How long have you lived in Nederland?

14 years

Briefly describe your current career and home life?

My profession is as an excavation and earthwork contractor. I work on new residential development projects including utilities, driveways, onsite wastewater systems and retaining walls. I love the work I do! I work with a great group of people in the office and in the field. My wife, Angela runs the office affairs for the business. At home, I have two daughters (5 and 12) and they both attend Nederland schools. We vacation to Mexico and New Mexico where I grew up. We all enjoy mountain biking and skiing together as often as we can.

Briefly describe your educational and professional experience and explain how your skill set can best serve the Town of Nederland.

I hold an undergraduate degree in International Affairs from CU Boulder and a master’s degree in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. My academic journey has equipped me with a broad understanding of global issues and a commitment to environmental stewardship, both of which are integral to my vision for Nederland.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve founded several businesses, with a focus primarily in the construction sector. This experience has not only honed my skills in leadership and organizational structures but also instilled in me the importance of sustainable development practices. My work has always been about more than just building structures; it’s about fostering communities and respecting the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation.

Moreover, my training in mediation and conflict resolution, as well as difficult conversations and community organizing, positions me uniquely to address the challenges that face our town. The ability to navigate complex discussions, understand differing perspectives, and find common ground is critical in local governance, especially in a town as diverse and dynamic as Nederland.

In your words please explain why you wanted to run for this position.

My primary motivation for running for the Nederland Board of Trustees is to serve my community. I see this role not just as a position of leadership, but as an opportunity to foster a shift in the cultural and political landscape of Nederland. My goal is to move towards a more collaborative approach, where politics is about working alongside neighbors to discover and implement effective solutions to our shared challenges. I believe in healthy debate as a means to coming to a more comprehensive solution to any issue.

I aim to guide our ongoing development in a direction that benefits our town holistically. This means not only focusing on external measures of growth, such as economic development and infrastructure but also prioritizing internal, less tangible measures like the quality of life for our residents and the preservation of our unique small-town character. I believe that by integrating these aspects, we can ensure that Nederland grows in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and reflective of the values that make our community special.

In running for this position, I aim to leverage my background in environmental leadership, my experience as an entrepreneur, and my skills in mediation and community organizing to bring about positive change. I envision a future for Nederland where development is not just about economic growth and more housing but also enriching the lives of every member of our community.

Of the major projects/issues currently facing the BOT (Bobcat Ridge annexation, downtown redevelopment, TEENS, Inc. child care proposal, suggestions for code change to come from the comprehensive plan update, suggestions for streets improvements to come from the multimodal transportation plan, the Chipeta Park pump track, tourism initiatives, water and sewer infrastructure, securing water rights, the keeping animals ordinance, the commitment to Proposition 123 and affordable housing development, an interconnected trails system, etc.) which would you make your top priorities?

In considering the major projects and issues currently facing the Nederland Board of Trustees, my top priorities reflect a balance between enhancing our community’s quality of life, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the long-term well-being of our residents. Here are the areas I intend to focus on:

An Interconnected Trails System: This initiative is at the top of my list. By expanding and connecting our trail network, we can enhance recreational opportunities, encourage eco-friendly transportation, and further celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds Nederland. Such a system would not only benefit our current residents but also attract visitors in a manner that respects our town’s environmental values.

Downtown Redevelopment: Revitalizing our downtown area is crucial for the economic health and vibrancy of Nederland. Our downtown is old and in need of redevelopment. I voted to fund the comprehensive plan work the town is engaged in at the moment and hope we can implement the best practices and ideas that come out of that process.

Streets/Transportation Planning: Upgrading our streets and transportation infrastructure is essential for improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity within Nederland and to the surrounding areas. This includes addressing current challenges and planning for future needs, ensuring that our transportation systems are sustainable and capable of supporting a growing population.

Comprehensive Plan-Based Code Changes: Implementing code changes based on the comprehensive plan update is key to guiding responsible growth and development. By better aligning our codes with our community’s vision, we can ensure that development respects our values, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and community character.

Proposition 123 - Affordable Housing Development: Committing to Proposition 123 aligns with my belief in the importance of affordable housing. Developing strategies to meet our affordable housing goals is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring that Nederland remains a welcoming and accessible place for all who wish to call it home.

Pump Track at Chipeta Park: Supporting the pump track project reflects my commitment to enhancing recreational facilities for our youth and the broader community. It’s a step toward promoting active lifestyles and providing safe, engaging spaces for outdoor activities. I personally feel that Chipeta Park is the best location for a pump track but I would support it going anywhere in town that could prove more favorable by Ned citizens.

These priorities are chosen not only for their potential to improve the physical landscape of Nederland but also for their ability to foster community, promote inclusiveness, and enhance the overall quality of life for every resident.

Who, if anyone, would you consider a mentor or figure who inspired you to run for this position? How did they inspire you?

