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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda Packet 09-28-20 - Special SPECIAL STUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO September 28, 2020 To commence at the conclusion of the Regular City Council Meeting This meeting will be conducted as a VIRTUAL MEETING. No members of the Council or City staff will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting; the public may not attend in person. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on September 28, 2020 ) 2. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone: • Click here to join and provide public comment • Or call +1-669-900-6833 with Access Code: 971 8583 3761 3. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view 4. Individuals who, due to technology limitations, are unable to participate in the meeting virtually (via the Zoom platform) or by calling in on the telephone may contact Danitza Sosa, Assistant to the Mayor and City Council, at 303-235-2977 by noon on the day of the meeting. Arrangements will be made for those individuals to access City Hall during the meeting to view the meeting and provide public comment if desired. These comments will be heard and seen in real time by members of Council and City staff. Individuals accessing City Hall must practice social distancing, wear a mask or other facial covering and be free of COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are interested in participating in a meeting and need inclusion assistance. Citizen Comment on Agenda Item 1. Localworks Strategic Plan Update 2. Staff Report(s) 3. Elected Officials’ Report(s) ADJOURNMENT To: Mayor and City Council Members From: Kate Cooke, Executive Director, Localworks Date: September 28, 2020 RE: Localworks 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Thank you for your consideration of Localworks’ budget request at the August 17, 2020 City Council Study Session. As noted during the August 17th presentation, the Localworks Board of Directors was in the process of completing our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. The 2021-2023 Strategic Plan is now complete and formally adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy is attached for your review. The following is a brief summary of key aspects of the plan. 2021-2023 Strategic Plan The Localworks 2021-2023 Strategic Plan is based on three guiding principles which focus the organization’s efforts around strategies to enhance fiscal stability, leverage financial assets so as to create value in the community and create sources of income for Localworks, and deliver community supporting programs in a cost-effective manner that seeks to establish partnerships within the community. The following is an overview of the Guiding Principles and Goals. Principle One: Localworks is fiscally stable and healthy so as to deliver programs and weather all challenges. Goal 1. We are fiscally nimble and are actively seeking to leverage our financial resources to create value for Localworks and the Wheat Ridge community. Goal 2. We create partnerships that result in financial benefits for programs and the community. Principle Two: Localworks is a resource for the community and the City by providing opportunities for engagement, volunteerism, connection and education. Goal 1. We educate and empower our residents. Goal 2. We invest in the community. Goal 3. We connect and engage our residents. Item No. 1 Principle Three: Localworks is a resource for local businesses and the City through programs that provide opportunities for growth, promotion, positioning, and community connection. Goal 1. We promote and support local businesses. Goal 2. We invest in local businesses. Goal 3. We celebrate and promote the unique identity of Wheat Ridge. Conclusion and Path Forward To achieve the goals set forth in the 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, Localworks will use funds from the investment account to create a community asset that creates value for Localworks and the Wheat Ridge community. We are just starting the work on this project and look forward to an exciting process as we undertake the next steps. We are looking at models across the state and the country that will allow for the development of a space where local businesses can grow. Localworks will also continue to use funds from the investment account to provide loans to local businesses to build up business in Wheat Ridge and provide loans to homeowners to enhance the existing housing stock. We are excited to partner with the City of Wheat Ridge, our local businesses and the community to achieve this vision. Localworks has many passionate supporters in the community. Attached is a summary of the community support statements that were provided via the Wheat Ridge Speaks platform at the August 17th study session. These statements are indicative of the broad range of support that Localworks has established in the community through the effective delivery of programs that enhance, engage, and invest in Wheat Ridge. As we move toward 2023, Localworks pledges to work in partnership with the community to leverage resources to create value in the community, utilize our financial assets to create fiscal stability, facilitate connections and collaboration, serve as a conduit of