About

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers and the Colorado National Monument, the City of Grand Junction is a full-service municipal government organization providing a broad range of services for community members.

The organization employs 860 full-time and hundreds of part-time and seasonal employees and is comprised of the following departments: Engineering and Transportation, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Utilities, Visit Grand Junction, Communications and Engagement, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, General Services as well as the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk’s offices. Services provided by the City of Grand Junction are primarily funded by sales and use tax revenues, fees, property taxes, and grants.

Grand Junction was founded in 1882. In 1921, the citizens of Grand Junction voted to employ the Council-Manager form of government, which became popular in the early part of the 20th Century. This system combines the political leadership of elected officials with the managerial expertise of an appointed, professionally trained, local government manager. The members of the City Council, elected by the citizens of Grand Junction, make policy decisions and laws, similar to a board of directors in a private company. The City Council members select a Mayor from among themselves each year in May.

The goal of a Council-Manager form of government is to separate the administrative functions of the city government from the political process. The administrative aspects are managed by professional staff members trained within each departmental area of responsibility.

New experiential amenities along the Colorado Riverfront from Dos Rios to Las Colonias Park are in development and include boutique hotels, restaurants, retail, activities, and a market. A new transportation hub is being developed Downtown, where other nearby infrastructure and revitalization projects are taking place.

Grand Junction is where vibrant music, farm-fresh cuisine, and a lively art scene converge with countless outdoor adventures. Downtown Grand Junction is a designated park, framed by over 115 outdoor sculptures and murals. The unique Colorado geography includes alpine terrain juxtaposed with dramatic high desert. The Grand Junction area is the only place in the world framed by three unique wonders which include: Colorado National Monument, also known as a mini–Grand Canyon; the Grand Mesa, bursting with over 300 lakes; and Rattlesnake Arches, the second-most natural arches in the world. We like to think Mother Nature smiled on Grand Junction just a little bit more!