City Council Work Session-July 20, 2026

The City Council Work Session of Pueblo, Colorado, held on July 20, 2026, focused extensively on a proposed public infrastructure project related to traffic signal and roadway improvements on Pueblo Boulevard between Mirror and Asero. Developer Derek Martinez and city officials discussed the challenges of funding a $2.5 to $3 million project required for new traffic signals and median installations to support recent commercial developments including Starbucks and Chipotle. The council considered using half-cent sales tax funds to front the project costs, with anticipated reimbursement through the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA) via Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars. The discussion included concerns about the financial burden on the developer, the timing of construction and Certificate of Occupancy issuance, and the need for council approval to move forward with bidding and contracting. Additionally, the meeting covered proposed ballot measures to increase sales tax by 1% divided into four earmarked funds for fire and technology, roads and infrastructure, nonprofit and non-EP departmental funding, and parks. The mayor outlined the budget process and emphasized the need for dedicated revenue sources to maintain and expand city services amid budget shortfalls. Council members debated the appropriateness of using half-cent sales tax funds for economic catalyst projects and discussed the transparency and involvement of council in the budget process. The session concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss economic development projects and land transactions.