HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-12-23 Special Study Session Agenda PacketSPECIAL STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO June 12, 2023
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at 7500 West 29th Avenue, Municipal Building immediately following the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting. City Council members and City staff members will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways:
1. Attend the meeting in person at City Hall. Use the appropriate roster to sign up to speak
upon arrival 2. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on June 12, 2023)
3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
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wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are interested in
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Public Comment on Agenda Items
1. 2023 Resident Survey Report
2. Hotel Licensing Ordinance Update
Item No. 1
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager FROM: Marianne Schilling, Assistant City Manager DATE: June 12, 2023 SUBJECT: 2023 Resident Survey Report
ISSUE:
Jade Arocha, Polco’s Director of Survey Research, will be presenting the 2023 Resident Survey
Report to City Council. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight data and findings from the most recent survey. The survey serves as the City’s “consumer report card” and is an information tool for the City to
measure its performance. The survey encompasses best practices and is a statistically valid
sampling of 4,500 households in the City. The Wheat Ridge Resident Survey was last administered in 2021. Following this presentation, the survey results will be posted on the City website. Additionally,
the City will include the results of the survey in the upcoming edition of the Connections
newsletter. ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2023 Resident Survey Report
8001 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
info.polco.us • 608-709-8683
City of Wheat Ridge, CO
Resident Survey 2023
Report of Results
May 2023
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
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Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... 6
Summary of Survey Methods................................................................................................................................................ 6
Key Findings ................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Survey Background ................................................................................................................................. 11
Survey Administration .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
How the Results Are Reported .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Precision of Estimates ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Comparison of Results Over Time and By Subgroups ............................................................................................. 12
Comparing Survey Results to Other Communities .................................................................................................... 12
Quality of Life and Community ............................................................................................................. 14
Quality of Life ........................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Community Inclusivity and Equality in Wheat Ridge ................................................................................................ 18
Future Outlook for Wheat Ridge ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Community Characteristics ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Community Participation ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Safety in Wheat Ridge .......................................................................................................................................................... 29
City Government ..................................................................................................................................... 33
Quality and Value of City Government Services ......................................................................................................... 33
City Government and Employee Performance ............................................................................................................ 42
Policy and Special Topics ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
Communication with Residents ........................................................................................................................................ 56
Appendix A: Respondent Characteristics .............................................................................................. 59
Appendix B: Complete Survey Frequencies .......................................................................................... 66
Appendix C: Responses to Selected Survey Questions by Respondent Characteristics ................. 116
Comparisons by Housing Tenure, Housing Unit Type, and Household Income .......................................... 117
Comparisons by Race and Ethnicity .............................................................................................................................. 155
Comparisons by Geographical Area .............................................................................................................................. 188
Comparisons by Year .......................................................................................................................................................... 215
Appendix E: Detailed Benchmark Comparisons ................................................................................. 245
Comparison Data .................................................................................................................................................................. 245
Interpreting the Results ...................................................................................................................................................... 245
National Benchmark Comparisons ................................................................................................................................ 246
Front Range Benchmark Comparisons ......................................................................................................................... 255
Appendix F: Survey Methodology ....................................................................................................... 262
About the Survey .................................................................................................................................................................. 262
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May 2023
Report of Results
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Developing the Questionnaire ........................................................................................................................................ 262
Selecting Survey Recipients .............................................................................................................................................. 262
Survey Administration and Response Rate ................................................................................................................. 263
Survey Processing (Data Entry) ........................................................................................................................................ 265
Weighting the Data ............................................................................................................................................................. 266
Analyzing the Data ............................................................................................................................................................... 268
