County bids farewell to Commissioner Rowland
Mesa County bids farewell to Commissioner Janet Rowland as she concludes her service on Jan. 14, 2025, when the new commissioner for District 3 gets sworn into office.
Rowland served three terms, dedicating 12 years as a commissioner to shaping and enhancing the lives of Mesa County residents. Rowland leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment to the community.
"It has been an honor to serve the good people of Mesa County," Janet Rowland said. "I'm proud of the work our team has done these last four years, especially in the area of mental health and public safety. Our team at Mesa County will always hold a special place in my heart."
Rowland's impact encompasses diverse and significant initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to addressing community needs, fostering partnerships, and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. During her most recent term, her leadership in behavioral health, public safety, and advocacy for families and children has been particularly transformative.
Among her many accomplishments, Rowland:
- Championed child welfare: Founded How Are the Children?, a child abuse prevention initiative, and was a founding member and first board chair of Prevent Child Abuse Colorado.
- Enhanced behavioral health services: Completed a comprehensive community assessment of Mesa County's behavioral health system, creating the Multi Agency Collaboration (MAC) Teams and Co-Response initiatives. She also formed the Behavioral Health Task Force, addressing critical service gaps.
- Advocated for public safety and housing: Played a critical role in establishing the Summit View Treatment Center and later expanding it along with Community Corrections facilities, supported the Clifton Sheriff's Substation, and worked on housing affordability by eliminating planning fees in 2009 and maintaining the lowest transportation impact fees in the Valley.
- Led infrastructure and community projects: Oversaw the completion of the 29 Road Bridge as part of the Corridor Project, the completion of Long's Park, and the creation of Clifton and De Beque Community Centers.
- Supported collaboration for families and vulnerable populations: Fostered relationships between nonprofits and faith-based organizations to benefit children and underserved residents and addressed homelessness with compassion by connecting individuals to resources.
Her recent term has also been marked by her work establishing a Behavioral Health department, underscoring her dedication to ensuring Mesa County remains a community where all residents can thrive.
Rowland plans to stay active in issues that impact the Western Slope.
Watch community leaders bid Rowland a farewell.
