Our city is embarking on an exciting next chapter, guided by thoughtful planning efforts to ensure a sustainable, prosperous, and vibrant future. I’m thrilled to share updates on two key initiatives— the 2024 Sustainability Action Plan Update and the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan, compliments to our ongoing City Plan process. Together, these efforts reflect our
The City of Wheat Ridge’s Planning Division is moving forward with a proposal to create a unique zoning district for the Lutheran Legacy Campus, located at the former Lutheran Medical Center site. This custom zoning framework, named the “Mixed Use – Lutheran Legacy Campus (MU-LLC),” will align with the recommendations outlined in the Lutheran Legacy
As the Mayor of Wheat Ridge, I am thrilled to see the new Lutheran Hospital settled in at its new location at Clear Creek Crossing (12911 W 40th Avenue). This move creates a unique opportunity for us to reimagine the 100-acre campus in the heart of Wheat Ridge, allowing us to shape it to better
This past April, we embarked on an exciting journey together to shape the future of our beloved Wheat Ridge through the development of our new City Plan. This comprehensive plan is more than just a document—it’s a shared vision that will guide our community for the next 20 years, reflecting our values, priorities, and hopes
As the Mayor of Wheat Ridge, I am thrilled to see the new Lutheran Hospital settled in at its new location at Clear Creek Crossing (12911 W 40th Ave.). This move creates a unique opportunity for us to reimagine the 100-acre campus in the heart of Wheat Ridge, allowing us to shape it to better
I am thrilled to invite you to join me, along with our city council members and staff, at this year’s Carnation Festival. I always look forward to marching in the parade and being part of this wonderful free community event. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate the vibrant
Wheat Ridge has seen a significant drop in crime rates, returning to levels last observed before the pandemic. The Wheat Ridge Police Department reports a 26% overall decrease in crime since 2021, marking a substantial improvement from the spike experienced during the pandemic. A major factor in this reduction is the department’s success in recruiting
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening for the Clear Creek Makerspace, a workplace fully equipped with tools and software for creatives and entrepreneurs alike to exercise their creativity. After seeing the space, equipment, and response from the community, I believe this new makerspace, powered by Localworks, will serve a vital role
We are launching a community engagement process to help us set the stage for the city’s updated master plan, or City Plan, as we’re calling it. This plan aims to articulate the community’s vision for the next 20 years, establish shared values and identify priorities for the future. It will also provide direction on issues
At the Carnation Festival last summer, a new idea was unveiled, igniting discussions among residents and officials alike. Dubbed the “Next Chapter,” this vision for the future of Wheat Ridge aims to build upon the city’s rich history while embracing new opportunities to engage with our residents and respond to their needs. Wheat Ridge City
Our council’s approval of the police department’s budget for 2024 marks a pivotal moment for law enforcement in our city, with the introduction of two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and investigative capabilities. One of the significant additions is the establishment of the WRPD Drone Program, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to policing in
The City of Wheat Ridge is delighted to announce the completion of a new Nature Playground at Anderson Park, a transformative addition that promises to elevate the recreational experience for children in the community. This cutting-edge playground, developed by GameTime, integrates seamlessly with the natural surroundings, fostering higher levels of physical activity, social interaction and
On Monday, November 13, during our regular business meeting, the Wheat Ridge City Council held public comment both in person and via Zoom as we have done since March of 2020, allowing public participation from home. Unfortunately, for the first time since holding a hybrid accessible public forum, several participants logged in remotely to share
Development, increased home values, even the influx of new coffee shops are a sign of a desirable, vibrant community. But as we grow, we risk losing our small-town charm. As Mayor, I remain committed to leading Wheat Ridge into its next chapter while preserving our beloved neighborhood character. To strike this delicate balance the City
Being a mayor is a bit like scaling a towering mountain, navigating its ever-shifting terrain while keeping a firm grip on the practicalities of governance. You stand as a sentinel on the summit of your city’s dreams, surveying its issues and potential like a climber embracing both the weight of their gear and the awe-inspiring
I am excited to announce additional funding has been made available to construct permanent improvements at the south end of the Wadsworth corridor, focused on the 38th Avenue intersection. The additional work is part of the Wadsworth Improvement project, which first broke ground in late 2021. The project is modernizing and improving Wadsworth from 35th
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
The City of Wheat Ridge is expanding its technological reach with new ways to access content and explore offerings. Most recently the city launched a new app through Localworks, made Channel 8 available in high-definition, and is in the process of making Channel 8 available on Roku and Amazon Fire. The Explore Wheat Ridge
The City of Wheat Ridge is pleased to announce that the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt has been chosen as a 2023 Leave No Trace Spotlight! Leave No Trace launched their Spotlight program this year, to strengthen stewardship efforts and partnerships by empowering stakeholders, land managers, volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. Wheat Ridge is
The Wheat Ridge Race and Equity Task Force recently presented to the city council recommendations on how the city can become a more equitable community. In February 2021, the Race and Equity Task Force was appointed by the city council to carry out a thorough review of city policies, services, and ordinances to identify opportunities
The City of Wheat Ridge is excited to join the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation for the first time, and I encourage all Wheat Ridge residents to join me in this pledge. Water conservation is a key component of creating a sustainable, healthy future for our residents, and conservation is a goal we can
Let’s talk about motor vehicle theft: both the ugly truth, and the biggest win we’ve seen in a long time. The Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (C-MATT) just released its 2022 annual report, and there’s an encouraging statistic in there that we’re quite proud of: the Wheat Ridge Police Department is among just a
The Wheat Ridge City Council is kicking off 2023 focused on affordable housing within the city. Last month, council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan. This is the first time the City of Wheat Ridge will specifically study housing affordability in the community and craft a policy approach toward identified challenges. Key components
The Wheat Ridge City Council unanimously approved our budget for 2023 and I’m proud to say the economic state of our city is strong, despite some unforeseen challenges since 2020. Revenues have performed significantly better than estimated and commercial and residential development activity continues to thrive. Federal financial assistance of over $10 million in CARES
