reduce pollution.
Potential bias: According to medibiasfactcheck.com, Scientific American is rated as
“Pro-Science” and “High” for factual reporting, citing legitimate science and evidence
based sources. It also notes that some sources may have slight political bias but still
adhere to scientific principles.31
Findings: Plastic is found in food packaging, building materials, electronics, clothing,
and many more products and materials. More than 90% of global plastic production
consists of primary plastics, which are newly manufactured versus recycled. Primary
plastics are made from petroleum products, which results in significant greenhouse
gas emissions. By 2050, plastic production could contribute 15% of the estimated
carbon budget needed to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, plastics also have significant waste
management implications. About 70% of plastics that have ever been produced
have already been discarded, and the most widely used plastics remain in landfills
or the natural environment for decades to centuries after being thrown out.
Many plastics can actually be recycled, but only about 10% of plastics produced have
been recycled once, and only about 1% have been recycled twice.
One of the biggest challenges with plastics recycling is that the recycling
infrastructure is not scaled up enough across the world. Currently, there are many
different types of plastics that don’t mix well once they're melted down. Even with
diligent and effective sorting, recycling plastics tends to be of lower quality than
29 https://www.scientificamerican.com/page/about-scientific-american/
30 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-its-so-hard-to-recycle-plastic/
31 https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/scientific-american/
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primary plastic. Even plastics of the same type can contain different combinations of
additives, which results in lower-quality recycled materials.
The market for plastic recycling is limited due to constraints with manufacturers and
what they’re able to make with recycled plastic products. Additionally, waste plastic
has very little value, so there is not an economic incentive to collect it. On the
contrary, demand for plastic around the world is significant, and it’s cheap to
produce.
A lot of research is being conducted into new technologies that can more effectively
break down plastics to make recycling more successful, but none have been
employed on a commercial scale.
By 2050, global plastic demand is projected to nearly triple to 100 million tonnes per
year. Scaling up recycling, relying more on renewable feedstocks, and implementing
more circular processes into the plastic industry are important to prevent this
massive increase in demand, but the primary focus should be on reducing our
overall use of plastics, particularly single-use plastics.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. By 2050, plastic production could contribute 15% of the estimated carbon
budget needed to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Vail has
ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals that should be part of the
conversation around why a ban is beneficial for the Town. While the emissions
from plastic production would not be seen in Vail’s greenhouse gas inventory,
Vail’s climate goals are meant to ultimately support larger scale climate goals
across the state, country, and world, and implementing a local plastics ban to
reduce plastic consumption, and lower the emissions associated with plastic
production, could help achieve those goals.
2. Reducing plastics is a complex and nuanced issue that Vail will likely not be
able to solve alone. This article states that there is no economic incentive to
recycle plastic as it rarely produces high quality material, and it is much
cheaper to create plastic from scratch. Additionally, only a small percentage
of recyclable plastic makes it to recycling facilities. One of the most effective
ways to mitigate the impacts from plastic pollution is to reduce demand for
single-use plastics.
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3. The Town of Vail should prioritize education, outreach, and access to recycling
for visitors and residents to capture the material that can be recycled.
Source: Anheuser-Busch Delivering More Than 100,000 Cans of Emergency Drinking
Water to Support Vermont Flood Relief 32
About: This is a press release from Anheuser-Busch detailing the emergency cans of
drinking water they delivered to Vermont in the aftermath of a flood.
Potential bias: The article was written and published by Anheuser-Busch, and the
article is about the company stepping in during a time of need, so there is potential
for bias leaning in favor of Anheuser-Busch.
Findings: In response to a flood in Vermont in 2023, Anheuser-Busch donated over
100,000 cans of emergency drinking water to Washington and Orange Counties to
support residents.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. Vail should explore manufacturers who can provide emergency cans of water
to communities over bottled water to further support its mission to reduce
plastics in the community. There is an Eagle-based beverage company, Lost
Identity, that provides canned water, who Town of Vail could pursue
partnership with.
2. If plastic bottles are banned in the Town of Vail, and an emergency arises in
which households need access to water, and canned water is not available,
Vail might consider including an exemption in its policy to allow plastic bottles
in the event of an emergency.
Source: Fact Sheet: Reduce Plastic Pollution in Colorado33
About: Eco-Cycle is a recycling center based in Boulder, Colorado. It provides
resources for residents and businesses around sustainable waste management.
Eco-cycle created a fact sheet about plastic pollution in Colorado and how to
reduce pollution.
32 https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom/anheuser-busch-delivering-more-than-100-000-
cans-of-emergency-drinking-water-to-support-vermont-flood-relief
33 https://ecocycle.org/resources/fact-sheet-reduce-plastic-pollution-in-colorado/
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Potential bias: Eco-cycle is a mission-driven, nonprofit social enterprise.34 Their focus
is zero waste so there is potential for bias around the importance of sustainable
waste management and recycling.
Findings: Plastics are made from petrochemicals that come from oil and natural gas
drilling. By 2050, plastics may account for 20% of fossil fuel consumption. Production
and use of plastic is harmful to human health as it has been linked to cancers, birth
defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive
impacts, and more.35 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities
are disproportionately impacted because production facilities and disposal sites are
more likely to be located in their communities (the link to this source is no longer
active). Plastic vinyl chloride #3 and polystyrene #6 are two of the most harmful
plastics to human health.36
Plastics also impact our oceans and natural environment. More than 1,000 tons of
plastic particles in dust and rainwater per year have contaminated national parks
such as Rocky Mountain National Park,37 and plastic bag ingestion can be life
threatening for animals, even cattle, as noted in the joint opinion by Justices Guzman
and Lehrmann on the City of Laredo, Texas v. Laredo Merchants Association legal
case.38
Plastic does not ever go away - it continues to break down into smaller and smaller
microplastics, infiltrating water and soils, getting to consumers through animals and
ultimately ending up in our bodies.
The call to action in this factsheet is to stop making and using so much plastic. It
recommends supporting legislation that will reduce the use of toxic plastics by
prohibiting foam products and prohibiting single-use plastic carry-out bags.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. Vail has reached out to Eco-cycle to inquire about resources they have
around single-use plastics and banning certain plastic products. Product
34 https://ecocycle.org/about-us/
35 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3299092/
36 https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Plastic-and-Health-The-Hidden-Costs-of-a-
Plastic-Planet-February-2019.pdf
37 https://www.denverpost.com/2020/06/11/plastic-pollution-wind-rocky-mountain-national-park/
38 https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1441866/160748c.pdf
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guides and technical assistance are available for businesses, and Eco-cycle’s
purchasing guide is included in the current Town of Vail zero waste vendor
resources.
2. With plastics forecasted to account for about 20% of fossil fuel consumption
globally, there is an opportunity for Vail to connect the policy to its climate
goals of reducing emissions and driving local climate policy.
3. The factsheet states that plastic vinyl chloride #3 and polystyrene are both
harmful to human health and are linked to certain cancers and other health
issues. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (part of
the National Institute of Health), vinyl chloride is used primarily in the
manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is mostly used in the
production of plastic piping, floor coverings, certain consumer goods, and
other building materials.39 Some consumer goods may include children's and
pet toys, and shower curtains.40 Polystyrene can be found in appliances,
automotive parts, electronics, food packaging, and more.41 Although most
applications of these plastics may not be relevant in Vail, these types of
plastics should be explored in future phases of the policy, specifically for
applications more relevant to Vail like polystyrene as this can commonly be
found in restaurant take out containers.
Source: Public Health Impact of Plastics: An Overview42
About: This article was published by the National Institute of Health’s Library of
Medicine, which is a library with access to scientific literature43. The article was
originally published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine. It examines the various direct and indirect public health impacts of
plastics.
Potential bias: The authors of this article appear to be students or employees within
the Department of Community Medicine at different hospitals in India. While doctors
39
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304420/#:~:text=Vinyl%20chloride%20is%20used%20pri
marily,1974%20(IARC%2C%202008).
40 https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/vinyl-chloride
41 https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/polystyrene/
42 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3299092/
43 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3299092/
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are expected to remain neutral around scientific evidence and data in their field,
inherent biases may exist and could potentially influence the outcomes of their work.
Findings: Phthalates or phthalate esters, which are primarily used as plasticisers
(which help make plastic more flexible), can be found in Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC).
PVC is used in many toys like teething toys, soft toy figures, and inflatable toys, and
are also used as additives in inks and perfumes. Phthalates migrate into air and food,
and can be ingested by people, including babies in the womb. These phthalates are
released during manufacturing, use, and disposal of all PVC products, resulting in
their vast presence in the natural environment and human bodies.
This study cites various literature that links phthalates with adverse health outcomes
such as increased adiposity (excessive body fat) and insulin resistance, decreased
anogenital distance in male infants, decreased level of sex hormones, and other
impacts to the human reproductive system for both males and females. It notes that
infants and children may be more vulnerable to the effects of phthalates due to their
smaller size but similar dosage, as well as the immaturity of their metabolic,
endocrine and reproductive systems.
The study notes that most governments prohibit the use of phthalates in consumer
products, including the U.S, and the plastics industry generally claims that
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are not a source of endocrine disruptors
and are to be distinguished from phthalates. PET is typically used to make plastic
bottles as well as packaging of cosmetic products. However, the research suggests
that the concentration of phthalates in the contents of PET bottles varies depending
on the bottle contents’ pH levels. Phthalates leach into lower pH products like soda
and vinegar more readily than into bottled water. Temperature can also influence
leaching, with greater leaching at higher temperatures.
The study also highlights the challenges associated with plastic waste including
incineration, which is used for about 16% of municipal waste in developed countries.
While plastics can generate almost as much energy as fuel oil, the amount of energy
needed to produce the plastic outweighs the energy created. Hazardous emissions
such as hydrogen chloride, dioxin, cadmium, and fine particulate matter are
associated with incineration of plastics.
A concern associated with landfilling plastics is the possibility of certain additives to
plastics as they may migrate from the plastics into the leachate, which can
48
Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
contaminate groundwater. Plasticisers (phthalates) are hazardous and have been
found in various leachate analyses. Additionally, plastics make up about 10% of the
weight and 20% of the volume of municipal waste. Since they don’t biodegrade, they
remain in the landfill and take up a disproportionate amount of landfill space.
Recycling plastics requires labor-intensive sorting of the different types, and then
processing them. The cost and accuracy of sorting plastics is important for making
plastic recycling economically viable.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. Plastic bottles can release phthalates into the bottles, which are known to
cause serious health issues. The amount of leakage into bottles depends on
the contents of the bottle and their pH levels, with lower pH products like soda
and vinegar having higher leaching rates. Exposure to heat increases leaching
of phthalates into contents of plastic bottles.
2. Recycling of plastics is the least hazardous method of disposing of plastics in
Vail. Vail may consider allowing the use of certain plastics that are known to
get recycled and processed into high quality materials. For plastics that
cannot be recycled as effectively, Vail may consider banning these.
Source: Papp, A. & Oremus, K. (2025). Plastic bag bans and fees reduce harmful bag litter
on shorelines.44
About: This peer-reviewed study was published in the journal Science and
conducted by researchers affiliated with Duke University and the University of
Delaware. The study examines the real-world impact of local and state-level plastic
bag bans and fees on shoreline litter, using data from over 45,000 shoreline cleanups
between 2017 and 2023. The researchers employed causal inference methods to
isolate the effects of policies on the presence of plastic bags in shoreline debris.
Potential bias: The study was conducted by academic researchers using a large,
publicly available dataset and underwent peer review by Science. It does not appear
to be funded or affiliated with industry or advocacy groups. As such, the likelihood of
institutional bias is low, although the research may reflect a pro-environmental
framing in how policy success is defined.
44 https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.adp9274
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
Findings:
Jurisdictions that enacted plastic bag bans saw a 25-47% reduction in plastic bag
litter on shorelines compared to those with no policy. Jurisdictions that implemented
bag fees (usually $0.05–$0.25) saw an average 30% reduction.
Policies were more effective when they included all types of retailers, not just grocery
stores. Bag bans tended to have a larger effect than fees in high-pollution areas, but
both were effective at reducing shoreline litter.
The study controlled for volunteer behavior and cleanup intensity using detailed
regression and matching techniques. These results provide some of the strongest
causal evidence to date that plastic bag regulations directly reduce plastic pollution
in the environment.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. Plastic bag policies, whether in the form of bans or modest fees, have been
shown to significantly reduce shoreline litter in a wide range of U.S.
communities.
2. These findings support the idea that even small economic disincentives can
shift consumer behavior in meaningful ways, reinforcing the potential impact
of well-crafted single-use plastics ordinances.
Source: Osman, Ahmed I et al. (2023) Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and
remediation: a review.45
About: This peer-reviewed review article summarizes current research on the impacts
of microplastic exposure on human health. The article examines the sources of
microplastics, and compiles evidence from cell, animal, and limited human studies to
assess how microplastics may affect key biological systems.
Potential bias: The authors are affiliated with academic institutions, and the paper is
published in a reputable, open-access journal. It synthesizes findings across dozens
of studies and does not appear to be affiliated with advocacy or industry
organizations. As a review, the paper is limited by the quality and scope of the
available research, much of which is preclinical.
45 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072287/
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
Findings: Plastic packaging and single-use utensils are a major source of
microplastic exposure. Microplastics can migrate into food and beverages from items
like water bottles, to-go containers, and wrappers, particularly when these materials
are heated or exposed to sunlight. This contamination contributes directly to human
ingestion of Microplastics and highlights the risks associated with continued reliance
on disposable plastics in food service.
Beyond packaging, humans are exposed to microplastics through a range of
everyday pathways. Food and drinking water, both bottled and tap, frequently contain
microplastics, as do products like seafood, salt, fruits, and vegetables. This likely
results from environmental contamination during farming and processing, as well as
contact with plastic-based packaging. Indoor and outdoor air also contains
microplastics, largely from the breakdown of synthetic textiles, furniture, and other
plastic products; inhalation is now considered a significant route of exposure.
Additional sources include cosmetics and cleaning products containing microbeads,
and clothing made from synthetic fibers, which shed microplastics during washing or
wear. These multiple exposure pathways illustrate how plastic pollution cycles
through food systems, homes, and ecosystems, eventually making its way into the
human body.
Key takeaways for Vail:
1. Microplastics come from many everyday sources, especially packaging, food
ware, and textiles, making reduction of single-use plastics a meaningful way to
reduce exposure.
2. Local actions to limit plastic pollution can help prevent microplastic
accumulation in food, air, and water. This has benefits for both public health
and the environment.
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
Bibliography
United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Addressing Single-Use Plastic Products
Pollution. United Nations Environment Programme.
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/35109/ASUP.pdf?sequence=3&
isAllowed=y
United Nations Environment Programme. (n.d.). Who we are: About us. UNEP. Retrieved July
17, 2025, from https://www.unep.org/who-we-are/about-us
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2022). Global plastics outlook:
Economic drivers, environmental impacts and policy options. OECD Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.1787/de747aef-en
U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD). Retrieved July 17, 2025, from https://www.state.gov/the-
organization-for-economic-co-operation-and-development-oecd
Aydogan, I, & Tat, O. (2025). How justified are the criticisms of bias against the OECD’s global
competence framework? International Journal of Educational Development. Advance
online publication.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738059325000562
Bennett, P. (2024, January 25). Plastic bag bans in the US reduced plastic bag use by
billions, study finds. World Economic Forum.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/plastic-bag-bans-reduce-waste/
Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2024). Plastic pollution. Our World in Data. Retrieved July 17, 2025,
from https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution
Xanthos, D., & Walker, T. R. (2025). Plastic bag bans and fees reduce harmful bag litter on
shorelines. Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adp9274
Finley, B. (2020, June 11). Carried by wind and rain, plastics pollution is contaminating Rocky
Mountain National Park and other western wildernesses. The Denver Post.
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/06/11/plastic-pollution-wind-rocky-mountain-
national-park/
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Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2008). Vinyl chloride. In PubChem
Compound Summary. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304420/
Oremus, K., & Papp, A. (2025). Plastic bag bans and fees reduce harmful bag litter on
shorelines. Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adp927
Lartaud, D. (2019, September 5). Would banning plastic bottles help or hurt the planet?
KQED. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from https://www.kqed.org/education/532653/would-
banning-plastic-bottles-help-or-hurt-the-planet
Muposhi, A., & Mpinganjira, M. (2023). Considerations, benefits and unintended
consequences of banning plastic shopping bags for environmental sustainability: A
systematic literature review. International Journal of Environmental Research and
Public Health, 20(4). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8847762/
World Economic Forum. (2024, January 25). Accelerating reuse models to achieve a world
free of plastic waste. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/accelerating-reuse-models-world-free-of-
plastic-waste/
Hendrickx, J., & Novelli, M. (2024, October 15). Tourism without plastic: Potential pitfalls and
solutions. World Economic Forum. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/10/tourism-travel-plastic-sustainability-
challenges-solutions/
Environment America. (2024, January 15). Analysis finds bag bans effective at reducing
plastic waste, litter. Environment America. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from
https://environmentamerica.org/center/media-center/new-report-analysis-finds-
bag-bans-effective-at-reducing-plastic-waste-litter/
PBS Digital Studios. (2019, September 4). Would banning plastic bottles help or hurt the
planet? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nWTa8w3SHc
Osman, A. I., Hosny, M., Eltaweil, A. S., Omar, S., Elgarahy, A. M., Farghali, M., Yap, P. S., Wu, Y. S.,
Nagandran, S., Batumalaie, K., Gopinath, S. C. B., John, O. D., Sekar, M., Saikia, T.,
Karunanithi, P., Hatta, M. H. M., & Akinyede, K. A. (2023). Microplastic sources, formation,
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toxicity and remediation: a review. Environmental chemistry letters, 1–41. Advance
online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01593-3
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Town of Vail Single-Use Plastics
Reduction Ordinance: Engagement
Summary
June 2025
Table of Contents
Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary of Key Takeaways ................................................................................................................................. 3
Community Summary of Input .................................................................................................................................... 3
Businesses Summary of Input ............................................................................................................................................ 3
External Partners Summary of Considerations ........................................................................................................ 4
Cross-Cutting Themes from Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................................... 5
Town of Vail Single-Use Plastics Engagement Summary: Full Report ................................................................ 6
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Overview of Engagement Efforts & Methods ................................................................................................................. 6
Target Audience .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Engagement Methodology .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Engagement Results ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Town of Vail Residents ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Community Workshops: Overview & Key Takeaways ........................................................................................ 12
Businesses ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
External Partners Virtual Meeting .................................................................................................................................... 18
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Answers to "Which of the following best describes you?” 9
Figure 2: Answers to "Would a ban on any of these single-use plastic items significantly impact
your daily life?" 10
Figure 3: Aggregated answers to: “Which single-use plastic items do you use most frequently?” 11
Figure 4: Aggregated answers to: "Which single-use plastic items should be prioritized for
reduction?” 11
Figure 5: The distribution of sectors in business survey respondents. 14
Figure 6: Aggregated answers to: "What challenges do you anticipate encountering when moving
away from single-use plastics?" 15
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Purpose
The Town of Vail worked with Lotus Engineering and Sustainability to administer a stakeholder
engagement campaign in the spring of 2025. The purpose of this engagement was to help the
Town of Vail assess resident and business opinions on single-use plastics reduction policy and
gather input on potential resources and needs from community members if the Town were to
move forward with such a policy. Engagement activities included a community-wide survey, two
in-person community meetings, one in-person business meeting, direct business outreach, and
a virtual meeting with external industry partners.
Executive Summary of Key Takeaways
Overall Town of Vail resident and business engagement revealed strong shared values around
environmental stewardship, with many full-time residents and some businesses expressing
support for reducing single-use plastics in Vail. However, levels of support diverge depending on
the stakeholder group and their perspectives on the impact of policy implementation.
COMMUNITY SUMMARY OF INPUT
1. The community survey received nearly 140 responses from full-time residents, seasonal
residents, non-Vail Eagle County residents, and visitors. The two public workshops drew
participation of ~50 locals. The majority of public participants, across residential
statuses, were supportive of efforts to reduce single-use plastics in the Town of Vail.
2. For those who supported the policy, the top priorities for reducing single-use plastic
products included plastic water bottles, plastic carry out bags, to-go containers, plastic
cutlery, plastic cups, and plastic straws.
3. Residents want to see Vail lead on this issue, citing climate responsibility and alignment
with the Town’s identity.
4. Residents flagged limited composting infrastructure, confusion about what is recyclable
or compostable, and concerns about plastic product replacements, such as compostable
plastics that are corn-based products, as barriers that will need to be resolved to address
the waste of the non-plastic replacement products.
5. If Vail was to move forward with an ordinance disallowing the sale of single-use plastic
water bottles, workshop attendees emphasized the need for more water refill stations in
Town, consistent signage on where water stations are located and the water quality of
those stations, and better public education on the effort and alternative options for those
that rely on single-use water bottles, with a focus on visitors and guests.
BUSINESSES SUMMARY OF INPUT
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1. Business participation included 24 survey respondents, a dedicated workshop, and
targeted outreach to 19 additional businesses.
2. Of the Town of Vail Businesses engaged, there were mixed levels of support for a single-
use plastic ordinance. 65% of businesses have already taken the initiative to reduce
single-use plastics, 11 cited concerns with an ordinance but could be supportive, and 2
were not supportive of advancing a single-use plastic ordinance. Others engaged were
neutral or unclear. Those who could be supportive of an ordinance cited needs from the
Town, such as financial and logistical assistance in switching to alternatives, adequate
time to come into compliance, and training and education, in order to be supportive.
3. Between the survey and the direct business outreach, nearly 30 businesses reported they
are already reducing single-use plastics by replacing those products with compostables,
reusables, or alternative packaging.
4. Key challenges identified by businesses in finding alternatives to their single-use plastic
items include supply availability of alternative non-plastic products; the potential for
increased costs; operational burdens and additional time required of business owners
(e.g., training seasonal labor force, lack of space, finding alternatives); and finding
products that meet customer expectations.
5. Many businesses prefer to start with “like-for-like” product swaps, using alternatives
such as compostable plastics or non-plastic single-use products, as this will be easier
to implement than reusables or durables.
6. Several businesses expressed preference for collaborative approaches to reduce single-
use plastics over mandates, though some would support an ordinance with clear
guidance and recognition programs for businesses who’ve already made strides to
reduce single-use products.
7. Businesses called for improved compost infrastructure to accommodate the switch to
compostable alternatives, to achieve the goal of overall waste reduction, and strong visitor
education from the Town of Vail to ensure businesses do not have to be the education arm
of the ordinance.
EXTERNAL PARTNERS SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS
Outside of the Vail community, Lotus and Town of Vail Staff engaged with experts in the materials,
waste, and packaging field to better understand the ecosystem in Colorado and gain insights
into how a future ordinance could be successful in Vail.
Representatives from the Colorado Beverage Association, Colorado Restaurant Association, U.S.
Foods, Beyond Plastics, Recycle Colorado, City Market, and Feather Petroleum Company
highlighted larger systemic considerations such as:
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• At present, there are some limited supplier inventories of single-use plastic alternative
products;
• Durables (reusable items such as plates, Tupperware, bamboo utensils, stainless steel or
sports water bottles, etc.) should be the end goal. If following the “Reduce, reuse, and
recycle” framework for waste diversion, durables can help the community both reduce
single-use plastic products and reuse existing products, lowering overall consumption.
• Cost differentials between the single-use plastic item and a compostable, reusable, or
recyclable non-plastic alternatives;
• Manufacturing/industrial equipment costs and constraints for companies to make the
switch to producing non-plastic beverage bottle alternatives, which has been a limiting
factor in alternatives being widely available;
• Some compostable products may act like conventional plastics, persisting in the
environment and causing similar pollution, especially if they do not break down as
intended in real-world waste or natural conditions without proper industrial composting
facilities. This underscores the need for clear waste processing pathways and public
communication on best composting practices.
CROSS-CUTTING THEMES FROM STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
1. There is support for reducing single-use plastics, with strong backing from residents and
majority, though mixed, support from businesses. The most frequently mentioned items
include plastic water bottles, to-go containers, carry-out bags, and utensils.
2. If an ordinance was to move forward consistent messaging, clear guidance, and
standardized signage emerged as shared needs,
3. For businesses that were concerned about the ordinance, there were common concerns
around cost, potentially limited supply of alternatives, guest experience, operations
impacts, and insufficient composting infrastructure to manage the waste of
“alternative” plastic products.
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Town of Vail Single-Use Plastics
Engagement Summary Report
Introduction
To inform the development of a potential single-use plastics reduction ordinance, the Town of
Vail (Town of Vail) and Lotus Engineering and Sustainability (Lotus) conducted a structured
engagement process to understand the priorities, concerns, and considerations of key
stakeholder groups within the Town. This outreach aimed to ground policy recommendations in
the lived experience of community members, local businesses, and external partners conducting
business within the Town of Vail.
Overview of Engagement Efforts & Methods
TARGET AUDIENCE
Three primary audiences were targeted for engagement in this process:
1. General community members and visitors, including full-time and part-time or seasonal
residents, visitors, and Eagle County residents not living in Vail.
2. Local businesses operating within the Town of Vail. Business inclusion was critical given
their direct role in implementing any future single-use plastics reduction policy. As the
primary sellers and distributors of single-use plastic items, businesses will be the most
directly affected by any restrictions or requirements in the ordinance.
3. External partners, such as food and beverage trade associations; food, beverage, and
supply distributors; and recycling and plastic reduction focused non-profits. These groups
were engaged to provide a broader industry perspective, bring forth supply chain
considerations, and offer insight into implementation feasibility and best practices from
other communities who they had worked with for a similar effort.
ENGAGEMENT METHODOLOGY
The goals of the engagement were to:
1. Assess how community support for reducing or eliminating single-use plastics in Vail.
2. Identify where there is friction against single-use plastics restrictions or reduction
requirements.
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3. Determine barriers that exist for businesses and the community if the Town advances a
policy reducing single-use plastics.
4. Identify the support and resources community members and businesses may need if the
Town were to adopt a single-use plastics reduction ordinance.
5. Identify products to prioritize in a single-use plastics reduction ordinance.
Engagement process for each audience was tailored to each group from which Vail sought
feedback.
• For community members, the focus of the questions was on community values and
priorities, if and why reducing single-use plastics mattered to them, and how they
expected the Town to lead.
• For businesses, the emphasis was on the practicality and feasibility of the ordinance.
Questions were asked around how the policy would affect operations, what challenges
businesses anticipated, and what kind of support they would need for successful plastics
reduction efforts.
• For external partners, the goal was to gather lessons learned from their work in other
communities, to understand logistical or infrastructural issues that could impact
implementation, and what larger systematic steps were being taken to reduce plastic use
or develop resources for product alternatives.
To achieve the engagement goals listed above, Lotus Engineering & Sustainability supported
the Town in executing the following engagement options: a survey, a virtual meeting for
external partners, two community meetings, one business workshop, and one -on-one
business conversations. Town staff also had direct conversations with peer communities who
have enacted similar single-use plastics reduction ordinances, such as Breckenridge,
Telluride, and Frisco, as well as other professional entities such as Recycle Colorado, EcoCycle,
and Eunomia. These one-on-one discussions helped the Town to glean insights into industry
lessons and policy implications, which are integrated into the policy recommendations given
to Council. However, the primary focus on the engagement effort was to hear from local
voices.
COMMUNITY & BUSINESS SURVEY
The project team developed a community-wide survey to collect input from various resident
types mentioned above, as well as business owners, managers, and employees. If the respondent
identified themself as a business owner, manager, or employee, they were routed to a separate
set of survey questions tailored to that group.
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The survey was translated into Spanish to reach a larger portion of the community. The bilingual
survey was uploaded to the Town of Vail’s online engagement platform, EngageVail.com. Both
the English and Spanish versions were promoted via printed flyers, distribution of printed QR
codes, press releases, and newspaper ads. All businesses that remit sales tax to the Town of Vail
also received email communication regarding the survey.
The survey received 160 responses, including five (5) Spanish responses. 24 of the 160 responses
were completed by businesses.
EXTERNAL PARTNERS VIRTUAL MEETING
The Town convened a virtual meeting of external partners, identified above, who were important
to the supply chain of businesses operating within the Town of Vail, or relevant to the larger effort
of plastics reduction. The goal of this meeting was to understand distributor and external
organizational roles in supply of plastics products and how they can help businesses transition
to alternatives. The meeting was facilitated with a structured discussion format and in -meeting
polling.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
The Town hosted two in-person community meetings designed to offer a mix of structured
discussion and interactive polling with participants. These meetings presented the same content
and questions for community members. One was offered during the lunch hour and the other
was held in the early evening to accommodate diverse participation. The meetings were
facilitated using presentations, open discussion prompts and live Mentimeter polling questions
to gather community priorities and ideas. Spanish interpretation was offered at each in-person
meeting, although no Spanish-speaking participants attended.
Across both meetings, approximately 50 community members participated.
BUSINESS WORKSHOP
A business-specific workshop was held to gather detailed feedback from local owners and
managers. The workshop was structured with a presentation to provide information about single-
use plastics, then a facilitated discussion on the level of importance of single -use plastics to
business operations, current initiatives to reduce plastics, potential barriers, and ways the Town
could help businesses be successful. Spanish interpretation was available, but no Spanish-
speaking participants attended.
13 participants attended, representing hospitality, health care, non-profit, retail, consulting
industries, as well as the Vail Valley Partnership and Town of Avon.
DIRECT BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
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The project team worked with Walking Mountains Science Center to conduct direct business
engagement, via in-person visits and phone calls, to gather feedback from this group. 29 local
businesses were contacted to provide input on a single-use plastic reduction ordinance. Of those,
feedback from 19 local businesses was collected, including five lodges, six food service
businesses, two gas stations, Vail Health, and two retailers.
Engagement Results
TOWN OF VAIL RESIDENTS
SURVEY RESULTS: RESIDENTS & VISITORS
This section details the survey results for Town of Vail residents and visitors.
Figure 1 shows the distribution of resident types in the survey responses.
Figure 1: Answers to "Which of the following best describes you?”
The survey asked Vail residents and community members, “Would a ban on any of these single-
use plastic items significantly impact your daily life?” A majority of each resident type answered
“No,” it would not significantly impact their daily life.
71
47
20
350%13%14%2%0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Full-Time Vail Resident Part-Time or Seasonal
Vail Resident
Non-Vail Resident of
Eagle County
Visitor
Vail Residency Status
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Figure 2: Answers to "Would a ban on any of these single-use plastic items significantly impact your daily
life?"
We asked participants to elaborate on their responses to the above question. Most of the
sentiment reflected the results chart. A sample of responses representing participants who
answered “No” and “Yes” are listed below:
“No” responses:
● “I think I am pretty cognizant of plastic use and already try to eliminate their use, and would
like to see further removal of them from the community”
● “There are many ways to creatively avoid using single-use plastic.”
● “No. Since there will be replacements put in place, banning the single-use plastics will not
impact my life. With the hazards single-use plastics have on our local community, one of
which being microplastics, I would be very happy to see all of these banned.”
● “I use these [non-plastic, reusable] items regularly”
“Yes” responses:
● “Inconvenience. Inferior substitutes (see paper straws). Implied cost increases. Ill-
conceived policy”
● “It would but, if other products can come into play that are more eco friendly I have no
problem with this. We also should be banning foam/Styrofoam from being in our valley !”
(Note: Polystyrene has already been banned at Town of Vail restaurants).
The survey assessed which single-use plastic items are most used by the community, and the
community’s opinion on which single-use plastic items should be prioritized for a reduction
ordinance. Results for all Vail resident types are shown in Figures 3 and 4.
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Yes
No
Unsure
Would a single-use plastics ban significantly impact your
daily life?
Visitor
Part-Time or Seasonal Vail
Resident
Non-Vail Resident of Eagle
County
Full-Time Vail Resident
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Figure 3: Aggregated answers to: “Which single-use plastic items do you use most frequently?”
Figure 4: Aggregated answers to: "Which single-use plastic items should be prioritized for reduction?”
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Plastic garnish spears
Plastic spill plugs
Other
Plastic mini creamer container
Plastic wrapped toothpicks
Plastic stirrers
Plastic cotton swabs
None
Plastic cutlery
Plastic carry-out bags
Plastic cups
Plastic lids
Plastic condiment packets
Plastic food containers
Plastic mini personal hygiene containers
Plastic straws
Plastic water bottles under a gallon in size
Plastic to-go containers
What single-use plastic items do you use most frequently?
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Other
None
Plastic spill plugs
Plastic mini personal hygiene containers
Plastic condiment packets/packages
All
Plastic mini creamer container
Plastic cotton swabs
Plastic garnish spears
Plastic lids
Plastic wrapped toothpicks
Plastic stirrers
Plastic food containers
Plastic cutlery
Plastic cups
Plastic straws
Plastic to-go containers
Plastic carry-out bags
Plastic water bottles under a gallon in size
Which single-use plastic items do you think should be
prioritized for reduction?
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Table 1 lists the top five items that each Vail resident type thinks should be prioritized for reduction.
While the order or some items vary across each group, the items are largely the same. All
residents ranked plastic water bottles as the number one priority and visitors ranked plastic
carry-out bags as the number one priority. While Vail has adopted a plastic bag reduction
ordinance, it currently applies to retailers only and does not apply to restaurants.
Rank of
Item
Importance
Full-Time Vail
Resident
Part-Time or
Seasonal Vail
Resident
Non-Vail Resident
of Eagle County
Visitor
#1 Plastic water
bottles under a
gallon in size
Plastic water bottles
under a gallon in
size
Plastic water
bottles under a
gallon in size
Plastic carry-out
bags
#2 Plastic carry-
out bags
Plastic carry-out
bags
Plastic cups Plastic water
bottles under a
gallon in size
#3 Plastic to-go
containers
(hinged
clamshells,
etc.)
Plastic to-go
containers (hinged
clamshells, etc.)
Plastic carry-out
bags
Plastic wrapped
toothpicks
#4 Plastic straws Plastic food
containers (plates,
bowls, trays, etc.)
Plastic straws Plastic to-go
containers
(hinged
clamshells, etc.)
#5 Plastic cutlery Plastic stirrers Plastic cutlery Plastic stirrers
Table 1: Top five single-use items to be prioritized for reduction.
Only five of the ~140 respondents answered the question, “What barriers prevent you from using
alternatives to single-use plastics?” Responses surfaced concerns of convenience, not knowing
where to buy alternatives to single-use plastics, and the inability of alternatives to meet needs.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: OVERVIEW & KEY TAKEAWAYS
The community workshops were structured around a presentation followed by an open
discussion and audience Q&A. Facilitators gave an overview presentation on what single -use
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plastics are, the health and environmental impacts, and example ordinances from peer
communities. Then, facilitators opened the floor for questions and comments and used an
interactive polling tool (Mentimeter) to prompt input and guide discussion around specific
questions, such as which products should be prioritized, what barriers exist for compliance, and
how different resident and visitor groups might be impacted.
Key takeaways from both the morning and evening session are as follows:
● Many community members strongly agreed that a single-use plastics reduction
ordinance fits their vision of the community.
● Community members expressed confusion about which single-use plastic materials and
potential alternatives are compostable or recyclable in the Town of Vail. From the content
of discussions and comments made regarding this issue, there is evidence of a strong
need for education on the diversion options for non-plastic alternatives, to ensure
alternative products don’t lead to the same waste generation issues as single-use plastic
items.
● Attendees discussed how compostable cups/bags being made from corn have
ecological concerns (e.g., monoculture and its impact on butterfly habitat loss) and if use
of these products should be encouraged.
● Vail’s current compost infrastructure is perceived as limited and difficult to access,
especially for public-facing areas like the village, which would make it challenging to
dispose of compostable alternatives to single-use plastic products.
● Resources that would support the community in understanding and complying with a
potential ordinance include:
o Expanded composting access, including curbside collection;
o More water refill stations around town;
o Improved education on what’s recyclable or compostable, with an emphasis on
better distribution of the Waste Wizard app, consistent signage, and ensuring
messaging and education reach Vail’s day visitors and longer stay guests.
● Residents want Vail to think innovatively and show leadership on this issue, even if it’s
imperfect.
BUSINESSES
SURVEY RESULTS: VAIL BUSINESSES
There were 24 total responses of businesses in the hospitality, recreation, restaurant, property
management, healthcare, and “other” industries. The “Other” responses include a non-profit, a
liquor store, a government representative, and a waste management company.
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Figure 5: The distribution of sectors in business survey respondents.
When asked the question, “Are you currently implementing or planning to implement any
initiatives to reduce single-use plastics at your business?” 57% of businesses responded “Yes.”
Businesses already implementing these initiatives reported a range of efforts to reduce single-
use plastics, including switching to compostable or recyclable non-plastic plates, cutlery, cups,
deli containers, and packaging. Several businesses noted they are using reusable dishware in
offices and encouraging reusable water bottles. Some have implemented systems to discourage
plastic use, such as water dispensers for reusable bottle refills and paper bags for shoppers.
Several businesses have partnered with suppliers like EcoProducts to adopt compostable
alternatives for food service items. Some businesses, who have not completely eliminated single-
use plastic items are phasing out plastic gradually or using up existing stock of single-use plastic
items before making changes.
An additional goal of the survey was to assess what challenges businesses anticipated facing if
a single-use plastic reduction ordinance was adopted, and what resources would best assist
them with implementation.
The results of challenges are shown in Figure 6.
Property
Management
4%
Recreation
4%
Healthcare
12%
Other
16%Hotel/Lodging
24%
Restaurant/Food
Service
40%
Business Sectors Represented in the Survey
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Figure 6: Aggregated answers to "What challenges do you anticipate encountering when moving away from
single-use plastics?"
14% of businesses cited no anticipated challenges. For those who are concerned, Town of Vail
businesses who responded to this survey were more concerned about operational impacts and
customer satisfaction over cost and safety issues.
For the “Other (please specify) responses, businesses cited lack of composting infrastructure,
melting compostable plastic cutlery in direct sunlight, and a safety concern of people skiing while
carrying glass bottles.
The following survey question asked, “What types of support from the Town of Vail would help
your business comply with a single-use plastic ban?” and directed respondents to select their
top 3 choices. The results, ranked in order of most selected to least selected, are:
1. Education for residents and visitors to bring their own reusable items.
2. Composting infrastructure for alternatives.
3. Public recognition of your business if you are reducing single-use plastics.
4. More water refill stations throughout the Town of Vail.
5. Resource list of vendors offering compliant materials.
6. Financial assistance (e.g., grants for purchasing alternatives, supply buy-back programs)
BUSINESS WORKSHOP
0%2%4%6%8%10%12%14%16%
Type/size of goods
Cost
Availability from suppliers
Health and safety
No demand from customers
Policy/procedure/process disruption
Lack of knowledge or awareness of alternatives
Negative impact on customer/guest experience…
None
Other (please specify)
Reduced convenience for staff and/or guests
What challenges do you anticipate encountering when
moving away from single-use plastics?
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The in-person business workshop began with a brief presentation from the Town of Vail and
project partners outlining the background, goals, and policy context for a potential single -use
plastics reduction ordinance. Following this, attendees, including rep resentatives from Vail
Resorts, Vail Health, and local businesses, shared their current initiatives to reduce plastic use and
described operational successes and challenges.
The meeting then shifted to structured discussion, where facilitators posed targeted questions to
gather input from attendees. Key questions included:
1. How important is access to single-use plastic items to your customer base or business?
2. What resources or support would be viable or helpful for businesses in this community?
3. What additional work would you like to see the Town do to feel more comfortable
advancing this policy?
Key takeaways from discussion include:
• Vail Resorts’ already initiated an effort to reduce single-use plastic items across their
lodges and move to reusables. Vail Resorts’ leadership in this effort can provide helpful
insights for other businesses if they transition away from single-use plastic items.
Specifically, they shared the shift to reusables at Two Elk Lodge led to operational cost
savings, but also increased labor needs (dishwashing, sorting, signage).
o Reusables are seen as the ultimate end state for Vail Resorts, but require retraining
each season, space for washing/storage, and dedicated staff, therefore may be a
long way away.
