Weekly Email 2/16/26

The Rural/Urban Divide

The photo above is perhaps a better representation of the urban/wildland interface rather than the rural/urban divide in our politics, but this ram got us thinking. He's not really sure where he belongs; something that may mirror where many of us feel regarding our politics. What's an urban value? What's a rural value? Is there overlap?

Topic of the Week: Understanding the Rural/Urban Divide

In 2025, RTB had the pleasure to work with Katie Kleinhesselink, PhD, on a white paper she prepared, "Understanding Political Well-Being on Colorado's Western Slope: Insights for Restore the Balance", as part of her doctoral dissertation, "Stewards of Place, Stewards of Democracy: The Role of Regional Public Universities in Rural Political Well-Being".

Through extensive interviews and observations, Dr. Kleinhesselink found that the divide is evident in a general distrust of government, which is more prominent at the federal and state levels, and a feeling of "us vs them" with respect to the Front Range and Western Slope.

Participants across political affiliations shared three primary grievances:

Political underrepresentation: Front Range population centers dominate state decision-making - "We don't have a real voice."

Resource inequity: State funding disproportionately flows to urban areas - "Our tax dollars don't come back to us."

Cultural dismissal: Front Range residents view Western Slope communities as backwards or unsophisticated - "You don't get us."

Rep. Matt Soper, District 54, representing Delta County and the rural areas of Mesa County, agrees and feels that the problem is getting worse. "The divide is getting wider because fewer members are truly rural. This is not limited to just the Democrats; Republicans have fewer rural members, too. The empathy for what it means to lose access to healthcare is frustrating." Rep. Soper goes on to say, "As a rural legislator, you cannot be a bomb thrower for a caucus, you have to be a bridge builder and the ultimate diplomat." He is a member of the bi-partisan Rural Caucus.

For further discussion on the roots and consequences of the divide, consider watching:

Rural vs. Urban: The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy - Watch here

Happening This Week

• RTB Social Hour - Wednesday, February 18

  • Wednesday, February 18

  • 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

  • The Feisty Pint, 359 Colorado Ave., Grand Junction

  • No RSVP needed - just show up!

• A Mother Apart | Everyday Democracy Series

  • Wednesday, February 18

  • Doors open: 5:30 PM | Film: 6:00 PM

  • Central Library, Mesa County Libraries

  • Register here

On the Radar: Local Government Meetings

• Board of County Commissioners: Tuesdays @ 9am

• Grand Junction City Council: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 5:30pm

• Palisade City Council: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6pm

• Fruita City Council: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 7pm

• D51 School Board: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 5pm (public comments accepted on 3rd Tuesdays only)

• Mesa County Library Board: Last Thursdays @ 5:30pm

• Public Health Board: Monthly Tuesdays @ 3pm

Check local government websites for agendas, locations, and virtual attendance options.

RTB Member Insights

Here are some recommendations from our members:

• Listen:

  • On Point, The Jackpod: Rural Resentment or "the country strikes back" (Dec 5, 2025) - Listen here

Thank you to all who have submitted photos, podcasts, and video recommendations. We will publish a recommendation in each category every week. Please keep them coming!

Want to Contribute to Our Weekly Newsletter?

Our best recommendations come from you! Have you read a thought-provoking book? Listened to an insightful podcast? Found an article worth sharing? Captured a beautiful photo of Western Colorado? We want to feature your discoveries and perspectives in our Monday Update.

You can share resources, suggest topics you'd like RTB to address, or submit photos from around our community. All submissions can be anonymous or attributed to you; it's your choice.

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Let's learn from each other and build a more informed community together.

Don't forget to vote in 2026: June primaries, November general.