The childcare crisis in Lake County isn't just a parenting problem: it's a community problem.

When families can't access affordable, quality childcare, the effects ripple outward: parents leave the workforce, children fall behind, and the next generation of Lake County kids starts out at a disadvantage. This isn't about one group of residents, it's about what kind of future we're building together.

What I'll do:

Nate doesn't claim to have all the expertise here, and that's exactly the point. Good leadership means knowing when to listen. Nate will prioritize deepening relationships with local childcare providers, families, and experts to build solutions that actually work.

Specific commitments:

• Work to identify and secure grant funding for new childcare facilities and provider training

• Convene local experts, parents, and providers to develop a Lake County childcare roadmap

• Ensure that any solutions developed are accessible regardless of background, income, or neighborhood

The bottom line: Affordable, quality childcare isn't a luxury. It's infrastructure. Lake County needs to treat it that way.

Tourism built a lot of what we love about Leadville. It's also creating real strain: and it's time to talk about it honestly.

Nate has spent 12 years working in Lake County's restaurant industry. He knows firsthand how much our visitors matter to this economy. He also knows what locals say when the crowds thin out: that during peak season, many residents feel invisible, overlooked, priced out, and talked over.

The growth of short-term vacation rentals has changed the character of our neighborhoods and shifted revenue away from the local hospitality businesses that depend on consistent tourism. Meanwhile, our community's capacity to absorb that growth hasn't kept pace.

What I'll do:

• Open direct dialogue with the tourism board and travel companies operating in Leadville about what our community can and cannot sustainably handle

• Push for tourism growth strategies that put local businesses, workers, and residents first

• Create space for honest community conversations about where we want Leadville to go, not just where outside interests want to take it

The bottom line: Tourism is part of who we are. But it should serve Lake County, not the other way around.

We've made progress on homeownership. The rental crisis is still very real.

Lake County has taken meaningful steps to expand access to homeownership,and that matters. But for a large portion of our community, renting isn't a stepping stone; it's simply home. And right now, finding a safe, affordable, long-term rental in Leadville is genuinely difficult.

Nate spent time working with the Wraparound program in Lake County, directly helping families and young people find secure housing. He's seen up close what the shortage of affordable rentals does to real families, and he knows that policy built without listening to those families will fail them.

What I'll do:

• Center renters, not just buyers, in Lake County's housing policy conversations

• Listen to what community members actually need from housing, rather than assuming homeownership is everyone's goal

• Work with county partners to expand affordable rental options and reduce barriers for long-term residents

• Ensure that housing policy reflects the diversity of who lives here and why

The bottom line: A home isn't just a financial investment: it's stability, safety, and belonging. Lake County should fight for that for everyone.

Our economy is growing. Not everyone is growing with it.

The days of empty storefronts in downtown Leadville feel like a distant memory. The mine is operating at full capacity. New businesses are opening. By many measures, Lake County's economy is stronger than it has been in years.

But wages haven't kept up with the cost of living. Workers are leaving for higher-paying jobs to the north in winter and south in summer. Seasonal positions without benefits force people to choose between staying in the community they love or affording the basics. Too many of Leadville's workers are forced to tackle these impossible decisions.

The goal isn't just a busy economy. It's a stable one, one where people can afford to stay, build lives, and contribute year-round.

What I'll do:

• Partner with the Economic Development Corporation, local businesses, and community organizations to develop strategies for year-round economic stability

• Advocate for working wages and benefits that reflect our actual cost of living

• Work to keep local dollars circulating within our economy

• Support business development that creates sustainable, year-round employment — not just seasonal peaks

The bottom line: A strong economy means nothing if the people doing the work can't afford to live here.

A few more things Nate is committed to:

Young People & Civic Engagement
Working in Lake County's service industry for over a decade has given Nate a direct line to a group of people who are often invisible in local politics: working young adults. They vote in general elections, then disappear. They have real opinions about this community — and real reasons to feel like government isn't listening. Nate is uniquely positioned to bring more young people into local civic life and channel that energy into real community solutions.

Indoor Recreation
Lake County's winters are long. For residents who aren't avid skiers or outdoor enthusiasts, options for recreation and entertainment during the off-season are extremely limited. Attracting businesses that offer indoor recreation and community gathering space would benefit residents, support local businesses, and help reduce the seasonal hibernation our community goes through every year. Nate is committed to working realistically, with community input, toward feasible, affordable options.

Infrastructure
Our roads need work. Leadville's streets and county infrastructure are showing real wear, and outdated regulations are slowing down responsible development. Addressing this won't be painless, road repairs mean closures and inconvenience. But it's overdue, and our community deserves better. Nate will prioritize practical infrastructure investment that improves daily life for Lake County residents.