information and resources for all who live or work here, and unite and energize the community through effective engagement in order to advance Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community. Attachments: 1. Localworks 2021-2023 Strategic Plan 2. Proposed 2021 Localworks Budget Request 3. Community Comments Supporting Localworks – Provided via Wheat Ridge Speaks 4. Midas et al memo Localworks 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Page 1 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Localworks, the City of Wheat Ridge, and the Wheat Ridge community share a long-standing partnership in the revitalization, beautification, and engagement of the Wheat Ridge community. Through this partnership, Localworks has implemented business loan programs, home loan programs, community engagement events, educational events, and community clean up and beautification projects. In the last three years, this investment has resulted in 3 business improvement loans, 12 clean up days, 25 dumpster grants, 62 community events, 8 regionally significant events to promote Wheat Ridge as an economically vital destination, and 12 events to train and empower residents and future leaders. Localworks brings together over 200 active community volunteers and over 2,400 members to leverage resources to create a vibrant and sustainable community that positions and promotes all the things that make Wheat Ridge a great place to live, work, and play. The 2021-2023 Strategic Plan builds on the successes of Localworks, identifies strategies to enhance the fiscal stability of the organization, and identifies strategies to effectively deliver valuable community programs. Strategic Plan Overview and Path Forward The 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan is based on three guiding principles: ●Localworks is fiscally stable and healthy so as to deliver programs and weather all challenges. ●Localworks is a resource for the community and the City by providing opportunities for engagement, volunteerism, connection and education. ●Localworks is a resource for local businesses and the City through programs that provide opportunities for growth, promotion, positioning, and community connection. The strategic planning session centered on the discussion and exploration of strategies to enhance the fiscal stability of Localworks and leverage financial assets so as to create value in the community and create sources of income for Localworks. Additionally, the Board discussed ways to deliver programs in a cost-effective manner that seeks to establish partnerships within the community. The 2021-2023 Strategic Plan provides goals and action steps related to these guiding principles. ATTACHMENT 1 Localworks 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Page 2 Principle One: Localworks is fiscally stable and healthy so as to deliver programs and weather all challenges. Goal 1. We are fiscally nimble and are actively seeking to leverage our financial resources to create value for Localworks and the Wheat Ridge community. Through strategic investments and prudent financial management, Localworks has developed financial resources that are now poised to serve as means to create value in the community and enhance financial stability for Localworks. Action Steps: ● Research strategies to leverage existing financial assets to increase opportunities to share in the enhancement of the City’s economic vitality and increase fiscal independence of Localworks through the support and promotion of businesses and the potential creation of jobs in Wheat Ridge. Program concepts include makerspace, business incubator space, commercial kitchens, improvement districts, etc. ● Develop and implement a work plan for these strategies within six months. ● Seek partnerships for development and implementation of these types of opportunities. Goal 2. We create partnerships that result in financial benefits for programs and the community. Localworks has a history of successfully obtaining grants and sponsorships to support the organization’s programming related to community building and engagement. These efforts will continue and expand in the coming years. Action Steps: ● Formalize event sponsorship opportunities to both create revenue streams and promote local businesses. ● Identify and apply for grants on a quarterly basis. ● Identify community partnerships that allow for the implementation of operational cost savings. Review organizational costs on a quarterly basis. ● Review and amend Localworks investment policies as needed to best leverage financial assets and ensure fiscal stability, health, and independence. Localworks 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Page 3 Principle Two: Localworks is a resource for the community and the City by providing opportunities for engagement, volunteerism, connection and education. Goal 1. We educate and empower our residents. Community education and empowerment of residents is an area where Localworks has excelled. We have provided training and opportunities for community engagement that have resulted in participants becoming elected officials and members of boards and commissions. We have used a combination of formal and informal meeting formats to educate and inform residents on complex community issues. We have provided forums where civil