Q&A: Aspen City Council candidate Christine Benedetti

With the March municipal election just around the corner, The Aspen Times is gathering responses from Aspen City Council candidates on key issues facing the city.

Responses from candidate Christine Benedetti are below.

Editor’s note: the candidate did not answer all questions requested.

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Introduction

Benedetti: I am running for Aspen City Council because I care deeply about this community and want to be a steward for future generations. My nearly 20 years of experience here — as a journalist, board member, mother, resident of deed-restricted housing, and engaged citizen — provides me with unique insights into solving Aspen’s challenges. I currently serve as the vice chair for Aspen’s Planning and Zoning Commission, the board president for the Early Learning Center of Aspen, and as a board member for the Aspen Historical Society. 

I love this valley and chose to build my life here for many of the same reasons we all did. I’m committed to leaving Aspen better than I found it through progressive policy decisions that support what makes this place special: its community. As an elected official, I will filter every decision through the lens of community benefit.

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Entrance to Aspen

The Aspen Times: The long-debated Entrance to Aspen remains a pressing issue, involving concerns over open space, traffic congestion for workers and school commutes, emergency access, and broader community division.

What do you believe are the biggest concerns among residents regarding this issue, and what solutions would you advocate?

Benedetti: The reality is there’s no perfect solution, as evidenced by three decades of debate. While the bridge clearly needs repair, recent city surveys show 86% of respondents viewed the Entrance proposals primarily as traffic solutions — yet none of the current configurations meaningfully address congestion.

We need an integrated approach that considers upcoming construction at both the airport and lumberyard. The voters will soon make crucial decisions through two referendum questions and the mayoral election. As a council member, I commit to implementing the voters’ will, which could mean reevaluating the Record of Decision and proceeding with the right-of-way vote, restarting the EIS process, or replacing the existing bridge. With regards to wildfires and emergencies, we need more specifics on evacuations and/or shelter-in-place plans — and perhaps practice drills — we can’t wait for an entrance solution to address this issue.

While some may prefer a stronger stance, I believe the rapid evolution of this issue demands careful consideration rather than rigid positions. If elected, I’ll work to execute the community’s chosen direction rather than pursue a personal agenda.

Demolition allotment and housing

AT: Following the passage of HB23-1255 in June 2023, Aspen was required to eliminate its residential growth cap. Meanwhile, demolition allotments remain a point of contention in discussions about housing and redevelopment.

How do you view the impact of demolition allotments on new construction? Do these restrictions create undue hardship for current residents seeking to improve or rebuild their homes?

Benedetti: Affordable housing is the backbone of Aspen’s future. As your council member, I’ll take two concrete actions: First, implement our existing housing strategic plan with clear timelines and accountability measures. Second, work to bring housing considerations into every major policy decision — from transportation to commercial development and sustainability initiatives. 

We must always ask: How does this affect our workforce housing capacity? Does this help or hinder our residents’ ability to live where they work? This integrated approach moves us beyond viewing housing as a separate issue and recognizes it as the foundation of a thriving community.

The demolition permit program has shifted parts of our construction culture from “tear down and rebuild” to “renovate and preserve.” As a Planning and Zoning commissioner, I’ve seen this firsthand with increased requests in the past two years to maintain legal non-conformities instead of tearing them down. However, we must continually assess whether these regulations strike the right balance between preservation and property owners’ needs. That’s why it is critical to have council members with the experience to make land use and planning decisions.

Taxes and community investment

AT: Recent tax increases placed on the ballot have consistently received voter approval, reflecting community priorities in public funding.

Do you believe additional taxes are justified to support worker retention and small business sustainability?

Benedetti: Aspen’s voting record on taxes tells a powerful story about our values: we invest in our community’s future. Over the years, our residents have consistently supported funding for education, affordable housing, open space, childcare, and arts programs. This isn’t just about paying taxes — it’s about building the community we want to live in.

While we maintain one of the nation’s highest per-capita municipal budgets, we face new challenges that require strategic investment. The rising cost of dining and shrinking availability of community spaces are creating gaps in our social fabric. The Armory Building represents an opportunity to address these challenges. I envision it as a vibrant community hub featuring affordable dining options, flexible meeting spaces, and youth activities. By combining these uses under one roof, we can create a space that serves our community’s needs and weaves our community back together.