PRESS RELEASE
City of Aspen Hires Lodging and Commercial Core Program Manager
New Position Serves as Resource to Aspen Businesses
Contacts:
Sara Ott, City Manager, City of Aspen, Sara.Ott@aspen.gov, 1-970-920-5083
Emmy Garrigus, Lodging and Commercial Core Program Manager, City of Aspen, Emmy.Garrigus@aspen.gov, 1-970-975-1066
Aspen, Colo. – August 4, 2022 – The City of Aspen is pleased to announce the hire of Emmy Garrigus as the Lodging and Commercial Core Program Manager. In this new position, Garrigus will administer the City of Aspen’s new short-term rental program, as well as be a liaison for businesses in the commercial core by supporting policies, procedures, and programs that facilitate Aspen’s economic vitality and healthy visitor economy.
“This position was created in response to the feedback we received from our community about short-term rental activity in Aspen, as well as from businesses about navigating commercial policies and regulations,” said Sara Ott, Aspen’s City Manager. “I’m confident that Emmy’s previous experience with the City and the community, alongside her strong work ethic, will support the continued success of Aspen’s commercial sectors.”
Garrigus is well-versed in community development, as well as public outreach. In the spring of 2020, she was selected as a Consumer and Employee Health Protection Specialist with the City of Aspen to support the Aspen business community facing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, Garrigus listened to concerns and provided education around public health order requirements. When the program ended, Garrigus seamlessly transitioned into the building department as a permit coordinator and plans examiner supporting permit intake, review, and response.
“During the height of the pandemic, the businesses, in particular, were lacking a human connection with the City,” said Garrigus. “It’s important in a community like ours to maintain personal relationships, especially when so much now is based on digital interactions. I’m looking forward to getting back out into the community, engaging with people in person, and being helpful. I want to be ‘go-to-person’ for businesses – to connect them with City services, listen, and be a partner in finding solutions to current and future issues.”
In her new role, Garrigus will continue to be part of the Community Development Department and report directly to the Community Development Director. A key component of her work is to partner with other City departments to find ways to best address area business needs.
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