The Wheat Ridge City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 budget during its meeting October 27, reaffirming the city’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community investment.
The $101.4 million budget continues to deliver essential services while advancing strategic priorities in infrastructure, housing, public safety, and parks and recreation.
“Each year, this budget reflects not only our financial health but our community’s values,” said Mayor Bud Starker. “The 2026 budget builds on our progress while investing in projects and programs that strengthen Wheat Ridge for years to come.”
Infrastructure Investment – 2J Next Chapter Bond Fund
Voters’ approval of the extended 0.5 cent sales and use tax (Measure 2J) continues to drive significant improvements across the city. The 2J Next Chapter Bond Fund includes $27.8 million in expenditures for 2026, supporting projects such as:
• $11 million for the 38th Avenue West Improvement Project
• $4 million for the Tabor Street multi-modal project design
• $2.9 million for storm sewer repair and maintenance
• $1.9 million for sidewalk and ADA improvements
• $1 million for floodplain improvements along Clear Creek
• $550,000 each for a roundabout at 26th and Harlan and a new traffic signal at 44th and Tabor
• $500,000 for the 35th Avenue multi-modal project design
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
2026 CIP expenditures total $9,770,000, including the following projects:
• $7 million for the Wadsworth path project from 32nd to 35th Avenue
• $2 million for annual preventative street maintenance
• $350,000 for a neighborhood drainage project
• $120,000 for the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP)
• $100,000 for annual ADA improvements
Parks and Recreation
The Conservation Trust Fund allocates $830,000 toward community recreation and park enhancements, including:
• Playground replacements at Prospect, Louise Turner, and Fruitdale Parks
• Maintenance and upgrades at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
• Ongoing park maintenance projects
Introducing the Wheat Ridge Wallet
To make the city’s financial information more accessible, the City of Wheat Ridge is launching the Wheat Ridge Wallet, a new, easy-to-read guide that breaks down how city funds are collected and spent. Developed with input from a focus group of community volunteers, the Wallet simplifies the city’s complex budget into clear visuals and summaries that highlight priorities, projects, and programs for the year ahead.
Copies of the Wheat Ridge Wallet will be available online, at Wheat Ridge City Hall, and in neighborhood coffee shops throughout the community. The initiative reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency, education, and engagement, giving residents an approachable way to see how their tax dollars are invested locally.
The approved 2026 budget will take effect on January 1, 2026. Visit www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/115/City-Budget for more information.