community conversations take place. This work is a recognized resource in the community and will be central to the work of Localworks moving forward. Action Steps: ● Offer Community Open Houses with topics to educate and empower residents. ● Continue to partner with the City of Wheat Ridge to offer the Wheat Ridge 101 civics academy. ● Expand outreach efforts to provide additional grass-roots educational opportunities for the community e.g., community coffees, pints and policies, etc. ● Identify and implement additional programs and strategies that empower residents and businesses to positively impact their community. Goal 2. We invest in the community. Localworks has a long history of investing in the community through a combination of loans for homeowners to improve the housing stock and programs to clean up and beautify the community. These programs will continue as Localworks continues to invest in the community. Action Steps: ● Offer the Home Improvement Loan Program. ● Partner with the Wheat Ridge Police Department on Community Clean Up Days. ● Offer neighborhood dumpster grants. ● Identify and implement additional programs and strategies that align with adopted City plans and programs. Goal 3. We connect and engage our residents. Localworks is uniquely positioned to connect and engage residents. Our history of providing forums for connection that are fair, open, and civil has created a high level of community trust in our programs. These opportunities and programs will continue to expand and grow. Action Steps: ● Continue and expand the Block Captain and Block Party Programs. ● Create a volunteer database that focuses on connecting our community volunteers with volunteer opportunities in the community. ● Partner and produce events that bring the community together. ● Identify new programs that connect the community e.g., art walks, walking tours, etc. Localworks 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Page 4 Principle Three: Localworks is a resource for local businesses and the City through programs that provide opportunities for growth, promotion, positioning, and community connection. Goal 1. We promote and support local businesses. Localworks offers unique programming that is designed to specifically promote and connect local businesses with the community and the broader metro area. We use our community engagement assets to convey the story of the local businesses and enhance their reach and connection in the community. This programming will continue and expand in the coming years. Action Steps: ● Expand the Live Local program which highlights local businesses and connects businesses with residents. ● Leverage our social media reach to support and promote local businesses. ● Identify and connect with new and emerging businesses and business areas. ● Undertake placemaking activities to enhance the sense of place in key commercial corridors. ● Continue to coordinate with Wheat Ridge Business Association, Wheat Ridge Chamber, and Wheat Ridge Business District to promote and support businesses. ● Develop and implement programming that spotlights local businesses. ● Develop and implement programming that provides information and resources to businesses looking to locate and grow their business in Wheat Ridge. Goal 2. We invest in local businesses. Localworks has offered the Building Up Business Loan Program for over twelve years. During this time, this loan program has facilitated the growth of 13 businesses and represents an investment by Localworks of over $573,000. These businesses represent the character, nature and face of the community. Investments of this nature are central to the mission of Localworks. Action Steps: ● Offer the Building Up Business Loan Program. ● Identify and implement additional programs and strategies that align with adopted City plans and programs. Goal 3. We celebrate and promote the unique identity of Wheat Ridge. Localworks offers programming and events that position and promote Wheat Ridge as a destination for working, shopping and recreating. These events range from large-scale community events to events that highlight the unique character of the community. These events will continue to be refined so as to bring the best possible value to the community. Action Steps: ● Partner to produce events that draw people to the City of Wheat Ridge as a way to promote Wheat Ridge throughout the Denver Metro region. ● Partner to produce events that spotlight the unique identity of Wheat Ridge. ● Identify and implement additional programs and strategies related to the promotion of art in Wheat Ridge. ● Identify and implement strategies to enhance placemaking efforts in Wheat Ridge. Localworks 2021 – 2023 Strategic Plan Page 5 Conclusion and Next Steps As we move through 2021 and toward 2023, Localworks pledges to leverage resources to create value in the community, utilize financial assets to create fiscal stability, facilitate connections and collaboration, serve as a conduit of information and resources for all who live or work here, and unite and energize the community through effective engagement in order to advance Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community. Account Detailed Explanation 2019 Adopted 2019 Actual 2020 Adopted 2020 Estimate 2021 Proposal Wheat Ridge Special Events 710 Special Events 