Snowmass Town Council to hold ‘think tank’ for Thrive Committee applicants

Snowmass Town Council decided Monday to hold a think tank type of work session in order to bring together applicants for the new Thrive Advisory Committee.

The committee is envisioned as a volunteer advisory group with the aim of helping shape recommendations for the town’s “biggest pressure points.” That includes housing affordability, child-care access and the cost of living, as previously reported by The Aspen Times.

“The Town’s long-term success depends on maintaining a stable population of year-round residents who contribute to the community’s social fabric, workforce, civic leadership and local economy,” a memo submitted to council ahead of the meeting states.

According to the memo, the town received 32 applications from those interested in becoming part of the committee.

“From the get-go, it made me really happy to see all the applications,” Mayor Alyssa Shenk said at the meeting. “I just thought it was really wonderful and I appreciate the enthusiasm people had.”

Greg LeBlanc, assistant town manger, asked council Monday for clarification on how many should serve on the committee, what the selection process should look like and more.

Council Member Tom Fridstein recommended facilitating something like a think tank with all the applicants before attempting to cut the selection down.

“I keep thinking it would be great to get everyone’s input,” Fridstein said. “Start with a big think tank, a workshop, let people throw out ideas, and see where that goes as a start before we try to winnow it down … Let’s not limit anybody yet.”

Council Member Britta Gustafson favored this idea.

“A think tank is where my mind went,” she said.

Council Member Susan Marolt also expressed support to move forward in this way, allowing everyone to be involved at the beginning.

“I am just so excited that there are this many people that are inspired by this idea and want to help,” Marolt said. “I’d love to hear from all of them.”

Shenk did bring up the question of whether or not applicants could join remotely or if the workshops should be in person, since a number of applicants were part-time residents.

“I do think when you’re having roundtable discussions, it is a little bit hard if you’re not in the room,” Shenk said. “I want to make sure it feels like people are engaging.”

Council agreed.

LeBlanc noted he would work with staff to develop a series of questions to spur conversation during lull moments in the work session. Shenk and Gustafson plan to chair the discussion.