John Agosta
FOR City Council District 3
Together
Let's Make a Difference
Elect John Agosta
Steamboat Springs City Council
Change is here.
Let’s lead it.
Not fear it.
David Bowie's “Changes” is a song about embracing life's changes — finding identity through its shifts. That same spirit applies to Steamboat Springs.
Our town is changing, and the question isn’t whether we can stop it — it’s whether we’ll shape it with intention or let it shape us.
Agenda and Priorities
Steamboat as we know it has changed. So we have a choice:
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Recognize that change is here and shape our future around it.
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Or, try to force outcomes against those forces beyond our control.
The challenges we see – from housing and affordability to transportation and mental health – may feel local, but they are not. They are part of national and global trends. These forces are straining our community and stretching our sense of balance and connection that brought so many of us here.
We can’t turn back time, but we can make smart choices now to protect what we love.
How do we do this? We can no longer be reactionary in our planning. We need to develop those plans that will shape our future for the decades ahead.
Let’s plan smart, work together, and shape with intention the future our Community envisions.
A Smarter Path to Fiscal Sustainability
Let’s align our revenue with the realities of today — and tomorrow.
Steamboat’s pure sales tax revenue model was built for a different time — when homes were lived in year-round and this revenue model met 100% of our Community needs.
Today, the rise of short-term rentals and second homes means more vacant properties, and fewer sales tax dollars circulating locally. While the demand for city services has not changed.
We’re now facing a structural challenge: maintaining a fully functioning city for a part-time population.
TABOR restrictions limit our flexibility, and a series of one-off taxes risks frustrating locals without addressing the core problem.
We need a smarter, long-term approach.
That means:
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Avoiding piecemeal taxation without strategy or transparency.
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Building a fiscal road-map that supports essential services without overburdening locals.
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Evaluating options like a vacancy tax, lift ticket tax, or real estate transfer fees based on fairness, enforceability, and long-term benefit.
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Ensuring second homeowners and STRs contribute fairly to year-round services.
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Advocating for state-level reform to unlock local funding tools.
Let’s align our revenue with the realities of today — and tomorrow.
Housing a Community
We are in a housing crisis. This isn’t just about buildings — it’s about developing diverse, vibrant, and welcoming Communities.
Affordability and availability affect everyone — workers, families, seniors — and the cost of inaction is losing the very people who make Steamboat strong.
We need both immediate and long-term strategies.
That includes:
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Using STR tax revenues to expand long-term rentals and workforce housing.
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Advancing infill projects with more efficiency and fewer delays.
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Evolving Brown Ranch through continued community input.
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Advocating for state-level reform to unlock local funding tools.
Regional Transportation
Steamboat can’t solve transportation alone.
With 60% of Steamboat workers commuting into Steamboat, Highway 40 is increasingly congested. Many workers commute 40–60 minutes. That means more traffic, more emissions, and more strain on local infrastructure.
The solution? A regional approach.
I support the creation of the Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority — a year-round transit system connecting Craig, Hayden, Oak Creek, Yampa, and Steamboat.
It’s not a new idea — Crested Butte has done this successfully, and so can we. With smart planning and regional cooperation, we can reduce congestion, support our
workforce, and preserve quality of life for everyone.
Mental Health is a Community Responsibility
In Steamboat, nearly everyone knows someone lost to suicide. For our youth to lose peers, coaches, and even parents — it’s heartbreaking.
We must treat mental health as a shared priority.
Mental health strains are amplified by:
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Lack of affordable housing
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High cost of living.
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Childcare shortages.
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Stress from economic insecurity.
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Fragile elder care systems — like the near-loss of Casey’s Pond.
These aren’t isolated issues. They’re part of the same fabric.
We must treat mental health as a shared priority:
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Support housing and childcare access.
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Invest in intergenerational care.
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Create a culture that takes prevention seriously — not just in crisis, but through proactive policy.
Strong communities care for each other — across all stages of life.
Environmental Stewardship
Steamboat is defined by its natural beauty — but that beauty is under threat. Rising temperatures, worsening droughts, and wildfire risks are no longer future problems — they’re now.
That’s why I support the Routt County Climate Action Plan — a roadmap created by and for our community.
As your representative, I will:
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Support land use that protects wildlife and natural resources.
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Promote energy-efficient buildings to cut utility costs and emissions.
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Advance water-smart landscaping and irrigation in new developments.
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Work with regional partners to expand public transit and reduce car reliance.
Let’s leave a healthy, thriving Steamboat for the next generation.
Meet John Agosta
A Full-Time Resident Committed to Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs Planning Commissioner
Community-Focused Leadership
You may not be familiar with me, as my city involvement has primarily focused on addressing issues in District 3. I have worked thoughtfully to engage the community on key matters such as the Stone Lane Bridge, Whistler Park, and Apres Ski housing. Now, I’m ready to extend this same thoughtful approach to all of Steamboat Springs’ districts.
Steamboat Springs deserves leadership that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of its residents. As a dedicated Planning Commissioner and full-time resident, I bring a strong commitment to serving our community’s best interests—free from conflicts of interest or outside influence.
Advocate for Steamboat Springs:
I am not just a resident—I am an active participant in the daily life of Steamboat Springs. From skiing, biking, floating, and fishing, to supporting my son on the High School Mountain Bike Team and Winter Sports Club, I have a personal stake in keeping Steamboat vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.
Experienced Steamboat Springs Planning Commissioner:
My work on the Planning Commission has given me firsthand insight into growth, zoning, and development. I’ve collaborated with residents and stakeholders to ensure our city’s development reflects the values that make Steamboat unique — and I’ll bring that same approach to City Council.
Record of Success in Complex Projects:
Before retiring from the world of high tech, I managed multi-million-dollar projects with companies like Microsoft, Google, Intel, and Amazon AWS. I know how to navigate complex challenges, negotiate win-win solutions, and turn opportunities into real benefits for our community.
No Conflicts of Interest:
I have no affiliations with developers, construction firms, or investors. I am not in a position to personally profit from my City Council seat, ensuring that my decisions are solely driven by the community’s best interests, not outside influences or personal gain.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability:
I firmly believe that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance. As your City Council member, I will ensure that every decision I make is in the best interest of our residents and made with complete transparency.
Active Community Engagement:
Your input matters. I am committed to listening to your ideas, concerns, and feedback, ensuring that every policy reflects the collective vision of Steamboat Springs. By fostering an open dialogue, I will ensure our community's voice shapes the decisions that impact our future.
Get in Touch with John Agosta for City Council
Email to: agosta.steamboat@gmail.com
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