Letter from the President

The course of history is directed by the choices we make, and our choices grow out of the ideas, the values, and dreams of the people.

Eleanor Roosevelt

September 2025

Dear Friends of the Public Policy of Forum,

How quickly the summer comes to an end, and how quickly the season of the CB Public Policy Forum is behind us.  This is my last letter, as I will be stepping down as president; I have truly enjoyed these years working with the Board and your support.

I say this every year, but the Forum is one of the highlights of my summer.  The 2025 season was one of the best, bringing fascinating speakers to Crested Butte! The eight weeks of the CB Public Policy Forum offer us the opportunity to explore and understand important topical issues from differing perspectives - all in our mountain paradise.  

This summer brought us so many great discussions: deep into space with the results from the James Webb telescope; closer to home with insights into the negotiations concerning the Colorado River; through a national lens on democracy, congress and justice; globally on factory workers in Egypt and China, foreign aid and immigration; on technology with a look at the reality, both positive and negative, of AI in healthcare.

I hope you were able to attend those thought-provoking Tuesday night Forums.  If you have missed any, I encourage you to listen to them by going to ‘Past Speakers.’ https://www.crestedbutteforum.org/past-speakers

On behalf of the Board, I want to thank everyone who made the 2025 PPF such a success- our Executive Director, our interns, our attendees, donors and business supporters.  I believe the PPF contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of the Gunnison Valley, and we couldn’t do it without you!!  The Forum’s ability to bring distinguished speakers on contemporary issues to Crested Butte, free to the community, relies entirely on the generous support of our amazing donors. 

We are currently working on the 2026 season.  Our speakers often agree to come through a personal connection to Crested Butte, so if you have any speakers to recommend to the Forum, please send us an email.

Thank you again for your civic engagement and continued support.  It seems more important than ever to stay actively informed.

See you next summer, on the trails and at the Forum. 

Gabi Prochaska