A Legacy of Service: Reflections on My Time as Mayor

Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker

As my time as Mayor comes to a close, I want to extend a warm welcome to the new administration. Wheat Ridge now has a new mayor and many new council members: neighbors, colleagues, and friends you have entrusted to lead our community forward. I believe the future of Wheat Ridge is in good hands, and I hope my service has helped leave our city just a little stronger than when I began. I am profoundly grateful for the trust, support, and kindness you have shown me. It has truly been the honor of my life to serve this community I love.

Wheat Ridge isn’t just where I’ve lived and worked; it is my home. And it has been the honor of a lifetime to help lead this city through seasons of change, challenge, and growth. I’ve always believed that good governance begins with listening, really listening, to the people we serve. That belief has guided every decision I’ve made.

Over the years, we’ve worked hard to make city government more efficient, transparent, and accessible. I’m proud of the improvements we’ve made, like the police department’s E-Ticketing system, which cut traffic stop times by 75% and helped officers focus more on community safety. Small changes like that can make a big difference.

We’ve also taken bold steps to support those in need. I was proud to champion our Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan and implement the Homeless Navigation Program. These efforts, rooted in compassion and dignity, help ensure that Wheat Ridge remains a place where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can find a home.

Open, honest communication has always been a top priority. Whether through the “Mayor’s Matters” newsletter, monthly columns in this Gazette, or simply sitting down for coffee with neighbors, I valued keeping our community informed and engaged. Your voices have shaped every major decision, from infrastructure investments to public safety policies.

I’ve also had the privilege of leading during a time when we saw real, measurable progress. Crime dropped for three consecutive years. We passed a hotel ordinance, raising public safety standards for hotels and making our neighborhoods safer. And we did all this while keeping our budget balanced with unanimous council support each year.

Together, we fostered a culture of integrity and inclusivity. We launched the IDEA Committee to ensure that every resident feels seen, heard, and valued. We elevated our ACTION values: Accountability, Change, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, and Now as the compass guiding our organization forward.

Perhaps one of the initiatives I’m most proud of is the “Let’s Talk” program, which flipped the script on community engagement. Instead of asking residents to come to city hall, we brought city hall to them. That’s the kind of local government I’ve always believed in, proactive, responsive, and rooted in partnership.

I leave this office not with a list of accomplishments, but with a heart full of appreciation for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in this city. Every conversation, every council meeting, every community gathering has reminded me of how deeply people care about Wheat Ridge.

It has truly been the honor of my life to serve as your mayor. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of something much bigger, a city that leads with heart and a community that looks out for one another.

Highlighting the Amazing Members of the City of Wheat Ridge Staff

Name: Logan DeCicco

Explain your job: As the Marketing Specialist for the City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department, I lead the creation and coordination of marketing and communication efforts across digital and print platforms. My role includes managing the department’s website and online registration system, curating and scheduling content for social media, developing email campaigns, and supporting internal and external communications. I work closely with our team to ensure consistent branding and messaging, analyze engagement metrics, and support community outreach through special events and promotions. With a focus on creativity, accessibility, and strategic planning, I help connect our community to programs, facilities, and services that enhance quality of life. 

How long have you worked for the city? 
8 months 

Favorite pastime: Hiking Colorado’s beautiful trails with my husband and our husky. Whether we’re exploring new paths or revisiting favorite spots, there’s nothing better than being surrounded by nature, breathing in the mountain air, and watching our husky lead the way with endless energy.

Favorite sandwich:  My favorite sandwich is a classic Caprese: fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, all layered between crusty bread. It’s simple, refreshing, and absolutely delicious! 

Childhood hero: Mia Hamm! Not only because of her incredible soccer skills but also for her role in inspiring female empowerment and breaking barriers in sports. She’s a true icon who fuels my passion for the game and for gender equality.   

If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?: If I had my own talk show, my very first guest would absolutely be Taylor Swift. She’s a powerhouse of creativity, authenticity, and resilience. Plus, I’d love to dive into her songwriting process and hear stories behind her biggest hits. 

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you want to have with you?: Midnights, Taylor Swift. A Picture of Nectar, Phish. Speaking in Tongues (Deluxe Version), Talking Heads. 

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