NEDERLAND — After the recent historic municipal election, with only two candidates who vied for three open positions and one Trustee becoming the new Mayor, the Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT) were still two seats short of a full table.

After deciding to avoid a special election for trustees, an application window was opened which resulted in five residents expressing their interests. 

BOT appointments

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the BOT were tasked with reviewing the applications and deciding either to vote to appoint two of the five candidates, or to reopen the application process, or reconsider holding a special election. 

Trustees opted to continue with appointing the positions and moved forward with questions for each of the five applicants, starting with Billy Giblin, who applied to return to the Board after serving as Mayor of Nederland for two terms. 

The questions asked of each candidate focused on their personal and government experience, as well as their connections to Nederland, their thoughts on what makes Nederland unique, and on what the BOT and Town Staff are doing well and what can be done differently. 

Giblin highlighted the importance of good communication, transparency, and engagement with all members of the community, as he expressed his belief that what the Town does well is cultivate a strong community. 

Nellie Mahto, a Native American member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, expressed her ambition to change the culture on the Board and at Town Hall in relation to equality in Town Staff’s respectful treatment of residents, and in regards to accountability, specifically related to fulfilling Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) reports. 

John Stevens, who ran for Trustee in the 2024 election, was throwing his hat into the ring for appointment with a stance on rebuilding trust with the townspeople—through accountability, particularly related to the Eldora acquisition—and on prioritizing updates to Nederland’s infrastructure. 

Topher Donahue noted his past experience as a Trustee in 2014 to 2018 and his experience as a professional journalist as major factors that contribute to his ability to actively listen while navigating the democratic process in an effort to ensure equitable solutions.  

Jesse Seavers also applied to return to the Board, though Trustees were required to quickly deliberate regarding accepting his application as it was submitted a day after deadline.

As Town Attorney Jennifer Madsen assured that there was no legal precedent to disallow Seavers’ application, the Board gave no objections about accepting it. 

Seavers expressed being inspired by the exciting opportunities presented by some of the Town’s upcoming endeavors—specifically the ski area acquisition—as well as being inspired by the work and leadership of Nederland’s Town Works departments.

After an eight minute recess, some short discussion, and taking public comment, the BOT thanked all applicants for their interest in public service then voted to appoint Giblin and Donahue to the Board, citing both Giblin’s and Donahue’s past experience as beneficial for the endeavors ahead.  

Giblin and Donahue were immediately sworn in and the full Board dove into a discussion regarding setting the Town’s priorities for the future in an effort to prepare for their upcoming Strategic Planning sessions.

Affordable housing

But before such work could begin, Trustees first heard a litany of public concerns regarding an affordable housing feasibility study. 

Neighbors of the Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA)-owned Rodeo Court properties in Nederland flocked to the Board meeting, both in person and online, to voice their dissatisfaction with an upcoming County-run, grant-paid feasibility study which would assess the County land for the potential for more development. 

Both the County parcel and the Town of Nederland-owned land adjacent to it are to be assessed in the study, though the Town has officially stated that engagement in this study does not require it to develop any affordable housing on their land. 

The BCHA affordable housing feasibility study was already approved by the BOT two weeks ago on May 5. In relation to Strategic Planning, the study is listed as a priority under the subject heading of “required work.”

“In 2024 there was direction to staff and to Jennifer Madsen to look at Town-owned property to see which may be most feasible for affordable housing,” Cain explained to Trustees. “Where that left off is looking at that parcel of land that’s right next to Rodeo Court.

“The Planning Commission talked about maybe using part of it for housing as appropriate and leaving the rest of it wild; that’s definitely an option. This project would include a great deal of public engagement and of looking at that property, but it is not a commitment.” 

Despite Nederland not being bound to any commitment, and despite the County’s prerogative to utilize its own parcel, the BOT was met with a mass response of disapproval from neighboring residents regarding the potential of affordable housing development. 

Residents stated their belief that the construction of 13 affordable housing units on the Town’s parcel of land would negatively impact what is to them a quality-of-life amenity: a wildlife corridor, a natural space for children to play, and a walking trail that is heavily enjoyed by visitors.

Though the Town is required under the voluntary Proposition 123 state-program to create 13 affordable housing units by the end of the year, several different solutions are being considered by Nederland officials. A proposal for constructing all 13 units under one structure near to Rodeo Court—or anywhere else—has not come forward for discussion.   

As for establishing priorities for Strategic Planning, and the next steps expected in the planning process, a draft survey featuring the many projects in need of prioritization will be published to the Board, the public, Nederland’s advisory boards and Planning Commission, and Town Staff on Wednesday, May 20.

Completed surveys are due on May 27, and the results will be presented during the BOT meeting on June 2; these results are to inform the Board’s discussion during a Work Session on June 9, from which a final list of prioritized goals will be cemented. 

The Nederland Board of Trustees meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. and can be attended either online or in person at the Nederland Community Center. 

For more information go to: https://townofnederland.colorado.gov/board-of-trustees.