• Compostable plastic items are seen as a viable solution for some businesses, but
contamination of composting streams is a big concern as the switch requires strong
signage, staff education, or back-of-house sorting. The lack of composting infrastructure
is also a concern.
• Support for education, incentives, and branding (e.g., reusable water bottles as guest
experiences).
• A few business owners and business representatives discussed apprehension around
mandates, preferring a “shared goals” approach.
• Several respondents expressed interest in policies that prevent automatic distribution of
items like condiments, napkins, and disposable cutlery with takeout orders unless
specifically requested, commonly referred to as “Skip the Stuff” policies.
• Others emphasized the importance of standardized signage across businesses to reduce
confusion for both staff and guests, particularly around recycling and composting.
• A few comments noted that more coordinated efforts with waste haulers, including
expanded composting options and better sorting infrastructure, would make it easier for
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businesses to comply with any new requirements and achieve measurable waste
reduction.
DIRECT BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
The Town of Vail partnered with Walking Mountains as part of the Town’s zero waste contract to
conduct additional direct outreach to businesses in the restaurant/food service and hospitality
sectors. Walking Mountains reached out to 29 local businesses, and received responses from 16
of those businesses (five lodges, six food service, two convenience stores, Vail Health, and mixed
retail) to better understand current single-use plastic use, existing reduction efforts, key
challenges, and desired support if an ordinance is adopted.
Key metrics from this effort include:
● 100% of businesses reported using some form of single-use plastics in daily operations.
● 63% (10 of 16) have already taken steps to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics.
● 81% identified items that are difficult to replace, most often due to cost, functionality, or
limited alternatives. Plastic bags and plastic bottles were the most frequently cited items
still in use or difficult to replace. Other items included cups, containers, disposable gloves,
lids, and straws.
● 81% provided suggestions for what additional support they would need to implement a
single-use plastic reduction ordinance including:
o Additional humanpower to implement sorting, composting, and waste diversion.
o Assistance with space limitations for waste sorting (recycling, compost, trash).
o Access to composting services.
o Short, visual, and clear educational materials and tools for both staff and guests.
o Standardized signage to ensure consistent messaging across businesses.
o Financial assistance or rebates to offset the cost of switching to alternatives.
o Adequate time to make changes.
o More water refill stations across town.
Key takeaways are as follows:
● Many businesses are actively working to reduce single-use plastics, but several key
products still present challenges, including beverage use products, food containers, and
gloves.
● The most requested support included clear, visual educational materials, Town-
sponsored compost infrastructure, and clarity on enforcement and timelines.
● A few businesses prefer incentive- and partnership-based approaches over mandates,
especially given seasonal staffing and space limitations, while others express a willingness
to try to comply with an ordinance.
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● Clear communication from the Town, along with peer examples and coordinated
outreach, will be critical for effective implementation.
EXTERNAL PARTNERS VIRTUAL MEETING
The stakeholders engaged in this meeting are knowledgeable about the industry and offered
insights that Vail considered as we engaged with local parties. However, it should be noted that
some participants in this meeting may hold bias against (or for) a policy of this nature. Key
themes of the discussion included:
1. Cost and logistical concerns:
● Compostable and recyclable alternatives can come at a higher cost, sometimes as
much as twice that of traditional plastic products. This could create financial strain,
particularly for small businesses.
● Distributors and suppliers raised concerns about whether there is enough inventory
to meet a broad transition away from single-use plastics.
● Confusion around product labeling and terminology—for example, the difference
between PLA and PET or what qualifies as compostable versus recyclable—adds
another layer of difficulty for businesses trying to comply with potential new rules.
2. Infrastructure challenges in the food and beverage industry:
● Retailers expressed concern about how to replace plastic water bottles under one
gallon, which are widely used and currently have few cost-effective alternatives.
● From a broader bottled water industry perspective, beverage manufacturers face
equipment limitations and long supply chain lead times when switching to
producing materials like glass or aluminum, in some cases requiring over a year to
make the transition, yielding few manufacturers who are willing to make a transition
to non-plastic water bottles.
● There are concerns about compostable plastics getting into the environment
without proper industrial composting facilities and easy access to public-facing
composting disposal bins.
● Participants discussed how plastic bottled water plays a role during emergencies,
such as I-70 closures, and suggested that any ordinance accounts for these
situations through exemptions or alternative planning.
Conclusion
Overall, the engagement process provided a wide range of perspectives and practical insights
from both community members and businesses. Participants expressed general support for
reducing single-use plastics while highlighting key operational, cost, and education-related
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barriers. The input gathered will help inform policy recommendations that reflect local priorities,
challenges, and opportunities for effective implementation. Cross-audience takeaways are as
follows:
● Support Varies by Audience:
o Strong support among full-time residents and businesses who have already taken
steps to reduce single-use plastics in their operations.
o Several businesses still have concerns about the impact of an ordinance on their
bottom line, operations and guest experience.
o More concern from visitors, retailers tied to national suppliers, and those worried
about affordability.
● Priority Products: Water bottles, to-go containers, utensils, cups, and straws were the most
frequently flagged items for inclusion by both residents and businesses.
● Composting for Alternative Products is Limited: Compostable products do not require
composting infrastructure to be used, but without it, their full environmental benefits are
not realized. Supporting compost access would help maximize the value of these
alternatives. Both businesses and residents report limited or no access to composting.
● Cost & Logistics Are Perceived Barriers for Businesses: Businesses cited cost, product
availability, and labor (especially training seasonal staff) as major challenges. Survey
respondents were also especially concerned with disruptions to guest convenience.
However, there are also businesses who have worked with these challenges and
surmounted them, providing evidence that reducing single-use plastics has workable
solutions.
o Many are already trying compostable alternatives to single-use plastic products
but need support to scale.
● Resources Would be Needed for a Successful Ordinance:
o Residents and businesses both feel that the Town of Vail should provide resources
and support for policy implementation in the following key areas if they were to
move forward with an ordinance:
▪ Education and outreach
▪ Water refill access around town
▪ Financial support
▪ Recognition and incentives
▪ Vendor guidance
▪ Operational support to help with compliance and communication
Other Supporting Elements for Policy
● Clear, Localized Guidance Needed:
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o There is widespread confusion about what plastic items are compostable or
recyclable, or just trash. Consequently, stakeholders want standardized signage,
supplier vetting, and public education to help alleviate the confusion.
● Town’s Engagement Is Valued:
o Stakeholders appreciate the transparent process so far and want it to continue
through ordinance design and implementation.
In summary, a single-use plastic reduction ordinance is in line with the Town’s leadership and
values related to environmental sustainability and protection of natural resources. To
advance a policy of this nature, Vail would need to lead by example, provide robust support
and resources for businesses, and allow for flexibility to ensure an ordinance would not add
burden to local businesses, while still achieving the goals of reducing plastic pollution and
landfilled waste in the Town.
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Town of Vail Single-Use Plastics
Survey: Open-ended Responses
Resident Survey
WOULD A BAN ON ANY OF THESE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT YOUR DAILY LIFE?
PLEASE ELABORATE ON YOUR RESPONSE.
I think I am pretty cognizant of plastic use and already try to eliminate their use, and would
like to see further removal of them from the community
I don't often use single-use plastics. Only on occasions. For example, an event with plastic
utensils.
I guess it depnds on what is in place of cups - as long as they don't break or melt! paper
straws are annoying but okay with it
Probably wouldn’t buy at store lowering sales for local businesses.
Stop being a nanny state. Encourage businesses and people to not use these, but don't ban
them.
I’d be open to a ban
We are 100% in support of a ban on all these items.
I feel if there is a ban on single use products the Vail.share of the national market is so small
most manufactures will refuse to repackage and many products will simply become in
available in Vail.
All of these items would be easily replaced with non-plastic or compostable plastic
alternatives and I really appreciate the businesses that have already made that switch.
Live and let live.
There are many ways to creatively avoid using single use plastic.
Options are available.
We actually reuse/refill our water bottles more than once. Plastic cups, lids, and straws from
"Starbucks". We've tried the paper straws and they degrade immediately and are disgusting.
I can easily adapt my daily life. A traveler cannot and has been trained by TSA, airport
officials, and travel culture generally, to expect convenience items to be available. I don't see
a sensible path to eliminating most of the list below as a municipal entity.
I am not sure that eliminating is practical
I get plastic containers from take out food and reuse them. Compostable would work fine
instead. I wish the town had a compostable curbside program.
I don’t use most of them, so I wouldn’t mind a ban.
Of the items I do use, I presume there would be alternatives made available, such as
cardboard to-go containers. I can do without cotton swabs.
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We work hard to never use single use plastics. There are so many other options available.
What would I use to eat my take our food? Not sure I could carry around my own fork and
knife
I believe we, as a society, should be running away from single use plastics and make every
effort to eliminate them from our economy and lifestyle.
The net impact on the environment in sub-nominal, so this is virtue signaling. No one in Vail
uses enough of any of these things to create a significant environmental impact. No one is
considering the unintended consequences, like the amount of energy and water required for
substitutes.
dont really use them
There are always alternatives
I'm sure there would be an alternative. Some water bottles are already in cardboard
containers that are compostable.
I rarely use single use plastic now, so a ban wouldn’t affect me
Visitors like water when on chairlifts and while resting on mountain. So often they don’t want
to carry solid containers and many reusable plastic water containers (camelbacks) make the
water taste horrible.
There are times I view water bottles as a necessity if I don’t have one with me. Water bottles
must continue to be available.
They are unnecessary and the removal of them would cause no impact to me
Stop being Big Brother. Replacements also have costs, and not just monetary.
Plastic bags are helpful with preventing leaks from takeout food.
Within in my house, I can avoid. The harder is the rare to go situation.
We don’t need them, it’s just what’s provided. Going back to a less wasteful and disposable
society would be better. The town just needs to force the issue and make it easier for
everyone to make the right choice.
I could work around any ban.
Plastic bags at the grocery store are very useful. Also appreciate a nice classic plastic straw
It is time for everyone to adapt to not using single use plastic
There are other contain options available.
WE already try to avoid using plastic or non compostable items as much as possible
Restaurants can use other material for their to go items.
If there were another option I would take it!
I was born prior to plastics being developed and would prefer to eliminate them entirely from
our world.
I do my best to avoid single use plastics and actively avoid restaurants and companies that
use them whenever possible.
I don't foresee an impact as long as there is a non plastic alternate for each application.
Government mandates with no discernible benefit is just virtue signaling. I prefer bottled
water to tap water. I travel a lot an need small, carry-on toiletries. You're simply going to lose
sales tax to Avon and Wal-Mart by banning items.
I didn't eat out or get take away often.
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I only use them because they are readily available. If there was a better option I would use it
It is occasionally necessary to use such items. I don’t make a habit of it, but I don’t always
remember to grab my water bottle or I don’t want to take my porcelain dishes and stainless
silverware to the park for a picnic so I use paper and plastic. Not all take out needs to be
plastic, but for liquids it is necessary and sanitary. Wood cutlery is disgusting and I would
rather use my fingers to eat
I really like straws
This will be a burden, especially in buying produce
Could create a small inconvenience but I feel very strongly that we need to reduce the
amount of plastics our society uses (and throws away).
I use these items regularly
I try to use as little single-use as possible
It would make my day worse
Idiotic. Has no benefit
read up on microplastics. Finally its not just about the environment. Its personal
The grocery store bags to put your veggies in? Worst ever.
I could survive without the use of those plastic items. I am worried about the future of our
planet for my children and theirs later.
No. Since there will be replacements put in place, banning the single use plastics will not
impact my life. With the hazards single-use plastics have on our local community, one of
which being microplastics, I would be very happy to see all of these banned.
I don't use single plastic items
I would prefer paper take-out bags. The folded paper to go containers work well. Food can be
reheated in it and then opened and folded out into a plate. I try to always carry refillable
bottlesnthat can be used for hot or cold with a built-in Straw.
I avoid the use of these plastics, it would be great if businesses were required to find
alternatives
Most of the single use plastic I encounter is in takeout food containers. I'd love it if restaurants
would use biodegradable containers.
I’d prefer to use no plastic but most take away foods are packaged in plastic
No and please ban all of them!!
I refrain from most plastic use. However, it’s important to stay hydrated in the dry mountains
and sometimes it’s necessary to be able to purchase water bottles if I run out of my own
water.
Thinking there will be a better alternative provided
If the town cares about the environment, an ordinance similar to that of New York City that
prohibits business from doors from being propped open in cold and hot weather would count
for a lot more than this plastics effort.
wood or recycle alternatives available for cutlery, plastic bags harder to replace
I think there are some biodegradable alternatives would be better.
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Walk through Safeway or City Market and look at the beverages, not just water hut soda,
sports drink, etc. what is your idea for these packages?
I will be happy to adapt to any inconvenience, or expense.
Do not use single use plastic except for vegetables at the grocery store
I mostly eat at home, not in restaurants, so i am able to avoid most of these single-use plastic
items.
Too broad of a question to answer with such a wide range of responses.
A ban would incentivize alternatives. None are items I cannot live without
I think the fewer single use plastic items in the world, the better.
Do not agree with limiting peoples freedom to choose the type of material they use. People
use worst solutions when pushed.
Q-tips are the only things I really use. I have tried reusable q-tips and they are uncomfortable
and hurt my ear canals
Already reduce use of single-use plastics.
No way can I buy food in stores in anything other than a plastic. What would stores package
the item in?
no comment
When things are banned, people find an alternative.
I avoid plastics, and generally try to avoid take out food, groceries that come in unnecessary
packaging. I think it would be a great move to ban single use plastics.
to much plastics in the world
We can all give up simething for cleeener environment
I avoid plastics whenever possible, single use or otherwise
I try to live with as little plastic as possible, my son is at Red Sandstone Elementary school and
they focus on eliminating single use plastic. These efforts need to continue throughout the
town.
Banning of single-use plastics would make me much less likely to order take-out food from
the locally owned Vail restaurants. If Vail has a complete pan on single-use plastics, I am
much more likely to relocate my family to another county.
It is really very easy to not use ANY plastic. Just do it!
I think banning single plastic is a none negotiable
I think alternatives would be good.
I need a plastic water bottle for skiing! Do you think glass is safe?
We have installed RO system in our house (which is kinda silly because the water source here
is soooo good0, but we basically do not use plastic unless it is a container we buy at the store
I try not to use single use plastic.
I already make a huge effort not to use single use plastics. I love this.
Inconvenience. Inferior substitutes (see paper straws). Implied cost increases. Ilconcieved
policy
affordable compostable options are available now. It drives me crazy when restaurants
package to go orders in plastic.
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I reuse any plastic container (4 through 7) over and over again until it breaks or is damaged,
then it is placed in the co-mingle recycle bin. I try to avoid all plastic containers, but the
grocery stores make this challenging. Fortunately, Walmart is claiming to recycle soft plastics
so I make food purchases of soft plastic items, rinse and collect to recycle at the local
Walmart location.
I do not need plastic to go items as we can use cardboard
Most of these items I use only at restaurants, and we do eat out that regularly
Use small plastic water bottles for convenience but are slowly transitioning to reusable water
bottles.
I use make up removers daily. they come in a plastic package.
The only single use plastic containers I use are from grocery items purchased at the grocery
store, i.e sausages, eggs, deli items, etc. These are soft plastics for which I believe there are
recycle options.
I am very aware of single use plastic and rarely purchase anything that falls into this
category. I'm all for banning as much of it as we can.
But I would adapt as we all have with the plastic bag ban.
It depends on the ban. Chris Romer made some very points in his op ed in the Daily dated
2/28/25
https://epaper.vaildaily.com/html5/reader/production/defau
I have the alternatives in place to remove them, just takes a little effort.
I'd love to see ALL plastic elliminated
Everything that I chose above have a reusable or a compostable option. Sometimes I forget
my reusable coffee mug which is on me but I do think if I had to pay a fee to get the
compostable option then I would forget a whole lot less. Because changing from plastic to
compostable would be an investment for businesses I do think they would need to increase
their prices but like I stated above those are all things that I can bring or that the business can
have a reusable of. Also... would it not be cheaper for a coffee shop or grocer coffee stand to
offer a jug of half n half instead of buying the small plastic creamers.
I would live to see these types of plastics reduced. A ban would not impact me one bit.
Need suitable substitutes
Educate on alternatives and encourage alternatives don't ban
I use straws weekly and do not think they are the problem. The problem is far bigger like all
the chemicals and chem trails from planes, etc.
I try and always have a refillable container with me. It can be used for to-go beverages.
Plastic lids and straws can be replaced by earth-friendly items.
I can easily live without single use plastic everything.
A ban on single-use plastics would significantly impact my life by the sheer fact that I am well
aware and have been a staunch advocate of not using any for over 15 years. I have tried my
best to be a good steward and start conversations about the impact of using any kind of
plastic on the environment and our own bodies but folks like the convenience and are
motivated by advertisers to keep using them. Admittedly, it has been a struggle for me to be
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a change-maker, but maybe I am leading by example and have affected at least a few
people. A single-use plastic ban would be a celebration for me.
I try not to use single-use plastic items. Most of the time I find them as condiment packaging,
or plastic water cups at ski lodges.
Tired of Vail virtue signaling again!!
As a resident, I feel we have much larger issues than charging residents additional tax on
single use products. Living in this vail is already expensive enough without adding additional
taxes. Charging additional fees would frankly just have me buy the products I need in another
city and still dispose of them in the vail area while visiting.
When our daughter comes with her children they need to use water bottles to make baby
formula.
We occasionally need to buy Gatorade for our guests in individual bottles
We've eliminated a lot of plastics as much as seems practical. The one challenge is to-go
containers. No straight forward solution; some businesses (in Boulder) will fill personal
containers for things like soup. One easy place to start could be an upcharge for to-go coffee
cups, similar to plastic grocery bags.
I want single use plastics banned. We need to find another way. I feel that we are forced to
buy food in single use plastics. City Market is the worst, but not sure what to do about it or how
much it would imapact our lives.
I am generally not needing to buy items that use single-use plastics.
Most are provided by businesses. I try not to use single use plastic but I do buy things that
come in it.
I use straws for drinking all drinks due to very sensitive teeth. I carry water or a drink with me
when I can but not in to restaurants- there I request a straw. I usually don't finish a full meal
and due to cost of food in Vail I take home my left-overs. Need the dog poop bags!
Although I don’t use plastics frequently, sometimes I do and it’s necessary and unavoidable.
Not having them if needed is a pain in the neck, and it’s not going to make a difference.
I rarely use any of the items that you have listed.
I suspect most people don't use them either.
I think it is a great idea to limit the sale of single use plastics! Start selling greener alternatives.
I love visiting Calgary, Alberta where most single use plastics are banned. Bamboo cutlery
and paper straws, even in fast food restaurants. At the mall there's a person whose job is to
separate compostable from landfill waste. Quite impressive.
Bottled water is very convenient, and I always use the bottle multiple times. They are also very
recyclable. Bans are frustrating .
I would change how I do things
It would improve my daily life!
There are so many great options…it’s just change in mindset
It would but, if other products can come into play that are more eco friendly I have no
problem with this. We also should be banning foam/styrofoam from being in our valley!
positively to reduce plastic waste
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I hate plastic. Get rid of it. People can figure it out. We figured it out when we got rid of bags at
the grocery store. Plastic is ruining our environment. I-70 is full of trash which is mostly plastic
items, it makes this most beautiful place on earth look like we don't care. I am so disgusted
with the plastic overflowing in our landfills.
I would be positively impacted because I can easily stop using those single-use plastics,
especially if there is infrastructure supporting the more sustainable swap, and I am so tired of
all the waste, and my mental health would be significantly improved if we were taking steps
as a community to end single-use plastic waste.
This is kind of crazy we are doing this. Just improve recycling efforts and give us a choice.
I see this as a huge win!
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING SINGLE -USE PLASTICS AND/OR
THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REDUCE ITS USE AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE COMMUNITY .
The plastic bag ban was so seamless, it seems logical that the rest of single use plastics
should follow suit.
Limiting plastics by having more people use reusable water bottles and coffee mugs is a
great strategy. For example, it is so easy to fill a coffee mug at a coffee shop or gas station.
And why not save money and not buy plastic water bottles?
no extra comments come to mind
None
Stop trying to control everyone
The less plastic in our community the better!
We are 100% in support of a ban on all these single-use plastic items.
I believe this whole plan is a very poor idea
Do it! Take a lead on this! We need to stop using so much damned plastic!!!
Stop being a strong-arm, big-brother government
I am 100% for banning single plastic items
The time has come to just say “no” to plastic and “yes” to a healthy future. The cumulative
impacts of micro plastics in our water sources and our bodies is becoming unhealthy and will
continue until elected leaders do something.
Need to take into account recycling
I am in favor of eliminating single use plastics culturally, but I don't want to make an
ordinance that is ridiculous, like cities in the 80s announcing themselves as nuclear free
zones. If we are banning products that people, our visitors especially, are used to having, I
would prefer to do this at a larger (state-wide) level. Taking away a convenience from their
travel could be experienced directly as an annoyance of traveling here
Not sure if eliminating is practical but reduction efforts should be pursued.
Would be good if the town had a compostable curbside program. A lot less would end up in
the landfill.
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Often we’re provided with condiments in small packages and/or cutlery even without asking
for them, when picking up items to-go.
It sure would be nice if, in restaurants, we had more options for a SMALL or a LARGE portion.
Being served too much food is the main reason I’ll end up getting a “doggie bag” after dining
out.
I support a ban on selling plastic water bottles and single use plastic baggies.
We used to never use plastic. All good art grocery stores came in non-plastic containers. Not
sure why reducing plastic would be so hard.
I think Vail is a great place to implement a ban like this, considering the affluence (in general)
of the community, the resources of the local government, and the size of the community.
Much like mandatory single stream, which has a substantial adverse impact, shipping plastic
to a loagoon in Indonesia for instance, it’s heresy to question the net impact of this form of
theater.
It would be great for the community
Water bottles are the worst and should be banned the world-over!
I feel that it would be an easy and very beneficial change.
It’s guests that need single use water containers that do not leave the water tasting horribly.
If you distribute water in aluminum can, you have to drink it at once(liquid death) as it doesn’t
reseal.
We can’t get rid of some water bottles in stores and ski resorts. There are times it’s emergency
if I don’t have my reusable and I don’t want to drink certain water!
There are so many substitutes to single use plastic, there continued use is unnecessary
Enough is enough!! Too much regulation!! Let it be personal preference... freedom to choose.
Need to make sure that the replacement product quickly is superior to the plastic when
considering visitors. For instance, requiring all 2day visitors to purchase a reusable water
bottle that they throw away when they leave may be worse tha 4 plastic cups they would
have used????
the town is losing it’s environmental edge. I’d like to see them step up and take this small step
to reduce wastefulness. The hotels and tourists buy so many plastic water bottles shipped
from who knows where.
Bring pack plastic bags and plastic straws
This issue is very similar to how we don’t receive free plastic bags at the grocery store, and
instead have to buy paper bags if one forgets their usable bags. Having the local government
directly affect single use plastic reduction is an effective way for the TOV to broaden its
environmental impact.
Need more refill fountains for reusable water bottles in vail
plastic should be banned as there are alternatives for all the items. Compostable products
should be encouraged!
Anything mandatory will be criticized as infringing on rights, which is ridiculous. But if a price
is put on its use vs the environmentally friendly alternative, then people will adjust
accordingly. Just like bags at the grocery store. Everyone brings their own bag now. In the
beginning there was lots of disgruntlement, but now, no big deal.
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If there is another alternative that is easy, this will be a seamless process. If singe use plastics
are replaced with compostable products, people will not notice. The issue will be actually
composting these items.
implement compost pick up through the trash companies.
Bottled water I think seems to be most commo ly used product. Hotels give them out at
checkout in, have them in the rooms. Guests buy giant packs of bottled water instead of
drinking our water...
reusable water containers and refill stations should be more available and visible for visitors
so they don't feel the need to buy 12+ packs of small single use plastic ones.
Please be reasonable and thoughtful and don't let emotion drive your decisions. The Town has
done a lot of great things with housing and transportation. Do not undo the goodwill through
big government mandates.
Requirements for hotels that give away free bottles of water
Take out could switch to paper bags easily they still use plastic take out bags which could be
switched to paper
I respect the effort, but common sense would say that it is not realistic for this to be a
sweeping ordinance. Not to mention the costs that will be passed on to consumers.
Water refill stations in town would be very helpful
Don't penalize grocery stores
I strongly support public efforts to reduce plastics in our waste stream.
People will complain at first, but then accommodate
For a town built because of and around nature, its beyond late in timing. What a disaster.
Why are we always so afraid to upset the tourists? People will understand and appreciate
efforts to change for the positive.
I would love it if restaurants only used compostable plastic to go containers, cups, straws, etc,
even if it costs more for me.
I believe that all of these should be banned in order to create real change by reducing single -
use plastics throughout the city.
start putting a high tax on plastic water bottles
I try to go green at every opportunity I can. If the bad containers were replaced with good
items everyone will get used to it. There will always be people who will fight it and complain.
That's just life. Everyone will get used to whatever is available.
Get rid of as much as possible
I’m in favor of a reduction in plastics use.
We need to force industry to change because will keep consuming in any form so write to
your favorite retailers/restaurants and demand change because that’s where chance will
happen - demand from consumers!!!!! Ask Starbucks, McDonald’s and other leaders in the
industry to make a change and others will follow!!!
I’m for reducing most single use items. Again - it’s important to continue to sell smaller water
bottles to keep people hydrated - especially tourists for example - who may not have a
reusable bottle available to them, that sort of thing. Most of the other single use items can be
replaced by compostable products, wood, reusable bags, etc.
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Initially people will be resistant as change is unpopular. This too will pass. Decades ago, I
remember the big push back against roundabouts.
Focus on other things like heat blowing out open doors in winter and outdoor fireplaces.
require all take out food service to only offer reusable alternative for packaging
DO IT! I live part time in Berkeley CA and we have this ordinance.
Again, what thoughts have been given to change the manufacturing practice for everything
from water, to juice, to sports drink, etc?
Full speed ahead; thank you for asking!
Plastic water bottles May be necessary to keep
Banning single use water bottles under 1 gallon but no single use soda bottles, or tea bottles,
or plastic food trays (grocery meats), etc etc etc seems disingenuous. But I guess you have
to start somewhere.
Plastic makes sense in certain applications many LCA’s show the data of this. Do the required
research if you want to reduce carbon footprint. Please make informed decisions beyond
“what feel, or sounds, good.”
We now have options - therefore regulatory changes like this one are key drivers of positive
change
I like both options: ban items and/or charge for use.
All the family mostly uses reusable plastics, but limiting single use plastic drives people to
worst behaviours.
Love that students sparked this process.
Common sense approach. If TOV bans a single use items ie: water bottles. Consumers will but
these in other towns ( lose of sales tax) or order on line for delivery to their homes.
One of the biggest problems in our community is the amount of waste of single use water
bottles from visitors to the community. An effort needs to be made to eliminate these and
encourage the use of reusable bottles.
The plastic bag ban has been very successful although Charlie’s t-shirt shop is still using
them for some reason.
It's disheartening to see so many tourists buying cases of water when the water in the valley is
so good. How about an ad campaign at the airport and grocery stores sharing the good
quality of the water? These bottles seem to me to be the worst issue invol ving plastics.
keep our wonderfull nature and Vail as is
Maybe, We can add significant surcharge for all of plastics ….that usually helps :)
Just ban ppl astic
Stay strong and get it done. It takes a while to change consumer behavior. You don’t need to
find a substitute to plastic, some of these items we can just do without. We all bring our own
grocery bags to the store now, we can do this!!
I do not believe the move to ban plastic grocery bags has had the desired effect. Individuals
at the supermarkets (myself included) have largerly not adopted multi-use grocery bags and
instead opt to purchase paper bags, which also have an impact on the environment.
Although banning single-use plastic products has a strong symbolic effect, I don't believe it
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has done anything to protect the environment or change human behavior. It is just
inconvenient.
Vail could be the leader in Colorado! Get rid of all plastics!
if there is a $ attached to the use of plastic ppl stop
its particular restaurants and grocery stores that need to enforce no plastic policies.
I’m cool with an ordinance as long as local business can afford it.
Don't you have something important to do?
Maybe spend more time training plow drivers!
Less time telling me what to do
The fact is that there ARE non-plastic alternatives, but they will cost more. It is literally the cost
of progress to use alternatives and not use any plastic containers for food or beverages
ESPECIALLY with the data about microplastics and BPA.
I’m in favor of requiring restaurants to use cardboard or other containers; don’t give straw
unless asked for and then give paper straw.
I love this for all the reasons. Thank you for standing up for our community, our natural
resources and the earth!
Constant education to drive PERSONAL CHOICE.
go for it
Everything seems to come in a plastic of one form, or another. Being conscientious is the first
step. Some folks get it, some do not. The destination designation of the Town of Vail works
against us. We've got great placement of recycle and trash bins throughout the town, but
nary a compost bin.
Let's start small. How about paper straws and stir sticks (what will eating establishments do
with their surplus)? How about asking coffee customers what they want in their Americana?
Put the sweetener and flavor in first and add the coffee - no stir stick needed. How about
creamer containers at hotels (the coffee establishments seem to have this figured out)?
Water is a tough one. Some guests don't know about our quality of "sink water" and maybe a
paper placard in each room describing how great our hard water is may make guests think
twice about purchasing single use water...Bottom line is it is guest, new resident, second home
owners, and short term rental folks need an education on what our sustainable goals are.
How do we do that? I don't know except one human at a time. We must unite in this
message.
I'm in favor of reducing unnecessary plastics
I just returned from several countries in Europe and there were zero plastic straws anywhere.
I believe all plastic should be made so it can be recycled. Other plastics that cannot be
recycled should be banned. Use of all alternatives to recycled materials should be made
readily available and its use encouraged.
GREAT idea! we should be trendsetters in our Mountain Communities!
I make an effort to be net zero on waste, including electricity, fuel and natural gas. It is not
easy, it is conscientious and requires an effort. How do we educate our guests about our net
zero goals? The waste stations at the major events are awesome and the folks that man
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those stations are exceptional. But the future goals of our guests seems to be very different
from our residents. Education is the answer, but our guests may not want to burdened
leaving the clean up to the residents and town employees.
I am all for the adoption of an ordinance to reduce single use plastics.
Complete ban on plastic bags. Some t shirt shops still giving out blue plastic bags.
What about the retailers? Why not make sure all plastic water bottles are PET and recyclable?
I think plastic water bottles is at the top of my list to reduce. The challenge is to provide easy
access to alternatives to individuals and businesses for these items.
Just start elliminating and the community will adapt. I've tried to purge most plastics out of
my kitchen except for sandwich baggies but a little pressure to keep elliminating plastics will
be good for all of us. Generally when I travel I am suspected to plastic food containers and
plasticware, etc...but I could do better by carrying things with me.
Before adopting an ordinance I think handing out a toolkit to businesses that have different
suppliers and highly rated products with contact would be helpful.
Start with the big and most used items (plastic water bottles and gallon containers) then go
from there. Education, outreach, consistency. Ensure these items don't make their way into
Town owned buildings.
The restaurants are the biggest problem
Stop with the banning. Sometimes plastic is needed. Educate that plastic is not healthy for
people or the environment and let alternatives catch up to the need.
I always use reusable coffee cup, water bottle, and glass food containers. I use a plastic straw
once a week for Mc Donalds diet coke treat.
I use real silverware, plates, cups, and bowls. All washed and reused for years. Sandwiches
can be wrapped in paper saving the water needed to wash reusable bags to get them clean.
My parents think it’s quaint that we actively choose alternatives to single-use plastic
everything. The older generation may push back. I/ we/ all of my peers think this is an
amazing idea, and part of the reason we live here!
They advertising for it will need to be meaningful and positive. Perhaps presented as a
challenge by showing how little trash one has per week through blogs and social media
posts, or promoting our water and sanitization facilities and the goodness of our local water.
Add marketing in hotel and athletic facilities about the adoption of the ordinance so it doesn't
come as a surprise to guests.
Single use plastics, especially for water, are ridiculous. Plenty of alternatives exist.
Lots of unintended consequences -- Vail again will look foolish addressing these issues rather
than addressing core issues of the city -- ie parking, worker housing, overall cost of skiing at
Vail, noise from "special events".. Quit wasting your time on things that are one one thousand
of a percent of honest Vail problems.
I think people will still purchase what they need in other cities and the problem of the disposal
will still exist, but purchased elsewhere. So if the target tax group are tourists, then charge a
tourists tax.
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I want to make my own decisions. Most Vail residents already try to limit their use of plastics.
Do not tell us what we can and cannot do
It’s beyond your duties as town council
See previous comments about to go coffee cups.
An additional concern is absorbing microplastics from containers into the blood stream. I'm
not up on how the use of plastic coated dishwasher soap pods affect dishes and the water
supply, but would love to learn more.
See above comments. In addition, perhaps more needs to be done to educate people about
our water quality and offer alternates to single serve water bottles.
Tourists are the worst about this. Also, is there a way to have a program to offer purchase and
installation of water filtration systems for homes?
As a property manager it’s disgusting how much plastic gets thrown away. Recycling isn’t
working, so banning has to be the next step.
I am pro reduction in plastics.
go to paper/compostable products
Try to find dog poop bags that are compostable, but they still go in the trash- not sure how
this works then...
Provide decent trash cans around town and people will throw their refuse in them.
I rarely use any of the items that you have listed.
I suspect most people don't use them either. However to ban these items will only make it
more difficult for local
businesses to conduct their business. I suggest that alternatives be available to the
consumer and it is their decision on which item they chose to use. More government rules
and regulation do not necessarily make things better or convenient. Legislating responsibility
is not your job.
Do it!
I think single-use plastic reduction needs to go hand in hand with increased composting.
Education on how to recycle is important.
I work in hospitality and I see a lot of single use water bottles. I would like to see hotels provide
reusable water bottles for guests
Love this idea. Would love to see it extend to produce in grocery stores too if possible!
Need more education!
Kids lunches are a great place to start!!!
So much trash waste in schools
An all out ban! Tax tourists to accommodate locals, they create so much waste and have no
reason to consider it!
get plastic out of our rivers
I hate plastic. Plastic is damaging our bodies and ruining our human race. I want a world
where our everyday objects aren't slowly killing us.
I think it is much easier to be individually sustainable in a sustainable system, and I also think
we would all benefit mentally and physically if we started actively taking sustainable
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initiatives, even if some people are frustrated at first, it is better for us all, and nobody is
immune to the damage the production of and disposal of single-use plastics creates.
No comments.
Fully support!
May the effects not be worse than what there is
I whole heartedly support the ban on single use plastics
Will the solution cost more money to businesses and will increase already steep prices?
Business Survey
PLEASE ELABORATE ON WHAT INITIATIVES YOU ARE UTILIZING, OR PLANNING TO IMPLEMENT, TO REDUCE
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AT YOUR BUSINESS.
We use compostable plates, cutlery, serveware, and napkins only. We use wooden boards to
serve food on and every effort to get them back. We just switched to compostable deli
containers and will phase out plastic deli containers within the next 8 months.
we are constantly looking for sensible option to replace plastics with compostable options,
other materials or delivery systems.
Straws, stirrers and cutlery
for in-room amenities, we use a product that is in paperboard packaging (BeeKind by
Gilchrist & Somes); we use compostable coffee cups at our lobby coffee station, wood stir
sticks); we have water dispensers around the property to discourage use of single use plastic
water bottles; we use only paper bags for shoppers;
We barely use any plastic to go items anymore
It’s all recyclable material
We use reusable dishes in office, Everyone brings reusable water bottles. We have
compostable cups and napkins. I feel we do good as an office with no single use plastic
although it is very easy to go grab lunch close by and end up with a bowl fork and napkin that
are not recyclable or compostable.
We use compostable and recyclable products and no single use plastic
About 4 years ago we worked with ecoproducts to implement a bunch of compostable
kitchen items. Just this year we were able to replace a few more like cold cups, cold lids, hot
lids, and a sandwich container to eco products compostable.
Not using plastics when there are alternatives. Also, recycling.
We try to use as much compostable product as possible but it comes at 6 times the cost. Eco
choice has signed exclusives with food purveyors that have a 4x markup on product. Which
then we have to pass to the consumer who frankly has had enough. Also that group which is
our main source of income refreshes every three to 7 days and we start over.
Composting
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Choosing glass instead of plastic, use up the plastic already in office and not buying anymore
Washing trash can instead of using plastic bag
All compostable where possible
PLEASE ELABORATE ON YOUR RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION ABOVE REGARDING PERCEIVED CHALLENGES OR
RESOURCES NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT.
Guests will not know where/how to compost. We must make composting easier and get
hotels and residences to comply and compost.
there simply not enough options available to completely replace plastic products in its
entirety. Service and safety would be significantly compromised on many levels. The solution
is a continuous effort to reduce (and perhaps ultimately eliminate) single-use plastics. Right
now, there are too many missing pieces to fill the gaps created by a government mandated
ban.
Historically, customers do not like biodegradable straws
Pass an ordinance against the sale of single use plastic water bottles.
It’s potentially a tad more expensive but it’s become very easy to use compostable materials
Really no excuse left
Again we do not have to many challenges here as we have already been mostly single use
plastic free for a few years now. I do see some challenges in the lack of knowledge. as we
have seasonal workers come in and have no idea what composting is or why we do it. I would
love to see a way to have guests and new employees be aware of recycling and compost..
Maybe more signs around town informing why it is good/should be done and the direction we
are moving in.
No justification!!
Who is going to bring a metal or glass container to go skiing? Have you ever fallen on a metal
water bottle?
No challenges we have found alternative products that work well for our needs
I spoke with Ecoproducts a few months ago and they confirmed that they did not have a
compostable straw that bends. The hospital has to have this for patients that have a hard
time eating and drinking. Currently we only use reusable silverware for inpatient patients. Our
dish area in Vail is to small to keep up with the amount of silverware that would come
through. Toothpicks need to be wrapped when going to a patients room. Personal hygiene
containers are not something that can be shared. (I know this is something we would be
exempt from but I still want to mention it) We would love to support a change from plastic
water bottles to aluminum. The biggest problem here is that our water bottles have the logo
on them so I think we would need a new supplier.
I just think that we probably use what we use because it is cost efficient. The best thing you
could probably do to make this happen is to get companies to reduce the cost of items such
as compostable cups and silverware, etc. Outlaw Styrofoam! We use paper cups for our
coffee service here, so at leas that is not plastic that we use - we use a lot of them.
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Healthcare facility-most items by law are single use and must remain that way-
source of income that the town is taking away
To change the culture of our visitors which refresh every seven days we would be chasing our
tails and increasing costs of an overall issue with our guests not having these policies or
procedures in their everyday life habits that they bring with them and do not care to change
while on vacation.
No challenge
Apex would like to support the town of Vail in their initiatives and provide resources to do so.
It’s an effort that’s gonna take time for people to adapt to. However, even if there’s no
demand from customers (they can be educated by this initiative and adjust to it) or if it’s
harder to find supplies (the demand in supplies increases it’s availability) or if it’s a bit costly a
first (what is perceived as cost could also be seen as investment in a better quality of life in
the long run) it’s important to realize the delicate environment we live in and create a more
sustainable future.
Education about available alternatives for packaging to go foods.
All of those things can only minimize the trouble that this will create
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING SINGLE -USE PLASTICS OR THE
ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REDUCE ITS USE AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE COMMUNITY?
It does not cost that much more to buy compostable products. Every business owner in Vail
should be able to implement this easily.
the intention here is good. We need to think with our 'brain' not with our 'hearts' to achieve a
major reduction in single-use plastics that can be implemented, supported and sustained. A
poorly thought-through ban is not the solution.
It’s necessary for our community
Pass an ordinance against the sale of single use plastic water bottles.