160,000 157,500 180,000 146,393 135000 Subtotal $160,000 $157,500 $180,000 $146,393 $135,000 Core Localworks Programs 721 Live Local 40,000 40,001 41,500 41,500 50,000 721 Communications, Education, Outreach 40,000 44,280 40,000 40,000 52,000 721 Positioning and Promotion of Wheat Ridge 22,500 22,499 22,500 22,500 25,000 721 Business (BUBL) and Home Improvement (HIP) Loans 53,000 53,005 50,000 0 50,000 721 Block Improvement Program - TLC WR 30,000 34,859 33,025 33,025 37,000 721 Rental City Facilities 5,000 4,741 n/a n/a n/a Subtotal $190,500 $199,385 $187,025 $137,025 $214,000 Strategic Plan Program Investments and City Priority Support 721 HEAL/Active Living 30,000 30,355 25,000 25,000 18000 721 Volunteer Engagment and Communications 27,000 25,550 40,000 40,000 42000 704 Planning for 2019 50th Anniversary events/Gala 10,000 4,718 n/a n/a n/a Subtotal $67,000 $60,623 $65,000 $65,000 $60,000 Commercial Corridors 721 Banners and Lights 25,000 24,969 20,000 1,968 10000 721 Business Outreach/Connection/Promotion 8,000 7,989 10,000 10,787 30000 721 Marketing/Social Media/Digital/Print 30,000 30,042 33,000 11,049 37000 721 Digital Media Support 10,000 10,000 20,000 8,549 0 Subtotal $73,000 $73,000 $83,000 $32,353 $77,000 OVERALL TOTALS:$490,500 $490,508 $515,025 $380,771 $486,000 704 Contractual Services $10,000 $4,718 n/a n/a n/a 710 Marketing and Sponsorships $160,000 $157,500 $180,000 $146,393 $135,000 721 Programmatic Implementation $320,500 $328,289 $335,025 $234,378 $351,000 Total $490,500 $490,507 $515,025 $380,771 $486,000 Summary of funding from above: Note: This is a summary of the City funding received by Localworks. For questions about Localworks programming, please contact Localworks at 720- 259-1030. For questions regarding the City budget process, please contact Steve Art, Economic Development Manager at 303-235-2806. Localworks Proposed Budget 2021 ATTACHMENT 2 Community Comments Supporting Localworks - Provided via Wheat Ridge Speaks I am writing to support Council's approval of the 2021 Localworks budget. As a volunteer board member of Localworks, I have witnessed firsthand the ingenuity of the organization's executive director and staff, who all pivoted quickly in 2020 to ensure that our vibrant Wheat Ridge community - which was plunged into crisis - was preserved. Programs like the business loan program and Chalk of the Town were creative, quickly implemented, and hugely successful. In challenging times, cities have an opportunity to stand out through their efforts to support businesses, strengthen their residents' ties to the community, and maintain trust and transparency between a government and its constituents; I truly believe Localworks is the most economical investment by the City to ensure these objectives remain at the forefront of Wheat Ridge's continued pursuit of vibrancy and sustainability. 08/17/2020 7:44 am Celeste Tanner Greetings! This is my fifth year serving on the Localworks board of directors, and I can honestly say I have never been more excited about this wonderful organization. I am continuously impressed with the way our Localworks staff and community were able to quickly adapt our initiatives to respond to the unique needs that 2020 presented. It was a true showcase of connecting businesses and community members with our unique understanding of how to meet community needs by leveraging the right resources. Our deep partnership with the city is clear with our alignment to the city strategic plan as well as our dedication to working closely with the city to plan and launch initiatives which drive engagement, increase participation, and enhance the sense of community. Wheat Ridge for me is home. It’s where I grew up and where I choose to live, work, socialize, and volunteer. Localworks is a key part of that and a major driver of a beautiful mission to build a vibrant and sustainable Wheat Ridge. I can see the tremendous work Localworks does in the community, and I am so proud of what the organization has accomplished and will continue to accomplish in the future with your support. I’m so disappointed to miss the meeting, but my father and I are taking a once in a lifetime trip up in Wyoming where there is no cell service or internet. I could write pages and pages about the importance of our mission and the marvelous work the organization does, but you already know all of that. Our Executive Director, Kate Cooke, will absolutely do a fantastic job at the presentation and I completely trust her and our staff. While I can’t be there to watch the discussion and show you my enthusiasm for the mission live, I ask that you fully fund this amazing organization so we can continue to position and promote all the things that make Wheat Ridge the place we call home. 08/16/2020 5:46 pm Kelsey Robb ATTACHMENT 3 Community Comments Supporting Localworks - Provided via Wheat Ridge Speaks I hope that you will grant Localworks their full budget request. This is one of the best organizations in Wheat Ridge and the city is lucky to have such fantastic advocates helping to build a solid community as well as introducing the community to the businesses in town. The staff works tirelessly to provide everything possible to the citizens and businesses of Wheat Ridge. Every town would be lucky to have an organization like this to help promote it. 