Throughout my time in Nederland, I have been fortunate to encounter several individuals whose commitment to our community and its future has deeply inspired me. Former Mayor Joe Gierlach, along with former Trustee Kevin Mueller and current Trustees Tom Mahowald and Eric Coombs Esmail, have been instrumental in my decision to run for the Nederland Board of Trustees.

Joe Gierlach and Kevin Mueller were serving on the board when I first moved to Nederland. Their dedication to sustainability and careful planning left a lasting impression on me. Kevin Mueller’s efforts with the Planning Commission to embed principles of sustainability into our town’s planning processes resonated with my own values and my work on the Sustainability Advisory Board at the time. I admired Joe Gierlach’s ability to facilitate board meetings with a focus on civility, creating an environment where respectful dialogue and constructive debate were the norms. The board’s code of conduct, developed during Gierlach’s tenure, is something I wholeheartedly support and wish to uphold.

Tom Mahowald’s influence on my candidacy also cannot be overstated. His invitation for me to join the board highlighted his confidence in my ability to contribute positively to our town’s governance. Tom’s open-minded approach to listening, his dedication to finding solutions, and his knack for seeking middle ground in deliberations are qualities I admire and aspire to emulate. His mentorship has been a guiding light, showing me that effective leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about fostering community, understanding, and collaboration.

Eric Coombs Esmails participation in board meetings throughout the time I’ve also served on the BOT has been nothing short of inspiring. I have always appreciated the manner with which he engages in debate coming from a place of sound logic and reason. He has also always worked hard behind the scenes on initiatives he supported and sought to upgrade.

The example set by Joe, Kevin, Eric, and Tom—centered on sustainability, civility, and inclusiveness—has inspired me to pursue a role where I can contribute to the continued growth and well-being of Nederland. Their legacy of leadership is a model I intend to follow, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, respectful discourse, and community-focused decision-making.

Have you ever, or are you currently, serving on any boards for any nonprofit organizations? If not, what organizations, or causes, have you considered joining?

While I am not currently serving on any boards outside of town government, my interest and passion for community involvement extend to various causes, particularly those focused on outdoor recreation and youth engagement. An organization that stands out to me is Peak2Peak Endurance, known for its dedication to promoting outdoor activities and events within our community. Their successful initiatives, especially those aimed at encouraging our youth to engage with outdoor sports like mountain biking, have caught my attention and admiration.

I believe that fostering a love for the outdoors and promoting physical activity among our young people are crucial for their development and well-being. I have worked and continue to work to strengthen our relationship with Eldora Resort, Boulder County, and Boulder City (think Barker Res.) to encourage access to outdoor activities and open space.

Of Nederland’s various boards and subcommittees (Board of Zoning Adjustment, Nederland Downtown Development Authority, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Sustainability Advisory Board, Youth Advisory Board), which would you be most interested in serving as liaison for and why? (Mayoral candidates please answer hypothetically)

My love for the outdoors and the value I place on community recreational spaces naturally draw me to serve as a liaison for the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board. My personal enjoyment and the time I spend with friends and loved ones outdoors reinforce my belief in the significant benefits that outdoor activities offer to individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Given our status as a small mountain town in Colorado, our access to natural beauty is our most valuable asset, a treasure that I am keen to preserve and enhance.

Beyond my commitment to outdoor recreation, I recognize the importance of addressing broader community needs through structured civic engagement. To this end, I propose the creation of new advisory boards focused on human services and public works. A Human Services Advisory Board (credit: Eric Coombs Esmail’s suggestion) would play a crucial role in guiding our police initiatives and other social services, ensuring that they reflect our community’s values and meet our residents’ needs. Additionally, a Public Works Advisory Board would offer a constructive avenue for citizens to advise on streets, infrastructure, and related concerns, fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to town governance.

These proposals stem from my conviction that active and diverse community involvement is essential for crafting policies that are both effective and reflective of our town’s unique character and needs. By advocating for the expansion of our advisory boards to include human services and public works, I aim to enhance our collective capacity to address a wide range of issues, from ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents to maintaining and improving our critical infrastructure. Furthermore, Public Works and the Police occupy the large majority of our budget, so it makes sense to me that we have a deeper level of citizen engagement and input in these areas.

Taking into consideration that the community is outspoken against tourism but the Town budget is seemingly reliant on tourism revenue, as Mayor/Trustee, how would you mitigate tourism-based initiatives as they come up on the agenda?

In my view, pertaining to tourism… we don’t mind having their money so much, but the traffic and congestion! No, Thank You! Drawing from my professional experience and understanding of our town’s dynamics, I believe that developing a comprehensive trail network is a key strategy to facilitate the movement throughout town for locals. This approach not only capitalizes on Nederland’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation appeal but also encourages types of visitation that have a minimal impact on our streets and infrastructure.

