A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to be part of a small delegation from the city of Wheat Ridge that traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National League of Cities (NLC) conference. This annual gathering is a pivotal event for municipal leaders across the country, offering a platform to share best practices and explore
Nearly every two years, the Wheat Ridge City Council, Mayor, and staff gather for a strategic planning retreat. I’ve had the privilege of participating in several, consisting of a Friday evening discussion over dinner followed by an all-day Saturday work session. This year’s was especially cherished; it will be my last on Wheat Ridge City
I’ve spent my entire life involved in Wheat Ridge, and this remarkable city never ceases to amaze me in the best possible ways. As a child, I cherished the moments I got to attend city functions and events with my grandfather, (former Mayor, Hank Stites) where I learned about the rich traditions and wonderful people
While grabbing coffee at Stylus and Crate recently, a woman flagged me over to her table. She introduced herself, sharing that she recognized me from watching Wheat Ridge City Council Meetings and that she is really impressed with how much the city has accomplished. And she doesn’t even live in Wheat Ridge! This exchange got
The Wheat Ridge City Council announced the adoption of the City of Wheat Ridge’s 2025 budget with a unanimous 8-0 vote during their meeting on November 25, 2024. The approved budget outlines a strategic vision for delivering essential services while advancing key community priorities and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The $95.6 million budget reflects the city
Wheat Ridge is working on a City Plan, and we want to hear from you. The City Plan, which is often called a comprehensive plan, will articulate our community’s vision for the next 20 years, establish shared values, and identify priorities for the future. It also provides direction on issues such as what land uses
For a mid-sized city, the Wheat Ridge events calendar can keep the civically curious busy. Here’s a sampling from September: family-friendly bike ride to visit goats hosted by Sustainable Panorama Park; City Plan community open house to inform the blueprint for our future; farm animal emergency preparedness event at 5 Fridges Farm; Explore 44 launch
Growing up in Wheat Ridge, I spent my formative years living near 38th and Allison Court, with my grandparents just a stone’s throw away at 32nd and Zephyr Court. Many fond memories revolve around wandering the grounds of Lutheran Hospital, exploring the adjacent undeveloped land that felt like a hidden park. We would feed the
In an ever changing and evolving city like Wheat Ridge the concept of legacy holds a special significance. As I reflect on my family’s roots in this community, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of history and tradition that shapes our identity. Recently, during a visit to Ridgefest with my family, I witnessed a
Utility services are expected to be reliable. Electricity, natural gas, the internet, even land-line telephone service; we expect it is always there. Flip the switch, the light comes on. When the temperature dips, the furnace warms our home. Open our laptops, and wi-fi connects us to the world. We just take it for granted, and
In the first council meeting of the new year, Wheat Ridge City Council members, staff and residents addressed the community conversation regarding the sheltering of migrants in Wheat Ridge, in addition to wrapping up various operating and housekeeping agenda items. Opening the meeting, Mayor Bud Starker first acknowledged resident and municipal Judge Christopher Randall, proclaiming
Since running for city council, the single most consistent complaint I hear is: what is the city doing to make my street safer? People are afraid of drivers speeding down the same streets where kids are riding bikes. Families are forced to walk in the road due to lack of sidewalks. There aren’t safe places
A few weeks ago, I was honored to have my peers on city council elect me as the new Mayor Pro Tem for 2023. After hearing about this new position, many people congratulated me, and then pulled me aside to ask, What the heck is a Mayor Pro Tem and what do they do? On
On July 11, Wheat Ridge City Council adopted an ordinance legalizing Accessory Dwelling Units, aka ADUs. After six years of community engagement and two lengthy study sessions discussing the best regulations for Wheat Ridge, I’m very familiar with what ADUs are and what they aren’t. However, many of my neighbors might not know the basics
When a developer wants to develop a piece of property they must first assemble their team of consultants, primarily consisting of an architect, civil engineer and landscape architect. Then a preliminary meeting with the city’s planning staff evaluates if what the developer is proposing is allowed by the current zoning or if the zoning would