08/15/2020 2:02 pm Susan Komers These comments are in support of the 2021 budget request for Localworks. In these unprecedented times, Kate and her staff have worked tirelessly both in helping support our local businesses and in finding innovative ways to connect people to each other in the absence of public events. At a time when many of our local businesses are focused on economic survival, Localworks’ support programs not only are helping to maintain our local community but also to continue to improve our businesses and commercial corridors. Localworks’ proposed budget is reflective of the uncertain times we are in, while anticipating that things will not ever be thus. When we are able to come together in public places again, events such as the Criterium and Ridegfest will be a crucial element in helping the community regain a sense of normalcy. Overall, Localworks has consistently helped leverage public funds for the improvement and betterment of all aspects of public life in Wheat Ridge, and I hope Council will continue to fund their valuable work. Thanks for your consideration. 08/17/2020 9:36 am David Kueter Community Comments Supporting Localworks - Provided via Wheat Ridge Speaks I would like to comment on behalf of the Localworks budget. My name is Holly Gralak. My husband, Ron, and I moved to Wheat Ridge in October of 2017. Being new to the community we wanted a way to meet people and learn about Wheat Ridge. After receiving a post card in the mail from Localworks, we decided that volunteering for their organization would be a good way to do this. We started that fall and continue to be active. Through our involvement we have made many friendships and become patrons to many businesses we may have never know about from monthly Live Local activities and festivals such as Brewfest/Criterium, and Ridgefest. Through word of mouth, many of our Golden and Arvada friends are now patrons. We want Localworks to continue to support our local community and businesses to make Wheat Ridge a great place to live. 08/17/2020 10:28 am Holly Gralak I am writing to support the Localworks 2021 budget approval. As a board member, and an advocate for business and community vibrancy, Localworks is an essential partner for the current and future businesses of the city, and all that call Wheat Ridge home. With so many changes occurring in our community, now more than ever will Localworks be looked at as a guiding light to empower our businesses and community to stay connected, active and moving forward. 08/17/2020 10:37 am Stephen Atma Community Comments Supporting Localworks - Provided via Wheat Ridge Speaks To the folks in Wheat Ridge City Council, Please know that thanks to the help of Jenny Snell and Localworks the 4400 block of Reed Street was able to clean up yards and garages for eight homes. It was a neighborhood effort and we all benefitted. We had dead weeds that a few of us had pulled from a Vietnam vet's yard because his knees are shot, we had multiple nasty couches that were in friends' backyards because it's hard to get to the dump these days. There was dirt piles that have started growing grass, there was trashy wood that attracted bugs and critters. And you know what it felt like to clean up something when the rest of the world is going topsy-turvy? It felt AWESOME! For once we were able to just pick up that one thing we'd stared at for months at home, we all have that thing, and we took it to that 20 yard dumpster and it was gone forever! Oh my gosh, this dumpster brought the street together, we found trash to fill it in because we could. People were able to talk and interact and enjoy the fact that this was something constructive - or destructive for that couch - but in a way that made us feel unburdened by that thing, whatever it was that had been bugging us. It was gone! My neighbors have all been stunned that this was free, but we all agreed it's a huge benefit because when I get the rare free time and go down to the Otis Street trailhead there is a lot of trash getting dumped down there. It's happening, not to complain about it that's just an observation, but this service with a dumpster means that none of us will ever consider that activity. We took advantage of a great offer and I encourage you to consider keeping it available because it really helps. Thank you for considering this opinion and I do understand if Covid influenced budgets mean you have to make tough choices, but consider which is cheaper: a dumpster or City employee's time to pick up and dispose of dumped garbage? Take care and thank you for your effort helping your fellow Ridgers. 