The results of our resident survey are in! And the feedback we received was no surprise. Overall, Wheat Ridge residents enjoy a high quality of life, with all the amenities of being located next to a major city without the major cost. Residents said in the survey they like living in Wheat Ridge and would recommend it to friends. I know I certainly do!
One reason for this is the range and cost of housing compared to our neighboring cities. People are hanging out here more and there are more things to do.
Wheat Ridge also ranked higher than the national average for the ease of bus transportation, city event offerings, and our recreation facilities. Anderson Pool is an obvious favorite in the summertime!
Despite these high marks, residents expressed frustration with a lack of sidewalk connectivity, the availability of bike paths and overall road conditions – something the city has been working hard to combat. In fact, since the last resident survey the city, under the direction of council, invested an extra million dollars in street maintenance.
Feedback on these key areas was down across the country, suggesting a larger trend towards higher expectations in city services.
And the City of Wheat Ridge is up to the challenge. To address road maintenance and sidewalk connectivity concerns, city council will be considering a list of capital improvement projects that could be funded by extending the existing 0.5-cent sales tax for another 10 to 20 years.
The existing 0.5-cent sales tax is about to hit its $38.5 million revenue cap. Using this revenue, the city was able to invest in projects like Clear Creek Crossing, Anderson Park, Wadsworth Boulevard and the Wheat Ridge • Ward Road commuter rail station.
The city is currently exploring putting a measure on this November’s ballot asking voters if they would like to continue this 0.5-cent sales tax to pay for the improvements identified in the Resident Survey.
To stay up to date on this decision or to ask a question please visit https://whatsupwheatridge.com/invest-in-wheat-ridge.
Contact Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2800.
