Operations & Space Planning Master Plan

Mesa County will continue to provide major milestone updates through this website for your reference and review as the plan progresses.

Mesa County Government Review

Mesa County, incorporated in 1883, is a statutory County, defined as a service arm of the State of Colorado and derives its elected official structure and its powers from the State through enabling legislation. The three-member Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative, policy-making, and administrative body governing the unincorporated area of the County. The commissioners are elected at-large from one of three geographical districts and serve staggered four-year terms. Commissioners are term-limited to two consecutive terms. Located in Western Colorado, Mesa County is positioned in a river valley surrounded by four contrasting natural landmarks; the Colorado National Monument, the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Book Cliffs and the Grand Mesa National Forest. These natural wonders provide diverse and abundant year-round recreational activities including: winter downhill and cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hunting and fishing, camping, and hiking. A mild climate, combined with the confluence of the Gunnison and, Colorado Rivers, create a fertile agricultural region producing a wide variety of produce and fruit.

The County encompasses 3,309 square miles, with 72% of the County being publicly owned and primarily managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The County seat, the City of Grand Junction, is the largest city in western Colorado and is approximately 250 miles west of Denver. Mesa County boundaries also include the municipalities of Fruita, Palisade, Collbran and De Beque. The Grand Junction area serves as a health care provider, cultural event center, banking and retail trade hub for the large geographical area of western Colorado and eastern Utah. The County has an approximate population of 158,636 and expects to experience an average population growth of 1.9% resulting in an estimated population of 209,523 in 2034. Roughly 50% of the County’s 2016 population is between the ages of 25-64. Detailed information in regards to Mesa County Government and its finances can be found in the Annual Budget Book, the Comprehensive Financial Report and the County monthly performance reports. These reports, as well as other economic indicators, can be viewed here: