In 2025, the Town of Mountain View navigated elections, staffing transitions, major policy updates, and significant infrastructure and public safety work. Throughout the year, Mayor Mitcham, Town Council and staff focused on maintaining and improving essential services, strengthening internal systems, and continuing long-term planning while responding to immediate community needs.
What follows is a broad, factual overview of the work completed during the year.
Public Safety and Community Safety
The Mountain View Police Department continued to prioritize training, with new officers completing academy and field training programs and additional training completed by non-sworn staff. The Town invested in safety equipment, including body-worn cameras, fingerprint readers, and updated traffic enforcement technology.
The Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVIS) and photo radar program were implemented and refined, with staff reporting reductions in high-speed driving and improved traffic safety. Court and fine structures were updated to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary court appearances for routine violations. Officers also participated in community outreach, forums, and safety demonstrations.
Infrastructure, Public Works, and ADA Planning
In 2025, the Town advanced work on a Ten-Year Infrastructure Plan to guide long-term investment in streets, alleys, curbs, gutters, sewer systems, and stormwater management. Public works completed pothole repairs, curb and gutter work, sewer maintenance, alley safety improvements, and routine seasonal services such as street sweeping, composting, and town-wide cleanups.
The Town contracted with QP Services for sewer system maintenance following a competitive bidding process. The Town also launched a formal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, which will guide future improvements to Town facilities, sidewalks, intersections, parks, and online services and support future grant applications.
Work continued on Town-owned properties, including stabilization, assessment, and planning for the Ames Street sites and the Benton Street property. The Town’s residential property at the corner of Ames and W. 43rd Avenue was placed into affordable housing, managed by Jefferson County and rented to an eligible community member.
Financial Stewardship and Transparency
The Town completed and publicly reviewed its 2024 financial audit, confirming compliance with Council direction to draw down reserves while maintaining at least one year of operating expenses. Council held multiple budget workshops and a public hearing before adopting the 2026 budget. At the recommendation of senior staff, Council will bring back an amended 2025 budget to account for the Council-directed property purchase on the 4300 block of Benton Street.
Internal financial controls continued to be strengthened. Council established a Finance Committee, which began work on updating purchasing policies and adding more robust reporting practices. Under Mayor Mitcham’s leadership, the Town also advanced long-term revenue diversification efforts, including property acquisition near commercial zoning, initiating zoning and land-use code updates, placing a lodging tax question before voters, and pursuing grant opportunities. Following voter approval of the lodging tax, the Town began planning for the administration of the new revenue source.
Governance, Elections, and Legal Compliance
The Town completed the administration of a recall election and related legal processes initiated in 2024, including the appointment of a hearing officer and consideration of recall protests. In the November coordinated election, voters considered and approved a lodging tax. Election and campaign finance procedures were updated to reflect changes in state law.
During a year with significant staff turnover, Council appointed and transitioned key roles, including Town Clerk and Treasurer positions, while maintaining continuity of operations. Council also completed its annual updates to rules, procedures, and the employee handbook. Two new Council Members were welcomed and oriented following the November election.
Community Engagement and Town Culture
The Town continued to invest in community life. Council re-established committees, including the Events Committee. Community events such as Taco Tuesday, movie nights, and the Town Picnic brought residents together, while forums, workshops, surveys, and questionnaires provided opportunities for public input on zoning, budgeting, and long-term planning. The Town continued publishing the Gazette and improving public access to information and documents.