I am disappointed in Vail Resorts as a whole for how much plastic they produce. I have
worked in many departments here and seen single use plastic being used for all different
types of things. I believe if we are reaching for a goal of zero net then it mak es no sense to
offer plastic water bottles at the top of the mountain. I see very few signs around vail resort
trash cans stating our mission. I feel they implement more of these signs and Mission
statements when more guests are in town example the go pro games. However I feel this
should not just be for show when tourist are here and we need to be implementing these
issues when we are in the dead of winter as well. Tired of seeing guest throw water bottles in
the trashcan. HOW DO WE NOT HAVE SIGNS FOR THIS!
Trust the science ... not the idiots pushing this foolishness.
I don't like mandates on the citizenry. Let adults make adult decisions, you are not my mother.
We do not need more NANNY STATE directives from politicians who think they know better
than the people who elected them.
Getting rid of single use plastic in business can be done with minimal effort
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Starbucks? I try to push staff to BYOCup but we still forget and also get many visitors.
Starbucks did start a compostable series at some locations in CA I think... I would be HAPPY to
push a change here also. VH owns the Starbucks so I think that would ma ke some things
easier but I know they still have to stay on branding and things.
I think this is mainly aimed at restaurants isn't it? I think it is a great idea!
Can you provide how much the TOV really contributes to the issue? And how much can be
improved/realistically-
we don't make a lot of money from it but if the town is telling me i cannot sell water - then pay
us back for this lost income item
The haulers dump it all anyway. That will have to change first. Personally we need to start this
program residentially first before we start trying to change the worlds of the guests that come
from elsewhere.
No challenge
Apex would be proud to support this initiative and develop a plan/ordinance to do so.
I believe the health care system is the biggest contributor to single use plastic, it’s sometimes
avoidable if other practices are implemented such as alternative materials that are still safe.
I’ve seen a love of waist at the hospital and in clinics just because gloves (for example) are
available and there’s a conscious effort to reduce the use of supplies.
TOV could promote purchase of a customized hiking or picnic cutlery set ( knife fork spoon) in
a souvenir-like carry case and easily stored in a purse or backpack.
Just do a better job of providing recycling opportunities and actually recycle .
plenty of businesses are using "compostable" to-go products already with no where to put
them inside their business or in the village. (Yeti Coffee, Belle Coffee)
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Single-Use Plastic
Reduction Ordinance
Recommended Policy Approaches
August 5, 2025
Lotus Engineering & Sustainability 1 92
Introductions &
Background
2 93
Project Team
Claire Kantor
Lotus Engineering
& Sustainability
Kim Schlaepfer
Lotus Engineering
& Sustainability
3
Beth Markham
Environmental
Sustainability
Manager
Vail
Kristen Bertuglia
Environmental
Sustainability
Director
Vail
Hunter Koch
Environmental
Sustainability
Program Admin
Vail
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Background
Council directed staff to investigate a single-use plastic
ordinance for the Town following:
1.Public comment from concerned resident (January
2024)
2.Student-led presentation on environmental and health
impacts of plastics (September 2024)
4 95
History of Vail’s Plastics Reduction Work
●Single-use plastic carryout bag restriction at grocery
stores.
●Single-use plastic carryout bags ordinance was
expanded to all retailers per state legislation (HB21-
1162).
5
●Polystyrene (styrofoam) containers prohibited at food
establishments via ordinance per the state legislation (HB21-1162).
●September: student led council presentation on the impacts of
single-use plastics on environment + public health →Council
directive to staff to explore ordinance development.
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Staff-Led Efforts
Town of Vail staff undertook several efforts to
collect information to inform policy
recommendations for Council.
1.Research
2.Engagement with Vail Community and Industry
Stakeholders
3.Peer Community Interviews
6 97
Vail Values &
Goals
7 98
8
Vail’s
Strategic
Plan
1.Restore the Gore:
Support the health
of the river by
reducing plastic
pollution.
2.Reduce carbon
pollution: Achieve
50% waste diversion
rate and develop a
policy to address
single-use plastics.
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9
A single-use plastic reduction
ordinance fits into my vision for
the Vail community.
A single-use plastic reduction
ordinance fits into my vision for
the Vail community.
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Plastics are a
“Messy” Topic
10 101
Single-Use Plastics
What are they?
●Products made from mostly fossil fuel-based
chemicals
●Intended to be disposed of immediately after use.
●Mostly packaging and serviceware like:
○Plastic bottles -beverage, shampoo
○Plastic bags
○Plastic to-go containers
○Plastic utensils
○Styrofoam
○Plastic cups
○Straws
○And more..
11 102
Single-Use Plastics: Uses
●Medical uses: surgical gloves, syringes, tubing
●Convenience: Lightweight, portable, and used
in everyday packaging and products
●Easy maintenance: easy to clean and/or easy
to dispose of
●Durability: strong material
●Cheap to produce
12 103
13
The world of single-use
items, plastic pollution, and
waste is complicated.
●Community conversations revealed a
wide range of assumptions and
concerns.
●Well-intentioned people disagree and
agree on the facts.
104
14
Some of what we heard:
•Misconceptions are common:
"Everything gets landfilled" / "All plastics
are recyclable"
•Equity concerns: “Some people rely on
bottled water” / “plastic bottles are
meant to be used only once”
•Tourism worries: “If we don’t sell bottles,
will guests stop coming?”
•Environmental Impact: “Plastics have
the lowest environmental footprint of
materials” / “Plastics are polluting every
environment”
105
15
How We Grounded the Work:
•Utilized peer-reviewed
research and noted
potential biases.
•Gathered direct
feedback from
community residents
and businesses.
•Focused on practical
solutions.
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What we found:
Research Key
Takeaways
16 107
Single-Use Plastics Are Challenging to
Recycle and Hazardous to Reuse
●Over 90% of plastics have never
been recycled (Scientific American, 2023)
●Only ~1% of plastics are recycled
more than once (Scientific American,
2023)
●Tourism areas like Vail face
added challenges: inconsistent
rules, 'wishcycling'
●PET products (bottles or food
containers) can leach harmful
chemicals when exposed to heat
or acidic contents (NIH, 2022)
17 108
Single-Use Plastics Pollute the
Environment
●A 2023 study sampled 16 waterways in
Colorado, including in high-alpine ecosystems,
and found microplastics in all of them.
●Plastics travel via wind and water—Vail is not
isolated, nor are its impacts.
18 109
Microplastics Sources
19 110
Microplastics Sources
20 111
Microplastics cause Major Health
Impacts
●Plastic pollution has been linked to:
○Certain cancers, birth defects, hormone disruption,
reproductive impacts (men and women).
●Microplastics and nanoplastics, tiny and tinier plastic
particles found in food, water, and even the air, have been
shown to:
○Accumulate in organs and tissues;
○Trigger inflammatory and immune responses;
○Accumulate in the brain and placenta, raising concerns
for neurological and developmental health.
Lotus Engineering & Sustainability 21 112
Plastic Bans Have Been Studied to
be Effective
●Plastic bag bans are
linked to up to a 37%
reduction in shoreline
litter in coastal U.S.
cities.
●Most effective when
policies are clear and
apply broadly.
22 113
What we heard:
Community
Engagement Key
Takeaways
23 114
24
Town of Vail Residents
52% of respondents expressed support of a plastics
reduction ordinance
18%are supportive of an ordinance
if there is infrastructure to support the
switch
11%are neutral or unsure
19%are not supportive
115
•Aligns with community values.
•Town should “lead by example”
•Need better waste education.
25
Town of Vail Residents
116
26
Town of Vail Residents
117
27
Town of Vail Businesses
65% of businesses we engaged with are already working
toward single-use plastics reduction
22%, aside from those already reducing plastic,
are supportive of an ordinance
if they are also given support
9%are neutral or unsure
4%are not
supportive
118
28
Town of Vail Businesses
Preferred
Approaches
●Like-for-like
product
swaps
●Collaboration
> mandates
Support Needed
●Composting
infrastructure
improvement
●Public/guest
education
●Recognition
for leaders
Key Challenges
●Supply and
cost of
alternatives
●Operational
impacts
●Customer
expectations
119
A few supportive comments:
29 120
A few more concerns:
30 121
Thoughtful path forward:
31
●Perspectives differ across businesses
●If Council wants to move forward with
this ordinance, businesses want to
know they are supported with:
○Fair enforcement
○Guidance for viable alternatives to
sell
○Robust public outreach and
education on best practices and
town values
122
What have other
communities
done?
Peer Community
Examples
32 123
33
Peer Community Prohibited Products
Plastic water bottles
under 1 gallon
Plastic takeout
containers *
Plastic cutlery
Plastic cups and lids **
Plastic carry-out
bags
Plastic spill protectors
and stir sticks
Plastic condiment
and creamer
packages
“Skip the Stuff” Rule
124
Breckenridge’s Public Messaging
Campaign and Grant Program
34
Peer Communities: Business and
Resident Support Examples
125
Truckee/Tahoe’s Public Messaging
Campaign: Drink Tahoe Tap
35
Peer Communities: Business and
Resident Support Examples
126
Water refill station grant program and
map (Truckee)
36
Peer Communities: Business and
Resident Support Examples
127
Product Guides
37
Peer Communities: Business and
Resident Support Examples
128
What’s Happening In
Vail?
Vail Businesses are already
taking initiative to reduce
plastics
38 129
Successes
•Reusables fully implemented at Two Elk during the
24/25 season
•Significant materials savings achieved from buying
durables instead of plastics
39
Vail Resorts: single-use to Durables
•Employee-based sorting
reduced contamination and
kept composting viable
•Guest-facing compost bins
piloted with custom signage,
but employee-based waste
sorting helped keep
contamination down
130
Lessons Learned
•Increased labor needs for dishwashing,
sorting, and racking
•Need to use compostables when reusables
aren’t feasible
•Labor gaps during off-season led to
temporary return to compostable
disposables
•Re-training seasonal staff and guests each
year is an ongoing lift
40
Vail Resorts: Single-Use to Durables
131
41
Other Business Efforts
●All boxes are recyclable.
●Encourages reusable dishes
for catering but offers
compostable plates and
utensils.
●Shifted to deli containers for
storage instead of plastic
bags.
●Participating in composting
program.
132
42
Other Business Efforts
●Most kitchen/cafe items have
been changed to
compostables.
●Switching to reusable bags for
patient belonging.
●Switched from plastic water
bottles to lodge branded water
glasses, which “saves a lot of
headache.”
133
43
Other Business Efforts
●Eliminated straws
●Working on switching plastic
cups, plastic bags, and plastic
to-go boxes to non-plastic
alternatives
●Working on Actively Green
Certification
●Switching to compostables,
with the goal of getting rid of
single-use items.
134
44
Town of Vail Zero Waste
Events
Event producers must also provide zero
waste services to ensure proper disposal of
recyclable and compostable items
135
Recommendations
Options & Recommendation
for Vail Council Action on
Single-use Plastics
45 136
46
Our Guiding Framework
for Items in the Ordinance
REDUCE:The cheapest, most environmentally
friendly product is the one that isn’t made.
REPLACE: Swap out plastics with non-plastic
alternatives. Avoid negative impacts from plastic
creation, use, and disposal.
REUSE:Plastic products that can be reused in a
safe way.
RECYCLE: Plastic that keeps materials out of the
landfill via diversion to composting or recycling.
137
47
1. Plastic Water Bottles
Under One Gallon
Reduce
•single-use plastic water bottle alternatives (i.e.reusable water bottles) are widely available and widely used. •Vail has very clean water available for free from taps.
Replace
•Non-plastic single-use bottles are available, such as aluminum, that have higher recyclability.
Reuse
•single-use plastic water bottles are not meant to be reused. Increase risk of microplastics and other water contamination when reused.
Recycle
•Available for recycling in Vail.•Less than 10% of plastics get recycled and plastics can only be recycled 1-2 times.
138
48
2. Plastic Take Out Containers
Reduce
•Restaurant patrons expect a means of taking leftover food home with them. There’s not currently programming for reusable to-go containers and reducing this need would rely on customer behavior.
Replace
•Take out containers made from aluminum, cardboard, paper board and other non-plastic materials are available and used by some existing businesses in Vail.
Reuse
•Plastic take out containers are meant for 1-time use. Reheating food in these containers can lead to microplastic leaching into food.
Recycle
•Plastic take out containers cannot be recycled in the Town of Vail.
139
51
Pathways for Plastics Reduction
No Action Continue voluntary efforts only.
No ordinance.
Option 1:
Comprehensive Ban
Broad restrictions on key plastic items.
Option 2: Targeted
Ban
Focused restrictions on high-impact
items only.
Other items encouraged but not
enforced.
Phased Approach
Gradual rollout of either Option 1 or 2,
starting with water bottles and to-go
containers
140
52
Targeted Products
Option 1:
Comprehensive Ban
Option 2:
Targeted Ban on High-
Impact Items
Phased
Approach
Plastic water bottles
under 1 gallon
Phase 1
Plastic takeout containers Phase 1
Plastic beverage cups
and lids
Future phases
Plastic cutlery
Plastic straws
Plastic carry-out bags Advisory/Voluntary
Plastic spill protectors
and stir sticks
Advisory/Voluntary
Personal mini hygiene/
care products (e.g., hotel
shampoo bottles)
Advisory/Voluntary
Plastic condiment and
creamer packages
Advisory/Voluntary 141
53
Support Options For Businesses:
Education and
Outreach
Financial
Assistance
Partnerships and
Innovation
Standardized
signage
Rebate or grant
programs
Develop
partnerships with
vendors for product
guides
Business
recognition/
spotlighting
Bulk buy initiatives
for Vail businesses
Support a durables
take out pilot
program
142
54
Support Options For Residents &
Visitors:
Public education and awareness
campaign
Expanded access to composting services
Improved water refill station accessibility
143
55
Recommended Approach
Option 1: Comprehensive
Ban
Broad restrictions on key single-
use plastic items.
Phase 1
Timeline: 9 months
Top 5 items: water bottles, takeout
containers, cups/lids, cutlery,
straws
Phase 2
Timeline: 1 year after
Phase 1 implementation
Remaining products: carry-out
bags, spill protectors/stir sticks,
mini hygiene containers,
condiment and creamer
packages.
144
56
Recommended Approach Cont.
•Lead by example (exemption for emergency
services)
•Provide support for businesses and the
community
•Education and signage, grant/rebate program,
business recognition
•Exemptions:healthcare, emergency services,
natural disasters, water supply, hardship
•Compliance plan: 3 step approach
•Education, warning, fine based on town fee code
145
57
Recommended Priority Support
Mechanisms
Businesses Residents
●Standardized signage
and outreach materials
●Ongoing public education
effort
●Launch a recognition
initiative
●Increase water refill
station accessibility
●Single-use plastic
alternative vendor
partnerships and product
guides
●Establish rebate or grant
programs
146
58
Examples of Potential Campaign to Align With:
LoveVail’s Better than Bottled Campaign
147
The team would return with:
1.Ordinance Language
2.Program Design
3.Detailed Budget
59
If council moves forward,
148
Council Action
How would the council like to
proceed?
60 149
A.Does Council support moving forward with a single-use
plastic ordinance? If so, is there support for the
comprehensive option with a phased approach?
B.Does Council support a “Lead by Example” approach for
town operations?
C.What is the Council direction on the implementation
timeline?
D.Which community and business support measures does
Council support?
E.What type of budget does Council support for
implementation?
F.Which policy exemptions does Council want to consider
including in the ordinance?
61
Council Input Needed
150
Thank you!
62 151
From:Tim Robbins
To:PublicInputTownCouncil
Subject:TOV Plastic Bottle Ban
Date:Sunday, August 3, 2025 3:14:03 PM
I am writing to encourage you to reconsider your intention to ban plastic water bottles in Vail.
We have been in business as Lionshead Liquors since 1986. Of course we have a financial
interest in our product mix, but our experience also lends a unique perspective to what these
products mean to the public. We are surrounded by hotel rooms and condos and the people
who work at them. When people travel they don’t trust the tap water. There is a perception
that packaged water is safer and tastes better, and while that may or may not be true, it is the
perception that matters. It is one of the first considerations that must be dealt with in a new
locale – procuring water for themselves and often for a group.
Even in a liquor store we get a lot of traffic for only water: by the case,12 pack, 6 pack, and
singles. People like their Smart Water and their Fiji and their liters of El Dorado Colorado
Spring Water. Visitors and locals too are grabbing a single, often for a hike or a day on the
mountain. Small bottles might seem especially inefficient but when you have to sip it and carry
it in a pocket while on the snow the safety of plastic is key to preventing injury and to save
some of the water for when needed. These bottles are important for their light weight and
resealable qualities. Metal bottles aren’t suited to carry safely on the mountain in the winter.
The cheaper metal bottles either don’t reseal or sometimes the cap becomes too deformed
after opening to reseal. These needs are unique to our neighborhood as is the ubiquitous
advice to stay hydrated at altitude. We sell water in alternative packaging now, but it is not yet
well received. Eventually people will choose other options at a higher rate, but not annoying
and inconveniencing our guests should be the priority.
Some visitors would probably shrug off a ban and some would respect it, but for many people
a ban could be a significant frustration. You don’t have to travel far down valley to find areas
where water bottles are the only choice available for some folks. For crews working outside all
day a cheap case of water is essential. At Walmart for example, even though they sell a lot of
refillable oversize bottles, they are moving enormous quantities of water by the case. Would a
ban in Vail seem symbolic in this context and would all the connotations be good? It wouldn’t
take long for people to figure out that Vail grocers are not the place to shop.
In today’s climate we do not want to make it a chore for people to shop in Vail. So many
visitors shop elsewhere before they arrive in Vail. This ban could potentially chase even more
customers away.
Improvements to our recycling opportunities could partially offset the concerns we all have.
There is a commonly if not widely held idea that all TOV (or alternatively VR) recycling goes to
the landfill. I have a suggestion for Public Works to help with the contaminated recycle
receptacles but that is a separate discussion. Better and very specific publicly available info on
what and where to recycle would be a valuable aid for us all and show our visitors we care.
You may believe that the revenue from the sale of water bottles is insignificant, but it
shouldn’t be dismissed as trivial. What I sell and what the General Store and the Vail Market
sell is a lot even in one part of town. It would not be easy to replace either the revenue or fill
that need otherwise. Ask Mark Haynes from the Vail Market how important this product is for
the stores and for the public. Like myself, he has been doing this for over 40 years locally; we
worked at the Village Market together. It will depend on who you talk to, but we have recently
heard some dismal accounts of what a plastic bottle ban in Breckenridge has wrought. The
businesses and the locals aren’t happy with the result. We suggest being practical over
idealistic at this time.
152
There is no question that the future has to hold more sustainable answers to our food, drink,
and general packaging materials, but until we have better solutions in place, banning one set
of important products is an overreach that will have some unintended and
undesirable consequences.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Best regards,
Tim Robbins
Lionshead Liquor Store
970-390-9741
153
From:Kira Koppel
To:Council Dist List
Subject:Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance
Date:Tuesday, August 5, 2025 11:51:25 AM
Good morning Vail Town Councilmembers,
I am happy to see the reduction of single-use plastics come in front of this Council for
consideration today. I am in full support of an ordinance that will reduce and/or eliminate the
use of single-use plastics in Vail.
Single-use plastics are unnecessary, contribute to pollution, and are not an efficient use of
resources. While single-use items can be convenient, alternatives to these products already
exist and will better support the health of our community and those who choose to visit Vail.
It's important to listen to the youth in our community (who brought this policy suggestion
forward), as they seek to shape the future they will live in, and have the greatest stake in. They
are the future workforce, future homeowners and long-term community members, and their
feedback should be taken seriously.
I have worked with the town in various capacities over the last nine years, and I believe
adopting a resolution to reduce single-use plastics will support your strategic goals, your
position as a leader, and our region as a whole.
As the host of a world-class resort, I believe Vail has a high level of visibility and a
responsibility to lead. Taking this level of action to support our environment, residents, and
those who frequently recreate and work in Vail can cause a ripple effect that positively affects
current residents, employees, and visitors. Leading in this space can also make it more likely
for neighboring towns to support similar regulations and for guests to visibly see Vail's values
in action.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.
Sincerely,
Kira Koppel
Eagle County Resident
1005 Sorrel Hills Drive, Eagle CO 81631
Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund Board Member
kirakoppel@gmail.com | 678-717-7818
154
July 31, 2025
Town of Vail
75 South Frontage Road West
Vail, CO 81657
Mayor Travis Coggin and members of the Vail Town Council,
We, the Colorado Beverage Association, are writing to convey concerns pertaining to several proposals
to ban plastic water bottles that will be presented by the Town of Vail Environmental Sustainability
Department at the upcoming afternoon Town Council work session. Currently, there are four proposals
before the Town Council – a comprehensive ban, a targeted ban, a phased approach, or no action. We
respectfully ask the Town Council to narrow their proposed ordinance to target truly single use plastics,
not those that can be recycled and reused.
The Colorado Beverage Association represents the non-alcoholic beverage industry in Colorado. Our
members include Durango Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country, Keurig Dr Pepper,
PEPSICO, Swire Coca-Cola as well as associate members Niagara Bottling and The Coca-Cola Company.
Our members’ products are 100% recyclable including the cap which means every product purchased in
Vail from our members can be recycled.
We all want to do our part to reduce plastic waste, and our industry supports broader solutions to
address collection, recycling, and end-market development gaps. A ban that prevents us from selling
plastic water bottles will do little to curb plastic pollution and instead will hurt our local businesses and
eliminate beverage choices for residents and visitors alike. The proposal will result in potentially up to
70% of products in Vail stores no longer being offered. Although there are alternatives to plastic
packaging for water, there is not the supply chain or infrastructure in place to replace packaging and the
alternative packaging is often worse for the environment than our existing 100% recyclable bottles.
Replacing the supply chain and infrastructure for those packages requires tens of millions of dollars in
investment in durable equipment and years of planning and procurement to convert.
Another component of the draft ordinance includes a provision to permit the town manager to allow for
the use of plastic single use water bottles in the case of emergencies. However, with all plastic water
bottles prohibited regardless of recyclability, there will be no inventory of plastic water bottles to rely on
if/when an emergency occurs.
Our industry partnered with the Colorado Municipal League and Recycle Colorado to spearhead the
creation and passage of HB22-1355 which created a first-of-its-kind producer responsibility (EPR) system
in the United States. Colorado’s EPR system will address inadequate recycling access and poor
performance across the state through a model funded and run by the businesses such as ours that
produce consumer packaging. Colorado’s program is considered one of the model programs in the
155
nation. This program is how we will reduce plastic waste in our communities and build circular
economies in Colorado and regionally – bans do not meet that goal. EPR is officially coming online in
January of 2026, and we are excited to see the results from this strong partnership.
As you consider a draft ordinance, we request that you focus on plastic products that are truly single
use, instead of including plastic water bottles, that will be able to be recaptured and reused through
Colorado’s EPR program. Or alternatively, define a single use water bottle as the following – “A single
use water bottle means a single use plastic container under 64 ounces that cannot be recycled or is not
made of RPET.”
We believe the Town of Vail will have a much greater chance at attaining its worthy goals on
sustainability as programs such as EPR begin to come online in the next year. Thank you for your
consideration of this important issue.
Mary Marchun
Executive Director
Colorado Beverage Association
156
From:Pavan Krueger
To:PublicInputTownCouncil
Subject:Single use plastics
Date:Wednesday, July 30, 2025 1:33:11 PM
Dear town council, thanks for addressing the issue of single use plastics in Vail. While I would
like to see restaurants reduce or stop the use of plastics, to me the most low hanging fruit and
easy first step would be to eliminate sales of small plastic water bottles in markets. I am a
frequent shopper at Safeway and City Market, and I am always disturbed to see the number of
cases of water that tourists buy. I would suggest that gallons jugs of water be made readily
available, and perhaps have some signage in the market around Vail water quality. I would
guess that most tourists are not aware of how good the water is here. It would make sense to
eliminate sales of small plastic bottles of Gatorade and the like as well.
Thanks,
Pavan
Pavan Krueger | Krueger Architecture
285b Stone Creek Drive, Avon CO 81620 (UPS/FedEx)
PO Box 8332, Avon CO 81620 (USPS)
970-390-0968
157
From:Taylor Corey
To:Council Dist List
Subject:The Expulsion of Single Use Plastics; August 5th comment
Date:Saturday, July 19, 2025 12:42:44 PM
Hello to the leaders of the Vail community;
I would like to urge the Vail Town Council to support efforts to eliminate the use of single use
plastics. Single use plastics should be a thing of the past, and Vail has a responsibility to be a
leader, and protect our environment and human health from plastic pollution. This feels like a
low hanging fruit opportunity for the town to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and
act in accordance with its climate goals. Please, for the sake of our role in history in this
moment, choose to eliminate the option of single use plastics. Thank you in advance for the
opportunity to comment.
158
From:Kendra Cowles
To:Council Dist List
Subject:Eliminating single use plastic
Date:Friday, July 18, 2025 4:57:32 PM
Hello,
I would like to urge the Vail Town Council to support efforts to eliminate the use of single use plastics. Single use
plastics should be a thing of the past, and Vail has a responsibility to be a leader, and protect our environment and
human health from plastic pollution. This feels like a low hanging fruit opportunity for the town to demonstrate its
commitment to sustainability and act in accordance with its climate goals.
Over the past couple of years, I have worked in a very part time capacity for Vail Resorts and see the number of
guests and the potential for influence in this issue.
Thank you for your commitment to the community and the environment,
Kendra Cowles
Sent from my iPhone
159
From:Elizabeth Waters
To:Council Dist List
Subject:Written Public Comment Vail Town Council Meeting 8/5/25
Date:Friday, July 18, 2025 12:13:54 PM
To Vail Town Council—
My name is Elizabeth Waters, and I'm a resident of Avon. My address is 998 W. Beaver Creek
Blvd #E107, Avon, CO 81620.
I'd like to submit a written comment in support of the proposed ordinance on the agenda for
the August 5 Town Council meeting to ban single-use plastics in the Town of Vail. Banning
single-use plastics is an important step toward:
reducing plastic pollution that harms wildlife and the environment
reducing waste sent to landfill
reducing our reliance on fossil fuels
improving human health (in the form of reducing pollution in fenceline communities
across the petrochemical/plastics supply chain and in microplastics found in our
drinking water, food, and bodies).
Single-use plastic bans are also a great opportunity to help move our communities away from
convenience culture and begin re-envisioning how we consume things on a systemic level. To
that end, I think it's really important to make sure we don't simply replace all single-use
plastics with single-use compostables but instead take a considered approach to where single-
use items can be eliminated altogether or replaced by reusables. Single-use compostables,
while not made from petrochemicals, still have a significant environmental impact, can be
difficult (if not impossible) for compost facilities to manage in large quantities, and release
methane emissions when breaking down anaerobically in the landfill.
I also want to emphasize the importance of equity in the design and implementation of any
change like this. Single-use plastics are harmful to everyone—particularly low-income
communities and communities of color—and must be phased out, but we need to make sure
the solutions we put forth don't exacerbate existing inequality and injustice. Whatever we
replace single-use plastics with should be affordable, accessible, and safe for all.
Thank you for your consideration. I'm glad the Town of Vail is working on this!
Elizabeth Waters
--
Elizabeth Waters
edwaters5@gmail.com
(978) 204-9925
160
From:Shawna Wood
To:Council Dist List
Subject:Support for ban of single use plastics
Date:Wednesday, July 16, 2025 10:39:13 AM
Hello,
I would like to urge the Vail Town Council to support efforts to eliminate the use of single use plastics. Single use
plastics should be a thing of the past, and Vail has a responsibility to be a leader, and protect our environment and
human health from plastic pollution. This feels like a low hanging fruit opportunity for the town to demonstrate its
commitment to sustainability and act in accordance with its climate goals. Thank you in advance for the opportunity
to comment.
Thanks,
Shawna
161
From:Gina McCrackin
To:Council Dist List
Subject:Single Use Plastics
Date:Wednesday, July 16, 2025 10:36:17 AM
Hello,
I would like to urge the Vail Town Council to support efforts to eliminate the use of single
use plastics. Single use plastics should be a thing of the past, and Vail has a responsibility to
be a leader, and protect our environment and human health from plastic pollution. This feels
like a low hanging fruit opportunity for the town to demonstrate its commitment to
sustainability and act in accordance with its climate goals. Thank you in advance for the
opportunity to comment.
Best,
Gina
--
Gina McCrackin
She/Her/Hers
Director of Regional Strategy | Community Office for Resource Efficiency
Board Member | New Roots Colorado
Utah State University MS Alumni
Colorado State University BS Alumni
I acknowledge that all U.S. institutions reside on occupied, annexed, and genocidally colonized
homelands of Indigenous Americans. Visit native-land.ca to learn more about the tribes in your
area.
162
From:Gina McCrackin
To:PublicInputTownCouncil
Subject:Single Use Plastics
Date:Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7:15:19 AM
Hello,
I would like to encourage the Vail Town Council to support efforts to eliminate the use of
single use plastics. Single use plastics should be a thing of the past, and Vail has a
responsibility to be a leader, and protect our environment and human health from plastic
pollution. This feels like a low hanging fruit opportunity for the town to demonstrate its
commitment to sustainability and act in accordance with its climate goals.
Thank you,
Gina
Gina McCrackin
She/Her/Hers
Director of Regional Strategy | Community Office for Resource Efficiency
Board Member | New Roots Colorado
Utah State University MS Alumni
Colorado State University BS Alumni
I acknowledge that all U.S. institutions reside on occupied, annexed, and genocidally colonized
homelands of Indigenous Americans. Visit native-land.ca to learn more about the tribes in your
area.
163
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.2
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
TIME:45 min.
SUBMITTED BY:Cameron Millard, Environmental Sustainability
ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion
AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (1:00pm)
SUBJECT:Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Strategy Modeling
(1:45pm)
SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
PRESENTER(S):Kristen Bertuglia, Environmental Sustainability Director, Kim
Schleapfer, Lotus Engineering
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Memo - GHG Inventory and Modelling.pdf
GHG Inventory & Modeling Overview PPT_Lotus_080525.pdf
GHG Inventory & Modeling Report_Lotus_080525.pdf
164
Town of Vail 1
To: Vail Town Council
From: Department of Environmental Sustainability
Date: August 5, 2025
Subject: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Modelling
I. Purpose
The purpose of this work session is to present to the Vail Town Council the results of the
2023 greenhouse gas inventory and modeled strategies. The purpose of this work is to
assess the town’s progress towards meeting its carbon pollution targets and highlight
strategies to meet the Town Council’s transportation and environmental sustainability
goals, while strengthening community resilience, workforce, and enhancing the Vail visitor
experience.
II. Background
Goals
The Vail Town Council has adopted a strategic goal to reduce carbon pollution community
wide by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The 2050 goal reflects previous science-based
targets from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that are needed to avoid the
worst impacts of planet- warming gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. More recent
IPCC targets require complete elimination of carbon pollution to avert the worst impacts of
warming from greenhouse gases. The Town of Vail has influence and some direct control
over transportation, planning, building codes, facilities, and programs, and there are many
opportunities to implement strategies at the local level to quickly and impactfully reduce
emissions.
Inventory Results- Summary
While the electrical grid is showing significant progress, emissions from burning fossil
fuels remain a difficult problem for the community. Without action by local government,
emissions from transportation and buildings will remain stubbornly intractable (see Chart
1 below).
165
Town of Vail 2
Chart 1: 2023 Town of Vail Greenhouse Gas Inventory
With input from environmental sustainability, public works, transportation, and
community development staff, ten high-impact GHG reduction strategies were modeled to
determine their effectiveness and impact over time. Many of these strategies are based on
examples from neighboring communities, such as the adoption of net -zero, exterior
energy, and electrification policies in neighboring mountain communities. The k ey
strategies modelled include:
1. Vehicle Electrification
2. Building Electrification
3. Geothermal Loop Development
4. Exterior Energy Offset Program
5. Adoption of the Net Zero Roadmap
6. Building Efficiency Programs
7. Residential & Commercial Composting
8. Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion
9. Local Trip Reduction
10. Mobility Plan Implementation
166
Town of Vail 3
Modeling the Strategies - Impacts
• By 2030:
o Total modeled emissions reduction: 44.1% from 2018 baseline
o Goal shortfall: ~6%
• By 2050:
o Total modeled reduction: 74%
o Goal shortfall: ~6%
o Additional strategies required to meet 80% goal
GHG Progress Status
Vail is not on track to meet 2025 or 2030 goals under current conditions. The following
are conclusions reached by the modeling study.
• Business-As-Usual (BAU) improvements help but are insufficient to meet long-term
targets.
• Modeled strategies are impactful, especially vehicle and building electrification.
• Transboundary aviation and natural gas heating remain major unresolved
contributors in 2050.
• Some strategy costs and benefits require further analysis.
• The most impactful strategies are those that focus on reducing fuels and
transitioning to all-electric power. Outdoor energy use is incredibly energy -intensive
and addressing it offers a low-hanging fruit strategy.
• The sooner strategies are implemented the higher impact they will have over time.
For a full report on the 2023 Town of Vail Community Wide GHG Inventory and modeling
results for the ten high impact strategies, please review Attachment A: GHG Inventory and
Modeling Overview by Lotus Engineering and Sustainability.
III. Action Requested of Council
Ask questions of staff and consultants related to the inventory and modelling, and high
impact strategies.
1. Does the Council support continuing to develop the ten strategies to pursue the
2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets, while focusing on high impact actions in
the near term?
2. Should additional strategies be explored to close the projected gap between 74%
and 80% reduction by 2050?
167
Town of Vail 4
IV. Next Steps
Staff will return to Council in the near term with the top individual strategies for
consideration, focusing on the geothermal project, energy performance contract, and the
Exterior Energy Offset Program (snowmelt, pools/spas/firepits) for consideration before
the end of the year.
V. Attachments:
a. GHG Inventory and Modeling Overview by Lotus Engineering and Sustainability
b. Presentation by Lotus Engineering
168
Town of Vail GHG
Inventory & Modeling
Update
Town of Vail Council Meeting
August 5, 2025
Lotus Engineering & Sustainability 1 169
Introductions
2 170
Lotus Engineering &
Sustainability
Kim Schlaepfer, Managing Director,
Climate Mitigation & Resilience Planning
Molly Marcucilli, Associate, Climate
Mitigation & Resilience Planning
3 171
Agenda
4
•Project Background
•2023 GHG Emissions Inventory Overview
•Business-As-Usual Forecasting Overview
•High Action Strategy Modeling Overview
•Town of Vail Levers & Funding Examples
•Direction and Action Items
172
Project
Background
5 173
Project Background
Town Council Strategic Plan Climate Goals
•Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by
2025, 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2050, from 2014
baseline.
Work Completed
•GHG Emissions Inventory.
•Business-As-Usual modeling.
•Identified 10 GHG reduction strategies.
•Modeled strategies.
Project Next Steps
•Implementation planning.
6 174
Vail Strategic Priorities
1.Create a strong community and create
affordable housing opportunities.
2.Support our Workforce.
3.Provide an Authentic Vail Experience.
4.Transportation.
5.Environmental Sustainability.
7 175
Vail Strategic Priorities
Transportation
By 2029, people who live, work, and recreate in Vail use the Eagle
Valley Transportation Authority and Town of Vail Bus Systems as
their preferred method of transportation as evidenced by a
reduction in the percentage of vehicles parking in the Vail and
Lionshead Parking structures that originate from Eagle County
from ~72% to ~50%. More specifically, reducing the percentage of
parked vehicles which start their day in Vail from 32% to 20%; and
reducing the percentage of parked vehicles which begin their day
in Eagle County but outside of Vail from 40% to 30%.
8
Relevant Strategies for Transportation:
1.Tie GHG reduction goals to the parking reduction goal (Q2 2025)
2.Increase bus service and efficiency (Q2 2025)
3.Incentivize bus use (Q4 2025)
4.Revisit parking policy (Ongoing)
5.Prioritize and begin design of the projects identified in the recently
adopted GoVail 2045 Mobility Plan (Q4 2024)
176
Vail Strategic Priorities
Environmental Sustainability
Reduce 2014 baseline carbon emissions by 25% by
2025, 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2050 (for entire Town of
Vail community).
9
Relevant Strategies for Environmental Sustainability:
1.Update GHG Emissions Goal Targets (Q3 2024)
2.Implement policies and programs that reduce emissions in the built
environment such as net-zero buildings, construction and snowmelt.
(Q4 2024)
3.Implement transportation and mobility programs to reduce emissions
(Q3 2025)
4.Achieve a town wide 50% waste diversion rate (Q4 2029)
5.Drive local, statewide, regional and national climate policy (Ongoing)
6.Implement climate education, outreach, and capacity building
(Ongoing)
177
What does this goal mean?
10
Scientists have consensus local
communities are experiencing overheating,
extreme weather, and drought from climate
change.
To address this risk, Vail committed to reduce local pollution each year to protect the local environment and preserve the future of the community.
178
Beyond Strategic Plan.. why is
this work important?
Vail is already feeling the impacts of
pollution and overheating.
11
●Average summer temperatures
by 2050 are projected to be
higher than the hottest
temperature recorded between
1970 and 1999. (Rocky Mountain
Climate Organization)
●There are 23 fewer days of
freezing in Eagle County than
there were before 1980's. (Eagle
County Resilience Plan)
Source: Courtesy Image, Vail Daily
179
Beyond Strategic Plan.. why is
this work important?
12
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Increases in temperature and changes in weather
patterns have already increased frequency and
severity of dry conditions and drought
Very large wildfires
(>10,000 acres) in CO
have increased in
frequency by more than
300% since 2001.
180
Beyond Strategic Plan.. why is
this work important?
13
Source: Chelsea Self /
Post Independent
Massive debris
flow sits in the Colorado River
after washing down the Devils
Hole drainage in Glenwood
Canyon in late summer 2021. A
result of the Glenwood
canyon fire.
181
2023 GHG
Inventory Results
182
•2006 - Town of Vail conducts first organizational GHG inventory
•2009 - Vail sets first climate pollution reduction goal, 25% by 2020
based on 2006 organizational levels
•2014 - Eagle County completes the first county-wide GHG
inventory. (Broke out Town of Vail building emissions data).
•2017 - Town of Vail updates carbon pollution reduction goal
based on the 2014 inventory.
•2017 - Eagle County completes its second county-wide GHG
inventory. (Broke out Town of Vail building emissions data).
•2018 - Town of Vail completes its first community-wide GHG
inventory.
•2021 - Town of Vail adopts the 2020 updated Climate Action Plan
•2023 - Town of Vail completes its second community-wide GHG
inventory.
15
GHG Tracking & Goal
Setting through the years.
183
16
Inventory Results
Emissions by Sector
184
Inventory Results
Emissions by Source
17 185
18
Inventory Results
Emissions by Source
186
19
Inventory Results
2018 Emissions vs. 2023 Emissions
187
20
Inventory Results-Buildings Only
188
Inventory Results
Emissions by Source: 2014 + 2018 + 2023
21
2014 2018 2023 2014-2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent
Change
Residential Energy 96,098 81,416 78,020 -19%
Residential Electricity 60,539 48,158 38,266 -37%
Residential Natural Gas 34,323 32,986 38,375 12%
Residential Wood NC 129 NC N/A
Residential Propane NC 143 19 N/A
Residential Fugitive
Emissions 1,217 NC 1,361 12%
189
Inventory Results
Emissions by Source: 2014 + 2018 + 2023
22
2014 2018 2023 2014-2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent
Change
Commercial Energy 150,068 124,040 113,995 -24%
Commercial Electricity 88,883 65,771 49,541 -44%
Commercial Natural
Gas
58,849 58,269 62,006 5%
Commercial Propane NC NC 81 N/A
Commercial Diesel NC NC 168 N/A
Commercial Fugitive
Emissions
2,087 NC 2,199 5%
190
Inventory Results
Emissions by Source: 2018 + 2023
23
2018 2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent
Change
Transportation 125,858 142,168 13%
On-Road Gasoline 61,628 58,119 -6%
On-Road Diesel 44,579 41,968 -6%
On-Road Electricity NC 2,876 N/A
Transboundary Aviation 19,651 35,074 78%
Transit 4,009 2,095 -48%
Off-Road 4,205 2,037 -52%
191
Inventory Results
Emissions by Source: 2018 + 2023
24
2018 2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent
Change
Waste 12,955 7,277 -44%
Landfilled 12,895 7,050 -45%
Compost 8 66 742%
Wastewater*52 162 210%
Industrial Processes and
Product Use
0 1,888 N/A
Refrigerant Leaks NC 1,888 N/A
Total 344,269 343,349 0%
*The 2018 inventory used a population base method to estimate emissions and used a national
average for N2O and CH4 emissions per person. In 2023, actual data from the wastewater
treatment plant (WWTP) was available which allowed for a calculation of the actual emissions
based on The WWTP's specific treatment processes.