08/17/2020 11:26 am Todd Hansen Community Comments Supporting Localworks - Provided via Wheat Ridge Speaks Dear members of the Wheat Ridge City Council, On behalf of Mountain Shades, I want to say Thank You to the City of Wheat Ridge and the Localworks Business Adaptability loan program for your generous support towards small business during the COVID19 pandemic. This program could not have come at a better time for our business and our employees. Rather than feeling lonely and demoralized due to the virus, our company was able to build confidence and invest funds from the Business Adaptability loan program into our website and online sales. After a dismal April, I am pleased to report we had excellent sales May-July including record online sales YTD. Since 2008, we are proud to have our business located in Wheat Ridge. For those of you unfamiliar with Mountain Shades, we are a wholesale sunglasses and goggles Company with distribution across the country and in several international markets. We are located next to Down River Equipment in the Lakemont business park and have a strong commitment to our community and outdoor recreation. Lakemont is a great location with excellent access to the mountains, city, and bike trails and we are excited about the future development around the G Line light rail. During the peak of COVID19 we donated several thousand pairs of protective glasses and goggles to municipalities and hospitals for first responders and front line workers. Throughout our history we have always supported local events like bike rides, trail building and brew fests. We look forward to 2021 and beyond when we can all safely gather again and celebrate. Over the years, I have met many people from the City of Wheat Ridge and truly appreciate everyone’s support in making Wheat Ridge a great location for small business. Thank you to all members of the City Council, planning and zoning during the construction of our building, fire and police for safety, Steve Art with Economic Development, and Kate Cooke and Ashley Holland from Localworks. Please keep funding these important departments and programs for the health, well-being and future vision for Wheat Ridge. Sincerely, Bill Cotton President Mountain Shades Inc. 08/17/2020 11:33 am Bill Cotton ATTACHMENT 4 Memorandum In June 2020, the City of Wheat Ridge acquired the property at the northwest corner of Wadsworth and 38th, through negotiations pertaining to the Wadsworth widening project (the Project). Midas vacated the property in August 2020. The current site is 19,340/SF, but upon the completion of the Project, the remaining pad will measure approximately 10,411/SF. The existing building, constructed in 1985, measures 4,400/SF consisting of 1,468 in the mezzanine and the remainder the repair area. Presently, the site has right in/right out access from Wadsworth and right in/right out access from 38th Avenue. Upon completion of the Project, the Wadsworth access point will be closed. Staff reached out to a Maxwell Marcum of Marcum Commercial Advisors regarding the potential site use upon completion of the Project. Marcum does extensive work in Wheat Ridge marketing retail, office and industrial sites throughout the metro area. Marcum’s response: … we believe that the lack of parking will have a significant impact on the building value perspective. Depending on the site after the widening, we’re confident the value to likely reside within the raw land. For similar hard corner retail sites, we’ve seen them trade from $8-$18/SF. … the only groups we know of that are typically willing to pay a higher $/SF for these micro corner sites would be concepts similar to Dutch Bros., caribou coffee, Starbucks. At the time of this response, Marcum was unaware that Wadsworth access would be eliminated. Therefore, staff believes an actual sales comp would be nearer the $8/SF, if not lower. Staff has begun evaluating uses for the pad to include Tear down the existing building, sell the pad on the open market, or use as City offices. None of these seem feasible at this time. Staff contacted Wheat Ridge Localworks on its interest in occupying the structure and programming the building for a commercial use. In this scenario, Localworks would use the mezzanine portion of the building for its offices. This space is large enough to house staff. The large, mainly open repair side of the building would be utilized to create a ‘maker-space’ for the local artist community. Local artists would rent space and create product to be sold at local venues or within the building footprint. The utilization of this space for artists would be consistent with the preliminary Artspace report completed in 2019 which identified the desire to have an artist working space in the City near its main corridor. In initial conversations with Kate Cooke, the CEO of Localworks, the organization has funds identified in its investment account to provide for improvements to the building. Upon approval of this concept, Localworks will work with a construction company to develop a budget for possible improvements. 3805 Wadsworth September 28, 2020 Page 2 Staff is recommending a $10 a year lease with Localworks for a period of three years or until such time as the business model has reached a level wherein it is creating a profit. At that time, the lease rate will be renegotiated. Staff and Localworks believes this facility could result in the acceleration of an active artisan community. The building can easily be divided into two separate units. Localworks could work with providers regarding art classes, art creation, and art sales while maintaining its operations. This use could also provide a revenue stream for Localworks making them less dependent upon City funding. This move would also bring Localworks back to the heart of Wheat Ridge, nearer the locations where is produces most of its local events. Staff is requesting that Council review all the uses for the site and provide staff with a direction toward the resolution of the site at 3805 Wadsworth Boulevard.