Wheat Ridge, Mountain View and Edgewater representatives will connect with residents, businesses and partners to
make effective changes in the new year.
After being elected in November 2023, newly sworn-in city officials in Wheat Ridge, Mountain View and Edgewater are initiating plans and projects that will support community goals in 2024 and beyond. The Neighborhood Gazette gathered responses from the incoming representatives about their intentions for 2024 and changes residents can expect to see over the next year.
Wheat Ridge
Jenny Snell, City Council, District 1: I am passionate about building a safe and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome, and representing the voices in my district fairly. I am excited to see the progress that will be made toward safe walking and biking with the passing of 2J, which extended the .5 cent sales tax.
This significant decision heralds a new era of investment in essential community improvements, including sidewalks, bike lanes, stormwater management and road enhancements, and a series of capital improvement projects, with residents’ feedback incorporated during the process. 2J is a reflection of the shared commitment of a community determined to make Wheat Ridge an even better place to live, work and thrive.
The City of Wheat Ridge is looking for dedicated individuals to serve on Sustainable Wheat Ridge, the IDEA Committee and the Community Partners Grant Program Committee. We have several open positions and applications are now open to Wheat Ridge residents until Jan. 14, 2024.
Dan Larson, City Council, District 4: As a representative in the most economically diverse district in the city, it is very important that I listen to the variety of voices in city neighborhoods, commercial corridors and industry. I will focus on issues ranging from traffic, inadequate stormwater infrastructure, to housing and homelessness, and help find solutions.
The new year will ring in work on a new guidebook called the City Plan to replace the city’s guiding document for the past 14 years, called Envision Wheat Ridge. The new City Plan will carry us 20 years down the road and outline goals for sustaining the city’s charm and character while fitting in new neighbors and businesses. City council and staff will also be busy this year with new guidebooks for economic development, sustainability, parks-and-rec master plan and a stormwater master plan.
Citizen involvement in our community can make a tremendous difference. Serving on a board or commission is a great way to help. Residents can enroll in Wheat Ridge 101, a free seven-week interactive course hosted by the city with Localworks that lets residents learn about how our city works while engaging in real-world discussions of everyday issues. Look for more information on the city’s website and get more updates at WhatsUpWheatRidge.com
Mountain View
Brent Metz, Town Council: Mountain View is a vibrant community but has suffered from a lack of long-term strategic planning for many years. Developing and implementing a multi-phase program to continue to update our infrastructure, town administration and land use through comprehensive planning is front and center on my radar. The completion of our multi-year comprehensive plan report will be an invaluable tool in this work.
I encourage all residents to get involved in whatever capacity they are able. When we receive resident input it’s much easier to represent our community. The council is eager to listen so please do not hesitate to reach out.
Leal Algiene, Town Council: I aim to meet all residents, listen to concerns and answer questions, develop respectful dialogue and encourage resident input in town decisions, and collaborate on affordable workforce housing.
The Comprehensive Planning currently underway is very important, so residents should share their thoughts while the council is crafting these long-term goals and policies. We will also continue infrastructure improvements: completion of paved streets and alleys, complimentary shade trees, always maintaining a fiscally responsible perspective.
All residents can join Council meetings via Zoom, though no one is required to be on camera or speak during the comment period. It is an easy way to stay informed and provide input. Any community member may request the meeting agendas and the detailed information packet that the Council receives. Email a request to Interim Town Clerk Amanda McLaughlin via AMclaughlin@tomv.org
Brittany Leocher, Town Council: My main goal is to represent every voice in our community, not just the loudest. I have found that there are a lot of people who are very passionate about topics but too busy to get involved sometimes, so speaking to these people can help bring their thoughts to the table.
I love being the Event Committee Chair and helping to bring our residents together. I cannot wait to have a gathering place for our community, and am very eager to work on our new or remodeled Town Hall. Hiring a Town Administrator with his level of experience will help our town in so many areas. From the Town Hall remodel to bringing new businesses to town and modernizing our codes and charter — I’m grateful to be a part of this monumental change.
Residents can email me directly at bloecher@tomv.org with any topic they want me to bring up in the meetings. We want input and that will help us make the best decisions when we vote.
Edgewater
Steve Conklin, Mayor: Edgewater is a special community, and through well-reasoned decisions we can keep our community moving ahead responsibly. I’m going to continue listening and learning from residents, businesses and community partners.
Early in 2024, we’ll finalize the Comprehensive Plan to guide Edgewater in the coming decade. This important work refreshing our existing plan is ongoing with many meetings and surveys designed to get resident input.
We will finish some mobility projects that have been in the works (like exciting improvements to 25th at Sheridan). The upcoming Sheridan Corridor Project, aims to make it safer to walk, bike and drive along Sheridan. Work on creating more affordable housing opportunities will continue too and will include conversations about possible state legislation on housing issues too.
I started in Edgewater as a volunteer on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and serving on a board or commission is a great way to get involved! Find openings on edgdewaterco.gov and in city emails for the Edgewater Redevelopment Authority, the Sustainability Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and the History, Arts, Recreation and Parks (HARP) board. City events and City Council Business Meetings and Workshops can help you be involved in conversations about your community!