192
Key Takeaways
Since 2014 (or 2018) Carbon pollution in
Vail decreased overall
•Pollution from natural gas has increased.
•Pollution from flight traffic has increased.
•Pollution from on-road transportation
has decreased.
•Pollution from waste has decreased.
•Pollution from electricity has decreased.
25 193
Business-As-Usual
Forecasting
26 194
27
Business as Usual
34.68% reduction in
2030* BAU
total emissions
in 2023
37.52% reduction
in 2050* BAU
*From a 2018 baseline
195
Key Drivers of Emissions
Population, households, new construction, and
tourism.
Holy Cross Energy achieving their 100%
renewable energy by 2030 goal.
Alignment with State Building Performance
Standards.
Low growth in adoption of high-efficiency
electric HVAC and water heating equipment.
Improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency.
Continued baseline growth of the EV market.
28 196
High Impact
Strategy Modeling
29 197
➔Reduce local pollution.
➔Understand impact of current
sustainability efforts.
➔Understand the scale and speed
of action needed to lower local
pollution.
30
Purpose of GHG Modeling
198
High Impact Strategies
31
Strategy Description/Assumptions
Electrify Existing
Buildings
Electrifies multifamily and commercial buildings <50,000 square feet. Assumes that by
2035, 100% of equipment being replaced each year will be replaced with high efficiency
electric equipment.
Geothermal Loop (Phase
2)
1. Build out Ambient Temperature Loop by 2028 (original scope of buildings).
2. Build out Lionshead connection loops by 2035.
3. Build out Vail Village connection loops by 2035.
4. Assumes the loop offsets 80% of impacted natural gas use.
Exterior Energy Offset
Program (EEOP)
1. 50% renewable energy offset of exterior energy beginning in 2026. 50% of participants
choose to pay fee-in-lieu.
2. 50% electrification requirement starting in 2030.
3. A 200 MMBtu residential exterior energy system limit starting in 2035.
4. Apply the above measures to existing systems upon replacement starting in 2035.
Adopt the Net Zero
Roadmap
Phase 1: Adoption of the 2021 IECC with electric preferred provisions.
Phase 2: Adoption of the 2024 IECC with all-electric requirements with broad exceptions.
Phase 3: Adoption of latest IECC with all-electric requirements with limited exceptions.
Building Efficiency
Programming
Assumes funding from fee-in-lieu collected from the EEOP strategy will fund efficiency
programs. Based on assessment of existing EEOP programs using this approach,
assumes a 400% multiplier between offset exterior energy and savings from efficiency
programming.
199
32
Strategy Description/Assumptions
Residential and
Commercial
Composting
Assumes 80% of organic waste is diverted from the landfill by 2030.
Construction and
Demolition Waste
Diversion
100% of recyclable C&D waste diverted by 2030
Vehicle Electrification 100% electrification of public and private vehicles by 2050. 100%
electrification of the bus fleet by 2032.
Local Trip Reduction 20% reduction in Eagle County origin trips to Vail parking garages by
2030.
Implement Capital
Projects in Mobility
Plan
Model VMT reduction from new pedestrian and bike lanes included in the
Vail Mobility & Transportation Master Plan.
High Impact Strategies
200
Modeling Results
33 201
34
Modeling Results
202
Modeling Results by Sector
Buildings
35
Strategy
2030 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2030
(mt CO2e)
2050 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2050
(mt CO2e)
Ranked
Impact
Electrify Existing
Buildings 1.5%14,316 6.0%342,293 #1
Geothermal Loop
(Phase 2)1.9%17,632 2.7%199,573 #4
Exterior Energy
Offset Program
(EEOP)
0.1%514 5.7%164,045 #2
Adopt the Net Zero
Roadmap 0.5%7,013 3.7%156,315 #3
Building Efficiency
Programming 0.4%4,715 1.4%77,063 #5
203
Modeling Results by Sector
Waste
36
Strategy
2030 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2030
(mt CO2e)
2050 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2050
(mt CO2e)
Ranked
Impact
Residential and
Commercial
Composting
0.4%2,649 0.5%32,296 #1
Construction and
Demolition
Waste Diversion
0.06%714 0.06%4,988 #2
204
Modeling Results by Sector
Transportation
37
Strategy
2030 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2030
(mt CO2e)
2050 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2050
(mt CO2e)
Ranked
Impact
Vehicle
Electrification 4.6%47,362 16.9%801,172 #1
Local Trip
Reduction 0.10%1,104 0.07%7,487 #2
Implement
Capital Projects
in Mobility Plan
0.00%3 0.00%11 #3
205
Modeling Results
Total Impacts and Emissions
38
2030
Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2030
(mt CO2e)
2050 Percent
Reduction
from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative
GHG Impact
2025-2050
(mt CO2e)
All Strategies
(including BAU)44.1%596,353 74.4%1,788,342
Town of Vail GHG
Reduction Goal 50% by 2030 80% by 2050
206
Takeaways from Modeling
➔Leadership and action from Holy Cross Energy is lowering pollution across the community.
◆Two-thirds of the progress towards Vails goal will happen without any action from Vail.
➔Earlier implementation and scaling of solutions would
enable Vail to meet its targets.
◆With the current timeline for action, Vail will fall short
of its goals.
➔Reducing pollution from buildings, transportation, and
waste diversion will all be required to meet goals.
➔Most impactful strategies are those that focus on
reducing gas use (for cars and buildings).
39 207
Town of Vail Levers
& Funding Options
40 208
41
We understand what needs
to be done. Now what?
Town-owned and
controlled
infrastructure
Vehicle electrification,
geothermal loop, Mobility
Plan
Community
Policies & Building
Codes
EEOP, Roadmap, building
efficiency, C&D waste, paid
parking, etc.
Internal Policies Vehicle electrification
(fleet), Purchasing
Key Levers Strategies Examples
Electrify fleet, public EV
charging, TOV buildings
and snowmelt
Update building code
to advance
electrification and
efficiency, paid parking
EV First policy,
sustainable
purchasing, and waste
diversion requirements
209
42
We understand what needs
to be done. Now what?
Community
Programs,
Rebates, &
Incentives
EnergySmart rebates,
composting incentives.
Outreach &
Education
Building efficiency, EVs,
waste education, visitor
awareness
Key Levers Strategies Examples
Workforce training,
energy efficiency
and electrification
rebates, compost
rebates
Tourism
messaging,
partnerships.
210
Nonprofit (& private) Partnerships
•Telluride & EcoAction Partners- Workforce development partnership for programming in the region•Park City & The Community Foundation - advancing zero waste to landfill goals by 2030.•Vail & EnergySmart - Provide energy advising and rebates for local residents•Eagle & The Palmer Fund - Supports town sustainability implementation work, apply for grants.
43
Funding Strategies
Taxes & Fees
•Exterior Energy Offset Program / REMP Programs
•Peer communities:
•Most resort communities in CO (Aspen, PitCo, Avon,
Eagle, Eagle County, Basalt, Telluride, etc.)
•Lodging taxes
•Peer communities:
•Jackson, Teton County
211
Municipal Operations Funding
•Water or electrical service fees or franchise fees
•Peer communities:
•Aspen
•Energy Performance Contracting
•Peer communities:
•Vail engaged in EPC now. Energy savings pay off
loan for energy efficiency.
44
Funding Strategies
Stacked Funding
•Utility rebates
•Local, state, and federal rebates
•Peer communities:
•ReEnergize Eagle County
212
45
Funding Strategies
Available Grants in 2025
CEO IMPACT Accelerator
•Project and policy implementation
and adoption in land use, buildings,
transportation, and waste.
CEO Code Adoption & Enforcement
•Building code specific - staff and
contractor training.
213
Leadership is crucial.
46
Local Action can
Lead to Big Impacts
214
Adapting to a Changing
Climate
Local Leadership on Resilience and Adaptation
47
Vail Fire Dept. & Regional Fire
Efforts
•Community Wildfire
Protection Plan.
•Eagle County Wildfire
Collaborative.
Upper Eagle Regional Water
Authority
•2025 Water Shortage
Response Plan.
•Tracking & Monitoring of
snowpack and Eagle River.
•Bolts Lake.
215
48
•Medicon Village Geothermal
Network connects 15 commercial
properties and residential buildings
with different heating and cooling
needs.
•14 GWh of heating and cooling
energy required from the grid
before the geothermal network.
•Goal: Pull 3 GWh from the grid.
•“Balance” the thermal network
to supply the 11 GWh of energy
needed.
•64% energy reduction to date.
•20% energy cost savings
(inclusive of building retrofits).
Case Study: Medicon Village, Sweden
Global Leadership: Stopping
Climate Pollution
216
49
Eagle County Commitments
•Reduce county-wide emissions
contributing to climate change.
•Enhance inter-county mobility
options to reduce emissions from
cars.
•Build climate-resilient, low
emitting infrastructure.
•Geothermal project at County
Administration Building.
State of Colorado Commitments
•State building policies to reduce
emissions from buildings.
•Policies to increase the sale and
use of EVs.
•Economy-wide incentives for
decarbonization and emissions
reduction / capture (oil & gas,
industry, etc).
State & Regional Leadership:
Stopping Climate Pollution
217
50
Holy Cross Energy
Community Action:
•2018 set goal to achieve 70% emissions
reductions from electricity supply by 2030.
•2020 updated goal to be 100% renewable by
2030.
Local Impact:
•5 years later, (in June 2025) achieved 96%
renewable grid-supplied energy.
•In 2024 in the lowest 1/3rd of electric rates
in CO.
100% Clean & Local Energy
Bold Local Leadership on Reducing Climate Pollution
218
CORE Transit
Community Action:
•2018 CAC sent a letter to County
Commissioners expressing the need
for improved bus service.
•2020-2022 community organized to
pass sales tax to fund Regional
Transportation Authority.
•November 2022 sales tax passed and
RTA CORE Transit is established.
Local Impact:
•Free bus lead to 224% increase in bus
ridership from 2021 to 2024
•1.8 million miles traveled on the bus
already in 2025.
51
Improving Mobility,
Reducing Pollution
Bold Local Leadership on Reducing Climate Pollution
219
Direction & Action
Items
52 220
Overall Key Takeaways
53
Vail is not on track.
Town action required.
Work is underway.
Fast action needed.
221
Strategy Support &
Implementation
54
Strategies Currently In Progress /
Underway
Strategies that Require Additional
Work
Geothermal Loop Electrify Existing Buildings
Local Trip Reduction EEOP
Building Efficiency Programming Net Zero Roadmap
Vehicle Electrification (Fleet)Vehicle Electrification (Fleet &
Community)
Residential and Commercial
Compost
Construction & Demolition Waste
222
Recommended Future Action
Deeper understanding
of implementation
needs for pollution
reduction strategies
1.Internal and External
Stakeholder
Engagement.
2.Cost and Funding
Options Research.
3.Research and Peer
Engagement.
4.Start now.
55 223
Immediate Action Items
56
How can we move this work forward NOW?
Approve Implementation
Planning Work
Energy
Performance
Contracting
Geothermal
Network EEOP
Approval to
continue to develop
implementation
plans for top
strategies.
Advance Energy
Performance
Contracting for
energy efficiency,
electrification, and
renewable energy
for Town facilities.
Continue the
development of a
geothermal
network in Vail.
Adopt an Exterior
Energy Offset
Program for
residential and
commercial
properties in Vail.
224
Questions?
57 225
Thank You
Kristen Bertuglia
kbertuglia@vail.gov
Kim Schlaepfer
kim@lotussustainability.com
Molly Marcucilli
molly@lotussustainability.com
58 226
GHG REPORT
TO: Vail Town Council
FROM: Lotus Engineering & Sustainability, LLC
DATE: 07/17/2025
SUBJECT: GHG Inventory & Modeling Overview
Project Background & Overview
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Town of Vail (Town, Vail) hired Lotus Engineering & Sustainability (Lotus) to support the
town in calculating the community’s current carbon emissions and identifying and
modeling high impact strategies that have potential to reduce those emissions over time.
The Town initiated this work in support of the Town Council strategic Environmental
Sustainability Goals to reduce the community’s carbon emissions 25% by 2025, 50% by
2030, and 80% by 2050. The goal of this project is to:
1. Determine if the Town of Vail is on track to meet its Environmental Sustainability
Goal(s).
2. Understand what actions the town will need to take in order to achieve their
Environmental Sustainability Goal(s).
3. Investigate pathways to implementing the actions needed to achieve the goal in a
way that best supports the Vail community.
SUMMARY OF WORK TO DATE
Lotus completed a 2023 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory to calculate the
current GHG emissions of the Town of Vail. Lotus compared the 2023 inventory results with
the previous GHG inventory completed in 2018 to understand how the Town’s emissions
have changed over time. Following the completion of the GHG Inventory, Lotus developed a
business-as-usual (BAU) model to estimate how Vail’s carbon emissions would change
over time through 2050 if the Town were to take no action on reducing emissions. Finally,
Lotus Engineering & Sustainability | 1627 Vine St | Denver, CO 80206 | hello@lotussustainability.com
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Lotus and Town staff identified ten strategies, in alignment with the Town of Vail Strategic
Plan, that could have a high impact on reducing Vail’s carbon emissions and then modeled
those strategies to determine how they would reduce Vail’s GHG emissions from now until
2050.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This work is being completed in an effort to implement Vail Town Council’s 2024 Five Year
Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan outlined five Strategic Priorities, two of which have direct
alignment with this work - Transportation and Environmental Sustainability.
Specifically, the strategies within the Transportation Strategic Priority that align with this
work include the following:
Strategy: Tie greenhouse gas reduction goals to the parking reduction goal.
● Compare the two metrics and determine similarities/differences
The Environmental Sustainability Strategic Priority goal that is the focus of this work is to
reduce 2014 baseline carbon emissions by 25% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2050. The
strategies identified for this goal are included below:
Strategy: Update Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goal Targets
● Update and review reduction targets as recommended by ICLEI for this goal to
correctly use science-based target numbers
Strategy: Implement policies and programs that reduce emissions in the built
environment such as net-zero buildings, construction and snowmelt.
● Complete community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
● Adopt the International Energy Conservation Code with amendments for
electric-preferred construction1.
● Include an amendment to the International Energy Conservation Code to
adopt an Exterior Energy Offset Program, a policy to mitigate and offset energy
use associated with new or replacement heated driveways, pools and spas.
1 An amendment to the International Energy Conservation Code for electric-preferred construction
was previously considered by Vail Town Council and did not pass.
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● Complete Phases 2-3 of the Lionshead Civic Area geothermal district design
and begin construction.
● Begin design for Vail Village district geothermal system.
● Complete Investment Grade Energy Audit on town facilities and approve
Energy Performance Contract construction package.
● Require electrification of new homes and buildings (in-lieu of new natural
gas).
Strategy: Implement transportation and mobility programs to reduce emissions.
● Implement a car-share program.
● Implement the town’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan actions to reach 30%
transition by 2030
● Expand Sole Power to Sole Power Plus, to include bus ridership, carpooling and
green commuting incentives
Strategy: Achieve a community-wide 50% waste diversion rate.
● Divert 80% of organics through town-wide compost program.
● Convert residential waste collection to a single hauler.
● Develop policy prohibiting single use plastics.
● Divert 100% of all locally recoverable construction and demolition materials
from the landfill
Strategy: Drive local, statewide, regional and national climate policy.
● Continue to leverage membership in Colorado Communities for Climate
Action (CC4CA) to influence climate policy statewide and where appropriate,
on a national level
Strategy: Implement climate education, outreach and capacity building.
● Partner with the Climate Action Collaborative to continue external climate
education campaigns.
● Develop shared culture and create internal policy on climate-positive decision
making in project and infrastructure decisions (i.e., net zero town facilities)
SUMMARY OF KEY TAKEAWAYS
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The 2023 GHG emissions inventory and the Business-as-Usual model forecast that Vail is
not on track to achieve its 2025 carbon emissions reduction target, and is not on track to
meet future targets. However, Vail can still meet its 2030 and 2050 targets if specific
actions are taken to reduce its emissions.
This memo includes an overview of Vail’s 2023 GHG emissions inventory results, as
compared to 2018, key trends in the Town’s emissions, an overview of where emissions are
heading if the Town takes no action, and an overview of which strategies the Town will need
to implement to achieve its strategic goals.
2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Results
Lotus developed an updated GHG emissions inventory based on the calendar year 2023.
The 2023 GHG inventory was completed using the standard protocol for community-wide
GHG emissions inventories, i.e. the Global Protocol for Community Greenhouse Gas Emission
Inventories (GPC) Protocol. Town of Vail emissions for 2023 totaled 343,349 mt CO2e.
Figure 1 shows the breakdown of emissions by sector, and Figure 2 shows the breakdown of
emissions by source.
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Figure 1: 2023 Vail GHG Emissions broken out by sector and source.
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Figure 2. 2023 Vail GHG emissions by source.
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Figure 3. 2023 Vail GHG emissions comparison, 2018 and 2023.
Figure 3 and Tables 1-5 show the change in Vail’s emissions by sector between the two
inventory years. Methods and data availability has improved significantly since the last
community-wide inventory in 2018. In order to compare “apples to apples” the 2018 and
2023 Lotus revisited the 2018 inventory data to make updates that reflected current
methods and available data.
In 2014, Eagle County completed a County-wide GHG inventory. For Residential Energy
(Table 1) and Commercial Energy (Table 2), building energy use data was available from
the Eagle County 2014 Inventory and was included in Tables 2 and 3 below, to demonstrate
how building energy emissions have changed since 2014. Data from the 2014 County
inventory was only pulled for Residential and Commercial Energy. The 2014 inventory lacked
the appropriate level of detail in the transportation and waste sectors to provide a
verifiable amount of estimated emissions specific to the Town of Vail.
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Residential Energy 2014 2018 2023 2014-2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent
Change
Residential Energy 96,098 81,416 78,020 -19%
Residential Electricity 60,539 48,158 38,266 -37%
Residential Natural Gas 34,323 32,986 38,375 12%
Residential Wood NC 129 NC N/A
Residential Propane NC 143 19 N/A
Residential Fugitive Emissions 1,217 NC 1,361 12%
Table 1. Comparison of Vail’s Residential Energy emissions by source in 2014, 2018, and 2023. “NC”
means “not calculated”. N/A indicates a percent change cannot be determined.
Commercial Energy 2014 2018 2023 2014-2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent
Change
Commercial Energy 150,068 124,040 113,995 -24%
Commercial Electricity 88,883 65,771 49,541 -44%
Commercial Natural Gas 58,849 58,269 62,006 5%
Commercial Propane NC NC 81 N/A
Commercial Diesel NC NC 168 N/A
Commercial Fugitive Emissions 2,087 NC 2,199 5%
Table 2. Comparison of Vail’s Commercial Energy emissions by source in 2014, 2018, and 2023. “NC”
means “not calculated”. N/A indicates a percent change cannot be determined.
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Transportation 2018 2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent Change
Transportation 125,858 142,168 13%
On-Road Gasoline 61,628 58,119 -6%
On-Road Diesel 44,579 41,968 -6%
On-Road Electricity NC 2,876 N/A
Transboundary Aviation 19,651 35,074 78%
Transit 4,009 2,095 -48%
Off-Road 4,205 2,037 -52%
Table 3. Comparison of Vail’s Transportation emissions by source in 2018 and 2023. “NC” means “not
calculated”. N/A indicates a percent change cannot be determined.
Waste & Industrial Processes and
Produce Use
2018 2023
Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent Change
Waste 12,955 7,277 -44%
Landfilled 12,895 7,050 -45%
Compost 8 66 742%
Wastewater 52 162 210%
Industrial Processes and Product
Use
0 1,888 N/A
Refrigerant Leaks NC 1,888 N/A
Table 4. Comparison of Vail’s Waste & Industrial Processes and Produce Use emissions by source in
2018 and 2023. “NC” means “not calculated”. N/A indicates a percent change cannot be determined.
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Total Emissions 2018 2023
All Emissions Sources Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Emissions
(mtCO2e)
Percent Change
Total 344,269 343,349 0%
Table 5. Comparison of Vail’s Total emissions by source in 2018 and 2023. Note, a total emissions
comparison between the 2014 and 2023 inventories is not available due to data inconsistencies.
The comparison of 2018 emissions and 2023 emissions offer some insight into areas of
emissions reductions and emissions gains.
1. Residential electricity emissions decreased significantly between 2018 - 2023
driven in large part by Holy Cross Energy’s incorporation of low or zero carbon
electricity generation. However, those emission reductions were blunted
primarily by an increase in natural gas usage, additional buildings in Vail, and
their associated emissions. This data was not weather normalized.
2. Commercial and Industrial electricity emissions also decreased in 2023 from
Holy Cross Energy’s incorporation of low or zero carbon electricity generation.
natural gas usage, however, also increased in the commercial and industrial
sector.
3. On-road transportation emissions were generally flat in 2023 compared to
2018. However, there were a number of differences in the methods used in 2018
and 2023, such that decisive conclusions should not be based solely on this
data. Vehicle miles travelled, the main data source for determining emissions,
increased throughout Eagle County including the Town of Vail. Additionally, the
2018 inventory did not include the share of Transboundary Aviation emissions
from the Denver International Airport attributed to Vail, which has now been
captured in the 2023 inventory.
4. Emission changes in the Waste sector show a decrease in emissions, however,
this is largely due to improved waste tracking and updated emission factors.
In addition, ~43% of the waste to landfill was characterized as construction and
demolition waste, which has a lower emissions factor. Total waste to landfill
stayed constant between 2018 and 2023, and waste composted increased.
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5. Refrigerant leakage is the main emission source in the Industrial Process and
Product Use sector. This data was not calculated in 2018.
Vail Business-As-Usual Emission Projections
Lotus developed a business-as-usual (BAU) forecast of GHG emissions for the Town of Vail
from the 2023 GHG inventory through 2050. The forecast shows how emissions for the Town
of Vail are forecasted to change through 2050 if no further action to reduce emissions is
taken by the Town. This BAU accounts for key emission drivers outside of the Town of Vail’s
control.
Figure 4. Vail business-as-usual emissions.
In a BAU scenario, Town of Vail emissions are expected to decrease 34.68% by 2030 and
37.52% by 2050 (Figure 4). The key factors influencing the Town of Vail’s emissions included
in this forecast include:
● Population, households, new construction, and tourism. These factors generally drive
up carbon emissions.
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● Holy Cross Energy achieving their 100% renewable energy by 2030 goal. This is the
number one factor in the decrease in emissions Vail will realize in this forecast.
● Large buildings in the Town of Vail complying with the State’s Building Performance
Standards. This factor would decrease carbon emissions over time.
● Slow growth in adoption of high-efficiency electric HVAC and water heating
equipment. These factors would drive down emissions over time.
● Improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency. This factor would decrease carbon emissions
over time.
● Continued baseline growth of the EV market. This factor would decrease carbon
emissions over time.
Emissions will decrease rapidly until 2030 when Holy Cross Energy reaches 100% renewable
energy on their grid. Following 2030, there are no other large reductions anticipated from a
business-as-usual perspective. With Vail’s emissions leveling off after 2030 from these
reductions, reaching Vail’s GHG reduction goals will be even more challenging.
The BAU forecast highlights natural gas use in buildings and fossil fuel powered vehicles
as the key remaining sources of emissions in 2050.
GHG Modeling Overview & Results
Using the BAU as a baseline, Lotus developed a GHG emissions reduction strategy model.
This model was developed to help determine which actions the Town needs to take to
achieve the Council’s 2030 and 2050 goals, and what the relative impact of each strategy
could be, based on a number of factors. The data from this model includes only GHG
emissions impact, it does not include strategy implementation cost estimates.
Ten strategies were included in the model. Strategies were identified through an iterative
engagement process with Town staff. Through a series of meetings, Lotus worked with Town
staff to narrow and specify strategies to provide adequate detail for modeling. Table 6
below shows the modeled strategies and the general approach used in the model.
Strategy Approach
1. Vehicle
Electrification
100% electrification of public and private vehicles by 2050. 100% electrification of the
bus fleet by 2032. 30% electrification of Vail light duty fleet vehicles by 2030 and
100% electrification by 2050.
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2. Electrify
Existing Buildings
Electrifies multifamily and commercial buildings <50,000 square feet. Assumes that
by 2035, 100% of equipment being replaced each year will be replaced with high
efficiency electric equipment.
3. Geothermal
Loop
1. Build out Ambient Temperature Loop by 2028 (original scope of buildings).
2. Build out Lionshead connection loops by 2035.
3. Build out Vail Village connection loops by 2035.
4. Assumes the loop offsets 80% of impacted natural gas use.
4. Exterior Energy
Offset Program
1. 50% renewable energy offset of exterior energy beginning in 2026. 50% of
participants choose to pay fee-in-lieu. (See strategy Building Efficiency Program
below for strategy related to use of the fees paid.)
2. 50% of new systems starting in 2030 will be required to be all-electric.
3. A 200 MMBtu residential exterior energy system limit starting in 2035.
4. Apply the above measures to existing systems upon replacement starting in
2035.
5. Adopt the Net
Zero Roadmap
1. Phase 1 (2024-2026): 2024 IECC + Electric preferred provisions.
2. Phase 2 (2026-2028): 2024 IECC + all-electric provisions with broad exceptions.
3. Phase 3 (2028-2030): Adoption of latest IECC version + all-electric requirements
with limited exceptions.
6. Building
Efficiency
Programming
Assumes funding from fee-in-lieu collected from the EEOP strategy will fund
efficiency programs. Based on assessment of existing EEOP programs using this
approach, Assumes a 1:4 energy savings impact where every unit of energy savings
from exterior energy uses results in 4 units of energy saved in the community.
7. Residential and
Commercial
Composting
Assumes 80% of organic waste is diverted from the landfill by 2030. Assumes
diversion remains constant at 80% through 2050.
8. Construction
and Demolition
Waste Diversion
100% of recyclable C&D waste diverted by 2030. Assumes diversion remains
constant at 100% through 2050.
9. Local Trip
Reduction
20% reduction in Eagle County origin trips to Vail parking garages by 2030.
10. Implement
Capital Projects
in Mobility Plan
Model reduction in vehicle miles traveled from new pedestrian and bike lanes
included in the Vail Mobility & Transportation Master Plan.
Table 6. High impact strategies and approach.
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Figure 5. Modeled impact of GHG emissions reduction strategies.
With the implementation of all strategies listed above, and through the reductions in
emissions the town will see in a business-as-usual scenario, the model shows that the
Town can achieve a 74% reduction in emissions by 2050 (Figure 5). Vail Council’s 2050
climate goal, per their Strategic Plan, is an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050, so further
action from the Town will be required to achieve that 2050 goal.
Remaining emissions after strategy implementation primarily come from transboundary
aviation and natural gas use from buildings not covered by the existing building
electrification strategy (Figure 6).
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Figure 6. Vail remaining GHG emissions after GHG emissions reduction strategies.
Table 7 below outlines each strategy and its modeled impact on Vail’s GHG emissions in
2030, as well as each strategy’s cumulative impact on GHG emissions through 2030.
Strategy
2030 GHG Impact (mt
CO2e)
2030 Percent
Reduction from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative GHG Impact
2025-2030 (mt CO2e)
Vehicle Electrification 16,184 4.6% 47,201
Electrify Existing Buildings 5,098 1.5% 14,316
Geothermal Loop 6,605 1.9% 17,632
Exterior Energy Offset
Program 166 0.1% 514
Adopt the Net Zero
Roadmap 1,893 0.5% 7,013
Building Efficiency
Programming (tie to
EEOP)
1,247 0.4% 4,715
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Residential and
Commercial
Composting
1,267 0.4% 2,649
Construction and
Demolition Waste
Diversion
213 0.06% 714
Local Trip Reduction:
Baseline EV Scenario 342 0.10% 1,104
Implement Capital
Projects in Mobility Plan 1 0.00% 3
Changes due to growth,
on-the-books state
policy, and greening of
the grid
122,242 34.7% 500,492
Total 155,258 44.1% 596,353
Table 7. GHG Emissions reduction potential for each strategy in 2030.
If Vail were to take no action to reduce emissions (Vail’s BAU scenario), emissions would
decrease by almost 34.68% from the 2018 baseline by 2030. If Vail were to implement all ten
strategies (in addition to the BAU reductions), it would achieve a 44% reduction in emissions
from the 2018 baseline by 2030. This achievement would still fall short of the Council’s goal
of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030. Importantly, the Council’s emission reduction goal
is more conservative than science-based targets. Vail’s science-based carbon pollution
reduction target would be estimated around ~60% for 2030, which is the target scientists
recommend must be met to avoid catastrophic warming. The GHG modeling demonstrates
Vail is not on track to achieve the pollution reduction targets necessary to avoid
catastrophic warming in the coming century.
Table 8 below outlines each strategy and its modeled impact on Vail’s GHG emissions in
2050, as well as each strategy’s cumulative impact on GHG emissions through 2050.
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Strategy
2050 GHG Impact
(mt CO2e)
2050 Percent
Reduction from 2018
Baseline
Cumulative GHG Impact
2025-2050 (mt CO2e)
Vehicle Electrification 59,571 16.9% 801,271
Electrify Existing
Buildings 21,170 6.0% 342,293
Geothermal Loop 9,374 2.7% 199,573
Exterior Energy Offset
Program 19,913 5.7% 164,045
Adopt the Net Zero
Roadmap 12,867 3.7% 156,315
Building Efficiency
Programming (tie to
EEOP)
4,901 1.4% 77,063
Residential and
Commercial
Composting
1,657 0.5% 32,296
Construction and
Demolition Waste
Diversion
229 0.06% 4,988
Local Trip Reduction:
Baseline EV Scenario 232 0.07% 7,487
Implement Capital
Projects in Mobility Plan 0 0.00% 11
Changes due to
growth, on-the-books
state policy, and
greening of the grid
132,258 37.5% 3,095,460
Total 262,172 74.4% 4,880,802
Table 8. GHG Emissions reduction potential for each strategy in 2050.
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GHG MODELING KEY TAKEAWAYS
● The results of this modeling exercise highlight that no individual strategy can achieve
the Town of Vail’s goals.
● Cumulatively, if the Town of Vail implements all identified strategies, the Town can
achieve a 44% reduction in total emissions by 2030, falling short of its 2030 goal and
science-based targets.
● Cumulatively, if the Town of Vail implements all identified strategies, the Town can
achieve a 74% reduction in total emissions by 2050, falling short of its 2050 goal and
science-based targets.
● The most impactful strategies are those that target natural gas use in buildings and
fossil fuel consumption in on-road vehicles.
● The largest impact on the Town of Vail’s emissions over time is the greening of the
electric grid, as seen in the BAU forecast. Strategies that support the utility in
achieving a zero carbon electric grid should be prioritized.
● Strategy impacts are sensitive to the timing of their implementation. The earlier
strategies are implemented, the greater their cumulative impact.
Recommendations for Council Action
Given the data presented in this report, Lotus has outlined a set of recommendations that
the Town of Vail should consider to advance this work and help Vail achieve its climate
goals.
Of the strategies modeled for GHG reduction in the Town, a few are underway or in progress
and Town Staff are actively advancing this work. Specifically, the Local Trip Reduction,
Geothermal Loop, Bus Fleet Electrification, and Building Efficiency Programming through
EnergySmart have been actioned with Town Staff and the Vail Council. For the remaining
GHG reduction strategies, Vail staff will need to investigate the best implementation options
for each reduction strategy.
To determine the best implementation pathway for these high impact actions, it’s
recommended Vail complete the following actions:
1. Engage with internal and external partners to determine the most effective path
forward that aligns with the Vail Community. Strategy implementation could span
from policy to programs, and incentives to regulations. In order to understand the
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best means of advancing these strategies, engagement with the Vail community will
be crucial.
2. Investigate the cost implications and funding strategies available for advancing
these strategies to implementation. Understanding how to fund these strategies and
the fiscal impact to the town will be a critical next step to determining the feasibility
of the high impact strategies.
3. Continue research on options and peer approaches to implement these strategies.
Communities across the Country and Colorado, specifically in our region are working
to implement these strategies. Vail can learn from peers and continue research on
mechanisms to achieve the outcomes in the high impact strategies.
4. Start now. Earlier implementation of the carbon pollution reduction strategies will
lead to larger reductions over time. The earlier Vail can action the implementation
planning and execution for these strategies, the earlier Vail will realize the associated
reductions.
This set of recommended next steps will enable the Town of Vail to develop an
implementation plan for these high impact actions to deliver on the Council’s carbon
pollution reduction goals and protect the Vail community from the impacts of catastrophic
warming.
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.3
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
TIME:45 min.
SUBMITTED BY:Greg Roy, Community Development
ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion
AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (1:00pm)
SUBJECT:Amendment to the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan
(West Lionshead) (2:30pm)
SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback.
PRESENTER(S):Matt Gennett, Director of Community Development
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
Staff Memo TC Afternoon 8-5-25.pdf
Presentation.pdf
Attachment A. Section 5.17 Comparison
Attachment B. Section 5.17 Proposed/Clean
Attachment C. Subsections Comparison
Attachment D. Subsections Proposed/Clean.pdf
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TO: Town Council
FROM: Community Development Department
DATE: August 5, 2025
SUBJECT: A presentation to the Vail Town Council, on the proposed amendment to Section
5.17 and pertinent subsections of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan and
setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC25-0014)
Applicant: Town of Vail, East West Partners, and Vail Resorts
Planner: Greg Roy
______________________________________________________________________
I.INTRODUCTION
The applicant, comprised of the Town of Vail, East West Partners, and Vail Resorts, is
requesting an amendment to Section 5.17 ‘Ever Vail’ and pertinent sections of the
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan (LRMP).
At the October 15, 2024, Vail Town Council meeting, a partnership between the Town of
Vail, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners was announced to recommence master
planning efforts on the subject site. Since then, the partnership has been working on the
proposed amendments to the LRMP and held numerous public listening sessions and
community open houses to receive regular feedback throughout the process.
The LRMP was first adopted in 1996 and has been amended by resolution numerous
times over the past two decades. At the July 14th Planning and Environmental
Commission meeting, the PEC recommended that the Town Council approve, with
conditions, the changes with a vote of 5-0.
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Town of Vail Page 2
II. SITE AREA
The site area of the collective property formerly known as ‘Ever Vail’, now known as ‘West
Lionshead’ for the time being, has not changed with the proposed amendments. The
zoning designation contemplated in the LRMP for three of the six parcels not already
zoned Lionshead Mixed Use 2 (LMU-2) is likewise unchanged and will be proposed as
LMU-2.
III. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
Attached to this memorandum is a comparison document of existing versus proposed
language in Section 5.17, and a clean, revised version of the proposed new Section 5.17.
Also attached are corresponding documents covering the various sections and
subsections referenced in Section 5.17 with proposed amendments.
The proposed text amendments are attached as follows:
• Attachment A. Section 5.17 Comparison
• Attachment B. 5.17 Proposed/Clean
• Attachment C. Subsections Comparison
• Attachment D. Subsections Proposed/Clean.
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The project team will review the amendments during the presentation at the hearing.
IV. MISSION-VISION-VALUES
Following the three public open house-style listening sessions held with the community
in November and December 2024, the partnership developed the mission, vision, and
values statements listed below to help articulate overall project goals and objectives.
Mission
To create a transformative, new Vail Mountain base village that provides access to the
mountain, an unparalleled public realm for all people to enjoy, and retail, hotels,
housing, condominiums, and right-sized parking that reflect the inspiring quality of life
the Vail Valley offers.
Vision
West Lionshead will be a next-generation base village, seamlessly blending the
timeless charm of Vail’s iconic villages with a forward-thinking vision that exemplifies
the future of mountain recreation, living, and community. Designed for new residents,
guests and locals alike, it will offer authentic, welcoming experiences, inspired by
modern mountain town culture, sustainable design, and convenient year-round access
to Vail Mountain’s world-class slopes, destinations and amenities. West Lionshead will
not only complement the legacy of Vail’s existing villages and recreation but redefine
the year-round mountain experience for the next generation of adventurers, families,
and creators.
Values
1. Seamless Integration with Lionshead, Vail Village, and Vail Mountain – Free In-
Town Bus System, Gore Valley Trail, New Gondola, and Ski-back.
2. Pedestrians Come First – Enhance pedestrian connectivity, easy access to
transit, lines of sight, and walkability through the site and to the rest of the Town.
3. Celebrate the Natural Features of the Site – Incorporate environmental
sustainability and best practices into the design. Create opportunities for views
of the Gore Range, Vail Mountain, and the Eagle Valley. Align the narrative
around Gore Creek with that of Lionshead and Vail Village’s while embracing
Red Sandstone Creek.
4. Year-Round Activation – With an additional 1,100 full-time residents anticipated
through the Town’s housing efforts, there is an opportunity to create a vibrant
hub in Vail that weaves together a fabric of experiences (retail, dining, housing,
lodging, entertainment, après experiences, recreation, housing) thus bringing a
year-round vibrancy to West Lionshead.
5. A Base Village for Guests and Locals Alike – Create a place that is welcoming,
approachable, and equally engaging to locals, part-time residents and
destination guests, integrating the public realm and recreation with art, natural
features, shopping and dining, and entertainment. West Lionshead is a place for
everybody.
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V. CONCEPT PLAN
The project team will walk the PEC and public through the concept plan during the
presentation at the hearing.
VI. APPLICABLE PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Title 12 Zoning Regulations
Article 12-I: Lionshead Mixed Use 2 (LMU-2) District (in-part)
12-7I-1 PURPOSE.
(A) The Lionshead Mixed Use 2 District is intended to provide sites for a mixture
of multiple-family dwellings, lodges, hotels, fractional fee clubs, timeshares, lodge
dwelling units, restaurants, offices, skier services, light industrial activities and
commercial establishments in a clustered, unified development. Lionshead Mixed
Use 2 District, in accordance with the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan, is
intended to ensure adequate light, air, open space and other amenities appropriate
to the permitted types of buildings and uses and to maintain the desirable qualities
of the zone district by establishing appropriate site development standards. This
zone district is meant to encourage and provide incentives for redevelopment in
accordance with the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan.
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Town of Vail Page 5
(B) This zone district was specifically developed to provide incentives for properties to
redevelop. The ultimate goal of these incentives is to create an economically vibrant
lodging, housing and commercial core area. The incentives in this zone dist rict include
increases in allowable gross residential floor area, building height, and density over the
previously established zoning in the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan study area.
The primary goal of the incentives is to create economic conditions favorable to inducing
private redevelopment consistent with the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan.
Additionally, the incentives are created to help finance public, off site, improvements
adjacent to redevelopment projects. Public amenities which will be evaluated with
redevelopment proposals taking advantage of the incentives created herein may include:
streetscape improvements; pedestrian/bicycle access; public plaza redevelopment;
public art; roadway improvements; and similar improvements.
LIONSHEAD REDEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
2.3 Policy Objectives
The Town Council adopted six policy objectives on November 4, 1996, to outline the
important issues to be addressed in the master plan and to provide a policy framework
for the master planning process.
2.3.1 Renewal and Redevelopment
Lionshead can and should be renewed and redeveloped to become a
warmer, more vibrant environment for guests and residents. Lionshead
needs an appealing and coherent identity, a sense of place, a personality,
a purpose, and an improved aesthetic character.
