I posted a Facebook question earlier this week asking what problems Grand Junction faces that need to be addressed, here are the results:

1. Infrastructure/Government

I can attest, living in Grand Junction since only this summer, that the road construction is a huge headache here. Not only has Orchard Avenue been under construction since before I moved here, but now they're working on my street and it's a crapshoot whether or not I'll be able to get home via my normal route. Other listeners mentioned things like the local government and the criminal justice system.

2. Things to Do

This is another big one. With over 60,000 residents, Grand Junction seems to be lacking in activities, especially for our youth. Ideas such as a YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and a recreation center were brought up, in addition to an amusement park (R.I.P. Fun Junction) and better restaurants.

3. Drugs

This one is really sad, but our poor city seems to have a bit of a drug problem. And not just any drug problem, but a big issue with highly addictive and dangerous illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin.

4. Homelessness

Throughout my 33 years on this planet, I've lived in four very different parts of Colorado, and second to maybe only Pueblo, Grand Junction has the biggest homeless problem. However, I have noticed that our residents do tend to treat the homeless with respect, which is nice to see.

5. Cost of Living

I've been trying to find a new place to live here in Grand Junction, and have found that the cost of living tends to be disproportionate to wages. One theory I have is that a lot of Grand Junction neighborhoods have so much variety in residences, from really nice and expensive to those of lower-income families, that areas tend to offer rentals from a more middle of the road rent rather than just sticking to affordable houses and apartments.