Big Changes Arriving for City of Woodland Park and RE-2 School District
Trevor Phipps
Now that the year 2026 has barely started, it is time for the staff at TMJ to whip out their fairy dust and crystal balls to take a look into the coming year.
For some years, it is obvious as to what challenges face local leaders, business operators and residents But based on past trends, every year definitely throws a curveball or two. One fact remains certain: 2026 appears filled with the possibility of more changes, especially on the political and development front.
After a rather dull 2025, this coming year is on the slate to be much more eventful. A Woodland Park city election comes up in April and then the mid-term elections hit in November along with several big county races.
The biggest prediction that most insiders are hedging their bets on include the sweeping changing of the guard of the Woodland Park RE-2 District School Board. What specific changes will be made, though, is a question that is still filled with much speculation.
New School Board Faces Key Challenges
Even before 2026 arrived, the newly elected school board directors already started to grapple with tough issues, such as finding a new superintendent, a new lawyer and deciphering the school district audit. During their campaigns, the new school board members, who were elected by landslide numbers, promised the community more transparency and fairness.
Only time will tell what changes the district will face. Many wonder about the future of the old Gateway Elementary School. People are also anxiously waiting to see what the financial audit says about the district’s Merit Academy charter school.
One issue to watch hinges on money and the need to find various revenue sources, following the actions of the city of Woodland Park to strip away a 1.09 sales tax increase that previously went to the school district in 2025. I personally think that we might see some sort of effort to bring the school sales tax increase back in the next year.
Woodland Park To Elect New Mayor
This year also marks a big Woodland Park municipal election, with the majority of seats up for grabs. In addition, the city will be forced to choose a new mayor since current Mayor Kellie Case is term limited and can’t run again.
And since the city went through some turmoil with council members, four council seats will also be up for grabs. Councilman Steve Smith and Councilman George Jones are the only two who are secure on the dais until 2028.
Also, on the election ballot are a handful of ballot questions, aimed at changing the city charter. The main one will ask voters if the council members and mayor should receive pay for their duties
Woodland Park To Open Its First Municipal Golf Course
One of the biggest developments that happened last year in Woodland Park involved the city’s purchase of the Shining Mountain Golf Course. But since the sale didn’t occur until after the golf course was closed for the season, this spring will be the first season during which the city holds the reins of the popular links operation.
There are still several unanswered questions surrounding what will happen with the course, clubhouse, bar/restaurant and surrounding open space. Some ideas presented involved paying a company to operate the facility, while some prefer having the city hire their own managers to operate the facility.
Teller County Prepares For More Battles Against State Lawmakers
The Teller County Commissioners have already started to talk about possible proposed state legislation they plan to strongly oppose. For the last several years, since the Democratic Party has held a super majority at the state level, the commissioners have spent much time battling laws that they say attacks the rural way of life.
This year new gun legislation takes place that Second Amendment supporters have already filed court action to stop. But in my opinion, I think we will be seeing more gun control bills hit the lawmakers’ desks. The current numbers of the state legislature, with the Dems having big majorities in the state House and Senate, and controlling the governor’s office, dictate this trend.
The commissioners also plan to fight against other bills that they feel make work in the urban regions of the state, but not rural areas like Teller County. The commissioners will likely spend much time at the state capital this year arguing against pro-green laws, pro-immigration and/or anti-law enforcement bills.
Key County and State Elections
Also, 2026 is a big election year, with Teller residents facing a highly competitive race for County Commissioner (District 2), currently held by Bob Campbell, who is term-limited. Three Republican candidates have already entered the fray, including several familiar faces, such as Carl Andersen and Dave Paul. A number of other seats are up for grabs, such as that of the sheriff seat.
And on the state level, a big battle is brewing over the governor’s race, as current incumbent Governor Jared Polis is term-limited. A huge slew of candidates has entered the race, including current Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. There is no shortage of candidates, especially from Republicans, who are making an ambitious pursuit of this seat.
Teller County to Grapple with Short Term Rentals (STR)
After the controversy in Woodland Park surrounding STR properties came to a head early last year, the county started to grapple with the issue in 2025. After saying they wanted to see how things panned out in Woodland Park and other areas, the Teller County Commissioners administered surveys to the public and held a number of town hall meeting discussing STRs in 2025.
After getting recommendations from a third-party consultant on how to move forward, the commissioners now plan on having further work sessions and public hearings to figure out what to do surrounding STRs. It is unlikely that the county will consider a ban similar to what took place in Woodland Park, but since STRs technically aren’t legal within the county, changes have to occur in regulating the properties or officially allowing them in some capacity. Look for this issue to take center stage in 2026.