2.3.2 Vitality and Amenities
We must seize the opportunity to enhance guest experience and community
interaction through expanded and additional activities and amenities such
as performing arts venues, conference facilities, ice rinks, streetscape,
parks and other recreational improvements.
2.3.4 Stronger Economic Base Through Increased Live Beds
In order to enhance the vitality and viability of Vail, renewal and
redevelopment in Lionshead must promote improved occupancy rates and
the creation of additional bed base (“live beds” or “warm beds”) through new
lodging products. Live beds and warm beds are best described as
residential or lodging rooms or units that are designed for occupancy by
visitors, guests, individuals, or families on a short-term rental basis. In order
to improve occupancy rates and create additional bed base in Lionshead,
applications for new development and redevelopment projects which
include a residential component shall provide live beds in the form of
accommodation units, fractional fee club units, lodge dwelling units,
timeshare units, attached accommodation units (i.e., lock-off units), or
dwelling units which are included in a voluntary rental management program
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and available for short term rental. Further, it is the expressed goal of this
Plan that in addition to creating additional bed base through new lodging
products, there shall be no net loss of existing live beds within the
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan study area.
2.3.4 Improved Access and Circulation
The flow of pedestrian, vehicular, bicycle and mass transit traffic must be
improved within and through Lionshead.
2.3.5 Improved Infrastructure
The infrastructure of Lionshead (streets, walkways, transportation systems,
parking, utilities, loading and delivery systems, snow removal and storage
capacity) and its public and private services must be upgraded to support
redevelopment and revitalization efforts and to meet the service
expectations of our guests and residents.
2.3.6 Creative Financing for Enhanced Private Profits and Public Revenues
Financially creative and fiscally realistic strategies must be identified so that
adequate capital may be raised from all possible sources to fund desired
private and public improvements.
VAIL LAND USE PLAN (IN PART)
1. General Growth / Development
1.1. Vail should continue to grow in a controlled environment, maintaining a
balance between residential, commercial and recreational uses to serve
both the visitor and the permanent resident.
1.2. The quality of the environment including air, water and other natural
resources should be protected as the Town grows.
1.3 The quality of development should be maintained and upgraded whenever
possible.
VII. CONSIDERATIONS FOR REVIEW
The adoption of an amendment or update to a master plan needs to be in concert
with the Town of Vail’s Comprehensive Master Plan. The adopted master plan
shall support, strengthen, and further the development objectives of the town. To
ensure consistency with these objectives, the following factors for consideration
are applied:
A. How conditions have changed since the original plan was adopted.
252
Town of Vail Page 7
B. How is the original plan in error?
C. How the addition, deletion, or change to the Plan is in concert with the plan
in general.
VIII. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Questions and discussions on the proposal.
IX. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A. Section 5.17 Comparison
Attachment B. Section 5.17 Proposed/Clean
Attachment C. Subsections Comparison
Attachment D. Subsections Proposed/Clean
253
Lionshead
Redevelopment
Master Plan
Town Council
August 5, 2025
254
TEAM INTRODUCTIONS
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
255
SITE AREA
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
256
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Town of Vail | Name of Presentation | vail.gov
257
EXISTING FACILITIES RELOCATION
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
•VR is committed to providing convenient parking
both on-site and nearby for employees.
•The West Lionshead Conceptual Plan includes
offices and flex space for Vail Mountain leadership
and staff, as well as parking. The concept plan has
a placeholder for employees critical to opening
and closing the mountain every day.
•VR has conducted an in-depth analysis to ensure
that there is capacity to relocate parking and other
uses such as the maintenance facility, offices, and
flex space, at VR owned parcels nearby or on-
mountain.
•A parking and mobility management plan will be
provided during the Development Plan process
(code § 12-10-20 SPECIAL REVIEW PROVISIONS).
258
EXISTING ZONING
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
259
ENTITLEMENT PROCESS FORWARD
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
LRMP Amendment
(Creating the policy and
guiding vision for the
West Lionshead area)
Rezoning
Applications
(Application of LMU-2 Zoning
to 3 Parcels pf the 6 Parcels)
Subdivision Applications
(Creates the parcels for
development and realignment of the
South Frontage Road)
Major Exterior
Alteration
Applications
(Project Specific Design
Applications)
Rezoning
Applications
(Application of LMU-2 Zoning
to former Frontage Road)
260
POLICY FRAMEWORK
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
261
LRMP AMENDMENT REVIEW CRITERIA
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
1. How conditions have changed since the plan was adopted.
Conditions have changed significantly since the plan was first adopted in November of 1996. While
there have been numerous amendments over the past 30 years, the site-specific language and
information pertaining to ‘Ever Vail’, particularly in Section 5.17, must be updated to make it
implementable.
2.How the Plan is in error.
As stated under the previous consideration, the Town of Vail and Lionshead specifically have changed
significantly since the plan’s adoption. Much of the information provided in the plan has become outdated,
and previously contemplated improvements including the Sandstone underpass and the Ritz Carlton have
since been completed.
3.How the proposed amendments are in concert with the Plan in general.
The underlying policy objectives and purpose of the LRMP are not proposed to change with this
amendment. The changes proposed by this amendment are consistent with the theme and structure of
the plan, serving to update and enhance the site-specific recommendations for the site formerly known
as ‘Ever Vail’.
262
MISSION, VISION, VALUES
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
Mission:
To create a transformative, new Vail Mountain base village that provides access to
the mountain, an unparalleled public realm for all people to enjoy, and retail, hotels
and condominiums that reflect the inspiring quality of life the Vail Valley offers.
Vision:
West Lionshead will be a next-generation base village, seamlessly blending the timeless
charm of Vail’s iconic villages with a forward-thinking vision that exemplifies the future of
mountain recreation, living, and community. Designed for guests and locals alike, it will offer
authentic, welcoming experiences, inspired by modern mountain town culture, sustainable
design, and convenient year-round access to Vail Mountain’s world-class slopes,
destinations and amenities. West Lionshead will not only complement the legacy of Vail’s
existing villages and recreation but redefine the year-round mountain experience for the
next generation of adventurers, families, and creators.
Values:
•Seamless Integration with Lionshead, Vail Village, and Vail Mtn
•Pedestrians Come First
•Celebrate the Natural Features of the Site Year-Round Activation
•A Base Village for Locals and Guests Alike
263
COMMUNITY INPUT
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
264
INSPIRATION
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
265
EAST WEST PARTNERS - PUBLIC REALM & PLACEMAKING
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
266
CONCEPT PLAN OVERVIEW
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
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CONCEPT PLAN OVERVIEW
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
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SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO LRMP SEC. 5.17 and
SUBSECTIONS
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
Approach:
•Updates necessary, plan is 20+ years old
•Establish the vision and policy direction for West Lionshead
•Format substantially the same, amended language is less prescriptive and ‘code-like’, more policy
based and ‘plan-like’; and less prescriptive to a specific development plan
Changes recommended by PEC:
1.Added language on Event Space (5.17.6)
2.Added language re: ecological value of Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks (5.17.7)
3.Retained/refined language re: “step back” of building massing (5.17.9)
4.Retained/refined language re: setbacks within the site (5.17.9)
5.Retained/refined language re: view corridors (4.4.3.1)
6.Modified language re: ERWSD as a development site (5.20)
7.Added language re: ToV parking management system within parking structure (4.8.3.3.b)
8.Added “West Vail” bus to transit language (4.5.2.1)
9.Refined language re: parking management plan for on-mountain employees (3.9.4)
269
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO LRMP SEC. 5.17
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
5.17 West Lionshead Project (Changed from “Ever Vail”)
•Updated to include an introduction, new site area image, and the Mission-Vision-Values
statements vetted with the community, PEC, and Council.
5.17.1 South Frontage Road
•Removed existing language referring to specific civil drawings and included language describing
what is shown in the Concept Plan.
5.17.2 Vehicular Access and Circulation
•Updated with references to GO VAIL 2045, CORE, and in-town bus service as they relate to the
initial road layout in the Concept Plan.
5.17.3 Parking
5.17.3 Transportation and Mobility
•Title of section changed from “Parking” to “Transportation and Mobility” to reflect the goals in
GO VAIL 2045 and address changes in use on site. New transit hub and parking structure
described with some detail on a conceptual parking plan.
270
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO LRMP SEC. 5.17
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
5.17.3 Transportation and Mobility (Cont.)
•Shared parking approach like Lionshead Structure and VTC described.
5.17.4 Public Transportation (Existing section removed due to redundancy and incorporation into
new 5.17.3.)
5.17.4 Pedestrian and Bike Access (formerly 5.17.6)
•Maintained most of the existing language, added references to the GO VAIL 2045 and Vail Town
Code.
5.17.5 Vail Mountain Portal (formerly 5.17.2)
•Includes new language describing the anticipated alignment of the lift per the 2024 MDP.
5.17.6 Public Spaces and Plazas (formerly 5.17.7)
•Existing language updated in keeping with the new Concept Plan.
271
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO LRMP SEC. 5.17
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
5.17.7 Relationship to Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks
•Existing text largely remains except for language detailing standard requirements (USACE, Vail
Town Code, etc.) removed and replaced with less verbiage i.e., “per requirements…”
•Language added regarding ecological values per PEC recommendations.
5.18.8 Preservation of Office and Retail Space Proposed to be deleted and addressed in 5.17.9.
5.17.8 Employee Housing (formerly 5.17.11)
•Existing language updated to reflect current goals.
5.17.9 Development Pattern, Program and Uses (replaces existing 5.17.12 Development Standards)
•Proposed language to replace prescriptive requirements which are either redundant or in
conflict with the development standards in the LMU-2 zone district.
5.17.10 Concept Master Plan
272
CONCEPT PLAN
Town of Vail | West Lionshead | vail.gov
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Thank you
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5.17 Ever Vail
5.17.1
Ever Vail is a 12.6 acre site located in West Lionshead (see Figure 5-21). Ever Vail Project
Introduction
West Lionshead is an approximately 13-acre site, bordered by I-70 on the north, Gore Creek on the south, and Lionshead
Village on the east. Red Sandstone Creek bifurcates the site, running north-south before joining Gore Creek. West
Lionshead currently includes the Vail Associates Service Yard, Holy Cross site, Resorts Maintenance Facility, the Vail
Professional Building sitebuilding, Cascade Crossings site, Glen Lyon, and the Vail Resorts Administrative Office Building
site, and the former gas station site.building. The South Frontage Road currently runs east-west across the southern
portion of the site. The Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (“ERWSD”) is adjacent to West Lionshead. The subject
property is divided into twosix parcels within the Ever Vail Subdivision and , all of which should be zoned Lionshead Mixed
Use 2 District. Ever Vail should be redeveloped to enhance and improve the guest and
Figure 5.xx
In order to guide development to align with community goals and serve as a framework for decision making, the Town
Council approved the following Mission, Vision and Values for West Lionshead in February of 2025:
Mission
To create a transformative, new Vail Mountain base village that provides access to the mountain, an unparalleled public
realm for all people to enjoy, and retail, hotels, housing, condominiums, and right-sized parking that reflect the inspiring
quality of life the Vail Valley offers.
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Vision
West Lionshead will be a next-generation base village, seamlessly blending the timeless charm of Vail’s iconic villages with
a forward-thinking vision that exemplifies the future of mountain recreation, living, and community. Designed for new
residents, guests and locals alike, it will offer authentic, welcoming experiences, inspired by modern mountain town
culture, sustainable design, and convenient year-round access to Vail Mountain’s world-class slopes, destinations and
amenities. West Lionshead will not only complement the legacy of Vail’s existing villages and recreation but redefine the
year-round mountain experience and improve for the next generation of adventurers, families, and creators.
Values
1. Seamless Integration with Lionshead, Vail Village, and Vail Resorts’ ability to service and maintain mountain
facilities. Due to the large size of the development site, EverMountain – Free In-Town Bus System, Gore Valley
Trail, New Gondola, and Ski-back.
2. Pedestrians Come First – Enhance pedestrian connectivity, easy access to transit, lines of sight, and walkability
through the site and to the rest of the Town.
3. Celebrate the Natural Features of the Site – Incorporate environmental sustainability and best practices into the
design. Create opportunities for views of the Gore Range, Vail will likely be redeveloped in phases over time. Ever
Mountain, and the Eagle Valley. Align the narrative around Gore Creek with that of Lionshead and Vail should be a
residential/mixed useVillage’s while embracing Red Sandstone Creek.
4. Year-Round Activation – With an additional 1,100 full-time residents anticipated through the Town’s housing
efforts, there is an opportunity to create a vibrant hub that includes key components such as a ski lift (gondola),
increased office space, new retail space, public parking, realignment of the frontage road, relocated mountain
operations and maintenance yard, employee housing, a 100 plus room hotel,in Vail that weaves together a fabric
of experiences (retail, dining, housing, lodging, entertainment, après experiences, recreation, housing) thus
bringing a year-round vibrancy to West Lionshead.
5. A Base Village for Guests and Locals Alike – Create a place that is welcoming, approachable, and equally engaging
to locals, part-time residents and destination guests, integrating the public transit facilities, a community realm
and recreation facility and improvements for connectivity with the rest ofart, natural features, shopping and
dining, and entertainment. West Lionshead and Cascade Village for pedestrians, bicycles and vehiclesis a place for
everybody.
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Figure The following Policy Sections guide the future development of West Lionshead, to achieve the Mission, Vision and
Values. “The Project” generally refers to a future development project at West Lionshead.
5-21: Conceptual Ever Vail Site Plan
5.17.1 .17.1 South Frontage Road Realignment
The relocation of the South Frontage Road in the Ever Vail area has been a concept embodied
in this master planthe LRMP since its adoption in 1998. Ever Vail includes the relocation and
realignment of the South Frontage Road consistent with the recommended actions and policy
objections found in sections 1.3.4 and 2.3.4. The South Frontage Road realignment should be
relocated as detailed in the initial road relocation plans submitted to the Colorado Department
of Transportation (CDOT) and as shown in figure 5-21a. Prior to the Town of Vail submitting the
final plans for the relocation of the South Frontage Road to CDOT, the Town should reevaluate
the design
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to include a dedicated eastbound bike lane and a reduction in the width of the pedestrian/bike path on the south side of
the relocated South Frontage Road. The relocated South Frontage Road includes a 2-laneshould be relocated to be
adjacent to I-70 to connect with the existing Sandstone Underpass roundabout at the eastern end of Ever Vail. This
roundabout connects the relocated frontage road with the new extension of West Forest Road.. The relocated road will be
required to meet the CDOT Access Code requirements which will require adequate through and turn lanes, and bike and
pedestrian facilities, balanced with traffic calming measures. Legal and physical access to the Eagle River Water and
Sanitation District (ERWSD) site shall be provided by the Ever Vail property owners through Ever Vail(“ERWSD”) site would
remain in place to accommodate current uses and future development of the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
(ERWSD) property. On the South Frontage Road west of Ever Vail, a roundabout with a connection to the Simba Run
underpass is anticipated and further described in section 4.6.6. The grades of the relocated South Frontage Road should
be designed to accommodate the construction of the roundabout and Simba Run underpass (see figure 5-21b).ERWSD
property.
The greatestA benefit of the realignment of the South Frontage Road is that it resultswould result in one contiguous
development parcel and in doing so integrates the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross site with the West Day Lot (Ritz-Carlton
Residences) by removal of the that removes the pedestrian barrier created by the existing South Frontage Roadcurrent
alignment. It also creates, allows for the bestcreation of a new pedestrian environment possible in creating an extension
of the Lionshead Retail area in that it village, and provides the potential to establish a convenient and desirable
pedestrianan enhanced, safe connection to the rest of Lionshead. Village.
Figure 5-21a: Conceptual Realignment of the South Frontage Road
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Figure 5-21b: Conceptual Grading Plan for Frontage Road Realignment
5.17.2 Vehicular Access and Circulation
In keeping with Policy Objective 2.3.4, Improved Access and Circulation, of the Plan, and the Go Vail 2045 Transportation
Master Plan (“Go Vail 2045”), opportunities for public transportation and vehicular circulation improvements shallshould
be exploredpursued in conjunction with any future redevelopment of the South Frontage Road and interior roads within
the redevelopment of the West Lionshead sites. Possible. Strategic opportunities for improvements may include:
improved mass transit stops, relocated/reduced/shared points of entry/exiting, restricted access points, acceleration/
deceleration lanes, roundabouts at major intersections, greater sight distances, dedicated turning lanes, landscaped
medians and skier drop-off., and skier drop-off. It is essential that the Project provides safe and efficient access points
from the road networks adjacent to the site.
It is essential that Ever Vail provide safe and efficient access points from the road networks
adjacent to the site. Legal and physical access to the ERWSD site shall be provided by Ever Vail
property owners through Ever Vail to accommodate current uses and future development of
the ERWSD property.
The design for the relocated South Frontage Road anticipates the construction of a roundabout
that connects the South Frontage Road to the North Frontage Road via the Simba Run
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underpass. To accommodate this roundabout, the South Frontage Road will need to include
retaining walls to facilitate a drop in elevation as it moves west (see
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figure 5-21b). The Simba Run underpass will cross beneath I-70 and provide an additional
connection between the north and south sides of Vail.
5.17.3 Ever Vail shall comply with the loading and delivery requirements of the Vail Town Code. Loading and delivery
within Ever Vail shall comply with Section 4.7, Loading and Delivery, of this Master Plan. Service and delivery truck
turning maneuvers shall not negatively impact traffic flow on the South Frontage Road, Transportation and
Mobility
West Forest Road or Market Street. With a realignment of vehicular access points, attention
should be given to the location of service and parking areas.
5.17.3 Parking
Ever Vail shall be developed as a commercial core Lionshead is envisioned to be a village that includes mixed use
development, pedestrian streets and plazas, direct access to transit options, bicycle and pedestrian connections and
access to Vail MountainAs a commercial core, Ever Vail, and new access to Vail Mountain, in adherence with the Go Vail
2045. The Go Vail 2045 vision states: “Vail is recognized as having a comprehensive multimodal transportation system
with well-integrated alternative transportation options, which reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips and
overall vehicle miles travelled to, from, and within Vail.”
The Project will meet all applicable parking requirements for retail and commercial space, and
residential uses, based on the Town of Vail Municipal Code, and parking may be accommodated
throughout the development site, either on-site of residential buildings or within a parking
structure. A shared parking approach should be utilized for the parking structure, which
emphasizes efficiency during different time periods for various uses, to accommodate day skier
parking, retail and commercial visitors, local employees and residents. The parking structure
should address the Town's goal to reduce overflow parking along the South Frontage Road. As
a commercial core and new public portal to Vail Mountain, the Project should be incorporated
into the Town’s adopted commercial core parking areas, which allow for reduced parking
requirements due to proximity to mixed -use development. Ever Vail shall meet the parking
requirements of the Vail Town Code. The , while also providing appropriate parking
requirements for ski lifts and other potential land uses that do not have a specified parking
requirement will be determined by the Planning and Environmental Commission.
Section 2.4: Ground Rules for the Master Planning Process, states that there shall be no net loss of parking spaces now
existing in Lionshead. Ever Vail must include parking spaces to offset displaced existing parking from the former gas
station site and Maintenance Yard/ Holy Cross Site in accordance with section 4.8.1. These spaces are in addition to
parking required by the Vail Town Code and any public skier parking spaces provided by Ever. Parking management tools
should be considered as part of the overall goal to reduce vehicle trips within Vail.
Without including parking spaces required for the proposed gondola, as determined by the
Planning and Environmental Commission, if any, Ever Vail shall include an additional 400 public
parking spaces, as identified in section 4.1.5: West Lionshead – Residential/Mixed Use Hub.
These spaces will address long-term public parking needs, including the Town's goal to eliminate
parking from the South Frontage Road as further detailed in Section 4.8.3.3b of this master plan.
During development and phasing of Ever Vail, there will be periods of time when surface parking
lots and staging areas may be necessary to meet skier parking and construction needs. Surface
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parking lots shall not be maintained as a long-term solution to meeting parking demand. The
construction of a portion of the additional 400 parking spaces should be explored by Vail Resorts
and the Town of Vail, within Lionshead, in conjunction with the Ever Vail development.
Public transportation is essential to successfully connect the Project to other portals, neighborhoods, and down-valley
communities. The Project should include access for in-town bus service, outlying bus service, CORE Transit buses, as well
as hotel shuttles. The Project’s transit facilities should follow the guidance of Go Vail 2045.
Skier drop-off is an essentialimportant component of a successful ski portal. Skier drop-off at
Ever Vail , as it provides convenience and improves the guest’sguest and local’slocal experience.
The transit facility in Ever Vail should accommodate 10 to 14As such, West Lionshead should
provide conveniently located short-term or skier drop-off parking spaces., that could also
accommodate children’s ski school/DEVO drop-off and pick-up, as a part of a parking
management plan. Short-term parking is a key aspect to community commercial uses, allowing
customers to quickly and conveniently patronize establishments. Outside of skier drop-off and
pick-up during
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peak periods, these spaces could be utilized as short-term parking serving the commercial uses in close proximity, such as
the grocery store.
Skier drop-off spaces are also envisioned in the parking structure on the west side of Ever Vail.
Approximately 50 parking spaces should be available for short-term parking and skier drop-off
when not in use for children’s ski school activities, which traditionally occur one day per week
in the winter. These short-term parking spaces, given their location approximately 500 feet from
the gondola, would provide skier drop- off capacity in the event the short-term spaces in the
transit facility are displaced due to expansion of bus activity.
5.17.4 Public Transportation
Public transportation is an essential element to successfully connect Ever Vail to other portals,
neighborhoods, and down valley communities. Ever Vail needs to provide access for in-town
bus service, outlying bus service, ECO Transit buses plus hotel and lodge shuttles.
Transit facilities are essential to facilitate the use of public transit, reduce parking demand and
provide transit connections for employees living in Ever Vail. Adequate transit provides an
opportunity for employees, skiers, visitors and residents to connect Ever Vail with other
neighborhoods and communities. Ever Vail shall include a transit facility located adjacent to the
relocated South Frontage Road pursuant to section 1.3.5, which recommends creating dispersed
transit facilities in Lionshead. This facility shall be designed to accommodate the Town’s outlying
bus routes as well as regional bus routes within a covered facility on the ground floor. It is
anticipated that the transit facility will accommodate a minimum of four bus bays. In the long-
term and as necessary, the facility may transition to up to 12 buses utilizing a pull off on the
South Frontage Road. The transit facilities are envisioned as a bus stop facility with very short
dwell times.
An area accommodating up to two in-town buses should be located on the eastern end of Ever
Vail (see figure 5-22). Ever Vail should also provide a hotel and lodge shuttle drop-off area to
accommodate visitors from other locations within Vail. The drop-off area should be a surface
location on the west side of Ever Vail. The bus stop and drop- off area shall be enhanced with
shelters, benches, landscaping and other similar improvements.
Gondola and West Lionshead will provide jobs across a variety of businesses, including retail, restaurants, hotels and
lodging, guest services, and on-mountain employees. Employee parking should not only be provided to meet the
obligations of the Town Municipal Code, but also to meet the needs of Vail Resorts’ employees that continue to work on-
site or on-mountain at critical times of the day. This project will displace a significant amount of Vail Resort’s employee
parking, and as such, this project should provide replacement parking and/or identify off site locations for employee
parking and identify how these off site locations will be managed, operated, and the use enforced to reduce the potential
that the parking becomes displaced into Town owned public parking facilities.
5.17.55.17.2 Vail Mountain Portal
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Ever Vail shall include a gondola, which will transport visitors, guests, and residents to Vail
Mountain. A gondola will make Ever Vail a mountain portal and will enhance the benefits of
Ever Vail to guests, locals and employees. The gondola will be located adjacent to Gore Creek
and will generally travel to the base of the current Chair 26 where a new mid-station will be
located. The gondola will replace Chair 26 and generally terminate in the Eagle’s Nest area of
Vail Mountain. The gondola route will likely require easements and other approvals from the
Town of Vail when the route crosses Town-owned properties.
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Figure 5-22: Conceptual Transit Facility and Bus Stops
Figure 5-22a: Conceptual Transit and Vehicular Circulation
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Figure 5-22b: Conceptual Gondola and Mountain Portal
5.17.65.17.4 Pedestrian and Bike Access
As compared to a separate, free-standing portal, Ever Vailthe Project is considered a part of the greater Lionshead area. In
order forPedestrian and bike improvements should follow the guidance of the Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan.
For this area to be successful, it is important to have a strong pedestrian connection with the rest of Lionshead.
Streetscape improvements including bike lanes or trails and sidewalks should be incorporated in any redevelopment along
West Lionshead Circle and the South Frontage Road to improve the viability of mixed uses in Ever Vailthe Project.
Improvements to street lighting, walking surfaces, trails, seating areas, and public art that facilitate safe and attractive
pedestrian and bike movement are strongly encouraged. Said improvements may necessitate the need for access
easements through the sites. In the redevelopment of Ever Vail, pedestrian and bike connections shall be made to
integrate with the rest of Lionshead and Cascade VillageRed Sandstone and Gore Creeks should be accentuated and
incorporated into the overall pedestrian experience.
Pedestrian and bicycle enhancements shallshould include a new bridge connecting the Gore CreekValley Trail to Ever Vail,
the Project, the potential redevelopment of the pedestrian bridge on the west side of Ever Vailthe Project, path
enhancements to the Gore Creek Trail connection into Cascade Village, and a path connecting to the relocated South
Frontage Road. All pedestrian path improvements must meet Town of Vail recreation path standards and provide a safe
and attractive pedestrian and bike experience., per the Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan and Town of Vail
Municipal Code. The ability to traverse the site as a pedestrian or on a bicycle from west to east without the need to
utilize an escalator, stairs or dismount should be considered in the design and evaluated in the context of all other bicycle
and pedestrian connections. -.
Pedestrian connections between Ever Vailthe project and West Lionshead Circle shallshould be improved to provide safe
and attractive pedestrian crossings. Improvements to crossings may include raised crosswalks, changechanges in paving
material, safe harbors, medians, and signage.
5.17.5 Vail Mountain Portal
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See figure 5-22cThe Project is contemplated to include another access point to Vail Mountain through a new lift or
gondola, enhancing the benefits of the Project to guests, locals and employees. Two alternatives are accepted in the 2024
Master Development Plan for the conceptual pedestrian and bicycle circulation planVail Mountain, one traveling from
West Lionshead to the base of Chair 26, and continuing to Eagle’s Nest, and the other traveling slightly above Chair 26 and
terminating there. A ski back trail and skier bridge would complete the roundtrip access for skiers into West Lionshead. A
ski plaza should be designed to create a vibrant winter experience, allowing for flexibility and public use to support a year-
round environment.
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Figure 5-22c: Conceptual Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation
5.17.75.17.6 Public Spaces and Plazas
Within Ever Vail, pedestrian the Project, public spaces and plazas and walkways are essential to create an extension
ofenjoyable and memorable experience for guests and residents at West Lionshead where pedestrianization has been a
key element of success. Elements of successful public spaces include portals, edge definers, public space definers,
landmarks, and public art. These place-making elements improve pedestrian circulation and provide aesthetically
pleasinginviting places to congregate. They further enhance the livability of Ever Vailthe Project for employees, residents,
and guests.
Public gathering spaces and plazas intended for lingering and special events should be safe from vehicular traffic and
appropriate secure impact resistant access control should be provided. Flexible event space can provide an inviting place
for the public to enjoy a variety of events year-round.
The creation of gateways and portals is encouraged as a basic component of redevelopmentthe Project, especially in
transition areas between different domains, or public, semi-public, and private areas. It is essential that publicPublic
spaces and plazas areshould not be shaded by buildings at peak use times. Further sun shade analysis will need to occur in
order to ensure public spaces and plazas are not shaded and unwelcoming to users. Outdoor dining decks are encouraged
to bridge the gap between public and private space and provide vibrancy to the adjacent streets, walkways and plazas as
further detailed in section 4.10 of this Plan. Chapter 8, Architectural Design Guidelines, provides guidelines for these
elements to ensure they are successfully implemented..
Elements of the natural environment need toshould interact with public spaces in order to connect the urban and natural
environments. Within Ever VailWest Lionshead, the improvements to Red Sandstone Creek, as further detailed in section
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5.17.10, will7, would provide public spaces for recreation and congregation that connect Ever Vailthe Project with the
natural environment, as recommended by section 1.3.3.. Formatted: Font: Bold
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Provisions should be made for public access to streets, paths and plazas through easements or
similar mechanisms to create a perceived public domain in Ever Vail. Additional dedications
and/or easements are necessary to facilitate the use of property by the public.
Figure 5-22d: Conceptual Plan For Plazas, Public Spaces and Connections
5.17.8 Preservation of Existing Office and Retail Space
Section 4.1.5: West Lionshead- Residential/Mixed Use Hub requires an increase in office space
and no net loss of retail space in Ever Vail. Opportunities for increasing the square footage of
office and retail beyond the existing conditions in Ever Vail shall be evaluated during the
development review process. Currently, offices and businesses in Cascade Crossing, Vail
Professional Building and the Glen Lyon Office Building offer a variety of local services and
amenities, which is important to preserve with the redevelopment of Ever Vail. During the
winter months, the proposed gondola in Ever Vail and the associated parking will generate
significant pedestrian traffic and activity. However, consideration shall be given to how Ever Vail
can be an active and vibrant place year-round.
One way this can be accomplished is the reinforcement of a well-crafted program of specialty
retailers, offices, and restaurants that attract both tourists and local residents. Also, quality
architecture and the creation of appealing outdoor spaces in and of itself will encourage people
to visit this area. An active program of public art, residential
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units that are used for “artists in residence” or a culinary school are examples of uses that could
create a catalyst for activity. In conjunction with any application to develop a new ski lift, a
market study which analyzes the appropriate amount of office/retail square footage shall be
included in the redevelopment of Ever Vail. A fiscal and economic analysis was completed in
December 2010 and is further discussed in section
5.17.9. Depending on the length of phasing, this report may need to be updated.
There is approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of office space and 15,000 sq. ft. of retail space within the
Glen Lyon Office Building, Cascade Crossings, and Vail Professional Building properties. This
office space should be replaced within Ever Vail on the parcel located east of Red Sandstone
Creek to provide maximized connectivity of commercial uses to the rest of Lionshead. In order
to implement this policy, Ever Vail should include at least 34,000 square feet of office space and
30,000 square feet of retail space.
5.17.95.17.2 Development Pattern, Program and Uses
In December of 2010, a Fiscal and Economic Analysis of Ever Vail was prepared by Economic
Planning Systems. The analysis found that Ever Vail will likely produce positive fiscal and
economic benefits to the Town. Ever Vail should reflect the recommendations of this analysis,
namely that retail and restaurant space should be limited to approximately 55,000 to 65,000
square feet in order to create an economically viable commercial project complementary to the
existing core commercial areas in Vail. Additional recommendations include the provision of hot
beds, meeting space and a grocery store in Ever Vail.
The land uses envisioned within Ever Vail are those allowed by the Lionshead Mixed Use 2 zone
district. Ever Vail will include multiple separate above-grade buildings constructed above two
below-grade structures with the bulk and mass conceptually shown in figure 5-23 below.
Figure 5-23: Conceptual Bulk and Mass of Ever Vail
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The overall development program for Ever Vail is envisioned to contain the following land uses:
Use Number Range of Square Feet
(gross)
Dwelling Units 350-450 500,000-800,000
Accommodation Units 100-120 90,000-100,000
Employee Housing Units 35-45 40,000-60,000
Office 3-12 establishments 30,000-40,000
Retail 5-10 establishments 30,000-35,000
Eating and Drinking Establishment 3-6 establishments 20,000-30,000
Spa 1-2 establishments 8,000-15,000
Skier Services / Recreation Facility 1-2 establishments 10,000-15,000
Ever Vail west of Red Sandstone Creek should be a residential neighborhood devoid of extensive
retail or restaurant uses. However, several non-residential uses should be located on the west
side, including, but not limited to, public parking, a space for community recreational activities,
a children’s ski program meeting area, and other ancillary resort related uses. The concentration
of residential land uses on the west side of Ever Vail will serve as a population base for the
commercial components within the east side of Ever Vail and for other commercial core areas.
In furtherance of Policy Objectives 2.3.2 and 2.3.3, Ever Vail shall include a hotel and a 10,000-
15,000 square foot grocery store. These uses were identified in the economic and fiscal analysis
as critical elements to the success of Ever Vail. A hotel brings life and energy to Ever Vail and
improves the Town’s inventory of "live" or "hot" beds, producing increased revenue to the
Town. A nightclub or other entertainment facility would be a good addition to the east side of
Ever Vail to provide a year-round use that has largely disappeared with the redevelopment of
other properties in Town.
Ever Vail provides an opportunity to relocate the Vail Resorts warehousing, office, and
vehicle/snowcat maintenance facilities currently located on the property to a below- grade
facility connecting to the snowcat access bridge and trail to Vail Mountain. An alternative
location for these facilities is on Vail Mountain instead of within Ever Vail.
A number of conditional land uses may be appropriate in Ever Vail, subject to the approval of
conditional use permits. These uses may include a ski lift (gondola), public parking facilities,
conference and meeting rooms, residential uses on the first floor, recreational uses, and office
uses. As identified in section 4.1.5, a ski lift is envisioned as a catalyst for the redevelopment of
this site and more specifically, for the development of a structured public parking facility.
5.17.105.17.7 Relationship to Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek
Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek abut the Ever Vail projectconnect within West Lionshead. The realignment of the
South Frontage Road provides increased opportunity to enhance these streams as community resources. Portions of Red
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Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek shall be enhanced with the preservation of wetland areas and enhancements to make
these areasshould be enhanced or restored for ecological value and to create areas for recreation, views, opportunities
environmental education, or simply enjoyment by guests and residents of Vail.
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community resources of Ever Vail and the Town (see figure 5-24). In conjunction with the review of a specific plan for Red
Sandstone and Gore Creeks, the Town reviewing authorities should consider to what extent it is appropriate to locate
improvements, such as walkways and bridges in these riparian corridors verses, versus allowing the creeks to remain in a
more natural state. The project willProject should preserve large trees and the relocate others where practical (see figure
5-24a).. While the natural riparian corridor of these streams needs to remain protected and preserved, the physical and
visual relationships and references between adjacent development and the stream tract should be strengthened.
should be strengthened. Improved public access and utilization of Gore Creek and Red Sandstone Creek for fishing and
other recreational purposes is strongly encouragedshould be explored to create a catalyst for activity and enjoyment of
the streams in furtherance of Policy Objective 2.3.2 and as recommended by section 1.3.3. Enhancements such as stream
bank stabilization/ beautification, natural stream drop structures, interactive low flow areas, and general improvements
for wetlands and wildlife habitat are strongly encouraged. Any modification or enhancement to the creek corridor shall be
subject to U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Town of Vail approval. Development impacts imposed upon the creeks shall
be mitigated. The stream health of Red Sandstone Creek during and post-construction shall not be degraded below pre-
construction levels. The determination of steam health shall be measured for the extents of the Ever Vail project and not
include impacts of development north of the interstate. Indicators of stream health can include, but not be limited to,
aquatic life, suspended sediment, concentration of various elements, etcis subject to U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and
Town of Vail approval, and development impacts mitigated per those authorities.
Ever Vail shall include a public open space easement along Red Sandstone Creek generally following the 100-year
floodplain line, as recommended by the Town’s Comprehensive Open Lands Plan and in furtherance of Policy
Objective 2.3.3: Vitality and Amenities. This open space easement also implements the recommended actions of
section 1.3.3 by improving connections with the natural environment and by creating green landscape corridors
that penetrate into the Lionshead environment.
Figure 5-24: Red Sandstone and Gore Creek Improvements
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Figure 5-24a: Conceptual Tree Preservation and Relocation Plan
Further guidance regarding the Gore Creek and Red Sandstone Creek corridors can found in the Town of Vail’s 2018 Open
Lands Plan Update.
5.17.115.17.8 Employee Housing
Employee housing has been identified as a critical need withinthroughout the Town of Vail. Employee housing provides an
employee base within close proximity to jobs. Employee housing within the Town provides environmental, social and
economic benefits including reduced traffic, increased transit use, improved livability, and a strengthened sense of
community.
Section 4.9.4.3 West Lionshead identifies Ever Vailthe Project as an appropriate site to create dispersed employee
housing opportunities for permanent local residents. Ever VailWest Lionshead is an appropriatea suitable and
ideal site for employee housing due to its proximity to jobs, Vail Mountain, transit, and the commercial cores.
Community commercialFor these reasons, locating employee housing onsite is preferrable. Commercial uses,
such as the grocery store, should be included in Ever Vail to accommodate the needs ofthe Project should consider
employees living on site, not only for their enjoyment and needs, but to create activity and a vibrant village year-
round.
5.17.9 Development Pattern, Program and Uses
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Ever Vail shall meet the adopted Commercial Linkage and Inclusionary Zoning regulations to
mitigate the development impact of employee generation. The provision of on-site employee
housing must be coordinated with the Ever Vail construction phasing plan.
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5.17.12 Development Standards
5.17.12.1 Building Height
Buildings in Ever Vail shall comply with the height limits of land uses envisioned within West Lionshead are those allowed
by the Lionshead Mixed Use 2 Zone District. Notwithstanding the height allowances of zoning,West Lionshead can include
multiple separate above-grade buildings shall generally “step down” as they approach Gore Creekconstructed above
below-grade parking structures underneath most building footprints.
Thoughtful consideration should be given to how the Project can be an active and
vibrant place year-round. One way this can be accomplished is the western
endreinforcement of a well-crafted program of Ever Vail (see figures 5-25, 5-
25aspecialty retailers, offices, and 5-25b).restaurants that attract both visitors and local
residents. Quality architecture and the creation of appealing outdoor spaces can
encourage people to spend time in West Lionshead. Buildings along Gore Creek and the
western end of Ever Vail shall express no more than two to threethe project site should
“step back” from fewer stories before “stepping back” , to taller building mass. All
buildings shallshould be articulated to avoid large expanses of shear/unbroken wall
planes, as per section 8.4.2.3.
The pedestrian area connecting the transit facility on the north end of Ever Vail to the
gondola on the south end of Ever Vail shall be considered a Primary Retail Pedestrian
Frontage for the purpose of measuring building height and “step backs” as described in
section 8.4.2.3 of the design guidelines.
Figure 5-25: Conceptual Interpolated Grade Plan
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Figure 5-25a: Maximum Average Height Plan
Figure 5-25b: Maximum Height Plan
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Setbacks
Setbacks are necessary to provide a buffer between Ever Vail and adjacent properties.
Setbacks provide areas for landscaping, public art and other improvements that help
reduce the scale of buildings and further connect the urban and natural environments.
Along the South Frontage Road, the above- grade setbacks should be significant enough
to accommodate mature trees to buffer Ever Vail from the South Frontage Road and I-
70. Trees and other landscaping must be integrated into the Ever Vail setbacks rather
than only in adjacent street right-of-ways in order to ensure landscaping remains should
the right-of-way be utilized for roads or utilities.
To facilitate subterranean parking structures, below-grade setbacks could approach the
Ever Vail property boundaries. Shoring may need to occur on adjacent properties.
However, footings and foundations, etc. should be located within the Ever Vail property
boundaries.
. Because Ever Vailthis is one development site, zoning only dictates the setbacks around the perimeter of Ever Vailthe
project and does not regulate the separation of buildings internal to the site. Special attention should be paid to the sun
shade analysis to ensure that buildings have adequate separation and allow sunlight to penetrate public outdoor spaces
such as walkways and plazas. Figure 5-25c depicts the spatial relationships between buildings, setbacks and landscaping.
Figure 5-25c: Conceputal LandcapingA number of conditional land uses may be appropriate in the Project, subject to
the approval of conditional use permits. These uses may include a ski lift/gondola, public parking facilities, conference and
meeting rooms, residential uses on the first floor, recreational uses, and office uses.
5.17.11 Concept Master Plan
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5.17.12.2 Landscaping
Landscaping serves many purposes, including the provision of shade, aesthetic
enhancement, storm water management and a connection to the natural environment.
