Event Name:
Bailey Community Tourism Meeting
Description
There’s no question—Highway 285 brings traffic, and weekend congestion in Bailey can be frustrating. But the reality is, 285 is one of only two main routes from Denver to the mountains, and that flow isn’t stopping, no matter how we feel about it. We don’t own the mountains, and most of us knew the challenges when we chose to live here. Traffic has been growing for decades—it’s not going away, and we can’t just build a wall to stop it.

But we can make smart choices.

Instead of just watching cars roll through, we have an opportunity to encourage more of them to stop, explore, shop, dine, stay—and support our community. That’s the power of thoughtful, locally-driven tourism.

Thanks to the 2% short-term rental (STR) tax passed in 2023, Park County now has dedicated funds to promote tourism in unincorporated communities like Bailey. Under state statute, 10% of this STR revenue is earmarked specifically for tourism initiatives in unincorporated Park County - that includes Bailey, Shawnee, Grant, Jefferson, Como, Hartsel, Guffey and Lake George. And now, with funds starting to come in, the Park County Tourism Board has been formed to ensure that money is used wisely—and with local input.

This meeting will cover:
- Strategic tourism priorities for promoting unincorporated Park County as a destination
- Plans for allocation and use of 2024–2025 funds
- Launch of a Community Tourism Grant Program
- How local groups, businesses, nonprofits, and residents can apply or participate

Whether you're a business owner, event organizer, or simply a concerned resident, your voice matters. Come be part of the conversation—and help shape how we turn passing traffic into meaningful community support.

Date: Wednesday, August 13
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Platte Canyon Fire Station Meeting Room, 153 Delwood Drive in Bailey

Let’s work together to make tourism work for us.
Event Date:
08-13-25
Event Time:
06:30 PM - 07:30 PM MST
Location:
Platte Canyon Fire Station Community Room
153 Delwood Drive
BAILEY, CO 80421
Contact Person:
Kim Mickelsen
(phone: 4025985440)