Comparing Survey Results ................................................................................................................................................ 268
Appendix G: Survey Materials ............................................................................................................. 269
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figures
Figure 1: Overall Quality of Life in Wheat Ridge, 2023 ................................................................................................. 14
Figure 2: Overall Quality of Life Compared by Year ....................................................................................................... 14
Figure 3: Aspects of Quality of Life Compared by Year ................................................................................................ 15
Figure 4: Aspects of Quality of Life Benchmarks ............................................................................................................. 16
Figure 5: Reasons for Living in Wheat Ridge by Year .................................................................................................... 17
Figure 6: Community Inclusivity and Equality by Year................................................................................................... 19
Figure 7: Quality of Life in Wheat Ridge over Next Five Years by Year ................................................................... 20
Figure 8: Residential Stability by Year .................................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 9: Residential Stability Benchmarks ........................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 10: Ratings of Individual Community Characteristics Compared by Year ................................................ 23
Figure 11: Individual Community Characteristics Benchmarks .................................................................................. 24
Figure 12: Aspects of Transportation by Year ................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 13: Transportation Benchmark Comparisons ...................................................................................................... 26
Figure 14: Participation in Activities by Year ..................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 15: Safety in Public Areas by Year ........................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 16: Crime Victimization and Reporting by Year ................................................................................................. 30
Figure 17: Importance of Police Department Resource Prioritization by Year ..................................................... 31
Figure 18: Police Department Priorities by Year .............................................................................................................. 32
Figure 19: Overall Quality of City Services, 2023 ............................................................................................................. 33
Figure 20: Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year ................................................................................... 33
Figure 21: Quality of City Services Compared by Year and Benchmarks ............................................................... 34
Figure 22: Importance of City Services Compared by Year ......................................................................................... 37
Figure 23: City Services by Quality and Importance, 2023 ........................................................................................... 40
Figure 24: Comparison of Quality and Importance Ratings, 2023 ............................................................................ 41
Figure 25: Overall City Government Performance, 2023 .............................................................................................. 42
Figure 26: Overall City Government Performance by Year .......................................................................................... 42
Figure 27: Aspects of City Government Performance by Year ................................................................................... 44
Figure 28: Contact with City Employees by Year ............................................................................................................. 45
Figure 29: Rating of Overall Impression of City Employees by Year ........................................................................ 46
Figure 30: City Employee Characteristics by Year............................................................................................................ 46
Figure 31: Frequency of Shopping in Wheat Ridge by Year ....................................................................................... 47
Figure 32: Reasons for Shopping Outside of Wheat Ridge by Year ......................................................................... 48
Figure 33: Economic Development by Year ....................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 34: Support Funding Projects with Sales Tax, 2023 .......................................................................................... 50
Figure 35: Support for Extending Sales Tax Increase, 2023 ......................................................................................... 51
Figure 36: Extent to Which Homelessness is Viewed as a Problem in Wheat Ridge by Year ......................... 52
Figure 37: Importance of City Involvement in Providing Homeless Services by Year ....................................... 53
Figure 38: Importance of City Focus on Environmental Sustainability by Year .................................................... 55
Figure 39: Information Sources by Year .............................................................................................................................. 56
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Figure 40: Use of Social Media Sites by Year .................................................................................................................... 58
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Executive Summary
Summary of Survey Methods
The 2023 Wheat Ridge Resident Survey provided residents the opportunity to rate the quality of life
in the City of Wheat Ridge, as well as the quality of service delivery and overall workings of local
government. The survey also permitted residents to provide feedback to government on what is
working well and what is not, and to share their priorities for community planning and resource
allocation.
Surveys were mailed to 4,500 randomly selected resident households in March 2023. A total of 844
surveys were completed, yielding a response rate of 19%. Survey results were weighted so that
respondent gender, age, housing unit type (attached or detached), housing tenure (rent or own),
race, and ethnicity were represented in proportions reflective of the entire adult population of the
City. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points around any given percentage point
reported for all survey respondents.
Because Wheat Ridge has administered resident surveys before, some comparisons could be made
between 2023 responses and those from 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021. Wheat Ridge
also elected to have its results compared to those of other jurisdictions around the nation and to
Front Range communities in Colorado. Comparisons are made possible through a national
benchmark database created and maintained by Polco/National Research Center (NRC). This
database contains resident perspectives gathered in resident surveys from over 500 jurisdictions over
the past five years.
Key Findings
Residents enjoy a positive quality of life in Wheat Ridge and most plan to remain
living in the city.
