Waterwise Landscape Initiative: Community Education, Feedback & Policy Development

Building a Waterwise Buena Vista: The Town of Buena Vista is advancing sound water management practices through the implementation of its Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan (adopted December 2025). As growth, development, and water demand increase, the Town must balance community needs with long-term water sustainability.

This project creates a community-centered engagement process to support waterwise landscaping practices, inform policy development, and ensure that residents, developers, and stakeholders understand both the why and the how of water conservation.

Priorities for a Sustainable Water Future:

• Educate the public and development community on waterwise landscaping practices
• Build awareness of what “waterwise” means in the Buena Vista context
• Communicate financial benefits (cost savings, reduced maintenance, long-term efficiency)
• Highlight system-wide benefits to the Town’s water infrastructure and long-term supply
• Gather community sentiment and professional insight to inform future policies
• Convene and learn from regional and statewide experts in waterwise land use and landscaping
• Support implementation of state legislation (SB 24-005) and local code updates

How This Work Comes Together:

This project combines public engagement, education, and expert guidance through:

• Education & Resource Development
  • Waterwise landscaping guidance
  • Planting strategies and irrigation best practices
  • Visual examples and cost-benefit comparisons
  • Resource Library (tools, guides, and regional examples)
• Community Engagement (Sentiment & Feedback)
  • Public input on landscaping preferences, barriers, and opportunities
  • Developer and HOA feedback on feasibility and implementation
  • “You Said / We Heard” summaries to inform next steps
• Urban and Land Institute (ULI) Water Wise Technical Assistance Roundtable (September 2026)
  • Expert panel engagement
  • Community participation opportunities
  • Input shaping future code, policy, and education strategies

What You’ll See Along the Way:

• Community Engagement Summary
  • Documented public sentiment, priorities, and concerns
• ULI Panel Participation & Public Meeting
  • Expert recommendations presented to the community and Town leadership
• Policy & Code Recommendations
  • Draft updates to landscaping codes aligned with waterwise practices and state requirements
• Enhanced Public Resource Library
  • Clear, accessible tools for residents, developers, and HOAs
• Presentation to the Board of Trustees
  • Actionable next steps for implementation

Who’s Involved:

This project brings together local leadership, community members, and regional experts to shape practical, lasting waterwise solutions.

Town of Buena Vista (Board of Trustees, Public Works, Planning)

• Residents and Property Owners
• Developers, Builders, and HOAs
• Landscape Professionals and Irrigation Specialists
• Urban Land Institute (ULI)
• State of Colorado (Water Plan & legislative guidance)
• Regional Water Organizations and Partners