To: Local Government Officials, Planning Boards, and Community Leaders

From: Concerned Residents of Pueblo, Colorado

Subject: Responsible Growth and Protecting Pueblo’s Future

We, the undersigned residents of Pueblo, Colorado, respectfully urge our local leaders to address the impacts of rapid out-of-state migration on our community’s stability, safety, and quality of life.

This petition is not against newcomers. Many who move here contribute greatly by working hard, supporting local businesses, and giving back to our city. Our concern is with unregulated growth, speculative out-of-state investors, and policies that raise housing costs, overwhelm infrastructure, and make life harder for both longtime residents and new arrivals. Pueblo must remain livable for everyone—newcomers and locals together.

"We are concerned about remarks that misrepresent or slander Pueblo and overlook its history, resilience, and potential. If someone feels frustrated or critical of the city, we encourage constructive engagement to help improve it rather than dismiss or disparage the community.”

Challenges Pueblo Faces:

1. Housing Displacement: Out-of-state buyers driving up home prices and rents.
2. Strained Infrastructure: Roads, schools, healthcare, and utilities under pressure.
3. Cultural Erosion: Pueblo’s unique traditions and values being overshadowed.
4. Public Safety: Increases in crime and homelessness in high-growth areas.
5. Mental Health Crisis: Services unable to keep up with growing demand.

A Key Question

How can we allow more outside growth when we cannot adequately take care of our already struggling community?

Until Pueblo’s housing, services, and infrastructure are stabilized, unchecked relocation only deepens hardship for both locals and newcomers.

A Path Forward: Development Tax & Sustainable Growth

We propose a targeted tax on new developments, especially those led by outside investors, to ensure growth costs are not unfairly carried by existing residents. Funds should directly support:

• Infrastructure upgrades
• School expansions
• Public safety improvements
• Affordable housing programs
• Mental health services

Action Steps for Local Leaders:

1. Protect housing affordability for long-term residents.
2. Regulate overdevelopment to match infrastructure capacity.
3. Require higher development taxes/fees from outside investors.
4. Expand homelessness and job-training programs.
5. Restore mental health services and crisis response.
6. Preserve Pueblo’s culture and traditions through education and outreach.
7. Strengthen public safety in impacted areas.
8. Maintain transparent governance and community forums.

Our Commitment

Pueblo is more than a location—it’s a heritage, a culture, and a home. We are proud to be the “Home of the Heroes.” Growth is welcome, but it must strengthen Pueblo, not undermine it. Native and transplant residents must come together to protect what makes our city unique and ensure a sustainable, livable future for all.

Respectfully,

Concerned Residents of Pueblo, Colorado