• Overall, Wheat Ridge residents continue to feel positively about the overall quality of life in
the city, with nearly 8 in 10 awarding excellent or good marks in 2023, a rating similar to
peer communities across the nation and in the Front Range.
• At least 7 in 10 survey participants gave high marks to Wheat Ridge as a place to live, the
city as a place to raise children, and their neighborhood as a place to live. Additionally,
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire and as a place to work were rated positively by more than 6
in 10 residents. About half of the survey participants rated the physical attractiveness of
Wheat Ridge as excellent or good.
• Two aspects of quality of life, Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children and the physical
attractiveness of the city as a whole, declined from 2021 to 2023. Where comparisons were
available, aspects were similar to peer communities nationally and in the Front Range, with
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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the exception of Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children and their neighborhood as a place
to live, which were lower than national benchmark comparisons.
• When asked to indicate why they live in Wheat Ridge, residents were most likely to say that
they like the location in general (selected by 75% of residents), their neighborhood (58%),
and that they feel safe in Wheat Ridge (45%). Over one-quarter of respondents said that
they live in the city because the housing and rental rates are affordable, they have friends
and family in the area, they like the access to dining and entertainment, and they appreciate
the small town feel. All reasons for living in Wheat Ridge were selected by similar
proportions of residents in 2023 as they were in 2021.
• Like previous years, over half of residents believed that the quality of life in Wheat Ridge
would improve slightly or a lot in the next five years.
• About 9 in 10 stated they were very or somewhat likely to recommend living in Wheat Ridge
to someone who asks and to remain in the city for the next five years. Compared to 2021,
residents were more likely to remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years in 2023. The
rating for recommending living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asked was higher than the
national benchmark and much higher than peer communities in the Front Range. The rating
for likelihood of remaining in the city for the next five years was also higher than the Front
Range benchmark.
Characteristics of community livability in Wheat Ridge are highly rated by
residents and on par with or higher than Front Range peers.
• At least two-thirds of respondents gave high marks to the availability of parks, recreational
opportunities, and the availability of parks and walking trails. At least 6 in 10 residents
positively rated the quality of the overall natural environment, the availability of bike paths
and bike lanes, the overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge, sense of community,
openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds,
opportunities to volunteer, and the availability of affordable quality food.
• Over half of residents highly rated the availability of preventative health services and
affordable quality health care, opportunities to participate in civic matters, the overall
quality of business and service establishments in Wheat Ridge, availability of dog parks, air
quality, and opportunities to participate in social events and activities.
• However, many items declined from 2021 to 2023, including availability of parks, availability
of paths and walking trails, quality of overall natural environment, availability of bike paths
and bike lanes, overall image or reputation, availability of affordable quality food, overall
quality of business and service establishments, cleanliness of Wheat Ridge, variety of
housing options, shopping opportunities, availability of affordable quality housing, and
availability of affordable quality child care.
• Opportunities to attend cultural activities, increased in resident sentiment between 2021
and 2023.
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May 2023
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• Several items were rated higher than Front Range benchmarks. These included variety of
housing options, availability of affordable quality housing, availability of affordable quality
food, availability of preventative health services, and overall image or reputation.
Transportation in Wheat Ridge is a potential area for improvement.
• More than half of residents positively rated the ease of car travel, ease of bicycle travel, ease
of bus travel, access to mass transit, and ease of walking in Wheat Ridge.
• About half of respondents rated the ease of commuter rail use as excellent or good, while
fewer than 4 in 10 gave high marks to the condition of city streets and traffic flow on major
streets.
• The condition of sidewalks, a new item in 2023, was positively rated by 34% of respondents.
All transportation-related items with trends from 2021 declined in 2023.
• While ease of bus travel was higher than the national benchmark, condition of city streets,
ease of walking, and traffic flow on major streets were either lower or much lower than peer
communities nationally. Ease of walking and traffic flow on major streets were also lower than
Front Range counterparts.
• In 2023, residents were asked new questions regarding a potential extension of the one-half
of one-cent sales tax. At least 8 in 10 respondents indicated that they would be somewhat or
very likely to support using funding from an extension of the sales tax increase for sidewalk
and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 38th Ave., 44th Ave., and
Youngfield St., and filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an emphasis on major
pedestrian corridors. These were the top two preferred uses for these potential funds.
