Looking back at 2025, I see a year defined by progress, resilience, and long-term investment in the future of Wheat Ridge. From continued reductions in crime to strong community development, the adoption of key planning documents, and the completion of the largest infrastructure project in our city’s history, we made meaningful strides in public safety, economic vitality, and quality of life.
Public safety remained one of our highest priorities. According to the city’s final 2025 crime report, overall crime declined for the fourth straight year. Crimes against persons remained flat, with 422 calls reported in both 2024 and 2025, while property crime dropped by 9.5%. Several major categories saw significant reductions, including a 44% decrease in robberies, a 30% drop in burglaries, and a 39% decrease in motor vehicle thefts. Fraud declined by 13%. These results reflect the ongoing commitment of our police department, city staff, community partners, and residents who work together to keep Wheat Ridge safe.
A major milestone this year was the completion of the Wadsworth Improvement Project, the largest infrastructure investment in our city’s history. This $85 million project transformed one of our most important corridors, improving safety, mobility, and access for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. We added three miles of new sidewalks and trails, recycled more than 30,000 tons of asphalt for reuse, and planted approximately 30,000 trees, shrubs, and plants along the corridor. The addition of two continuous flow intersections improved traffic efficiency and reduced conflict points. Even during construction, Wadsworth Boulevard continued to attract investment, with 10 new businesses opening before the project was fully complete.
Economic growth extended across the city. In 2025, we issued 244 new business licenses and processed approximately 1,800 building permits. Our team completed 6,663 building inspections, generating $3.7 million in permit revenue. Permit valuation reached an estimated $145 million, representing strong private investment in residential and commercial development. Renewal Wheat Ridge supported local entrepreneurs by distributing $100,000 in business grants, helping businesses reinvest, expand, and grow.
This was also an important year for leadership and long-term planning. Wheat Ridge City Council adopted a new mission and vision statement, along with four major plans that will guide Wheat Ridge into the future: the City Plan, the Stormwater Master Plan, the Parks and Recreation Pathway, and the Prosperity Plan. In November, voters elected four new council members and entrusted me with the honor of serving as mayor. I am grateful for that trust, and committed to continuing this forward momentum.
Our investment in community well-being was visible citywide. We opened The Green at 38th, our first new park in a decade. Parks and Recreation hosted more than 30 special and volunteer events, and served tens of thousands of participants through fitness and swim programs. Though homeless navigation efforts, we distributed 400 donation bags and helped 37 individuals transition into housing.
As I reflect on 2025, I see a city moving forward with purpose. Wheat Ridge continues to build a safer, stronger, and more connected community, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. As we continue making our mark in 2026, remember – if you can find it, find it and buy it in Wheat Ridge.
City Staff Highlight
Highlighting the Amazing Members of the City of Wheat Ridge Staff
Name: Kelly McLaughlin
Explain your job: I am the Risk Management Coordinator for the City. My basic daily duties include managing the City’s insurance and workers compensation programs, management of all city insurance claims, and working with the cities amazing Safety Committee to ensure that all city staff is trained on how to perform their jobs safely.
How long have you worked for the city? 3 years – 4 in July
Favorite pastime: Doing anything with my husband! We love to walk, hike, snowshoe and travel. We also love watching Broncos Football and going to concerts.
Favorite sandwich: BLT
Favorite superhero: My Mom and my Aunt Kathleen. They made me who I am today.
If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?: Mark Schlerth – I love talking Broncos Football and he is just super funny and entertaining.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you want to have with you?: Jimmy Buffet – Songs you know by Heart, Kenny Chesney – Greatest Hits, Old Dominion – Greatest Hits. Can I take Andy Grammers, Greatest Hits too please?
