CMC Board of Trustees approves fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, sets priorities for year ahead

ASPEN — The Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees met June 24 in Aspen for its regularly scheduled meeting, approving the college’s fiscal year 2026–2027 budget and taking action on several initiatives that will guide the college’s work in the year ahead.

The budget prioritizes continued investment in workforce education programs, including nursing, public safety and skilled trades, as well as student support services and housing initiatives. These investments align with the intent of CMC’s ballot measure 7C, approved by voters in 2025, which restored the college’s authority to reinvest in high-demand programs and community priorities.

“CMC remains in a strong financial position thanks to disciplined planning and the careful stewardship of resources across the institution,” said CMC President Matt Gianneschi. “This budget allows us to continue delivering on our mission while investing in the programs and services that matter most to our students and communities.”

During the meeting, trustees also adopted a resolution in opposition to Colorado Initiative 175, citing uncertainty about how the measure could affect state funding for higher education and Colorado Mountain College.

Initiative 175 would dedicate certain state revenues to transportation purposes, which could reduce flexibility in how the state allocates funding across priorities, including public higher education.

“Our concern is that Initiative 175 could limit the state’s ability to fund higher education in the future,” said Board Chair Kerry Buhler. “When state general funds tighten, higher education has historically been one of the first areas to experience reductions. Given this poor track record for postsecondary funding, the board felt it was important to take a position that protects CMC’s ability to serve our students and communities.”

In addition to approving the budget, trustees adopted the president’s goals and work plan for the coming year.

The plan establishes priorities across the college, aligning work at all campuses and departments while defining how progress will be measured. It includes a continued focus on improving student success, maintaining affordability and strengthening pathways into high-demand careers through workforce-aligned education and shorter-term programs.

The work plan also reinforces efforts to connect students more directly to local employment opportunities by aligning programs with regional labor market needs, particularly in high-demand fields such as health care, public safety and skilled trades. Ongoing investments in facilities support these priorities, including plans to expand skilled trades programming in Rifle, as part of a broader strategy to create more direct pathways to employment for students across the district.

Trustees also approved financial and operational items, including:

• A supplemental budget appropriation for the current fiscal year
• A lease renewal supporting campus operations at Spring Valley