The Town of Palisade, Colorado, has officially been named Business View Publishing’s “Best Managed City” among communities with populations under 10,000. With just 2,500 residents, this charming town has captured national attention for its strong leadership, engaged community, and ambitious plans for the future.

The news came as a surprise to Mayor Greg Mikolai, but a welcome one. “It kind of came out of the blue, and I think that’s what makes it even more special,” he said. “We’re recognized not on a small level, but nationwide.”

Community at the Core

Palisade’s identity is deeply rooted in its people. For many, the recognition is not just about governance—it’s about the relationships that make the town feel like home.

• “I love knowing the people at the diner, at the grocery store, and every once in a while, the bar,” said Kyle Lockhart, a resident of seven years.
• “The atmosphere in this little town thrives on art because of its quaint nature,” said Allen Simons, who has lived in Palisade for a decade.
• “I love all the people in this community; they’re great people,” added former resident Tami Roberts.

That sense of familiarity and connection is what sets Palisade apart. From music festivals to bustling local businesses, residents say it’s a place where people support each other, and that’s part of what makes it a standout.

Leadership and City Staff Take Center Stage

While the town’s character plays a key role in its success, Mikolai credits much of the recognition to the efforts of the local government and city employees.

“We’re very proud of the staff and Janet Hawkinson,” he said, referring to the town administrator. “They’re the ones who really won this award. They’re the ones who’ve shown what it takes to run a municipality.”

Palisade operates with an $8 million general budget, which is allocated toward maintaining and improving essential infrastructure, public safety, and municipal services. Officials emphasize that while the budget might seem modest, the town has ambitious goals in progress.

Infrastructure and Future Investments

Despite the national recognition, some residents believe there’s still room for improvement. One issue frequently mentioned is water quality.

“I would love to see better water filtration here. I know that’s a big thing,” said Roberts.

Mikolai acknowledges that concerns like wastewater treatment and filtration are already on the town’s radar. Palisade has plans in place to address these issues, ensuring that future growth doesn’t come at the expense of essential services.

Beyond water treatment, city leaders are also focused on security and infrastructure. “You would think that would be kind of into small projects and minuscule things, but we have a lot of big things going on right now,” Mikolai said.

Culture, Festivals, and Local Pride

Palisade’s reputation isn’t just built on policy—it’s a hub for arts, music, and food.

• The town is famous for its peaches and wineries, attracting visitors from across the state.
• Festivals like Edesia and Bluegrass Bash celebrate the town’s rich culture and culinary scene.
• Live music and local dining spots continue to thrive, further cementing Palisade as a destination worth visiting.

“Everybody loves the peaches. Everybody loves the wine. The music scene’s great, the food is fantastic, and the people are pretty darn friendly too,” said Lockhart.

A Bright Future for Palisade

With national recognition under its belt and a tight-knit community behind it, Palisade’s future looks promising.

“We are succeeding as a town. We are succeeding as a municipality. We’re succeeding for the citizens of Palisade,” Mikolai said.

For locals, the award is more than just a title. It’s a reflection of their hard work, their love for their town, and their commitment to keeping Palisade a great place to live.