Coupled with the ongoing comprehensive plan update, we have a unique opportunity to shape future tourism in a way that aligns with our community’s values and needs. By prioritizing developments that enhance our town’s accessibility and appeal without compromising its character, we can foster a more sustainable relationship with tourism. This includes promoting activities and attractions that distribute visitors more evenly across our area, reducing pressure on central locations and minimizing congestion.

Furthermore, encouraging visitation that emphasizes outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and nature exploration, can not only alleviate traffic concerns but also support our local economy in a manner consistent with our identity as a mountain town. By focusing on these areas, we can mitigate the negative effects of tourism, ensuring that it contributes positively to Nederland’s economy and quality of life without detracting from our residents’ experiences.

In summary, through careful planning, infrastructure improvements, and a focus on sustainable tourism practices, we can address the challenges of tourism while harnessing its benefits to support our town’s economic and social well-being.

Have you reviewed the 2024 Strategic Plan? Of the listed priorities for 2024 which are most important to you as a resident of Nederland? In your opinion as a resident of Nederland is there a priority for the Town that was not listed in the Strategic Plan?

Yes, I have reviewed the Plan, help draft, edited, debated and approved it.

Having reviewed the 2024 Strategic Plan for Nederland, I am particularly aligned with and enthusiastic about several of its key objectives, which I believe are critical for our town’s sustainable growth and the well-being of our residents.

Firstly, the emphasis on promoting orderly, sustainable, and resilient development strongly resonates with me. My professional background in construction and environmental leadership, combined with a personal commitment to sustainable practices, aligns with the town’s goals for thoughtful, engaged, and equitable planning processes. I am particularly supportive of the initiatives aimed at updating our Comprehensive Plan and Multimodal Transportation Plan, as these efforts are crucial for integrating sustainability into our growth strategies while preserving Nederland’s unique character and environmental integrity.

The plan’s focus on protecting the Town’s water rights and ensuring a continuous, resilient water supply is another area of significant importance to me. As someone deeply invested in environmental stewardship, I recognize the value of securing our water resources not only for our current needs but also for future generations. This objective underscores the necessity of diligent planning and investment in our infrastructure to safeguard this essential resource.

Additionally, the objectives related to Parks & Recreation, particularly the improvements in park beautification and functionality, align with my love for outdoor recreation and the benefits it brings to our community’s physical and mental health. Enhancing the accessibility and safety of our recreational spaces is key to encouraging active lifestyles among our residents and making the must of our natural surroundings.

While the Strategic Plan covers a broad range of essential priorities, I believe there is always room to further emphasize community engagement and inclusivity in all aspects of town planning and decision-making. Ensuring that our residents have a voice in the projects that affect them and fostering a sense of ownership and partnership in Nederland’s future development are principles I would advocate for as part of our strategic focus.

In summary, the 2024 Strategic Plan lays out a vision for Nederland that I am fully behind, with a few areas where I believe we can enhance our efforts to ensure a thriving, resilient, and inclusive community for all who call Nederland home.

The Town of Nederland, having committed to Proposition 123, is required to provide 13 affordable housing units in three years. What are your suggestions for how to achieve this goal? Do you believe that the Boulder County requirements for what constitutes affordable housing is acceptable for Nederland?

Proposition 123 presents a feasible path toward addressing our affordable housing needs. By focusing on the permitting process, we can make significant strides toward meeting our goals. Engaging developers and promoting this initiative are crucial steps, supported by Boulder County’s reasonable affordability standards. This approach ensures we work within a framework that benefits our community and aligns with regional policies. It’s important to remember that our goal is to issue 13 affordable housing building permits within the next 3 years to be successful even if we don’t complete the construction in that timeframe.

How familiar are you with the Town of Nederland’s 2024 budget? How would you mitigate a discussion or action item on your agenda that is of concern to the community but is not prioritized in either the budget or the 2024 Strategic Plan?

Our budgeting and strategic planning processes offer the flexibility to address emerging needs. By being willing to revise the budget or strategically manage deficits, we can respond to urgent community concerns. Annual reviews of our strategic plan and budgeting ensure we remain adaptable, prioritizing initiatives that reflect our community’s evolving needs and aspirations.

In relation to the several proposals on the BOT’s table that involve large development projects either in the heart of downtown Nederland or sprawling just beyond our borders, requiring annexation, the term “responsible growth” has been used liberally. How do you describe responsible growth for Nederland?

Responsible growth for Nederland means embracing a holistic view of development, one that balances economic and population expansion with the preservation of our community’s soul. This approach considers both measurable outcomes and the intangible aspects of life in Nederland, ensuring that as we grow, we do so in a way that enhances the well-being of all residents, preserving the qualities that make our town unique.

I’m available to discuss town issues anytime with anyone. You can reach me by email at jseav19@gmail.comor phone at 575-313-4756.