Ratings for many City services are declining.
• Residents were asked their opinion on the quality and importance of 27 individual services
provided to them by the City of Wheat Ridge. Of the 27 items, 19 declined in terms of quality
between 2021 and 2023. These services included recreation facilities, maintenance of existing
city parks, maintenance of open space and trails, recreation programs, police response time to
emergency and non-emergency police calls, animal control, municipal court, policing services,
snow removal, traffic enforcement, relationship-based policing, street sweeping,
services/programs for youth, building inspections, crime prevention, building permits, code
enforcement, and street repair and maintenance.
• While most items were rated similar or lower than national and Front Range benchmarks,
recreation facilities were rated higher than the national benchmark.
• In terms of the importance of services, at least two-thirds of residents rated the following
items as either essential or very important: Stormwater drainage, services/programs for youth,
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May 2023
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building inspections, municipal court, land use, planning and zoning, recreational facilities,
services/programs for seniors, building permits, public information services, and traffic
enforcement.
• Relationship-based policing was rated as more important in 2023 than in 2021, while animal
control and street sweeping were rated as less important.
• The following items were rated as very important to residents, but comparatively low in
quality: street repair and maintenance, crime prevention, addressing homelessness
throughout the city, services/programs for youth, building inspections, snow removal, and
relationship-based policing.
Residents continue to feel safe in most areas of Wheat Ridge and support
prioritizing safety efforts throughout the city.
• Similar to previous years, residents felt safest in recreation centers (91% felt very or somewhat
safe), in their home (91%), and in parks and playgrounds (81%). About 8 in 10 also felt at least
somewhat safe in their neighborhood. Residents tended to feel the least safe in
retail/commercial areas, on the trail system, and on roadways. Each of these ratings declined
from 2021 to 2023.
• Safety in parks and playgrounds was on par with the national benchmark, while safety in
neighborhoods was rated lower than peers nationally.
• Fewer than one-quarter of residents indicated they had reported a crime to the police in
Wheat Ridge, and 14% reported that a household member was a victim of a crime in the city.
• About 9 in 10 residents indicated it was essential or very important to focus on solving violent
and property crimes. About three-quarters of respondents felt it was important to prioritize
police resources to reduce illegal activities committed by youth, reduce illegal drug activity,
and engage in crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen
police academy). Fewer residents thought it was important to prioritize code enforcement and
the enforcement of traffic laws.
• Most respondents, 9 in 10, placed a medium or high priority on directing additional City
resources towards crime-related mental health issues in the community. At least 8 in 10
residents prioritized adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas and more relationship-
based policing officers. Nearly 80% of respondents indicated they wanted more of a priority
placed on better connection with the community and increased visibility of police. Two items
increased significantly from 2021 to 2023: adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas
and adding officers in public schools.
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May 2023
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Economic development is important to Wheat Ridge residents.
• At least 8 in 10 respondents agreed that the City should efforts to revitalize business corridors
(such as 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street), revitalize
Wheat Ridge’s business areas, and attract and recruit new types of retail businesses in the city.
• About three-quarters of residents indicated support for efforts to attract new jobs and
revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing areas, while about 7 in 10 agreed that the City should
strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and identity.
• Opinions related to the City’s economic development efforts in 2023 generally were similar to
those in 2021 and previous years. However, the level of agreement with promoting efforts to
attract new jobs decreased from 2021 to 2023.
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Survey Background
The City of Wheat Ridge contracted with Polco/National Research Center (NRC) to conduct a
community-wide resident survey. The primary goal of the survey was to assess the attitudes and
opinions of residents by:
• Evaluating City programs and services.
• Determining general perceptions of the quality of life in the City.
• Identifying issues facing the City.
• Comparing survey results to other communities across the nation.
• Establishing trendlines to measure government performance over time.
The Wheat Ridge Resident Survey serves as a consumer report card for Wheat Ridge by providing
residents the opportunity to rate the quality of life in the City, as well as the community’s amenities,
service delivery and their satisfaction with local government. Residents also provide feedback on
what is working well and what is not, and communicate their priorities for community planning and
resource allocation.
