A Softer, Sweeter Side of City Politics
Grand Junction’s City Council is swapping formal chambers for libraries and frozen treats as it reimagines what local government outreach should look like in 2025. Under a new campaign called the “Meet You There” initiative, council members aim to meet residents where they are—literally.
“It’s really just to expand our reach,” said Laurel Cole, Mayor Pro Tem. “We want to be approachable and reachable to the people in the community as well.”
The initiative’s launch event, dubbed “Get the Scoop,” will take place Thursday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m. inside the Mesa County Central Library. The promise? Ice cream and conversation with council members and the city manager.
Bringing City Hall to the Neighborhood
The campaign marks a shift in tone and tactics. Instead of residents coming to council chambers, the council wants to bring civic conversations into everyday spaces—libraries, coffee shops, perhaps even parks.
“Reality is that until you engage people, talk to them face to face, I feel that we’re really not getting the crux of what their concerns were,” said Council Member Scott Beilfuss.
Beilfuss, a vocal supporter of the program, says the casual setup strips away some of the formality that can deter people from speaking openly. “We don’t want the public to feel like they need a PowerPoint presentation to talk to us,” he added.
What Makes This Different?
While town halls are nothing new, “Meet You There” trades podiums for popsicles. The format reflects a broader national trend toward low-barrier civic engagement, where public officials show up in informal spaces to talk, listen, and learn.
This approach differs in a few key ways:
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Nontraditional venues — like libraries or rec centers
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Unscripted dialogue — no pre-set agenda, just open Q&A
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Deliberate informality — no suits, no speeches
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Sensory bait — yes, that ice cream matters
The goal is clear: build trust, one scoop at a time.
City Engagement in Numbers
A snapshot of Grand Junction’s new community outreach framework:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Meet You There |
| First Event | Get the Scoop |
| Date & Time | Thursday, July 31 @ 2:00 p.m. |
| Location | Mesa County Central Library |
| City Officials Attending | Council Members, City Manager |
| Admission | Free (and includes ice cream) |
| Long-Term Goal | Increase direct, informal public feedback |
The city hasn’t committed to a fixed calendar beyond this week, but Cole says more dates are being lined up. “We’re planning to visit various districts and listen to issues unique to those areas,” she noted.
What’s Next for the Council’s Outreach Agenda?
If “Get the Scoop” proves successful, it could set a template for more events throughout the year. Officials hinted at rotating meetups in different council districts, possibly tying in with cultural festivals, farmers markets, or even school events.
One resident who heard about the library meetup called it “the first time I’ve actually wanted to go to a city council event.”
Another joked, “If they’re giving out free ice cream and taking real questions, I’ll bring two spoons.”
