Meet the Town Manager: Ryan Hyland
We don’t always get a chance to know the folks running the show. But in this town those people hold a special task in keeping Carbondale, Carbondale. So we thought it’s a good time to learn more about Ryan Hyland, Carbondale’s new Town Manager.
Can you share why Carbondale was an appealing location for you to start a new chapter of your life? Or can you let us in on the outside perception of Carbondale?
“Carbondale has a great reputation around the state as a fun, funky, and creative place, and that really appealed to me. After 19 years living at high elevation in Silverthorne, the idea of a little more spring and summer also sounded nice. I love the mix of arts, outdoor life, and community here. It feels like the kind of place where you can build real connections and be part of something special. Carbondale feels like a community where you are really encouraged to just be yourself, and the only real prerequisite for living here: be friendly.”
Carbondale is growing, what projects and initiatives are you most excited about?
“I’m really excited about the Town Center project on the land donated to the town around the Thunder River Theatre. It’s a complex project with a lot of moving pieces, but it has the potential to strengthen the heart of the community. Carbondale’s downtown is such an important part of what makes this place unique, and I’m looking forward to working with the Chamber, Carbondale Arts, and local businesses to figure out how we can keep that energy and character thriving.”
With that, is maintaining our rural charm and creative identity amidst increased development a priority?
“The mix of rural and culture is what makes Carbondale so special. Someone joked recently that at Potato Day we had cowboy coffee - but with oat milk - and I thought that was the perfect description of this place. Development and the built environment are important, but to me, a town’s identity is really about the people. It’s how we show up for one another, how we celebrate together, and how we keep our creative and welcoming spirit alive.”
In a close-knit community, communication is key. What steps are you taking to ensure transparency and build trust with residents, businesses, and town officials?
“As the new guy in town, my first priority is to get to know people- residents, business owners, town staff, and community partners - and really listen. I want folks to know that I’m genuinely interested in their thoughts about Carbondale. Simply being available for conversations is important. We should never be too busy for a conversation.”
Do you have any creative pursuits or hobbies?
“I grew up in a musical family, and playing music with friends and family has always been a big part of my life. I’m lucky to have a brother who’s a professional musician, and we’ve played in a few bands together over the years. Music has always been a way I could be creative while connecting with other people through music.”
“A town’s identity is really about the people. It’s how we show up for one another, how we celebrate together, and how we keep our creative and welcoming spirit alive.”
– Ryan Hyland