Transparency on Behalf of Pueblo
A Deep Dive into the Actions of Councilor Regina Maestri
Affordable Housing Funding and the Pueblo West Water Agreement
During Maestri’s first term on the Pueblo City Council, the council considered an intergovernmental agreement with Pueblo West tied to a water-leasing arrangement with Pueblo Water.
According to reporting from KOAA News 5, homes built inside the city of Pueblo generate municipal sales-tax revenue from construction materials. By contrast, homes built in Pueblo West do not generate the same city tax revenue.
The proposed agreement would have allowed the city to collect a $1,500 fee from Pueblo West for each residential building permit issued while Pueblo West leased water from Pueblo Water. City officials stated that the funds would be directed toward affordable housing initiatives.
The Pueblo City Council approved the agreement by a narrow vote. Maestri voted against the measure.
Subsequent reporting indicated that Maestri and another council member communicated with members of the Pueblo West Metropolitan District board after the vote. Pueblo West ultimately declined to move forward with the agreement. Based on permit numbers issued since that time, the fee structure discussed in the agreement could have generated significant revenue for housing programs if implemented.
Abortion Ordinance Proposal
In 2024, Maestri introduced a proposed ordinance that would have prohibited abortion within Pueblo city limits.
Legal analysis from the Pueblo city attorney indicated that the proposal would likely conflict with state law, specifically the protections established under the Reproductive Health Equity Act. The ordinance generated extensive public debate and opposition from several local and statewide organizations.
The proposal ultimately did not take effect.
Needle Exchange Program Debate
During a 2024 discussion about a proposed needle-exchange program in Pueblo, Maestri argued that many residents supported banning the program.
According to a KOAA-TV report reviewing public records related to the issue, the city received dozens of emails opposing the ban and a smaller number supporting it. The debate over the program continued among city officials, community organizations, and residents.
Ethics Complaint Related to Roofing Contract
In late 2024, an ethics complaint was filed involving Maestri’s participation in a council vote connected to a $25,707 contract awarded to Colorado Front Range Roofing.
The complaint alleged that Maestri should have recused herself due to a personal relationship with the company’s owner. Pueblo’s ethics process reviewed the complaint. An article published in the Colorado Times Recorder stated that the complaint was ultimately dismissed on procedural grounds.
Residency Questions During Campaign Activity
During a later campaign period, questions were raised regarding Maestri’s residency within District 1. Public records, including property and utility documentation cited in online reporting, indicated that she had leased property outside the district while campaigning for an at-large seat.
Colorado municipal election law generally requires candidates to meet residency requirements for the office they seek. The residency questions became a topic of discussion among local activists and political observers.
Court Filing Involving Local Activist
In 2025, Maestri filed for a restraining order against a local political activist, alleging threats of physical harm. Coverage of the filing appeared in reporting by the Pueblo Chieftain. The legal filing drew attention from supporters and critics and added to ongoing public debate surrounding interactions between local officials and political activists.
Ongoing Public Debate
These events have contributed to ongoing discussion among Pueblo residents regarding city policy decisions, council procedures, and local governance.
As with many local political issues, reactions vary among residents, advocacy groups, and elected officials. Public records, council meeting minutes, and local news reporting provide the primary sources for evaluating the events described above.