Focus on the quality of service delivery helps council, staff, and the public to set priorities for budget
decisions and lays the groundwork for tracking community opinions about the core responsibilities
of Wheat Ridge City government, helping to assure maximum service quality over time.
This type of survey gets at the key services that local government controls to create a quality
community. It is akin to private sector customer surveys that are used regularly by many corporations
to monitor where there are weaknesses in product or service delivery before customers defect to
competition or before other problems from dissatisfied customers arise.
This is the 8th iteration of the Wheat Ridge Resident Survey since the baseline study conducted in
2004.
Survey Administration
A postcard was mailed to 4,500 households, selected at random, notifying residents that they had
been chosen to participate in the survey. A paper copy of the survey followed in the mail after one
week, followed by an additional survey packet one week later. All mailings included a web link so that
residents could take the survey online, if desired. There were 844 respondents to the mailed
questionnaire (with 153 undeliverable addresses), yielding a response rate of 19%. The margin of
error is plus or minus three percentage points around any given percentage for all respondents.
Survey results were weighted so that respondent gender, age, housing unit type (attached or
detached), housing tenure (rent or own), race, and ethnicity were represented in the proportions
reflective of the entire city. More information about the survey methodology can be found in
Appendix F: Survey Methodology.
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May 2023
Report of Results
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How the Results Are Reported
For the most part, the full set of frequencies or the “percent positive” are presented in the body and
narrative of the report. The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response
options (i.e., “excellent” and “good,” “very safe” and “somewhat safe,” “strongly support” and
“somewhat support,” etc.).
On many of the questions in the survey, respondents could give an answer of “don’t know.” The
proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix
B: Complete Survey Frequencies and is discussed in the body of this report if it is 30% or greater.
However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the body of the report,
unless otherwise indicated. In other words, the majority of the tables and graphs in the body of the
report display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item.
For some questions, respondents were permitted to select multiple responses. When the total
exceeds 100% in a table for a multiple response question, it is because some respondents are
counted in multiple categories. When a table for a question that only permitted, a single response
does not total to exactly 100%, it is due to the customary practice rounding values to the nearest
whole number.
Precision of Estimates
It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence”
and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). The margin of error for this survey is
generally no greater than plus or minus three percentage points around any given percent reported
for the entire sample (N=844).
Comparison of Results Over Time and By Subgroups
Results from the 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 surveys are presented when
comparisons to 2023 were available. Where differences in ratings from 2021 to 2023 are five
percentage points or greater, they can be considered significantly higher or lower.
Selected survey results were compared by year, geographic location of a respondent’s home, race
and ethnicity, age, gender, housing unit type (attached or detached), housing unit tenure (rent or
own) and income. These crosstabulations are summarized and presented in tabular form in
Appendix C: Responses to Selected Survey Questions by Respondent Characteristics. For each pair of
subgroups that has a statistically significant difference, an upper-case letter denoting significance is
shown in the category with the larger column proportion.
Comparing Survey Results to Other Communities
NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion comprises resident perspectives gathered in citizen
surveys from approximately 500 communities whose residents evaluated their services. Communities
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May 2023
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to which Wheat Ridge was compared can be found in Appendix E: Detailed Benchmark Comparisons.
National benchmark comparisons and Front Range benchmark comparisons have been provided
when similar questions on the Wheat Ridge survey are included in NRC’s database, and there were at
least five communities in which the question was asked.
Where comparisons for quality ratings were available, Wheat Ridge’s results were generally noted as
being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark or “similar” to the benchmark. In
instances where ratings are considerably higher or lower than the benchmark, these ratings have
been further demarcated by the attribute of “much,” (for example, “much lower” or “much higher”).