Landscaped areas also provide snow storage, seating areas and visual variation.
It is recognized that Ever Vail may include extensive below-grade building site coverage.
Landscaping installed over underground structures may be calculated as landscape area
when it is permanent and provides adequate soil depth to allow vegetation maturity.
However, landscaping over underground structures does not contribute adequately to
stormwater management and additional measures will need to be taken to address this
issue. Non-permanent landscaping such as potted plants have proven to be ineffective
in achieving the intent of the Town’s landscaping requirements and are strongly
discouraged.
Mature trees mitigate the visual impacts of buildings. Large trees should be planted on
the north end of Ever Vail to provide a buffer along the South Frontage Road. It is
understood that in order to relocate the South Frontage Road and to develop Ever Vail,
existing trees will need to be removed. Where possible, existing trees should be
relocated rather than removed.
Figure 5-25d: Conceptual Landscape Plan
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5.17.12.2 Site Coverage
Redevelopment in Lionshead has commonly included below-grade structures to
facilitate subterranean parking, storage and loading and delivery. Often, the footprint
of these below-grade structures is larger than the buildings constructed above. Ever Vail
may include two below-grade parking structures that will constitute the majority of the
site coverage on the site. The anticipated Ever Vail site coverage is further depicted in
figure 5-25e.
Figure 5-25e: Conceptual Site Coverage
5.17.13 Architectural Improvements
The architectural design guidelines (Chapter 8) discuss several transition tools that can
be used to adapt an existing building to the new character and architectural quality
desired for Lionshead. Given the high visibility of the buildings in Ever Vail and the
extent to which they influence the quality of the experience of passers-by, all future
development of the sites should be closely scrutinized for compliance with the
applicable architectural design guidelines.
The architectural design guidelines identify the architectural qualities desired in
Lionshead. Ever Vail should have a unique architectural character that may be a
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contemporary expression of alpine architecture. It should nevertheless compliment the
materials, forms and style of more traditional Vail architecture.
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For properties that are east of Red Sandstone Creek, in West Lionshead, higher
densities and building heights may be appropriate, particularly to encourage the
development of employee housing. However, any development must meet the
overall character and visual intent of this master plan and be compatible with the
adjacent existing development of the Ritz-Carlton Residences and the Vail Spa.
5.17.14 Green Building
The Town has adopted an Environmental Strategic Plan that outlines goals, objectives and policies to
promote green building. Ever Vail shall incorporate green building principles and techniques. Ever Vail
should be designed, constructed and operated to achieve green design principles. To accomplish green
building, it may be necessary to provide flexibility from Chapter 8: Architectural Design Guidelines. For
example, flat roof areas may be incorporated more than typically permitted to allow space for solar
energy devices.As part of the update to the LRMP, and with the support of community involvement, the
Town, Vail Resorts, and East West Partners created a concept plan that achieves the Mission, Vision and
Values for West Lionshead and serves as a framework for future development. The West Lionshead
Concept Master Plan (“Concept Master Plan”) creates an open and welcoming mixed-use environment
that extends the pedestrian experience of Vail Village and Lionshead westward to a new transit-served
portal to Vail Mountain.
The Concept Master Plan includes a rich and active public realm that unites a thoughtful mix of lodging
and residential products, including employee housing. The new ski portal, combined with a transit stop
and day skier parking, would provide an additional western access point to Vail Mountain. A multi-
purpose event space, fitness center, and plazas provide unique experiences for the community and local
residents year-round. Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks are a focal point and anchor for outdoor
recreation, enjoyment of the outdoors, and integration of the natural and built environments.
The Concept Master Plan depicts the South Frontage Road to be reduced in width and repurposed to a
local service road pending CDOT approval while maintaining access to Forest Road and the Eagle River
Water and Sanitation District Building. The road is realigned between I-70 and the West Lionshead
parcel beginning from the existing Sandstone roundabout, tying into the existing road alignment to the
east of the site with a new proposed connection. Most vehicle ingress and egress to the site is accessed
off the proposed realignment to allow for a car-free environment within the site. A shared parking
garage accessed off of the frontage road would serve day skiers, restaurant and retail patrons, residents,
and local employees. A new transit stop would be provided serving current and future needs for the Vail
In-Town bus route, the Vail Outlying bus routes, and CORE transit.
The Vail community is united by a love of the outdoors and activities it offers, from skiing and
snowboarding, to hiking, biking, and fishing. The Concept Master Plan celebrates the active lifestyle and
the outdoor culture by integrating the ski beach as an anchor of the village at the intersection of the
creeks, surrounded other various uses and venues, that can be enjoyed year-round. The new ski back
bridge provides an opportunity for an additional creek crossing to access the southern Gore Creek Trail,
as well as the trails on Vail Mountain. The focus on outdoor activity and community fosters organic
connections and spontaneous interactions among residents and visitors alike.
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The following graphic illustrates conceptual development at West Lionshead, in alignment with uses
found in the Lionshead Mixed Use 2 Zone District such as: a mixture of multiple-family dwellings, lodges,
hotels, restaurants, offices, skier services, and commercial establishments in a clustered, unified
development. Specificity will be determined in subsequent review and approvals, as directed by the
Town Municipal Code.
West Lionshead Illustrative Plan
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5.17 West Lionshead Project
Introduction
West Lionshead is an approximately 13-acre site, bordered by I-70 on the north, Gore Creek on the
south, and Lionshead Village on the east. Red Sandstone Creek bifurcates the site, running north-south
before joining Gore Creek. West Lionshead currently includes the Vail Resorts Maintenance Facility, the
Vail Professional building, Cascade Crossings, and the Vail Resorts Administrative Office building. The
South Frontage Road currently runs east-west across the southern portion of the site. The Eagle River
Water and Sanitation District (“ERWSD”) is adjacent to West Lionshead. The subject property is divided
into six parcels, all of which should be zoned Lionshead Mixed Use 2 District.
Figure 5.xx
In order to guide development to align with community goals and serve as a framework for decision
making, the Town Council approved the following Mission, Vision and Values for West Lionshead in
February of 2025:
Mission
To create a transformative, new Vail Mountain base village that provides access to the mountain, an
unparalleled public realm for all people to enjoy, and retail, hotels, housing, condominiums, and right-
sized parking that reflect the inspiring quality of life the Vail Valley offers.
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Vision
West Lionshead will be a next-generation base village, seamlessly blending the timeless charm of Vail’s
iconic villages with a forward-thinking vision that exemplifies the future of mountain recreation, living,
and community. Designed for new residents, guests and locals alike, it will offer authentic, welcoming
experiences, inspired by modern mountain town culture, sustainable design, and convenient year-round
access to Vail Mountain’s world-class slopes, destinations and amenities. West Lionshead will not only
complement the legacy of Vail’s existing villages and recreation but redefine the year-round mountain
experience for the next generation of adventurers, families, and creators.
Values
1. Seamless Integration with Lionshead, Vail Village, and Vail Mountain – Free In-Town Bus System,
Gore Valley Trail, New Gondola, and Ski-back.
2. Pedestrians Come First – Enhance pedestrian connectivity, easy access to transit, lines of sight,
and walkability through the site and to the rest of the Town.
3. Celebrate the Natural Features of the Site – Incorporate environmental sustainability and best
practices into the design. Create opportunities for views of the Gore Range, Vail Mountain, and
the Eagle Valley. Align the narrative around Gore Creek with that of Lionshead and Vail Village’s
while embracing Red Sandstone Creek.
4. Year-Round Activation – With an additional 1,100 full-time residents anticipated through the
Town’s housing efforts, there is an opportunity to create a vibrant hub in Vail that weaves
together a fabric of experiences (retail, dining, housing, lodging, entertainment, après
experiences, recreation, housing) thus bringing a year-round vibrancy to West Lionshead.
5. A Base Village for Guests and Locals Alike – Create a place that is welcoming, approachable, and
equally engaging to locals, part-time residents and destination guests, integrating the public
realm and recreation with art, natural features, shopping and dining, and entertainment. West
Lionshead is a place for everybody.
The following Policy Sections guide the future development of West Lionshead, to achieve the Mission,
Vision and Values. “The Project” generally refers to a future development project at West Lionshead.
5.17.1 South Frontage Road Realignment
The relocation of the South Frontage Road has been a concept embodied in the LRMP since its adoption
in 1998. The South Frontage Road should be relocated to be adjacent to I-70 to connect with the existing
Sandstone Underpass roundabout. The relocated road will be required to meet the CDOT Access Code
requirements which will require adequate through and turn lanes, and bike and pedestrian facilities,
balanced with traffic calming measures. Legal and physical access to the Eagle River Water and
Sanitation District (“ERWSD”) site would remain in place to accommodate current uses and future
development of ERWSD property.
A benefit of the realignment of the South Frontage Road is that it would result in one contiguous
development parcel that removes the pedestrian barrier created by the current alignment, allows for
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the creation of a new pedestrian village, and provides an enhanced, safe connection to Lionshead
Village.
5.17.2 Vehicular Access and Circulation
In keeping with Policy Objective 2.3.4, Improved Access and Circulation, of the Plan, and the Go Vail
2045 Transportation Master Plan (“Go Vail 2045”), opportunities for public transportation and vehicular
circulation improvements should be pursued in conjunction with any future redevelopment of the South
Frontage Road and interior roads within the redevelopment of West Lionshead. Strategic opportunities
for improvements may include: improved transit stops, relocated/reduced/shared points of
entry/exiting, restricted access points, acceleration/ deceleration lanes, roundabouts at major
intersections, greater sight distances, dedicated turning lanes, landscaped medians, and skier drop-off. It
is essential that the Project provides safe and efficient access points from the road networks adjacent to
the site.
5.17.3 Transportation and Mobility
West Lionshead is envisioned to be a village that includes mixed use development, pedestrian streets
and plazas, access to transit options, bicycle and pedestrian connections, and new access to Vail
Mountain, in adherence with the Go Vail 2045. The Go Vail 2045 vision states: “Vail is recognized as
having a comprehensive multimodal transportation system with well-integrated alternative
transportation options, which reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips and overall vehicle
miles travelled to, from, and within Vail.”
The Project will meet all applicable parking requirements for retail and commercial space, and
residential uses, based on the Town of Vail Municipal Code, and parking may be accommodated
throughout the development site, either on-site of residential buildings or within a parking structure. A
shared parking approach should be utilized for the parking structure, which emphasizes efficiency during
different time periods for various uses, to accommodate day skier parking, retail and commercial
visitors, local employees and residents. The parking structure should address the Town's goal to reduce
overflow parking along the South Frontage Road. As a commercial core and new public portal to Vail
Mountain, the Project should be incorporated into the Town’s adopted commercial core parking areas,
which allow for reduced parking requirements due to proximity to mixed-use development, while also
providing appropriate skier parking. Parking management tools should be considered as part of the
overall goal to reduce vehicle trips within Vail.
Public transportation is essential to successfully connect the Project to other portals, neighborhoods,
and down-valley communities. The Project should include access for in-town bus service, outlying bus
service, CORE Transit buses, as well as hotel shuttles. The Project’s transit facilities should follow the
guidance of Go Vail 2045.
Skier drop-off is an important component of a successful ski portal, as it provides convenience and
improves the guest and local experience. As such, West Lionshead should provide conveniently located
short-term or skier drop-off parking spaces, that could also accommodate children’s ski school/DEVO
drop-off and pick-up, as a part of a parking management plan. Short-term parking is a key aspect to
community commercial uses, allowing customers to quickly and conveniently patronize establishments.
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Outside of skier drop-off and pick-up during peak periods, these spaces could be utilized as short-term
parking serving the commercial uses in close proximity.
West Lionshead will provide jobs across a variety of businesses, including retail, restaurants, hotels and
lodging, guest services, and on-mountain employees. Employee parking should not only be provided to
meet the obligations of the Town Municipal Code, but also to meet the needs of Vail Resorts’ employees
that continue to work on-site or on-mountain at critical times of the day. This project will displace a
significant amount of Vail Resort’s employee parking, and as such, this project should provide
replacement parking and/or identify off site locations for employee parking and identify how these off
site locations will be managed, operated, and the use enforced to reduce the potential that the parking
becomes displaced into Town owned public parking facilities.
5.17.4 Pedestrian and Bike Access
As compared to a separate, free-standing portal, the Project is considered a part of the greater
Lionshead area. Pedestrian and bike improvements should follow the guidance of the Go Vail 2045
Transportation Master Plan. For this area to be successful, it is important to have a strong pedestrian
connection with the rest of Lionshead.
Streetscape improvements including bike lanes or trails and sidewalks should be incorporated in any
redevelopment along West Lionshead Circle and the South Frontage Road to improve the viability of
mixed uses in the Project. Improvements to street lighting, walking surfaces, trails, seating areas, and
public art that facilitate safe and attractive pedestrian and bike movement are strongly encouraged. Red
Sandstone and Gore Creeks should be accentuated and incorporated into the overall pedestrian
experience.
Pedestrian and bicycle enhancements should include a new bridge connecting the Gore Valley Trail to
the Project, the potential redevelopment of the pedestrian bridge on the west side of the Project, path
enhancements to the Gore Creek Trail connection into Cascade Village, and a path connecting to the
relocated South Frontage Road. All pedestrian path improvements must meet Town of Vail recreation
path standards and provide a safe and attractive pedestrian and bike experience, per the Go Vail 2045
Transportation Master Plan and Town of Vail Municipal Code. The ability to traverse the site as a
pedestrian or on a bicycle from west to east without the need to utilize an escalator, stairs or dismount
should be considered in the design.
Pedestrian connections between the project and West Lionshead Circle should be improved to provide
safe and attractive pedestrian crossings. Improvements to crossings may include raised crosswalks,
changes in paving material, safe harbors, medians, and signage.
5.17.5 Vail Mountain Portal
The Project is contemplated to include another access point to Vail Mountain through a new lift or
gondola, enhancing the benefits of the Project to guests, locals and employees. Two alternatives are
accepted in the 2024 Master Development Plan for Vail Mountain, one traveling from West Lionshead to
the base of Chair 26, and continuing to Eagle’s Nest, and the other traveling slightly above Chair 26 and
terminating there. A ski back trail and skier bridge would complete the roundtrip access for skiers into
West Lionshead. A ski plaza should be designed to create a vibrant winter experience, allowing for
flexibility and public use to support a year-round environment.
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5.17.6 Public Spaces and Plazas
Within the Project, public spaces and plazas are essential to create an enjoyable and memorable
experience for guests and residents at West Lionshead. Elements of successful public spaces include
portals, edge definers, public space definers, landmarks, and public art. These place-making elements
improve pedestrian circulation and provide inviting places to congregate. They further enhance the
livability of the Project for employees, residents, and guests.
Public gathering spaces and plazas intended for lingering and special events should be safe from
vehicular traffic and appropriate secure impact resistant access control should be provided. Flexible
event space can provide an inviting place for the public to enjoy a variety of events year-round.
The creation of gateways and portals is encouraged as a basic component of the Project, especially in
transition areas between different public, semi-public, and private areas. Public spaces and plazas
should not be shaded by buildings at peak use times. Outdoor dining decks are encouraged to bridge the
gap between public and private space and provide vibrancy to the adjacent streets, walkways and
plazas.
Elements of the natural environment should interact with public spaces in order to connect the urban
and natural environments. Within West Lionshead, the improvements to Red Sandstone Creek, as
further detailed in section 5.17.7, would provide public spaces for recreation and congregation that
connect the Project with the natural environment.
5.17.7 Relationship to Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek
Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek connect within West Lionshead. The realignment of the South
Frontage Road provides increased opportunity to enhance these streams as community resources.
Portions of Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek should be enhanced or restored for ecological value
and to create areas for recreation, views, opportunities environmental education, or simply enjoyment
by guests and residents of Vail.
In conjunction with the review of a specific plan for Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks, the Town should
consider to what extent it is appropriate to locate improvements, such as walkways and bridges in these
riparian corridors, versus allowing the creeks to remain in a more natural state. The Project should
preserve large trees and relocate others where practical. While the natural riparian corridor of these
streams needs to remain protected and preserved, the physical and visual relationships and references
between adjacent development and the stream tract should be strengthened.
Improved public access and utilization of Gore Creek and Red Sandstone Creek for fishing and other
recreational purposes should be explored is strongly encouraged to create a catalyst for activity and
enjoyment of the streams. Enhancements such as stream bank stabilization/ beautification, natural
stream drop structures, interactive low flow areas, and general improvements for wetlands and wildlife
habitat are strongly encouraged. Any modification or enhancement to the creek corridor is subject to
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Town of Vail approval, and development impacts mitigated per those
authorities.
Further guidance regarding the Gore Creek and Red Sandstone Creek corridors can found in the Town of
Vail’s 2018 Open Lands Plan Update.
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5.17.8 Employee Housing
Employee housing has been identified as a critical need throughout the Town of Vail. Employee housing
provides an employee base within close proximity to jobs. Employee housing within the Town provides
environmental, social and economic benefits including reduced traffic, increased transit use, improved
livability, and a strengthened sense of community.
Section 4.9.4.3 West Lionshead identifies the Project as an appropriate site to create dispersed
employee housing opportunities for permanent local residents. West Lionshead is a suitable
and ideal n appropriate site for employee housing due to its proximity to jobs, Vail Mountain,
transit, and the commercial cores. For these reasons, locating employee housing onsite is
preferrable. Commercial uses included in the Project should consider employees living on site,
not only for their enjoyment and needs, but to create activity and a vibrant village year-round.
5.17.9 Development Pattern, Program and Uses
The land uses envisioned within West Lionshead are those allowed by the Lionshead Mixed Use 2 Zone
District. West Lionshead can include multiple separate above-grade buildings constructed above below-
grade parking structures underneath most building footprints.
Thoughtful consideration should be given to how the Project can be an active and vibrant place year-
round. One way this can be accomplished is the reinforcement of a well-crafted program of specialty
retailers, offices, and restaurants that attract both visitors and local residents. Quality architecture and
the creation of appealing outdoor spaces can encourage people to spend time in West Lionshead.
Buildings along Gore Creek and the western end of the project site should “step back” from fewer
stories, to taller building mass. All buildings should be articulated to avoid large expanses of
shear/unbroken wall planes. Because this is one development site, zoning only dictates the setbacks
around the perimeter of the project and does not regulate the separation of buildings internal to the
site. Special attention should be paid to the sun shade analysis to ensure that buildings have adequate
separation and allow sunlight to penetrate public outdoor spaces such as walkways and plazas.
A number of conditional land uses may be appropriate in the Project, subject to the approval of
conditional use permits. These uses may include a ski lift/gondola, public parking facilities, conference
and meeting rooms, residential uses on the first floor, recreational uses, and office uses.
5.17.11 Concept Master Plan
As part of the update to the LRMP, and with the support of community involvement, the Town, Vail
Resorts, and East West Partners created a concept plan that achieves the Mission, Vision and Values for
West Lionshead and serves as a framework for future development. The West Lionshead Concept
Master Plan (“Concept Master Plan”) creates an open and welcoming mixed-use environment that
extends the pedestrian experience of Vail Village and Lionshead westward to a new transit-served portal
to Vail Mountain.
The Concept Master Plan includes a rich and active public realm that unites a thoughtful mix of lodging
and residential products, including employee housing. The new ski portal, combined with a transit stop
and day skier parking, would provide an additional western access point to Vail Mountain. A multi-
purpose event space, fitness center, and plazas provide unique experiences for the community and local
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residents year-round. Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks are a focal point and anchor for outdoor
recreation, enjoyment of the outdoors, and integration of the natural and built environments.
The Concept Master Plan depicts the South Frontage Road to be reduced in width and repurposed to a
local service road pending CDOT approval while maintaining access to Forest Road and the Eagle River
Water and Sanitation District Building. The road is realigned between I-70 and the West Lionshead
parcel beginning from the existing Sandstone roundabout, tying into the existing road alignment to the
east of the site with a new proposed connection. Most vehicle ingress and egress to the site is accessed
off the proposed realignment to allow for a car-free environment within the site. A shared parking
garage accessed off of the frontage road would serve day skiers, restaurant and retail patrons, residents,
and local employees. A new transit stop would be provided serving current and future needs for the Vail
In-Town bus route, the Vail Outlying bus routes, and CORE transit.
The Vail community is united by a love of the outdoors and activities it offers, from skiing and
snowboarding, to hiking, biking, and fishing. The Concept Master Plan celebrates the active lifestyle and
the outdoor culture by integrating the ski beach as an anchor of the village at the intersection of the
creeks, surrounded other various uses and venues, that can be enjoyed year-round. The new ski back
bridge provides an opportunity for an additional creek crossing to access the southern Gore Creek Trail,
as well as the trails on Vail Mountain. The focus on outdoor activity and community fosters organic
connections and spontaneous interactions among residents and visitors alike.
The following graphic illustrates conceptual development at West Lionshead, in alignment with uses
found in the Lionshead Mixed Use 2 Zone District such as: a mixture of multiple-family dwellings, lodges,
hotels, restaurants, offices, skier services, and commercial establishments in a clustered, unified
development. Specificity will be determined in subsequent review and approvals, as directed by the
Town Municipal Code.
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West Lionshead Illustrative Plan
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Sections within Existing LRMP (After 02.21.2025 work session) to be amended that refer to West Lionshead:
1.3.5 Transit [NTD: Chapter 1: Executive Summary – 1.3 Recommended Action]
• Create dispersed transportation centers in Lionshead to accommodate local and regional transit, local shuttles,
skier drop off, and charter buses. Locations for these facilities may include the North Day Lot, the Lionshead
Parking Structure, and West Lionshead (aka EverVail)..
• Remove the existing Concert Hall Plaza bus drop-off.
• Relocate the existing Lionshead Place regional bus stop to the north day lot, Lionshead Parking Structure, or West
Lionshead area.
• Improve the now difficult left turn from East Lionshead Circle onto the South Frontage Road.
• Connect the future development in estWest Lionshead to the Town of Vail in-town transit route.
• Investigate alternative clean transit technologies.
• Investigate potential intermodal connections to future non-vehicular regional transit systems.
3.9.4 Vail AssociatesResorts Employee Parking [NTD: 3.9 Parking]
Vail Associates currently utilizes two large surface parking lots within the study area for its employee
parking needs. The North Day Lot (see flgure 3-15), with a capacity of approximately 105 cars, is located
behind the Landmark tower and is the site proposed for a transportation facility, employee housing, and
other uses contemplated under the zoning on the property (LMU-1 ). The west day lot, located just west of
the Marriott parking structure, has an approximate capacity of 160 cars and represents a signiflcant
development opportunity. Parking displaced by redevelopment of these sites must be replaced within the
Lionshead study area to satisfy the ground rule requiring no net loss of parking. The displaced parking will
be provided in West Lionshead within a parking structure as part of the EverVail project.Vail Resorts currently
utilizes the West Lionshead site for employee parking, for employees who work at the maintenance yards, at the
administrative offices, or for on-mountain employees who park in the day lot located the west of the ERWSD facilities.
Each of these sites is anticipated to be redeveloped as part of the West Lionshead project, and utilization by Vail Resorts of
the project area for employees would be reduced. As these uses and employees are relocated to other Vail Resorts-owned
parcels within Eagle County, or on-mountain, parking would be relocated concurrently. On-site employees, critical to resort
operations, should be allocated parking at West Lionshead. A parking management plan is required with the major
exterior alteration application, identifying the relocated off-site employees that formally identifies how remote/offsite
parking locations will be managed, operated, and the enforced to reduce the potential that the parking becomes displaced
into Town owned public parking facilities.
4.1.5 West Lionshead – Residential/Mixed-Use Hub [NTD: Chapter 4: Master Plan Recommendations – Overall Study
Area]
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West Lionshead includes the Vail Associates Service Yard, Holy Cross site, Vail Professional Building site,
Cascade Crossings site, Glen Lyon Office Building site, former gas station site and the Eagle River Water
and Sanitation site.
This area of Lionshead is generally underutilized, and from an aesthetic standpoint is not in keeping with what the Town
would like to see Lionshead become as it redevelops in the coming years. The Town of Vail does place a high value on
maintaining the office and retail areas in West Lionshead and any redevelopment should reasonably
increase the square footage of existing office and have “no net loss” of retail square footage in West
Lionshead.
With their recent acquisition of additional properties in this area, Vail Resorts has the opportunityplans to
bring lift/gondola service to this part ofWest Lionshead. Lift service and a new portal to the mountain brings with it
great potential for the re-developmentredevelopment of this area and in doing so expand all of Lionshead to the
west with improved pedestrian connections, new retail and office activity, and other improvements. While liftskier access
will certainly energize this area during the winter months, attention should be given to creating a year-round attraction
within this area of Lionshead (see detailed plan recommendations in Chapter 5)).
The master plan recommends that this hub become a residential/ mixed use area with an emphasis on meeting the needs
of both the local community and our guests. Appropriate uses could include high density residential development,
lodging, community and visitor -based office and retail spacecommercial spaces, employee housing and parking, bus or
transit functions, and a ski lift/gondola connection to Vail Mountain. The catalyst for this mixed use hub is ski lift
access to Vail Mountain. Consideration should be given to integrating employee housing into the redevelopment of
West Lionshead in accordance with the Town’s employee housing policies and regulations. To the extent possible,
development patterns in this area should reflect north-south orientationthe context of buildings, visual
penetrations to the mountain, and athe site, pedestrian oriented environment. The degree of north-south
building orientation may be difficult given the relatively narrow east-west orientation of this
area.connections, views, and sun exposure. In addition, the introduction of ski liftskier access in this location
createsmay create a catalyst for a structured public parking facility. All service and delivery demands created by
development in this area shall be accommodated on-sitestructure. Current uses such as Vail Resorts maintenance
facilities should be relocated to other sites, as appropriate, to enable the redevelopment of West Lionshead.
The site will continue to accommodate the existing and potentially expanded functions of the Vail
sanitation plant. The mountain service yard could be reduced in size, as some functions can be moved to
less central locations. It may also be possible to relocate the entire mountain service yard to a new
location in the West Lionshead area which would allow for greater fiexibility in the redevelopment of this
site. as the area develops it is critical that new uses be connected to the primary pedestrian corridors and
that they be served by the Town of Vail in-town transit system.
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4.4.3 Ever Vail View Corridors [NTD: 4.4 Public View Corridors]
The photographs in this section are intended to show a general view to be protected. Due to the existing
development on the site and the proposed Ever Vail improvements, the exact views are not possible to
photograph at this point in time. Upon completion of Ever Vail, the new view corridors should be
photographed, surveyed and adopted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12-22, View Corridors,
Vail Town Code. View corridors within Ever Vail will need to be reviewed as an element of each major
exterior alteration application in order to determine the location for the origin of each view. Tools such as,
but not limited to, photo renderings and digital models will be utilized in this review.
4.4.3.1 Public View Corridor Six
This view corridor looks south to the proposed park area confiuence of Red Sandstone Creek and Gore
Creek.
Figure 4-5a: Public View Corridor Six
4.4.3.2 Public View Corridor Seven
This view corridor is seen from the Central Plaza, up the lift line of the Ever Vail gondola. This is the deflning
view of Ever Vail, as it is in the center of the development, taken from a publicly accessible view point. The
proposed gondola terminal is in the center of this view, and is integral to the view corridor.
Figure 4-5b: Public View Corridor Seven
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4.4.3.3 Public View Corridor Eight
This view corridor is intended to provide a visual connection to Lionshead, and is seen from the pedestrian
connection into Ever Vail from West Lionshead Circle. This view is framed by the Vail Spa and Ritz Carlton
Residences.
Figure 4-5c: Public View Corridor Eight
Public view corridors should be established based upon the natural features present on the project site and views to the
south. Special attention should be paid to the confluence of Red Sandstone and Gore Creeks as development plans are
created and reviewed.
4.5.1 Connection to West Lionshead [NTD: 4.5 Public Transportation]
Because West Lionshead consists of the Vail Associates Service Yard, Holy Cross site, Vail
Professional Building site, Cascade Crossings site, Glen Lyon Office Building site,
former gas station site and the Eagle River Water and Sanitation site. Because it is an
area of potentially significant growth, it is important that it be fully integrated into the
Town of Vail transit system. The West Lionshead properties are at thecurrently outside edge of
the acceptable walking distance to the ski yard (1200 feet). existing lift/gondolas (approximately 1,200 feet in ski
boots). The addition of a ski lift/gondola in this area would make this area more viable for skiers as it would be within that
walking distance.
With a mixed -use
development in the area which integrates a ski portal, retail space, office space and
residential development, transit service to this area and interconnections to other portals
will be critical to develop in the future. In addition, the update of theThe Go Vail
2045 Transportation Master Plan and the 2009 Lionshead Transit Study shall provide
direction on the ultimate location of a Lionshead Transit Facility along with will direct the needed
interconnections between ski portals, regional transit stops, and other transportation
modes. The addition of a ski lift in this area would make this area more viable to
redevelopment as it would be within the acceptable walking distance of a lift (1,200
feet).
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4.5.2.1 Regional Transit Stop [NTD: 4.5.2 Maximum Efficiency and Utilization]
Alternative locations considered for a regional transit station include the North Day Lot, the West Lionshead area, and the
Lionshead Parking Structure. Of these alternatives the preferred location is the Lionshead Parking Structure.
North Day Lot, the West Lionshead area and the Lionshead Parking Structure.
Of these alternatives the preferred location is the Lionshead Parking
Structure.
The Structurestructure is well-sited from a locational standpoint, allows for convenient
connections with shuttles, local and in-town bus routes, and may allow for the
phased development of a transit station that can respond to Lionshead’s
transit needs over time.
Affordable Employee housing (in lieu of a transit center) was deemed to be the preferred
use for the North Day lot and the westWest Lionshead area was considered too
remote from the rest of Lionshead to be a suitable location for a centralized
transit center. Notwithstanding the above, facilities for skier drop-off, private
shuttle vans, regional buses (ECOCore Transit), charter buses, and the Vail In-Town bus,
as deflned by the and West Lionshead Transit Study (LSC, 2009),Vail buses,) should be
included considered in the design of the ski lift/gondola and parking facility at West Lionshead.
4.6.2.1 Potential Realignment [NTD: 4.6 Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation - 4.6.2 South Frontage Road]
The concept of realigning the South Frontage Road at the western end of the
study area grew out of public discussions about land development and traffic
flow in West Lionshead. Relative to traffic flow, realignment willwould remove
the conflict that now exists between through-traffic and mountain service
vehicles (snow-cats and snowmobiles) entering and exiting the Vail
Associates Resorts service yard. (in connection with relocating those uses off-site). Realignment willwould position the
road to the north of
most new future development, thus reducing the potential for conflicting turning
movements.
Regarding future land use, the and facilitating a pedestrian-only environment within the site. The realignment of
South Frontage Road will
would allow the west day lot and the service yardcurrent properties to be combined into a contiguous
development parcel. This is an important consideration, further making the vision for the development
conceptually depicted in flgure 4-9a, and it would be necessary if the service
yard property is used for a secondary public parking facility or other uses.
Any existing parking on the West Day Lot must be replaced within the
Lionshead study area. Through the Transportation Master Plan update it isviable (see Chapter 5).
anticipated that a signiflcant traffic control device will need to be installed in
the West Lionshead area. Such a device may include a roundabout.
Specific considerations regarding realignment are:
a. Proposed Alignment
Realignment. The proposed realignment of the South Frontage Road is depicted in flgure
4-9a. Critical design issues include the width of the road and the radius of
the curves. Both of these factors will be important in reducing the speed of
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vehicles entering the Lionshead area and the amount of land consumed by
the two curved road sections.Chapter 5, Section 5.17.11, Concept Master Plan. Cooperation between property
owners,
developers, the Town of Vail, and the Colorado Department of
a. Transportation willmay be necessary to implement the realignment of the South Frontage Road.
Existing Connections. With the realignment of the South Frontage Road.
b. West Lionshead Circle Connection
It is proposed that West Lionshead Circle connect back to the frontage, a new local road
at the west side of the Vail Spa. The alignment depicted in flgure 4-9a
terminates perpendicular to the frontage road and does not require the
acquisition of private property. A new parcel of developable land, suitable
for offices or non-resort retail, would be created on the southeast corner of
this intersection.
c. Forest Road Connection
Forest Road could be realigned to cross through the newly created
development parcel, providing access to that site and connecting at right
angles to the frontage road. Another alternative that should be considered is
to connect Forest Road to West Lionshead Circle via the existing Frontage
Road right-of-way.
d. Transit and Emergency Vehicle Corridor
A transit and emergency vehicle corridor should remain in the existing
alignment of the frontage road. This connection is necessary to provide a
b. through-transit route to the west end of Lionshead and also keeps in place theto maintain existing
access to Forest Road and the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District.
existing utility corridor.
e. Feasibility of Realignment
. The ability to realign the frontage road will be heavily influenced by costs,
CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation), and the Federal highway
administration. Future west Lionshead developments will require signiflcant
upgrades and widening of South Frontage Road, potentially including the
widening or reconstruction of the bridge over Red Sandstone Creek., and public financing. The cost
of realigning the frontage road is in addition to the mandatory costs of
c. improving the road. Future West Lionshead development could also potentially include the widening or
reconstruction of the bridge over Red Sandstone Creek.
f. Future Frontage Road Re-alignment
The opportunity may exist to re-locate the Frontage Road the full length of
the West Lionshead planning area. The beneflt of this alternative would be
to eliminate the “Frontage Road barrier” between the Holy Cross site and the
Vail Professional Building. While this alternative would require
coordination with other surrounding land owners, it could warrant further
study and evaluation in the future.
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4.6.2.2 Road Improvements to Handle Increased Traffic Volume
The potential expansion of the Lionshead bed base and the corresponding
increases in traffic volumes will necessitate traffic mitigation measures.
Increased road width, acceleration/ deceleration lanes, and perhaps
roundabouts may be required in conjunction with new development. These
improvements are described in the traffic impact study, attached as appendix
A. It is important to note that the potential wideningrealignment of the frontage road
depicted in the overall masterplanConcept Master Plan (5.17.11) graphic is not necessarily the best or
required solution. It is a potential solution but the final design of road
improvements will need to consider not only the traffic volume requirements
but visual impacts and community preferences as well.
4.6.2.3 Provision for Bicycles and Pedestrians
A pedestrian/ bicycle path should be created on the south side of the frontage
road running the entire length ofcontemplated within the Lionshead study area. Providing an
unbroken pedestrian/ bicycle path to connect the main Vail roundabout to
Cascade Village, this pathway will conform to the current Town of Vail
standards regarding width and material.
4.6.5.3 Realignment of South Frontage Road [NTD: 4.6.5 Forest Road]
If the South Frontage Road is re-aligned, Forest Road likewise may berealigned, access to Forest Road should be
maintained, as well as existing access to the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District.
realigned as a point of access for the redeveloped west end of Lionshead. As
shown in flgure 4-9, it is recommended that the section of Forest Road north
of Gore Creek be the primary access for new lodging developments in west
Lionshead. Realignment will consolidate the access points from South
Frontage Road and remove the existing confiict between Forest Road
vehicular traffic and mountain service traffic exiting the Vail Associates
service yard.
4.6.6 Simba Run Underpass
Currently the Town of Vail has only two north/south access points between the North Frontage Road and
South Frontage Road between Main Vail and West Vail. It has been contemplated that an additional
north/south connection be established west of Cascade Crossing. The need for this underpass will be
accelerated as a result of the Town’s redevelopment plans for Timber Ridge, West Vail and West Lionshead.
The redevelopment of the West Lionshead area should be done in a manner that encourages this new
connection to be established in the future. It is recommended that the proposed amendments to the Vail
Transportation Master Plan provide direction on when public improvements on the Frontage Road need to
occur and how they are paid for between public and private funds. The current boundaries of the
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319
Lionshead Urban Renewal Authority should be amended to include the location of the Simba Run
underpass.
4.8.1.2 West Day Lot [NTD: 4.8 Parking – 4.8.1 Potential Displacement of Existing Parking]
The west day lot is also owned by Vail Associates and is utilized primarily by mountain based Vail
Associates employees. This site offers the possibility of a higher-return development opportunity that may
make other less profltable west end developments feasible, and its existing use for parking is virtually
certain to change. It is not anticipated that the employee base utilizing this surface lot will decrease;
therefore, all the current parking (approximately 160 spaces) will have to be replaced.
4.8.3.3 Potential New Parking Sites [NTD: 4.8.3 Public Parking]
To respond to the projected parking demand increase discussed in the traffic study, it is strongly recommended that all
town-wide parking opportunities be examined or re-examined prior to any final planning or parking construction. Specific
public parking opportunities in Lionshead include:
a. Lionshead Parking Structure
The existing Lionshead parking structure is a logical location for expanded public parking because it is already owned
by the Town of Vail. Also, the structure is conveniently located between the proposed civic center on the east and the
main portal to the Lionshead pedestrian mall on the west. No other location offers visitors such ease of access.
A self-ventilating split deck structure, the garage has six half decks, each holding approximately 200 vehicles (1,200
spaces in total). The addition of one complete level would increase the structure by 400 spaces, two complete new
levels by 800 spaces.
Snow removal is an issue in the addition of new decks. The top deck of the structure is cleared manually with front-end
loaders. Additional decks will make it impossible to continue this method, as the internal dimensions of the structure will
not accommodate front-end loaders. In addition, the construction of a new delivery staging area on the west end of the
structure
will remove the snow storage area presently used. Alternatives include heating the upper deck, providing for an alternate
snow removal access road to the upper deck, and construction of a roof over the entire structure. Public input during the
master plan process has indicated the importance of the eastward view, across the top of the parking structure, toward
the Vail Village as motorists travel east along the South Frontage Road and I-70. Future expansion plans of the Lionshead
parking structure should consider the potential impacts expansion could have on this view plane. Also, an issue is the
necessary structural reinforcement of the existing facility to support the weight of additional decks.
b. b. West Lionshead
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The construction of a new public parking facility at the west end of Lionshead has been a planning consideration since
the completion of the Vail Transportation Master plan in 1991. This site is currently undeveloped (except for the
Vail Associates maintenance yard) and is large enough to meet projected parking demand. It is well
located in relation to the potential new eastbound I-70 access ramps. The viability of a new public parking
facility in this location would be enhanced by bringing lift/gondola service to this area.
The construction of a new public parking facility would address the existing deflciency of off-streetoverflow parking
along the frontage road on peak days and the shiftingnew demand of parking created by the introduction of a new ski
lift/gondola in West Lionshead. It is anticipated that the new public parking structure would contain a
approximately 400 publicmeet all applicable requirements directed by Town code, as well as incremental public
parking open to day skiers or visitors in general. A parking spaces, which would be in excess of anystructure
should follow the same or compatible parking requirements generated by proposed development. The
update of the Vailmanagement system as the Town.
The Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan should provide flnal directionprovides guidance on the location and
quantity of additional public parking spaces in the Town of Vail. The location of additional public parking should
consider where parking is most optimal for both guests and employees, year -round utilization, mountain operations,
and overall traffic circulation. While public parking opportunities should be reviewed throughout town, the West
Lionshead area presents a unique opportunity to provide substantial public parking. Given the location for thisof a
West Lionshead parking facility, it had been assumed that regular transit or shuttle service would be
necessaryimportant because of its distance from the retail core area and the ski yard (greater than a 1200-foot
walking radius). However, the location of the parking structure would be proximate to the new lift and
as such the need for regular shuttle service would be minimized. However, some provisionslift/gondola.
Provisions for bus stops and/or a transit facility should be considered for the parking structure. Should the Town
identify West Lionshead for additional public parking beyond development requirements, public private partnerships
and public financing may be important to its viability and should be explored.
4.8.4 Parking for Employee Housing
The unit-to-parking space ratio for employee housing should be reduced to maximize the housing opportunities in
westWest Lionshead. During the master planning process, the Vail Town Council toured several employee housing
complexes in Keystone Resort that averaged .25 cars per bed (one parking space per four-bed unit). Most of these
complexes at Keystone are removed from the core and depend on a bus transit system to carry employees to and from
work. Yet, Keystone property managers have not observed a parking shortage. Likewise, at the Rivers Edge employee
housing project in Avon, aparkinga parking ratio of .75 cars per bed has been more than adequate and the parking lot is
underutilized. The Town has experience with numerous in town employee housing developments and Parking reductions
should be directed by Town code.
