Grand County names Andrew Jackson new planning director; commission discusses schedule and land‑use update

Andrew Jackson, newly appointed Grand County planning and zoning director and land use administrator, was introduced to the Grand County Planning Commission on Nov. 24.

Jackson told commissioners it was his first official day and reviewed his background in local planning and regional organizations. “It’s my first day officially on the job,” Jackson said, and asked the commission about preferences for staff report timing and packet contents.

Commissioners pressed staff to publish hearing materials earlier in the week so members who lack consistent weekend internet access can prepare. Several members said staff reports and public comments should arrive on a weekday business day (Thursday or Friday) so commissioners have time to review before meetings.

The commission also discussed the county’s planned land‑use code update. County staff and a commissioner who attended recent county commission meetings said the previously budgeted amount for a code rewrite—approximately $80,000—will likely be insufficient for a holistic update that includes robust public engagement. One commissioner proposed increasing the consultant budget to cover travel, printed materials and multiple public meetings; another said $120,000 or higher is closer to typical full updates.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the update explicitly budgets for community outreach and attendance at public meetings. Staff agreed to coordinate with the county and report back on a proposed budget and schedule. They also discussed a “snapping” analysis to align the graphic future land‑use map with parcel lines to reduce ambiguity when staff and commissioners determine compliance with the general plan.

The commission agreed to trial moving public hearings to 5:30 p.m. on meeting nights to allow more residents to attend, and scheduled candidate interviews for upcoming vacancies on Dec. 15. Jackson said he would work with staff on packet timing and the interview schedule and follow up with commissioners about the RFP and budget for the land‑use code update.

The commission recessed and reconvened to begin evening public hearings.