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S ustainable tourism

Explore the challenges and solutions of managing traffic, parking, and events in Breckenridge to create a sustainable tourism destination. Learn about the town's goals, initiatives, and strategies to enhance the local economy, preserve the community's character, and promote environmental stewardship.

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S ustainable tourism

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  1. Sustainable tourism Parking, crowds, and events…oh my!

  2. “Problem” • Traffic Highlights – Collecting traffic data on Hwy 9 since 1995 • 2018 – 11 months of record traffic numbers • 2019 – First three months have the highest numbers

  3. More cars, more traffic, more people • Snow sculpture viewing weekend 2019 • Fireworks – Breckenridge, Frisco & Keystone • 2nd year of condensed format • Traffic on Hwy 9

  4. More cars, more traffic, more people means… • Traffic caused issues for first responders trying to get to calls • Long delays for transit • Poor parking experience • Unhappy locals, unhappy visitors

  5. What are we doing about it? • Destination Management Planning • Consultant to take a deep dive into what is happening and what the community would like to see • Result – Many perceive there are too many events, too many people • Creation of a Destination Management Plan • Creation of Goals • “Year Round Economy”

  6. Shared Goals – BTO and TOB • Goal 1. Deliver balanced, year-round economy driven by destination tourism by 2024. • Diversify what is offered – arts, historic, culinary, etc. • Attract and retain entry & mid-level workforce • Fill in need periods • Fiber9600 • Goal 2. Elevate and fiercely protect Breckenridge authentic character and brand – Our hometown feel and friendly atmosphere. • Protect cultural heritage and National Historic Designation • Develop more robust peak day management strategy • Augment transit services (public and private), increase messaging regarding not using cars in town, reconsider parking fee structure for peak season • Develop more family oriented programming and events • Local, diverse workforce housing options to preserve the sense of community and support the local economy • Ensure access to affordable quality childcare for local working families • Enhance and develop avenues for citizens to engage so they are informed, feel heard, become involved and collaborate to find solutions

  7. Shared Goals – BTO and TOB • Goal 3. More boots & bikes, less cars • Improve pedestrian access, lighting, safety and use of crosswalks • Increase public transportation use and busses • Reduce visitor and resident car traffic by 10% • Develop and implement a balanced parking and multi-modal transportation plan that preserves the character of the community • Goal 4. Establish Breckenridge at the leading edge in mountain environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. • Develop cutting edge messaging/programs around responsible tourism and responsible citizenry (extends beyond environmental) • Improve current recycling programs, usage and education • All major events are zero waste by 2024 • Identify and earn appropriate national sustainability certification (LEEDS, etc) • Implement action that furthers the Town’s efforts towards suitability and reduction of our community’s carbon footprint

  8. More boots, more bikes, less cars • BUT HOW??!! • How much lighting? • Upgrading walking corridors • Since 2016 – 56 new lights, 331 upgrades • Improved poles to 12ft at crosswalks • Pedestrian counts – • Sidewalks • Crosswalks • Lighting

  9. More boots, more bikes, less cars • AND… • Increase public transportation and reduce car use • By the numbers… • Doubled the size of transit in 2017 • From 7 winter routes to 10 • From about 17 staff to 35 staff (FT/PT) • 1,177,164 riders in 2018 – 16.6% increase from 2017 • Two downtown trolleys • Adding two electric busses

  10. More boots, more bikes, less cars • AND… (GULP)… PAID PARKING • Implemented on street 2016 • Goal – Price as low as possible to effect change • Occupancy at 85% • Free and frustrated in May 2017 • Increase in price for high utilization areas – winter 2018 • Reconsidering all pricing for 2019

  11. What’s next… • What events should we have, how do we coordinate, how do we plan… • Protect the character and brand of our community; Remember what’s important • Travel Demand Management – Parking, Transit, Walkability, Vehicle Use • Sustainability

  12. shannon haynesassistant town managerE: shannonh@breckgov.comP: 970-547-3133

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