4.9.4.3 West Lionshead [NTD: 4.9 Housing – 4.9.4 Potential Housing Sites]
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West Lionshead includes the Vail Associates Service Yard, Holy Cross site, Vail Professional Building site,
Cascade Crossings site, Glen Lyon Office Building site, former gas station site and the Eagle River Water
and Sanitation site.
All redevelopment in West Lionshead will need to conform to the Town’s housing policies and requirements. In order to
create activity and vibrancy in West Lionshead it is appropriate to include some dispersed employee housing opportunities
for permanent local residents in proposed developments in the area consistent with these policies.
Perhaps the most promising locations to replace the Sunbird affordable housing project and to conform to
the Town’s housing policies and requirements for new employee housing generation in Lionshead are the
North Day Lot, Vail Associates service yard, and Holy Cross site. However, housing is not the only use
these three properties will need to support.
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5.20 Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (ERWSD)
While this parcel would certainly be a viablesuitable development site, the costs to relocate current
uses at this site, particularly the treatment facilities, are significant. For this reason, it is assumed that
the waste waterwastewater treatment facilities will remain in their existing location. ERWSD property
is located within West Lionshead adjacent to Ever Vail.future development. Legal and physical access to
the ERWSD site shall be provided by the Ever Vail property owners through Ever Vailremain to
accommodate current uses and future developmentimprovements of the ERWSD property. Future
redevelopment should consider the preservation of the view from the Ever Vail gondola
plaza east across the ERWSD site to the Gore Range.
9.1.1.1 North Day Lot Transit Center [NTD: Chapter 9:Implementation – 9.1 Project
Prioritization – 9.1.1 Public Improvements]
This component is essential to the implementation of the Lionshead Master
Plan because:
a. It is a prerequisite for other critical projects.
It will be impossible or very difficult to proceed with other essential
projects prior to the construction of the transit center, among them:
• The East Lionshead Pedestrian Portal. A critical component of the
pedestrian portal is the removal of the existing skier drop-off, service
and delivery, and local/ regional shuttle activity. The master plan
relocates all of these activities to the north day lot transit center. The
existing level of service and delivery traffic can be accommodated in
the proposed surface facility on the west end of the parking structure,
but this is a short term solution that does not provide for expanded
service and delivery needs.
• Concert Hall Plaza Redevelopment. The master plan recommends
the removal of the existing Concert Hall Plaza transit stop in order to
create a larger redevelopment parcel and to enhance the west
Lionshead pedestrian portal. Although this transit stop could be
eliminated today, it will likely be replaced in the north day lot transit
facility.
• Vail Community/ Civic Center. It will be difficult to remove the
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charter buses from the future civic center site before a new pick-up
and drop-off point is created at the north day lot transit center.
• Retail Expansion. Retail expansion in the Lionshead pedestrian core
will necessitate the creation of new service and delivery facilities,
which the master plan recommends locating at the north day lot
transit center. In addition, a signiflcant amount of current service
and delivery traffic on West Lionshead Circle that now occurs
9-1
illegally in the flre lane south of the Landmark Townhomes and in
the street would move to that facility.
b. It will energize a new corridor into Lionshead from the north.
One of the primary reasons for a transit center on the north day lot is to
create a major new point of entry into the pedestrian/ retail core. The
infiux of additional pedestrian traffic generated by the transit center will
energize the western end of the core area and make retailers there more
successful.
c. Future transit implications
If any future technology transit system connects through the Lionshead
resort core in the future, the North Day Lot transportation center will
play an integral role in connecting to and providing for a central transit
stop in Lionshead.
9.1.1.3 The West Lionshead Pedestrian Portal
The West Lionshead pedestrian portal is critical to the functioning of the retail core, but it is dependent
on the redevelopment of at least one private property (Concert Hall Plaza). It is strongly recommended
that the Town of Vail work with the owners of this property to facilitate its redevelopment.
retail core, but it is dependent on the redevelopment of at least one private
property (Concert Hall Plaza). It is strongly recommended that the Town of
Vail work with the owners of this property to facilitate its redevelopment.
9.1.1.8 Parking
Current needs may justify expansion of 500 parking spaces town wide today,
but furtherFurther study of future is needed to understand the current total parking demand may be
needed to verify this.
Additional decks on the existing structure or a new public structure in west
across Lionshead may be necessary when, given the Vail Civic Center is constructed or
extent of development occurs on the west day lot and the Vail Associates service yard.
In any case, the development of the west day lot will necessitate replacement
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of this existing private parking with either structured parking or an adjacent
surface lot. If future parking studies demonstrate a need for signiflcant
public parking in the west Lionshead area, a joint venture between Vail
Associates, the Town of Vail, and other potential development interests
should be considered.
9.1.2.5 change that has occurred since this plan was originally adopted. The redevelopment of West
Lionshead Local/Employee Housing
The development of a signiflcant housing supply in west Lionshead should
be a component of any plans to tear down the Sunbird Lodge and redevelop
the Vail Associates core site. Housing is linked to the realignment of South
Frontage Road, the possible construction of a new west Lionshead parking
structure, and in the future may require an additional development on the west day lot and the
Vailpublic parking structure to serve commercial patrons, residents, day skiers, and local employees. See
Section 5.17 for further detail.
Associates service yard. To the greatest extent possible, all of these projects
should be planned concurrently, and the sequence in which they are
implemented should not preclude other future projects. It should be
considered a priority by the Town of Vail to determine how much, if any,
public parking should occur in this area.
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Sections within Existing LRMP to be amended that refer to West Lionshead:
1.3.5 Transit [NTD: Chapter 1: Executive Summary – 1.3 Recommended Action]
• Create dispersed transportation centers in Lionshead to accommodate local and regional transit,
local shuttles, skier drop off, and charter buses. Locations for these facilities may include the
North Day Lot, the Lionshead Parking Structure, and West Lionshead.
• Remove the existing Concert Hall Plaza bus drop-off.
• Relocate the existing Lionshead Place regional bus stop to the north day lot, Lionshead Parking
Structure, or West Lionshead area.
• Improve the now difficult left turn from East Lionshead Circle onto the South Frontage Road.
• Connect the future development in West Lionshead to the Town of Vail in-town transit route.
• Investigate alternative clean transit technologies.
• Investigate potential intermodal connections to future non-vehicular regional transit systems.
3.9.4 Vail Resorts Employee Parking [NTD: 3.9 Parking]
Vail Resorts currently utilizes the West Lionshead site for employee parking, for employees who work at
the maintenance yards, at the administrative offices, or for on-mountain employees who park in the day
lot located the west of the ERWSD facilities. Each of these sites is anticipated to be redeveloped as part
of the West Lionshead project, and utilization by Vail Resorts of the project area for employees would be
reduced. As these uses and employees are relocated to other Vail Resorts-owned parcels within Eagle
County, or on-mountain, parking would be relocated concurrently. On-site employees, critical to resort
operations, should be allocated parking at West Lionshead. A parking management plan should be is
provided required with the major exterior alteration application, identifying the relocated off-site
employees that formally identifies how remote/offsite parking locations will be managed, operated, and
the enforced to reduce the potential that the parking becomes displaced into Town owned public
parking facilities.
4.1.5 West Lionshead – Residential/Mixed-Use Hub [NTD: Chapter 4: Master Plan Recommendations –
Overall Study Area]
This area of Lionshead is generally underutilized, and from an aesthetic standpoint is not in keeping with
what the Town would like to see Lionshead become as it redevelops in the coming years.
Vail Resorts plans to bring lift/gondola service to West Lionshead and a new portal to the mountain
brings with it great potential for the redevelopment of this area with improved pedestrian connections,
new retail and office activity, and other improvements. While skier access will certainly energize this area
during the winter months, attention should be given to creating a year-round attraction within this area
of Lionshead (see detailed recommendations in Chapter 5).
326
The master plan recommends that this hub become a residential/mixed use area with an emphasis on
meeting the needs of both the local community and guests. Appropriate uses could include high density
residential development, lodging, community and visitor-based commercial spaces, employee housing
and parking, bus or transit functions, and a ski lift/gondola connection to Vail Mountain. Consideration
should be given to integrating employee housing into the redevelopment of West Lionshead in
accordance with the Town’s employee housing policies and regulations. To the extent possible,
development patterns in this area should reflect the context of the site, pedestrian connections, views,
and sun exposure. In addition, the introduction of skier access in this location may create a catalyst for a
public parking structure. Current uses such as Vail Resorts maintenance facilities should be relocated to
other sites, as appropriate, to enable the redevelopment of West Lionshead.
4.4.3 View Corridors [NTD: 4.4 Public View Corridors]
Public view corridors should be established based upon the natural features present on the project site
and views to the south. Special attention should be paid to the confluence of Red Sandstone and Gore
Creeks as development plans are created and reviewed.
Due to the existing uses on the site and the proposed improvements, the exact views are not possible to
photograph at this point in time. Upon completion of future development at West Lionshead, new view
corridors should be photographed, surveyed and adopted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter
12-22, View Corridors, Vail Town Code. View corridors within proposed development will need to be
reviewed as an element of each major exterior alteration application to determine the location for the
origin of each view. Tools such as, but not limited to, photo renderings and digital models could be
utilized in such review.
4.5.1 Connection to West Lionshead [NTD: 4.5 Public Transportation]
Because West Lionshead is an area of potentially significant growth, it is important that it be fully
integrated into the Town of Vail transit system. West Lionshead currently outside of the acceptable
walking distance to existing lift/gondolas (approximately 1,200 feet in ski boots). The addition of a ski
lift/gondola in this area would make this area more viable for skiers as it would be within that walking
distance.
With a mixed-use development in the area which integrates a ski portal, retail space, office space and
residential development, transit service to this area and interconnections to other portals will be critical
to develop in the future. The Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan will direct the needed
interconnections between ski portals, regional transit stops, and other transportation modes.
4.5.2.1 Regional Transit Stop [NTD: 4.5.2 Maximum Efficiency and Utilization]
Alternative locations considered for a regional transit station include the North Day Lot, the West
Lionshead area, and the Lionshead Parking Structure. Of these alternatives the preferred location is the
Lionshead Parking Structure.
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The structure is well-sited from a locational standpoint, allows for convenient connections with shuttles,
local and in-town bus routes, and may allow for the phased development of a transit station that can
respond to Lionshead’s transit needs over time. Employee housing (in lieu of a transit center) was
deemed to be the preferred use for the North Day lot and the West Lionshead area was considered too
remote from the rest of Lionshead to be a suitable location for a centralized transit center.
Notwithstanding the above, facilities for skier drop-off, private shuttle vans, regional buses (Core
Transit), charter buses and , and the Vail In-Town and West Vail buses, as defined by the West Lionshead
Transit Study (LSC, 2009), should be considered in the design of the ski lift/gondola and parking facility at
West Lionshead.
4.6.2.1 Potential Realignment [NTD: 4.6 Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation - 4.6.2 South Frontage
Road]
The concept of realigning the South Frontage Road at the western end of the study area grew out of
public discussions about land development and traffic flow in West Lionshead. Relative to traffic flow,
realignment would remove the conflict that now exists between through-traffic and mountain service
vehicles (snow-cats and snowmobiles) entering and exiting the Vail Resorts service yard (in connection
with relocating those uses off-site). Realignment would position the road to the north of future
development, thus reducing the potential for conflicting turning movements and facilitating a
pedestrian-only environment within the site. The realignment of South Frontage Road would allow the
current properties to be combined into a contiguous development parcel, further making the vision for
West Lionshead viable (see Chapter 5).
Specific considerations regarding realignment are:
a. Proposed Realignment. The proposed realignment of the South Frontage Road is depicted in
Chapter 5, Section 5.17.11, Concept Master Plan. Cooperation between property owners,
developers, the Town of Vail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation may be necessary
to implement the realignment of the South Frontage Road.
b. Existing Connections. With the realignment of the South Frontage Road, a new local road should
remain in place to maintain existing access to Forest Road and the Eagle River Water and
Sanitation District.
c. Feasibility of Realignment. The ability to realign the frontage road will be heavily influenced by
costs, CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation), the Federal highway administration, and
public financing. The cost of realigning the frontage road is in addition to the mandatory costs of
improving the road. Future West Lionshead development could also potentially include the
widening or reconstruction of the bridge over Red Sandstone Creek.
4.6.2.2 Road Improvements to Handle Increased Traffic Volume
The potential expansion of the Lionshead bed base and the corresponding increases in traffic volumes
will necessitate traffic mitigation measures. Increased road width, acceleration/deceleration lanes, and
roundabouts may be required in conjunction with new development.
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It is important to note that the potential realignment of the frontage road depicted in the overall
Concept Master Plan (5.17.11) graphic is not necessarily the best or required solution. It is a potential
solution but the final design of road improvements will need to consider not only the traffic volume
requirements but visual impacts and community preferences as well.
4.6.2.3 Provision for Bicycles and Pedestrians
A pedestrian/ bicycle path should be contemplated within the Lionshead study area. Providing an
unbroken pedestrian/ bicycle path to connect the main Vail roundabout to Cascade Village, this pathway
will conform to the current Town of Vail standards regarding width and material.
4.6.5.3 Realignment of South Frontage Road [NTD: 4.6.5 Forest Road]
If the South Frontage Road is realigned, access to Forest Road should be maintained, as well as existing
access to the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District.
4.8.3.3 Potential New Parking Sites [NTD: 4.8.3 Public Parking]
To respond to the projected parking demand increase discussed in the traffic study, it is strongly
recommended that all town-wide parking opportunities be examined or re-examined prior to any final
planning or parking construction. Specific public parking opportunities in Lionshead include:
a. Lionshead Parking Structure
The existing Lionshead parking structure is a logical location for expanded public parking because it
is already owned by the Town of Vail. Also, the structure is conveniently located between the
proposed civic center on the east and the main portal to the Lionshead pedestrian mall on the west.
No other location offers visitors such ease of access.
A self-ventilating split deck structure, the garage has six half decks, each holding approximately 200
vehicles (1,200 spaces in total). The addition of one complete level would increase the structure by
400 spaces, two new levels by 800 spaces.
Snow removal is an issue in the addition of new decks. The top deck of the structure is cleared manually
with front-end loaders. Additional decks will make it impossible to continue this method, as the internal
dimensions of the structure will not accommodate front-end loaders. In addition, the construction of a
new delivery staging area on the west end of the structure will remove the snow storage area presently
used. Alternatives include heating the upper deck, providing for an alternate snow removal access road
to the upper deck, and construction of a roof over the entire structure. Public input during the master
plan process has indicated the importance of the eastward view, across the top of the parking structure,
toward the Vail Village as motorists travel east along the South Frontage Road and I-70. Future expansion
plans of the Lionshead parking structure should consider the potential impacts expansion could have on
this view plane. Also, an issue is the necessary structural reinforcement of the existing facility to support
the weight of additional decks.
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b. West Lionshead
The construction of a new public parking facility at the west end of Lionshead has been a planning
consideration since the completion of the Vail Transportation Master plan in 1991. The viability of a
new public parking facility in this location would be enhanced by bringing lift/gondola service to this
area.
The construction of a new public parking facility would address the existing overflow parking along
the frontage road on peak days and the new demand of parking created by the introduction of a new
ski lift/gondola in West Lionshead. It is anticipated that the new public parking structure would meet
all applicable requirements directed by Town code, as well as incremental public parking open to day
skiers or visitors in general. A parking structure should follow the same or compatible parking
management system as the Town.
The Go Vail 2045 Transportation Master Plan provides guidance on the location and quantity of
additional public parking spaces in the Town of Vail. The location of additional public parking should
consider where parking is most optimal for both guests and employees, year-round utilization,
mountain operations, and overall traffic circulation. While public parking opportunities should be
reviewed throughout town, the West Lionshead area presents a unique opportunity to provide
substantial public parking. Given the location of a West Lionshead parking facility, it had been
assumed that regular transit or shuttle service would be important because of its distance from the
retail core area and the lift/gondola. Provisions for bus stops and/or a transit facility should be
considered for the parking structure. Should the Town identify West Lionshead for additional public
parking beyond development requirements, public private partnerships and public financing may be
important to its viability and should be explored.
4.8.4 Parking for Employee Housing
The unit-to-parking space ratio for employee housing should be reduced to maximize the housing
opportunities in West Lionshead. During the master planning process, the Vail Town Council toured
several employee housing complexes in Keystone Resort that averaged .25 cars per bed (one parking
space per four-bed unit). Most of these complexes at Keystone are removed from the core and depend
on a bus transit system to carry employees to and from work. Yet, Keystone property managers have not
observed a parking shortage. Likewise, at the Rivers Edge employee housing project in Avon, a parking
ratio of .75 cars per bed has been more than adequate and the parking lot is underutilized. The Town has
experience with numerous in town employee housing developments and Parking reductions should be
directed by Town code.
4.9.4.3 West Lionshead [NTD: 4.9 Housing – 4.9.4 Potential Housing Sites]
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All redevelopment in West Lionshead will need to conform to the Town’s housing policies and
requirements. In order to create activity and vibrancy in West Lionshead it is appropriate to include
some dispersed employee housing opportunities for permanent local residents in proposed
developments in the area consistent with these policies.
5.20 Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (ERWSD)
While this parcel would certainly be a suitable n ideal development site, the costs to relocate current
uses at this site, particularly the treatment facilities, are significant. For this reason, it is assumed that
the wastewater treatment facilities will remain in their existing location. ERWSD property is located
within West Lionshead adjacent to future development. Legal and physical access to the ERWSD site
shall remain to accommodate current uses and future improvements of the ERWSD property.
9.1.1.3 The West Lionshead Pedestrian Portal
The West Lionshead pedestrian portal is critical to the functioning of the retail core, but it is dependent
on the redevelopment of at least one private property (Concert Hall Plaza). It is strongly recommended
that the Town of Vail work with the owners of this property to facilitate its redevelopment.
9.1.1.8 Parking
Further study is needed to understand the current total parking demand across Lionshead, given the
extent of development and change that has occurred since this plan was originally adopted. The
redevelopment of West Lionshead in the future may require an additional public parking structure to
serve commercial patrons, residents, day skiers, and local employees. See Section 5.17 for further detail.
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
SUBMITTED BY:Greg Roy, Community Development
ITEM TYPE:DRB/PEC Update
AGENDA SECTION:DRB/PEC (4:15pm)
SUBJECT:DRB/PEC Update (5 min.)
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
DRB Results 7-16-25.pdf
PEC Results 7-14-25.pdf
PEC Results 7-28-25.pdf
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Design Review Board Minutes
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
2:00 PM
Vail Town Council Chambers
Present: Roland J Kjesbo
Herbert B Roth
Kit Austin
Absent: Anthony J Grandt
Mary Egan
1. Virtual Meeting Link
Register to attend Design Review Board Meetings. Once registered, you will receive
a confirmation email containing information about joining this webinar.
2. Call to Order
3. Main Agenda
3.1 DRB25-0092 - 1691 Buffehr Creek Road
Final review of new construction
Address/ Legal Description: 1691 Buffehr Creek Road/Lot 3, Block 2, Vail Valley Filing 1
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: 1691 Buffehr Creek Road, represented by Brian Ojala Architect
7-16-25 Submittal, DRB25-0092 Plans.pdf
1691 Buffehr Creek Road DRB Letter 7-16.pdf
Context Photos.pdf
6-2-25 Submittal, DRB25-0092 Plans.pdf
Roland J Kjesbo made a motion to Table to a date uncertain; Kit Austin seconded the motion Passed
(3 - 0).
3.2 DRB25-0112- Penzell Residence
Final review of new construction
Address/ Legal Description: 2437 Garmisch Drive/Lot 15, Block H, Vail Das Schone Filing 2
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: Peter Penzell, represented by UNUM Collaborative
DRB25-0112_Plans.pdf
DRB25-0112_Elevations.pdf
Roland J Kjesbo made a motion to Approve with the findings it meets 14-10-5 & 14-10-6 and with the
condition that prior to building permit submittal, approval from Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
for easement encroachment must be obtained.; Kit Austin seconded the motion Passed (3 - 0).
3.3 DRB25-0010 - Gingrich Residence
Final review of an addition
Address/ Legal Description: 4887 Juniper Lane A/Lot 7, Block 4, Vail Ridge Subdivision
Planner: Greg Roy
Applicant Name: Thomas & Christine Gingrich, represented by NDG Architecture
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2025
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DRB25-0010 Plans.pdf
DRB25-0010 Docs.pdf
Roland J Kjesbo made a motion to Approve with the findings it meets 14-10-5 ; Kit Austin seconded
the motion Passed (3 - 0).
3.4 DRB25-0233 - 500 & 534 E. Lionshead Circle (Conceptual)
A final review of a conceptual (deviation)
Address/ Legal Description: 500 & 534 E. Lionshead Circle / Lot 2 & 3, Block 1 & 2, Vail Lionshead
Filing 1 & 3 Planner: Greg Roy
Applicant Name: Telemark Ventures LLC, represented by Ruther Associates LLC
DRB25-0233 Conceptual Plans.pdf
DRB25-0233 Documents.pdf
Roland J Kjesbo made a motion to Recommend for approval for the proposed design deviations
as presented today; Kit Austin seconded the motion Passed (3 - 0).
4. Staff Approvals
4.1 DRB24-0333.001 - Gazioglu Residence
Final review of an exterior alteration (driveway)
Address/ Legal Description: 3120 Booth Falls Court/Lot 7, Block 2, Vail Village Filing 12
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: Halide Gazioglu, represented by Shepherd Resources
4.2 DRB25-0104 - Riva Ridge Chalets
Final review of a tree removal
Address/ Legal Description: 114 WIllow Road/Lot 7, Block 6, Vail Village Filing 1
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Riva Ridge Chalets, represented by Timber Pro Tree Service
4.3 DRB25-0146 - Savoy Villas Condos
Final review of an exterior alteration (re-roof)
Address/ Legal Description: 1200 & 1180 & 1210 & 1220 & 1230 & 1240 Lions Ridge Loop/Simba
Run Subdivision Planner: Greg Roy
Applicant Name: Savoy Villas Condominiums, represented by Turner Morris Roofing
4.4 DRB25-0149 - Martin Residence
Final review of an exterior alteration (gutters/windows/door)
Address/ Legal Description: 4946 Juniper Lane A/Lot 7, Block A, Bighorn Subdivision 5th Addition
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Michele Martin Revocable Trust, represented by Scottish Home Improvements
4.5 DRB25-0150 - Omega Vail LLC
Final review of exploratory site work and revegetation.
Address/ Legal Description: 315 Mill Creek Circle/ Lot 1, Block 5A, Vail VIllage Filing 5
Planner: Heather Knight
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2025
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Applicant Name: Omega Vail LLC, represented by Berglund Architects
4.6 DRB25 -0151 - 5016 Main Gore Drive North LLC
Final review of an addition
Address/ Legal Description: 5016 Main Gore Drive North / Lot 2, West Day Subdivision & 2016
Main Gore Drive North / Lot 3, Vail Meadows Filing 1 Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: 5016 Main Gore Drive North LLC, represented by John G Martin Architect
4.7 DRB25-0157 - Aspen Tree Condos
Final review of an exterior (paint).
Address/ Legal Description: 931 Red Sandstone Road, Aspen Tree Condominiums
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Aspen Tree Condominiums, represented by Aspen Tree Condo Association
4.8 DRB25-0170 - Lofton Residence
Final review of an exterior alteration (AC unit)
Address/ Legal Description: 710 West Lionshead CIrcle 101/Lot 1, Block 2, Vail Lionshead Filing 3
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Kevin Lofton, represented by Climate Control Company
4.9 DRB25-0193 - Vailwest LLC 2025
Final review of exterior alteration (siding)
Address/ Legal Description: 1800 Sierra Trail/Lot 3, Block 3, Vail Village West Filing 1
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Vailwest LLC, represented by Berglund Architects
4.10 DRB25-0194 - 1418 Vail Valley Drive LLC
A final review of an exterior alteration (driveway)
Address/ Legal Description: 1418 Vail Valley Drive West/ Lot 19, Block 3, Vail Valley Filing 1
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: 1418 Vail Valley Drive LLC Cross Roads Realty Inc, represented by Mexamer
4.11 DRB25-0196 - Timber Falls Condo
A final review of an exterior alteration (re-roof)
Address/ Legal Description: 4469 Timber Falls Court/Timber Falls Condominiums
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Timber Falls Condominiums, represented by TCC Roofing
4.12 DRB25-0212 - Catlin Residence 2025
Final review for an exterior alteration (windows)
Address/ Legal Description: 1881 Lions Ridge Loop 36/Lot Tract A, Block 3, Lion's Ridge
Subdivision Filing 4
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Dan & Robin Catlin, represented by Renewal by Anderson
4.13 DRB25-0213 - Abott & Oney Residence 2025
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2025
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Final review of an exterior alteration (windows and doors)
Address/ Legal Description: 1890 Lions Ridge Loop 10/Lot 39, Block 2, Vail Village West Filing 2
Planner: Greg Roy
Applicant Name: Matthew Abbott & Erica Oney, represented by Pierce Austin Architects
4.14 DRB25-0215 - Peter Residence 2025
Final review of an exterior alteration (windows)
Address/ Legal Description: 4030 Fall Line Drive C/Lot 2, Pitkin Creek Meadows Subdivision
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Cheryl Peter, represented by Renewal by Andersen
4.15 DRB25-0216 - Jones Residence 2025
Final review of a tree removal
Address/ Legal Description: 4879 Meadow Drive B / Lot 2, Block E, Vail Das Schone Filing 1
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: Gayle & Lawrence Jones, represented by Vail Valley Tree Service
4.16 DRB25-0217 - Rad Four Colorado LLC 2025
Final review of an exterior alteration (reroof)
Address/ Legal Description: 4475 Glen Falls Lane / Lot 7, Vail Commons Condominiums
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Rad Four Colorado LLC, represented by Turner Morris Roofing
4.17 DRB25 -0222 - Margaret Rembleske Residence
Final review of an exterior alteration (windows)
Address/ Legal Description: 4470 Timber Falls Court 1404/ Timber Falls Condominiums
Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller
Applicant Name: Margaret A. Rembleske, represented by Lifetime Windows and Siding
5. Staff Denials
6. Adjournment
Roland J Kjesbo made a motion to Adjourn ; Kit Austin seconded the motion Passed (3 - 0).
Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2025
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Planning and Environmental Commission Minutes
Monday, July 14, 2025
1:00 PM
Vail Town Council Chambers
Present: Robyn Smith
Craig H Lintner Jr
John Rediker
William A Jensen
Robert N Lipnick
Absent: Brad Hagedorn
David N Tucker
1. Virtual Link
Register to attend the Planning and Environmental Commission meeting. Once registered,
you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining this webinar.
2. Call to Order
3. Main Agenda
3.1
A request for recommendation to the Vail Town Council, pursuant to Section 3-2-6A,
Function, Vail Town Code, to amend Section 5.7.5 of the Lionshead Redevelopment
Master Plan, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC25-0016)
Applicant: Telemark Ventures, LLC & Vail Property Group, LLC represented by
Ruther Associates LLC
Planner: Greg Roy
PEC25-0016 Staff Memo.pdf
Attachment A. Applicant's Narrative.pdf
Attachment B. Applicant's Presentation.pdf
Planner Roy gives a presentation. He talks about the history of the site and the text in the
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan (LRMP).
Lipnick asks about the cost of the additive parking.
Roy says that is best answered by the applicant.
Jensen, this is removing the requirement that is in addition to the required parking for
the redevelopment?
Roy confirms.
Smith asks how many current spaces exist. Roy says 91.
Smith, there’s a conflict created in requiring a conditional use permit (CUP), as stated by the applicant.
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2025
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Roy, you cannot require something that requires a CUP – cannot guarantee that that will be approved.
The applicant is represented by George Ruther, Charlie Starr, and Jamison McBride from
Oz Architecture.
Ruther gives a presentation. He talks about the request and the proposed language. He addresses the
review criteria. He talks about the conditional use permit and the history of the parking deck. The only
way to comply with the LRMP is to get that conditional use permit, you’d be hard pressed to comply if
the CUP was denied. There are instances where the LRMP is a regulating document, they didn’t do
that here when it came to parking. Requiring the parking would be an economic burden, which is in
opposition to the plan goals of economically incentivizing redevelopment.
Jensen brings up the cost.
Ruther, there are private agreements with some of the adjacent property owners. There is
continued conversation about those going forward.
Jensen, is there a possibility of incremental parking spaces for some of those?
Ruther, that is contemplated, but they can’t be mandated by the Town requirements.
Jensen, the math may be able to work, the parking spaces in these areas are extremely valuable.
Ruther, you may see this addressed in a development application.
Smith, if any private residential parking use would like to participate they may have that option?
Ruther doesn’t want to mix the plan amendment with a development application. But the plan that will
be submitted does contemplate around 66 spaces.
Smith and Ruther discuss how the proposed amendment would impact the entire plan.
Smith, what about striking the last two sentences in the second paragraph?
Jensen asks for public comment. There is no public comment.
Rediker agrees with Smith. A lot of the proposed language is unnecessary, a little verbose. Get rid of
the last two sentences of the second paragraph as well as the first sentence of the third paragraph.
This could be cleaned up, doesn’t like the language about the cost – could that be simplified?
Ruther, there was a lot of historical information about the controversy over this in previous
applications. The master plan identifies the cost of parking spaces; they would be amenable to some
changes to the language if that is a condition.
Rediker, which applications had controversy about the parking?
Ruther says the previous approval from 2018, Elevations and Legacy. There was a process
whereby staff recorded a plat where the purpose was to show the 139 spaces.
Rediker, what has changed from 2018?
Roy, there have been a couple different interpretations of the requirement, gives example of First
Chair. The applicant’s proposal is consistent with how First Chair was interpreted. The language in
the amendment clarifies this more.
Rediker, there is a simpler way to express this concept.
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2025
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Smith likes the fact about the parking cost. Agrees with Rediker, from “Further” on down, it
doesn’t change the outcome the applicant is seeking.
Smith recommends striking from “further” down to “granted”. Supports that because conditions have
changed. The intent of protecting parking beyond code was not for private condo use; our current
code provides for that. If another neighbor wants to pay you for more parking it could be a good idea.
Enforcing shared private parking agreements is challenging for the Town. Conditions have changed,
the original plan was in error based on the assumption that the parking spaces that existed was the
right number then, now, and in perpetuity.
Jensen would rather pause and let staff come back with proposed changes rather than edit it right
now. Supportive of this, but there’s 91 parking spaces that potentially could disappear. What will be
impacted? 91 spaces going to the garage is a level that is disconcerting. A proposal to build additional
parking spaces would give more of a sense of relief, encouraged that you’re looking at that.
Robyn Smith made a motion to Recommend for approval with the findings on page 9 of the staff
memo and the amendment to strike all text between "further" in the second paragraph and "granted"
in the third paragraph; Robert N Lipnick seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
3.2
A request for recommendation to the Vail Town Council, pursuant to Section 3-2-6A,
Function, Vail Town Code, to amend Section 5.17 and pertinent subsections of the
Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan, and setting forth details in regard thereto.
(PEC25-0014)
Applicant: Town of Vail, East West Partners, and Vail Resorts
Planner: Heather Knight
PEC25-0014 Staff Memo V2.pdf
Attachment A. July10_Section5.17_Compare.pdf
Attachment B. LRMP_Sec_5.17_COMBINED_REVISIONS_250710.pdf
Attachment C. July10_Subsections_Compare.pdf
Attachment D. LRMP_Subsections_COMBINED_REVISIONS_250710.pdf
Timestamp 00:56
The applicants are represented by Matt Gennett with the Town of Vail, Kevin Murphy and Jim
Telling with East West Partners, and Melissa Sherburne with Vail Resorts.
The applicants give a presentation, touching on the vision and values for the area.
Gennett walks through the changes suggested from the last meeting.
Rediker, the compare documents in the packet that were provided were not redlines.
Jensen and Telling discuss activation on the site.
Gennett resumes going through the redline version.
Smith and Gennett discuss the language of view corridors in the area.
Smith says on page 5 change “complimentary” to “compatible”.
Sherburne talks about the parking section; a parking management plan will be required further down the
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process.
Rediker asks about 5.17.8 about employee housing. Doesn’t know if this language is strong
enough supporting employee housing on site in this area.
Telling, we’d be open to additional language because we do want to have the housing on site – plus
the timing won’t work with Timber Ridge anyway. It really helps the activation of the site.
Discussion of amendments to this section. Smith, new development requires at least 50% onsite
per code. Gennett, the current concept plan intends to have all employee housing met on site.
Rediker brings up 5-17-7, the relationship to creeks, and the language “improve public access
and utilization”. This is an opportunity to enhance depredated areas in these area but concerned
about improved utilization and what that means.
Gennett, this should not be interpreted as at the detriment of ecological health.
Rediker wants to make sure we’re not overdeveloping around the creek.
Gennet says we can change “strongly encouraged” to “should be explored.”
Rediker brings up 5-17-19. Likes the language about stepping back, has questions about not
having setbacks between buildings.
Gennett, the intent is finding a way to honor what is in the concept plan as a framework. Trying to
put something in that states the intention and helps realize the vision today.
Smith clarifies, if the lot is subdivided, there would be a setback of 10’ on each new lot.
Lipnick brings up the review criteria, the change to the plan is in concert with the plan in general.
Smith, the substantial differences between West Lionshead and Evervail is the parking – it was unrealistic
in Evervail. The parking section needs changing, and looking beyond that the most important thing here is
Housing, amenities etc. Where the parking spaces land is less important than where the people start and
end their day. Wants Council to further define this, people are the priority not parking. Nervous about the
parking language being too vague right now, but Council can help further define that.
Telling, we have had some conversations about public/private participation.
Jensen expresses appreciation to the applicant team. You’ve found good language in many
examples. Agree with Smith that parking is the most vague part of this document and wants that
conversation to continue. Although it is too early to nail down specific numbers.
Jensen asks for public comment. There is none.
Discussion of proposed changes. Sherburne recaps the proposed changes from today’s meeting:
Strike “ideal” from 5.2.0.
Change “complementary to compatible”
Get rid of “strongly encouraged” to “should be explored” for creeks
Bolster language of employee housing – “preferred suitable, idea”
Utilization?
Add language about public/private partnerships in regard to parking
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John Rediker made a motion to Recommend for approval with the findings on page 8 of the staff
memo and the changes discussed; Robyn Smith seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
3.3
A request for review of a Conditional Use Permit, pursuant to Section 12-9C-3
Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code, in accordance with Title 12, Chapter 16, Conditional
Uses, Vail Town Code, to allow for a public utility installation of a generator, located at
3095 Booth Falls Road West/Parcel F - Unplatted (PEC25-0017)
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: Eagle River Water & Sanitation District
PEC25-0015 Staff Memo.pdf
Attachment A. Vicinity Map - 3095 Booth Falls
Road.pdf Attachment B. ERWSD Plan Set 051225.pdf
Attachment C. Booth Falls Emergency Power Improvements EIR 2025-05-
13.pdf Attachment D. Booth Falls Emergency Power Improvements PDR 2025-
05-13.pdf Attachment E. Enclosure and Sound Data.pdf
Timestamp: 02:10
Planner Knight gives a presentation. She walks through the site plan, the proposal, and the criteria.
Staff is recommending approval with conditions.
Jensen, did they look at alternative fuel sources?
Knight says they did, diesel was decided because natural gas during an emergency situation gets
shut off. There were other factors involving cost, that was also in the packet.
Smith asks the noise won’t always be running? Only during testing?
Knight confirms and says the non-combustible enclosure will also contain the noise.
The applicants are Jeff Schnieder and Dam Duerr with ERWSD. They are undertaking a major effort
in risk-resiliency for the water system, including the need for backup power in this location. Duerr says
they have a noise study which showed the generator would emit less noise than I-70 in that location.
The trailhead area will also be improved to mitigate any impacts.
Jensen asks how large is the diesel storage?
Schnieder says 400 gallons, located inside the enclosure.
Smith asks about Environmental Impact Report.
Gennett says it can be requested by the Administrator or PEC.
Lipnick says it meets all the review criteria.
Jensen views this as a life-safety issue and appreciates the diligence the applicant and staff have
put together. It’s a solid plan with minimal impact.
Jensen asks for public comment. There is none.
Robert N Lipnick made a motion to Approve with the findings on page 9 of the staff memo; Robyn
Smith seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2025
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4. Approval of Minutes
4.1 PEC Results 6-23-25
PEC Results 6-23-25.pdf
Robyn Smith made a motion to Approve as Amended with the change that the language be corrected
to "possibly pay in lieu applicable for commercial expansions but not residential expansions"; Robert
N Lipnick seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
5. Information Update
5.1 Vail Golf Club Vegetation Management Plan
Golf Club Vegetation Plan PEC Memo.pdf
Attachment A. Proposed Project Maps.pdf
Attachment B. Staff Presentation.pdf
Pete Wadden and Scott Schriver with Wright Water Engineers give a presentation.
Wadden gives a presentation. Schriver talks about some of the existing problem areas and potential
solutions. Schriver walks through the concept plans for various sub-areas of the golf course.
Lipnick asks about Option 2.
Wadden, it would be exciting and beneficial for the creek if it was possible to put back in the
original channel.
Jensen is trying to understand how much of this is for environmental stream-health and how much
is it golf course improvements? Will it be done in phases?
Wadden, we could try and emphasize in the future which changes all into each category. But we
found places where there is overlap between the two. It’s been clear in internal meetings thus far
that the environment is the priority.
Smith, this is a super exciting project. It might help to further identify the venn diagram of environmental
benefits versus playability benefits. Being able to call that out will help you gain support for the overlaps.
Lipnick asks who takes care of the beavers?
Wadden can’t recall the last time one was relocated from TOV property.
6. Adjournment
Bobby Lipnick made a motion to adjourn; Robyn Smith seconded the motion Passed (5 - 0).
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2025
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6
343
Planning and Environmental Commission Minutes
Monday, July 28, 2025
1:00 PM
Vail Town Council Chambers
Present: Robyn Smith
Craig H Lintner Jr
John Rediker
Brad Hagedorn
David N Tucker
William A Jensen
Robert N Lipnick
1. Virtual Link
Register to attend the Planning and Environmental Commission meeting. Once registered,
you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining this webinar.
2. Call to Order
3. Main Agenda
3.1 A request for a review of an exterior alteration, pursuant to Chapter 12-7B- 7, Exterior
Alterations or Modifications, Vail Town Code, for additional enclosed floor area, to
modify exterior rooflines and associated improvements, located at 304 Bridge
Street/Vail Village Filing 1, Block 5A, Lots E-H. (PEC25-0013)
Staff requests this item be tabled to the August 25, 2025 PEC meeting.
Planner: Heather Knight
Applicant Name: Red Lion Building LLC, represented by Pierce Austin Architects
Time: 5 min
Robyn Smith made a motion to Table to the August 25th, 2025 meeting; Robert N Lipnick seconded
the motion Passed (4 - 0)Lintner, Hagedorn, Rediker not present.
4. Approval of Minutes
4.1 PEC Results 07-14-25
PEC Results 7-14-25.pdf
Robyn Smith made a motion to Approve ; Robert N Lipnick seconded the motion Passed (3 – 0-
1)Tucker Abstains, Lintner,Hagedorn, Rediker not present.
5. Information Update
5.1 Single Use Plastics Reduction Policy (45 mins)
Single Use Plastics Reduction Memo.pdf
PEC Presentation.pdf
Engagement Summary.pdf
Recommendations Memo.pdf
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 28, 2025
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344
Timestamp: 00:56
This item is heard second after 5.2.
The presenter are Beth Markham with the Town of Vail and Kim Schlaepfer and Claire Kantor with
the consultant, Lotus Engineering.
Markham gives an introduction. Markham walks through the background of the
proposal. Lipnick, how many people are composting?
Markham, currently about 90 that participate in the West Vail program, looking to expand.
Some businesses are also composting; there are opportunities there.
Schlaepfer gives a presentation on plastics.
Schlaepfer talks about the community engagement process. Vail residents are supportive of
reducing single use plastic items.
Kantor talks about what other peer communities have done.
Schlaepfer talks about what Vail businesses are doing.
Schlaepfer talks about the proposed recommendations.
Rediker, what is the skip the stuff rule?
Markham, it’s a program in peer communities, where the extra items on takeout orders like forks
and knives and condiment holders are not included unless specifically requested.
Rediker asks about pods and containers for laundry and dishwasher detergent.
Markham, not discussed in Community Engagement but could be an option. Small plastic bottles
under a certain size would no longer be on grocery shelves.
Jensen agrees with everything but recommends a more phased approach.
Markham talks about the enforcement and education approach in peer communities.
Jensen says you need buy-in from everybody because people will carry these items
between communities.
Smith, this is the right thing to do for the environment. The tough thing is the change management.
Switch the focus onto these are the interventions we can do to lead up to a ban. Can we start with
some of these without a ban from the outset but build towards that. Also recommends breaking these
up not by product but by audience. How is this going to impact people from a user perspective? We
don’t have another choice but to get there.
Rediker, there should be some time period built in, a reasonable time to come into compliance.
Tucker worries about the education side, helping businesses make that transition. There is also a
large amount of plastic in construction, something else to look at.
Jensen asks about Rec. 1 and Rec 2. Markham says the 2nd Rec focuses on those main five high
impact options.
Lipnick, changing human behavior is not very easy, it will take some time. Education is the answer and a
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 28, 2025
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phased approach is critical. Supports this.
Rediker, most businesses can make a change in 12 months.
Smith, it’s important to have the pathway for the receivership. The success is on the approach and
communication for the different users. Recommends going from product centric to user-centric.
Lipnick agrees businesses can change in 12 months, but human behavior takes more
time. Rediker, what does a grant program look like for businesses?
Markham talks about the grant opportunities. They will have a discussion with the finance
department about the best way to structure this.
Jensen reiterates the PEC is suggesting some period of time to allow businesses to comply.
Smith says some of the successful examples are closed loop systems.
Tucker, the fastest way to consensus is making the hardest rule and you will hear how it is going.
Ripping the band aid off faster with the most comprehensive and teeth will find the pressure points.
5.2 Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Update (25 mins)
CC4CA - Presentation.pdf
Timestamp: 00:06
Lintner, Rediker, Hagedorn join.
The presenters are Kristen Bertuglia with the Town of Vail and Jacob Smith, executive director
of CC4CA.
Smith gives an introduction to CC4CA.
Jensen and Smith discuss the organizational structure.
Jensen asks about federal budget issues?
Smith, we are seeing cuts at the federal level but there are still some programs in place – can we
help our members with those? There are still a lot of mechanisms in place at the state level.
Smith talks about 2025 legislative themes.
Rediker asks how they evaluate bills.
Smith, what is the opportunity to keep improving on the bill, what are the coalitions like?
Smith talks about engagement opportunities.
Commissioner Smith, how do we know when it’s best left to federal or state legislation versus local?
Jacob Smith, there is not one definitive answer, we go through this question on every single item,
the opportunities are different on different topics.
Bertuglia, there are different areas where the state leads and other areas where local governments
take the lead.
Lipnick, with federal funding down how does that change your priorities?
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 28, 2025
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346
Smith, we’re putting more effort into defense. The state level is generally supportive but complicated.
We protect what we can and see what we can move forward on.
Rediker, the EPA is rescinding its previous determination that greenhouse gas emissions pose a
danger to public health. California has been able to regulate this in some ways. Our rapidly changing
environment is a bigger problem than people want to acknowledge. Is there a way for Colorado to
enact tougher regulations?
Smith, we’ll track that at the federal level, that remains to be seen. Those kinds of challenges force us
to be creative in a policy way.
Rediker, with changing climate the snowpacks are decreasing and there is less water. What efforts
are there to develop plans to reduce water usage on the front range?
Smith, on the basic questions of diversions there is not a lot of overlap and consensus between our
members. There is more consensus on the conservation side. It depends on where our members are at.
Rediker, there’s a thought that on a local level we can’t influence action at a federal level, just do
what we can locally. Our communities in the mountains are on the front line of climate change.
Smith, there are Colorado congress people in swing districts who are cognizant of this. Federal tax
incentives for clean energy have been able to get bipartisan support. Local governments can have
an impact federally through organizations like this. There’s a debate that this is about climate versus
jobs, we can elevate the stories about how those two actually fit well together. Investments in clean
energy can have positive economic impacts.
5.3 Eating and Drinking Establishments Town Code Update
Planner: Matt Gennett
Applicant Name: Town of Vail
Time: 30 Min
Timestamp 01:22
Matt Gennett, Community Development Director, presents on the recent emergency ordinance update
regarding eating and drinking establishments. He talks about the zone districts that are impacted. Staff
is working on future code amendments related to this.
Jensen, what was the catalyst for this?
Gennett, the impetus came from Council. There’s a growing concern seeing the kind of pressure
these establishments get, and how to retain a critical mass of these. Part of this will include cleaning
up the uses that are enumerated in these districts, is there a better way to consolidate that?
Jensen has questions about leasing concerns.
Gennett, we have that question as well and are working through that right now. A component is the
location aspect, where you want to maintain that vibrancy. We may come back for a work session next.
The ordinance is in effect for 180 days from June 3rd.
Lipnick, is there concern over too many restaurants?
Gennett, the concern is an eventual pushing out of restaurants and eating and drinking
establishments and having less vibrant activity in the villages.
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Lipnick, are people going down valley?
Gennett, that is probably part of the trend.
Smith, would you agree that Town has a history of success using uses to sustain vibrancy? Brings
up example of ski-lockers.
Gennett, the code has the same vertical zoning language today in regard to uses, trying to tinker
with that mix of uses that makes the place special?
Smith, this is not a novel approach for Vail?
Gennett agrees, also looking at how the Vail Village Master Plan and others speak to the importance
of nightlife, vibrancy in Town, etc.
Jensen, thinks there may be more urgency in Lionshead.
6. Adjournment
Robyn Smith made a motion to Adjourn ; David N Tucker seconded the motion Passed (7 - 0).
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of July 28, 2025
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348
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
SUBMITTED BY:Jake Shipe, Finance
ITEM TYPE:Information Update
AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:20pm)
SUBJECT:July 2025 Revenue Update
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
250805 Revenue Update.pdf
349
1
TOWN OF VAIL
REVENUE UPDATE
August 8, 2025
4.0% General Sales Tax
Upon receipt of all sales tax returns, June 2025 collections are estimated to be
$2,351,865, down (0.4)% from 2024 and down (0.2)% from the budget.
2025 YTD collections of $24,313,889 are up 2.7% from 2024 and up 3.0% from
the budget. Inflation as measured by the consumer price index was up 2.7% for
the 12-months ending June 2025. The annual budget totals $42.1 million.
0.5% Housing Fund Sales Tax
Upon receipt of all sales tax returns, June 2025 collections of the 0.5% housing
sales tax are estimated to be $283,945, are down (0.2)% from 2024 and down
(2.7)% from the budget. 2025 YTD collections of $2,955,746 are up 2.8% from
2024 and up 1.3% from the budget. The annual budget for the housing fund sales
tax totals $5.2 million.
Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT)
RETT collections through July 29 total $4,707,496, down (1.8)% from 2024. The
number of property sales (excluding time-shares) is tracking down (21.5)% from
2024, while the average collection is tracking up 11.2%. The budget for RETT
collections totals $7.7 million for 2025.
Construction Use Tax
Use Tax collections through July 29 total $1,106,265 compared to $1,922,374 in
2024. The budget totals $2.5 million for 2025. The decrease from the prior year
is due to a decline in the number of non-Town funded projects, particularly high-
dollar projects.
Lift Tax
Lift tax collections through June 2025 total $5,119,739, up 2.3% or $115,839 from
June 2024. The budget totals $6,915,427.
Summer Daily Parking Sales
Daily sales from the parking structures and gated lots from May through July 25th
total approximately $729,198. This compares to $141,952 for the same period last
year. In 2025, the Town implemented a daily summer paid parking program while
in 2024, only overnight stays and event parking were charged fees. The 2025
budget for daily summer parking revenue is $2.5 million. Based on current year to
date collections, staff anticipates that actual revenues will fall short of budget by
approximately $800,000. Staff is continuing to analyze the data but believes the
variance is due to a combination of factors, including the total number of
transactions, average duration of stays, and the volume of employee parking
passes sold and used.
350
2
Summer Parking Pass Sales
Summer parking pass sales through July 25th total approximately $44,975. The
budget for summer parking passes totals $29,774.
Summary
Across all funds and excluding one-time grants and reimbursements, year-to-date
total revenue of $60.8 million is up 5.7% from the amended budget and is up 1.7%
from prior year. The majority of the positive variance compared to the budget is
due to higher-than-expected interest earnings, real estate transfer tax collections,
and sales tax collections. The majority of the positive variance compared to the
prior year is due to increased sales tax collections and the implementation of
summer paid parking.
Pass Type
Summer
Season Sales
Premier 10
Employee 114
Employee Plus 14
Eagle County Local 94
Vail Local 187
Total 419
351
2025 Budget % change % change
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Budget Variance from 2024 from Budget
January 4,076,145$ 3,422,209$ 5,217,125$ 5,911,572$ 5,805,199$ 5,791,927$ 5,974,315$ 182,388$ 2.91% 3.15%
February 4,285,633 3,691,850 5,686,585 6,041,108 6,080,349 6,063,693 6,307,988 244,295 3.74% 4.03%
March 2,243,518 4,364,797 5,912,059 6,055,992 6,412,535 6,162,148 6,261,709 99,561 -2.35% 1.62%
April 427,518 1,751,528 2,234,296 2,264,892 1,842,893 2,082,859 2,197,092 114,233 19.22% 5.48%
May 503,828 1,061,516 1,227,974 1,118,011 1,176,629 1,152,860 1,220,920 68,060 3.76% 5.90%
June 1,023,517 2,149,312 2,317,931 2,272,457 2,361,482 2,355,770 2,351,865 (3,905) -0.41% -0.17%
YTD 12,560,159$ 16,441,212$ 22,595,970$ 23,664,032$ 23,679,086$ 23,609,257$ 24,313,889$ 704,632$ 2.68% 2.98%
July 2,084,644 3,491,668 3,507,973 3,412,277 3,643,192 3,629,309 -
August 2,138,838 2,877,550 2,997,389 2,932,111 3,052,213 3,038,643 -
September 1,767,393 2,359,528 2,441,331 2,508,064 2,415,397 2,414,174 -
October 1,371,727 1,734,964 1,729,558 1,773,358 1,753,419 1,752,419 -
November 1,425,461 1,880,397 1,902,643 1,901,141 1,844,461 1,843,961 -
December 3,625,189 5,749,365 5,602,018 5,811,950 5,789,893 5,776,237 -
Total 24,973,411$ 34,534,683$ 40,776,882$ 42,002,933$ 42,177,661$ 42,064,000$ 24,313,889$ 704,632$ 2.68%2.98%
2025 Budget % change % change
2022 2023 2024 Budget Variance from 2024 from Budget
January 645,487$ 720,906$ 705,167$ 711,525$ 727,257$ 15,732$ 3.13% 2.21%
February 702,730 736,788 741,549 753,337 768,802 15,465 3.68% 2.05%
March 719,717 738,244 783,123 769,644 764,959 (4,685) -2.32% -0.61%
April 269,018 271,930 222,032 249,107 264,994 15,887 19.35% 6.38%
May 146,657 132,333 139,793 143,483 145,790 2,307 4.29% 1.61%
June 280,460 275,113 284,485 291,846 283,945 (7,901) -0.19% -2.71%
YTD 2,764,069$ 2,875,314$ 2,876,149$ 2,918,942$ 2,955,746$ 36,804$ 2.77% 1.26%
July 424,602 412,849 439,142 448,039 -
August 361,165 352,887 369,212 377,205 -
September 294,861 304,068 293,066 299,772 -
October 207,397 213,568 210,364 217,051 -
November 230,383 229,092 222,639 228,495 -
December 671,982 703,050 699,750 712,030 -
Total 4,954,459$ 5,090,828$ 5,110,322$ 5,201,534$ 2,955,746$ 36,804$ 2.77% 1.26%
Town of Vail Revenue Update
August 5, 2025
4.0% GENERAL SALES TAX
2025 Budget Comparison
Actual 4.0% Collections
0.5% HOUSING SALES TAX
2025 Budget Comparison
4.0% Collected
Sales Tax
Actual 0.5% Collections 0.5% Collected
Sales Tax
352
Town of Vail Revenue Update
YTD 4% General Sales Tax Collections By Year
August 5, 2025
Through June 30
June 4% General Sales Tax Collections By Year
Through June 30
•June collections of $2,351,865 are down (0.4)% from prior year and are down (0.2)% from the budget.
$2,149,312
$2,317,931
$2,272,457
$2,361,482
$2,351,865
$0 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
$16,441,212
$22,595,970
$23,664,032
$23,679,086
$24,313,889
$0 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
•YTD collections of $24,313,889 are up 2.7% from prior year and are up 3.0% from the budget.
•Inflation as measured by the consumer price index was up 2.7% for the 12-months ending June
2025.
353
Town of Vail Revenue Update
August 5, 2025
June 0.5% Housing Fund Sales Tax Collections By Year
Real Estate Transfer Tax by Year
YTD Through July 2025
June Collections YTD Collections
•This chart shows YTD collections of 1% RETT, segmented by real property values. 2025
collections are down (1.8)% from the prior year.
$6,373,698
$5,442,865
$3,307,320
$4,795,504 $4,707,496
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Sales Less Than $2.5 Million Sales $2.5 to $5 Million Sales $5 to $10 Million Sales Over $10 Million
•June collections of $283,945 are down (0.2)% from prior year and are down (2.7)% from the budget.
•2025 YTD collections of $2,955,746 are up 2.8% from 2024 and up 1.3% from the budget. The
annual budget for the housing fund sales tax totals $5.2 million.
$280,460 $275,113 $284,485 $283,945
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
2022 2023 2024 2025
$2,764,069 $2,875,314 $2,876,149 $2,955,746
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
2022 2023 2024 2025
354
Town of Vail Revenue Update
August 5, 2025
Construction Use Tax by Year
YTD Through July 2025
YTD Lift Tax Collections
YTD Through June 2025
•Use Tax collections through July 29 total $1,106,265 compared to $1,922,374 from this time
last year. This is an decrease of (42.5)%.
$2,659,062
$1,227,733
$1,773,592 $1,922,374
$1,106,265
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
•2025 YTD lift tax collections of $5,119,739 are up 2.3% or $115,839 from the same time last
year.
$3,981,861
$4,798,965
$4,716,261
$5,003,900
$5,119,739
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
355
Vail Business Review
June and Q2 2025
August 5, 2025
The Vail Business Review breaks down the 4.5% sales tax collected for the month of
June and YTD through Q2. The 4.5% sales tax includes the town’s general 4% sales
tax and the 0.5% housing sales tax supported by Town of Vail voters during the
November 2021 election, effective January 1, 2022. The housing sales tax sunsets on
December 31, 2051.
June 4.5% sales tax was down (0.3)% from the prior year. Retail increased 2.8%,
lodging decreased (3.4)%, food and beverage decreased (4.4)%, and utilities/other
increased 13.7%. Excluding the out-of-town category, sales tax for the month of June
was down (4.4)% compared to prior year.
YTD through Q2 4.5% sales tax was up 2.8% from the prior year. Retail increased
5.4%, lodging remained flat, food and beverage increased 4.1%, and utilities/other
increased 3.8%. Excluding the out-of-town category, sales tax for YTD through Q2 was
down (0.4)% compared to prior year.
Town of Vail sales tax forms, the Vail Business Review, and sales tax worksheets are
available on the internet at vail.gov. You may email me to request to have the Vail
Business Review and the sales tax worksheet emailed to you automatically.
Please remember when reading the Vail Business Review that it is produced from sales
tax collections as opposed to actual gross sales.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call me at (970) 479-2125 or
Carlie Smith, Finance Director, at (970) 479-2119.
Sincerely,
Lauren Noll
Revenue Manager
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June 2024
Sales Tax Collections by Business Type
June 2025
Town of Vail Business Review
June Sales Tax Collections by Year
June 2025 Sales Tax
1,019,111
Lodging
728,800 Food &
Beverage
698,571
Utilities &
Other
188,828
$0
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
2.8% (4.4)%
13.7%
Retail
2,150,760
2,599,483
2,549,136
2,641,939
2,635,309
$0 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
General Sales Tax
Housing Sales Tax
• June 2025 retail sales increased 2.8%, lodging decreased (3.4)%, food and beverage decreased
(4.4)%, and utilities and other increased 13.7%.
• The figures above reflect 4.5% sales tax.
Retail
991,207
Lodging
754,316
Food &
Beverage
730,305
Utilities &
Other
166,111$0
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
(3.4)%
• This report represents collections of Town of Vail sales tax, as opposed to actual gross sales.
• On January 1st, 2022, Town of Vail sales tax increased from 4.0% to 4.5% on all items except food for
home consumption. 2022-2025 above include the 0.5% increase to sales tax, depicted in light blue.
2021 shows 4.0% sales tax collections.
• Total June 2024 collections were $2,641,939; June 2025 collections were $2,635,309, down from the
prior year (0.3)%.
357
June 2025 Sales Tax
Town of Vail Business Review
June 2024June 2025
Geographic Area Trends by Year
June Sales Tax
Sales Tax by Location
Other Areas
16%
Lionshead
15%
Out of
Town
29%
Vail Village
40%
• Vail Village sales tax remained flat, Lionshead decreased (19.4)%, Other Areas decreased (1.9)%, and Out
of Town increased 9.9%. Excluding Out of Town collections, all areas were down (4.4)%.
• The figures above reflect 4.5% sales tax.
322,995
377,120
251,254
326,467
668,247
775,007
908,264
1,120,890
$0 $200,000 $400,000 $600,000 $800,000 $1,000,000 $1,200,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Vail Village
Out of Town
Lionshead
Other Areas
759,006 1,087,987
299,885
402,258
• This chart shows June sales tax collections by geographic area over time.
• 2022-2025 include the 0.5% increase for housing sales tax, depicted in lighter shades. General
4.0% sales tax collections are shown in darker shades.
427,272378,906 771,105
1,064,656
1,062,780
305,468 847,722
419,340
Other Areas
16%
Lionshead
12%
Out of
Town
32%
Vail Village
40%
358
Accommodation Services Sales Tax by Year
Retail Business 4.5% Sales Tax Detail
June 2025 Sales Tax
Town of Vail Business Review
Apparel
$181,518
Grocery
$160,384
Gallery
$3,251
Gifts
$8,930
Jewelry
$57,252
Retail Liquor
$42,442
Retail Other
$376,579
Sporting Goods
$81,170
Online Retailers
$104,994
Retail Home
Occupation
$2,590
• June 2025 accommodations services decreased (3.4)% from the prior year. Short-term rentals increased 4.1%
and hotels and lodges decreased (6.2)%.
• The figures above reflect 4.5% sales tax.
• Short-term rental sales tax collection numbers include online marketplace facilitators like Airbnb and VRBO.
Revenue collections from facilitators may include some hotels and lodges that advertise and rent properties on
these platforms.
534,704
225,906
546,469
207,846
512,431
216,369
$0 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000
Hotel and Lodges
Short-Term Rentals
2025 2024 2023
359
Retail 164,456 163,484 0.59%
Lodging 123,333 126,359 -2.39%
F & B 127,208 131,447 -3.22%
Other 4,342 5,982 -27.42%
Total 419,340 427,272 -1.86%
Retail 53,859 56,316 -4.36%
Lodging 132,104 162,544 -18.73%
F & B 117,921 155,790 -24.31%
Other 1,583 4,256 -62.80%
Total 305,468 378,906 -19.38%
Retail 429,013 401,998 6.72%
Lodging 239,561 221,304 8.25%
F & B 1,093 615 77.77%
Other 178,055 147,189 20.97%
Total 847,722 771,105 9.94%
Retail 371,782 369,409 0.64%
Lodging 233,801 244,108 -4.22%
F & B 452,349 442,454 2.24%
Other 4,847 8,685 -44.18%
Total 1,062,780 1,064,656 -0.18%
Retail 1,019,111 991,207 2.82%
Lodging 728,800 754,316 -3.38%
F & B 698,571 730,305 -4.35%
Other 188,828 166,111 13.68%
Total 2,635,309 2,641,939 -0.25%
Retail Apparel 181,518 200,430 -9.44%
Retail Food 160,384 173,594 -7.61%
Retail Gallery 3,251 6,679 -51.33%
Retail Gift 8,930 4,700 90.01%
Retail Home Occupation 2,590 197 1213.67%
Retail Jewelry 57,252 30,732 86.30%
Retail Liquor 42,442 43,381 -2.16%
Retail Other 376,579 355,816 5.84%
Retail Sport 81,170 79,035 2.70%
Retail Online Retailer 104,994 96,643 8.64%
Total 1,019,111 991,207 2.82%
Cascade Village / East Vail / Sandstone / West Vail
Town of Vail Business Review
June 4.5% Sales Tax
2025 Collections 2024 Collections YoY % Change
Total - All Areas
Lionshead
Out of Town
Vail Village
Retail Summary
360
Jan - Jun 2024
Sales Tax Collections by Business Type
Jan - Jun 2025
Town of Vail Business Review
Jan - Jun Sales Tax Collections by Year
YTD through Q2 2025 Sales Tax
8,874,763
Lodging
10,913,221
Food &
Beverage
5,847,833
Utilities &
Other
1,630,942
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
$8,000,000
$9,000,000
$10,000,000
$11,000,000
5.4%4.1%3.8%
Retail
16,467,803
25,372,403
26,518,203
26,521,755
27,266,759
$0 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
General Sales Tax
Housing Sales Tax
• YTD through Q2 2025 retail sales increased 5.4%, lodging remained flat, food and beverage
increased 4.1%, and utilities and other increased 3.8%.
• The figures above reflect 4.5% sales tax.
Retail
8,422,237
Lodging
10,908,353
Food &
Beverage
5,619,630
Utilities &
Other
1,571,535
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
$8,000,000
$9,000,000
$10,000,000
$11,000,000
0.0%
• This report represents collections of Town of Vail sales tax, as opposed to actual gross sales.
• On January 1st, 2022, Town of Vail sales tax increased from 4.0% to 4.5% on all items except food for
home consumption. 2022-2025 above include the 0.5% increase to sales tax, depicted in light blue.
2021 shows 4.0% sales tax collections.
• Total through Q2 2024 collections were $26,521,755; though Q2 2025 collections were $27,266,759, up
from the prior year 2.8%.
361
YTD through Q2 2025 Sales Tax
Town of Vail Business Review
Jan - Jun 2024Jan - Jun 2025
Geographic Area Trends by Year
Jan - Jun Sales Tax
Sales Tax by Location
Other Areas
15%
Lionshead
18%
Out of
Town
23%
Vail Village
44%
• Vail Village sales tax increased 2.4%, Lionshead decreased (5.4)%, Other Areas decreased (2.5)%, and
Out of Town increased 13.3%. Excluding Out of Town collections, all areas were down (0.4)%.
• The figures above reflect 4.5% sales tax.
2,402,719
3,689,042
2,663,027
4,369,485
4,467,934
6,249,024
6,934,123
11,064,852
$0 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000 $12,000,000
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Vail Village
Out of Town
Lionshead
Other Areas
6,583,809 11,620,378
4,586,617
3,727,399
• This chart shows YTD through Q2 sales tax collections by geographic area over time.
• 2022-2025 include the 0.5% increase for housing sales tax, depicted in lighter shades. General
4.0% sales tax collections are shown in darker shades.
3,937,770
4,749,348 6,192,225
11,642,412
11,921,034
4,491,544 7,016,686
3,837,495
Other Areas
14%
Lionshead
16%
Out of
Town
26%
Vail Village
44%
362
Accommodation Services Sales Tax by Year
Retail Business 4.5% Sales Tax Detail
YTD through Q2 2025 Sales Tax
Town of Vail Business Review
Apparel
$1,840,013
Grocery
$1,149,154
Gallery
$52,422
Gifts
$51,054
Jewelry
$387,478
Retail Liquor
$316,635
Retail Other
$2,319,027
Sporting Goods
$2,024,516
Online Retailers
$731,035
Retail Home
Occupation
$3,427
• YTD through Q2 2025 accommodations services remained flat from the prior year. Short-term rentals increased
1.7% and hotels and lodges decreased (0.7)%.
• The figures above reflect 4.5% sales tax.
• Short-term rental sales tax collection numbers include online marketplace facilitators like Airbnb and VRBO.
Revenue collections from facilitators may include some hotels and lodges that advertise and rent properties on
these platforms.
7,493,949
3,394,944
7,647,286
3,261,067
7,597,107
3,316,115
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 $7,000,000 $8,000,000
Hotel and Lodges
Short-Term Rentals
2025 2024 2023
363
Retail 1,188,879 1,295,377 -8.22%
Lodging 1,951,314 1,933,139 0.94%
F & B 665,935 676,468 -1.56%
Other 31,367 32,786 -4.33%
Total 3,837,495 3,937,770 -2.55%
Retail 1,096,778 1,150,476 -4.67%
Lodging 2,330,418 2,461,294 -5.32%
F & B 1,036,501 1,054,482 -1.71%
Other 27,848 83,096 -66.49%
Total 4,491,544 4,749,348 -5.43%
Retail 2,710,728 2,191,704 23.68%
Lodging 2,851,801 2,695,579 5.80%
F & B 12,369 9,453 30.84%
Other 1,441,788 1,295,488 11.29%
Total 7,016,686 6,192,225 13.31%
Retail 3,878,379 3,784,679 2.48%
Lodging 3,779,688 3,818,340 -1.01%
F & B 4,133,028 3,879,228 6.54%
Other 129,939 160,165 -18.87%
Total 11,921,034 11,642,412 2.39%
Retail 8,874,763 8,422,237 5.37%
Lodging 10,913,221 10,908,353 0.04%
F & B 5,847,833 5,619,630 4.06%
Other 1,630,942 1,571,535 3.78%
Total 27,266,759 26,521,755 2.81%
Retail Apparel 1,840,013 1,772,978 3.78%
Retail Food 1,149,154 1,220,990 -5.88%
Retail Gallery 52,422 50,836 3.12%
Retail Gift 51,054 34,297 48.86%
Retail Home Occupation 3,427 1,571 118.19%
Retail Jewelry 387,478 288,203 34.45%
Retail Liquor 316,635 355,841 -11.02%
Retail Other 2,319,027 1,938,114 19.65%
Retail Sport 2,024,516 2,173,875 -6.87%
Retail Online Retailer 731,035 585,532 24.85%
Total 8,874,763 8,422,237 5.37%
Cascade Village / East Vail / Sandstone / West Vail
Town of Vail Business Review
Jan - Jun 4.5% Sales Tax
2025 Collections 2024 Collections YoY % Change
Total - All Areas
Lionshead
Out of Town
Vail Village
Retail Summary
364
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.1
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports
AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee
Reports (4:20pm)
SUBJECT:Matters from Mayor, Council and Committees (15 min.)
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
365
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.2
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports
AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee
Reports (4:20pm)
SUBJECT:Town Manager Report (5 min.)
SUGGESTED ACTION:Community Picnic at Donovan Pavilion is on Tuesday, August
12 at 11:30am
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
TM Update 080525.pdf
366
Town Managers’ Update
August 5, 2025
1.Site Visit to Snowmass Village
The Town Manager and the Mayor have discussed doing a site visit to Snowmass Village to do a site
visit of its new “Base Village” which is one of the newest ski area base village developments in the
United States. It is proposed that one day visit be planned to Snowmass Village. East West
Partners would coordinate the site visit. Staff wanted to determine if Council would like to participate
in a site visit to Snowmass Village. If so , East West Partners has identified the following dates for a
day trip including:
September 4, 11th 12th, or 25th
2.Fourth of July - 2026
See Chief Kenney’s memo below.
3.Impact Investing Fall Workshop
See memo from Jason Dietz and Anna Ben gtson below.
4.Other
There may be other topics the Town Manager needs to share with the Town Council.
367
Page 2
To: Vail Town Council
Through: Russ Forrest
Town Manager
Ryan Kenney
Chief of Police
Matt Westenfelder
Deputy Chief of Police
From: Christopher Botkins
Operations Commander
Subject: July 4th Activities – 2025 Summary and Proposed Actions
The 2025 Fourth of July celebration in Vail saw another year of large gatherings of underage juveniles at Solaris
Plaza. The large group created a significant disruption, resulting in 17 arrests, including one for felony assault. The
situation raised substantial public safety concerns due to disorderly conduct, physical altercations, and non-
compliance with curfew regulations. This gathering impacted both residents' and visitors' travel throughout the
core village, creating congestion and limiting safe pedestrian movement. Emergency services encountered delays
due to crowd-related obstructions, further underscoring the urgent need for improved management of youth
activity during this event.
In preparation for next year’s event, the Vail Police Department has outlined several key strategies. These include
a significant increase in law enforcement presence, with up to 40 officers assigned to the event and additional
public safety communications personnel on duty. Officers working the event will receive advanced training
specifically focused on juvenile crowd management and de-escalation techniques. Temporary lighting will be
added to Solaris Plaza and other key areas to discourage disruptive behavior after dark. The department also
plans to continue to increase outreach to schools attended by the involved juveniles. This will include messaging
campaigns and visits by school resource officers to educate students on local laws, curfew regulations, and the
expectations for behavior during significant public events.
Additional efforts are being proposed to help create a safer and more manageable July 4th in 2026. These include
introducing youth-focused events located outside the central village area to decentralize gatherings and
368
Page 3
coordinating with lacrosse tournament organizers to adjust scheduling so that the tournament does not coincide
with the holiday. Controlled pedestrian corridors on International Bridge and other critical walkways will be
designated to ease congestion and ensure safe movement. Finally, consideration is being given to implementing
an earlier curfew time within the special event zone to support public safety further and help limit nighttime
disruptions.
The Vail Police Department appreciates the Council’s continued partnership and support as we work to ensure
that future July 4th celebrations remain safe and welcoming for everyone in the community.
369
To: Vail Town Council
From: Jason Dietz, Housing Director
Anna Bengtson, Housing Development Specialist
Date: August 5, 2025
Subject: Impact Investing Fall Workshop
1.PURPOSE
Impact investing refers to investments that produce community benefits as well as financial
return. The Impact Finance Center (IFC) is a Colorado-based nonprofit that teaches individuals,
organizations, businesses, and governments the fundamentals of impact investing and builds
networks that connect investors with mission-aligned community ventures. IFC will be offering a
workshop in Vail in early September. By participating in this workshop, the Town will have an
opportunity to learn more about this form of investment and how it could be integrated into the
Town’s financial portfolio for pursuing our strategic goals.
2.BACKGROUND
The Town has recognized that housing is a critical component of the infrastructure necessary to
support a thriving Vail community. Project financing is often one of the most challenging aspects
in creating and maintaining this housing infrastructure. As such, the Town is always looking for
innovative financial tools that can further our goal of providing a continuum of affordable housing
opportunities.
This is where the idea of impact investment and the Impact Finance Center (IFC) enter the
conversation. Impact investing is a way to go a step beyond traditional investment; it is a way to
invest funds while also investing in positive community outcomes. The financial tools used in
impact investing are familiar – low-interest loans, private guarantees, microlending, etc. – but
are leveraged in new, creative ways that maximize profits alongside other goals. The key to
building impact investing into a financial portfolio is to find the nexus between resources and
projects.
IFC is a non-profit organization that works to build impact investor communities, connect these
communities with endeavors that align with their missions, and guide them through the
investment process. Operating under a grant with the U.S. Forest Service to educate and
activate investors in mountain communities and support the stewardship of National Forest
System lands, IFC is offering a workshop in Vail entitled “Catalyzing Local Capital for Local
Good” (see attached flyer). The agenda will cover the basics of impact investing, frameworks for
full spectrum capital, tools to design and fund investments, and more.
370
Town of Vail Page 2
The Town is actively participating in IFC’s fall workshop by providing free space in the Grand
View Room and sending a cohort of staff to the two-day event. The goal is to explore how
impact investing could contribute to achieving Vail’s strategic goals. In particular, impact
investing could be an avenue to support our housing goals by further lowering rental rates and
sale prices on housing units or increasing the scale of a partnership like the Habitat for
Humanity units at Timber Ridge Village. Other Town efforts, such as the transition of our
facilities to geothermal energy, could also be likely candidates for impact investing partnerships.
3.ACTION REQUESTED
A cohort of roughly five staff will be attending the September 4-5, 2025 workshop. Would any
Town Council members like to participate?
371
LOCAL CAPITAL
FOR LOCAL GOOD
September 4-5
Vail, Colorado
An Impact Investing & Financial
Innovation Workshop for Mountain Towns
CATALYZING
Mountain towns are unique. They are places of beauty, culture, and close-knit
community—but they also face serious challenges: rising housing costs, workforce
shortages, small business struggles, and shrinking public funding. The good news?
There’s a growing movement—and proven tools—to help communities like yours
turn local resources into local solutions.
Join Dr. Stephanie Gripne of Impact Finance Center and the Town of Vail for a
one-and-a-half-day workshop designed specifically for residents, leaders, and
wealth holders in mountain communities from across Colorado, and across the
country. Join others who want to use capital as a tool for local resilience.
In this workshop, you’ll dive into interactive sessions, practical case studies, and
collaborative planning to learn how just 1–5% of local private wealth—combined
with philanthropic, corporate, and public funding—can be harnessed to directly
benefit your community. Imagine shifting your money from Wall Street to Main
Street, with similar returns but greater local impact.
Leave knowing how to make your money matter right where you live.
.
372
L O C A L C A P I T A L
FOR LOCAL GOOD
September 4-5
Vail, Colorado
P R O G R A M F E E : $1 2 5 0
L E A R N M O R E : D A W N @ I M P A C T F I N A N C E C E N T E R .O R G
CATALYZING
What you’ll explore:
The fundamentals of impact investing and place-based financial innovation
How to mobilize capital from individuals, families, foundations, and public institutions
Tools to design and fund investments in housing, small business, infrastructure, and sustainability
The Full Spectrum Capital framework to align grants, investments, and guarantees
The “Will You Cosign for Your Community?” model for catalyzing low-cost debt
Building a local capital ecosystem: investor databases, investable pipelines, and intermediaries
How to launch Investor Accelerators and conduct Opportunity Scans
What You’ll Leave With:
A fresh mindset about how money can serve your community
A map of where capital is—and where it’s needed
Practical tools and frameworks to guide your next steps
A clear action plan tailored to your role
New relationships with peer communities, investors, and changemakers
Access to over 200 training modules in the Impact Investing Institute
Who Should Attend:
Local residents, second homeowners, donors, and volunteers ready to act
Community foundations, chambers, and town officials
Nonprofits, small businesses, and real estate developers
Economic development professionals and local investors
.
373
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.3
Item Cover Page
DATE:August 5, 2025
SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager
ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports
AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee
Reports (4:20pm)
SUBJECT:Council Matters and Status Update
SUGGESTED ACTION:
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT
ATTACHMENTS:
250805 Matters.docx
Future Topics.docx
374
COUNCIL MATTERS
Status Report
Report for August 5, 2025
Town Council acknowledged staff’s hard work on a fabulous 4th of July!
Town Council directed staff to move the Sole Power E-Bike station
Social Media Listening
Sprout Social Listening link: https://share.sproutsocial.com/view/1989d154-c965-499f-
89d1-54c965999fc1
An account called the Good Tourism Institute has done a podcast and series of social
posts around Vail's sustainability efforts and features an interview with Beth Markham
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sustainability-year-round-in-
vail/id1817366179?i=1000719462802
The LinkedIn post got the most engagement of the social posts
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7354052788751872000/
Travellers being sustainable…
without them even knowing it. |
Anne de Jong
Travellers being sustainable… without them
even knowing it. 🤷♀️ When public
transport is free and easy to use, most
travellers will take it. 𝗕𝗿𝗿 𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝗵𝗿 𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗿 𝗵𝗮
𝗿𝗵𝗮𝘆 𝗸𝗸𝗸𝘄 𝗵𝗿’𝗿 𝗿𝗵𝗮 𝗿𝗿𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗸𝗮𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝗮𝗵𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗮? 🔮
Does awareness lead to better decisions in
future destinations? 🌱 Or is it enough that
the system makes doing good the default?
Sustainability without effort is powerful, but it
does limit the ripple effect. Do you think it
matters? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
💬 📸 The free (!) year-round bus system in
the Town of Vail available for travellers. Listen
375
our latest podcast episode to learn more
about how they implemented this 🎙️. //
Good Tourism Institute Beth Markham Green
Destinations #goodtourism
#sustainabledestination
#destinationmanagement #publictransport
#reducecarbon #carbonfootprint
#responsibletravel #vailcolorado #rocky
www.linkedin.com
There are also Instagram posts related to the podcast
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMe4tJOt7iU/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMZvM-ltsj1/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMr0PeBN4WN/
In the News______________________________________________________
July 10
Vail Bighorn Preserve
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/conservation-easement-booth-heights-saga-east-vail-bighorn-
sheep-vail-resorts/
Vail Art Studio and Live Art Challenge
https://www.vaildaily.com/entertainment/art-in-public-places-reveals-new-art-studio-and-an-art-
challenge-event/
https://www.realvail.com/vail-art-studio-grand-opening-call-for-entries-for-live-art-
challenge/a22908/
When is Enough Enough - letter
https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/letter-when-is-enough-enough/
July 16
Gore Creek Health Improving
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-gore-creek-health-improving/
Habitat Welcomes Families to Timber Ridge
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/habitat-vail-valley-welcomes-families-to-timber-ridge/
Golf Course Vegetation Plan
376
https://www.realvail.com/vail-to-host-meeting-on-golf-course-gore-creek-vegetation-
plan/a22962/
July 17
I-70 Crash Stolen Vehicle
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/crash-closes-i-70-near-vail-stolen-vehicle/
July 18
Vail Art Studio and Live Art Challenge
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/grand-opening-of-vail-art-studio-set-for-aug-3/
Cornerstone Approval
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-town-council-approves-28-unit-residential-complex-
cascade-base-area/
Free Community Work Days
https://www.realvail.com/vail-fire-emergency-services-hosts-fourth-annual-free-community-
workdays/a22999/
July 20
Free Community Work Days
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/prepare-for-new-fire-free-five-regs-with-vail-wildfire-community-
workday-program/
July 21
Housing Inventory
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-real-estate-market-inventory-price-drops/
July 22
Rodeo Rink
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/town-of-vail-grant-additional-rodeo-rink-dobson-remodel/
Law Enforcement ICE Investigation
https://www.cpr.org/2025/07/22/colorado-attorney-general-western-slope-law-enforcement-ice/
July 23
Golf Course Vegetation Plan
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/ail-golf-club-plan-gore-creek-original-stream-channel/
July 24
Town Council Petitions
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/4-vail-town-council-seats-open-in-november-election/
https://www.realvail.com/four-vail-town-council-seats-open-in-november-election-nominating-
petitions-available-aug-5/a23059/
July 25
Vacation Rentals Decline
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-vacation-rental-units-declined-june/
July 29
Vail Art Studio
https://www.vailmag.com/arts-and-culture/2025/07/vail-home-for-visual-arts
377
Upcoming Dates
August 12 Community Picnic!
September 9 Vail Social!
378
Future Topics, August 2025
TOPIC DEPARTMENT
Joint Meeting with Design Review Board Community Development
Bus Barn Discussion Public Works & Vail Fire Department
Exterior Energy Offset Presentation Environmental Sustainability
US Forest Service Update Town Manager’s Office
379