These labels come from a comparison of Wheat Ridge’s rating to the benchmark where a rating is
considered “similar” if it is within the standard margin of error (10 points or less on the 100-point
scale); “higher” or “lower” if the difference between Wheat Ridge’s rating and the benchmark is
greater than 10 points but 20 points or less; and “much higher” or “much lower” if the difference
between Wheat Ridge’s rating and the benchmark is more than twice the standard margin of error
(greater than 20 points). Comparisons for a number of items on the survey are not available in the
benchmark database. These items are excluded from the benchmark tables.
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Quality of Life and Community
The City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey contained a set of questions related to quality of
community life in the city ranging from the overall quality of life to Wheat Ridge as a place to work,
to visit and to retire. Survey respondents also were asked to indicate how likely they would be to
remain in the community and recommend it to others.
Quality of Life
Overall, Wheat Ridge residents continue to feel positively about the overall quality of life in the city,
with 78% awarding excellent or good marks in 2023. This rating is similar to previous years and on
par with both the national and Front Range benchmark comparisons (see Appendix E: Detailed
Benchmark Comparisons for more detail).
Figure 1: Overall Quality of Life in Wheat Ridge, 2023
Figure 2: Overall Quality of Life Compared by Year
Excellent
15%
Good
62%
Fair
21%
Poor
2%
77%75%74%79%78%81%81%78%
2004 2006 2008 2012 2015 2018 2021 2023
Percent excellent or good
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
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Residents also assessed other aspects related to quality of life in the city. At least 7 in 10 survey
participants gave high marks to Wheat Ridge as a place to live, the city as a place to raise children,
and their neighborhood as a place to live. Additionally, Wheat Ridge as a place to retire and as a
place to work were rated positively by more than 6 in 10 residents. About half of the survey
participants rated the physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as excellent or good. Two of these
aspects, Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children and the physical attractiveness of the city as a
whole, declined from 2021 to 2023. Where comparisons were available, aspects were similar to peer
communities nationally and in the Front Range, with the exception of Wheat Ridge as a place to raise
children and their neighborhood as a place to live which were lower than national benchmark
comparisons.
Figure 3: Aspects of Quality of Life Compared by Year
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Wheat
Ridge: (Percent excellent or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Wheat Ridge as a place to live 85% 88% 90% 84% 87% 86% 82% 86%
Your neighborhood as a place to live 79% 80% 79% 78% 77% 77% 73% 75%
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise
children 74% 80% 77% 74% 76% 74% 74% 77%
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire 65% 69% 73% 67% 71% 68% 68% 68%
Wheat Ridge as a place to work 62% 64% 61% 51% 58% 55%
The physical attractiveness of Wheat
Ridge as a whole 54% 59% 52% 52% 53% 48% 52% 52%
When asked about Wheat Ridge as a place to work, 40% of residents said, “don’t know”. The responses presented in the body
of the report are for those who had an opinion. The full set of responses, including “don’t know” can be found in Appendix B:
Complete Survey Frequencies.
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Figure 4: Aspects of Quality of Life Benchmarks
Please rate each of the following aspects of
quality of life in Wheat Ridge:
National
benchmark
Front Range
benchmark
Wheat Ridge as a place to live Similar Similar
Your neighborhood as a place to live Lower Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children Lower Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to work Similar Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire Similar Similar
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge Similar Similar
When asked about their reasons for living in Wheat Ridge, as in previous years, residents were
most likely to indicate that they like the location in general (selected by 75% of residents), their
neighborhood (58%), and that they feel safe in Wheat Ridge (45%). (See Figure 5 on the following
page.) Over one-quarter of respondents said that they live in the city because the housing and
rental rates are affordable, they have friends and family in the area, they like the access to dining
and entertainment, and they appreciate the small town feel. All reasons for living in Wheat Ridge
were selected by similar proportions of residents in 2023 as they were in 2021.
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Figure 5: Reasons for Living in Wheat Ridge by Year
What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that apply.)
Percent of respondents*
*Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
14%
8%
15%
14%
15%
34%
26%
36%
28%
46%
54%
72%
4%
12%
8%
13%
14%
16%
26%
29%
29%
26%
27%
44%
49%
76%
5%
12%
8%
12%
13%
14%
19%
27%
29%
28%
26%
44%
55%
75%
5%
8%
9%
13%
15%
15%
17%
27%
27%
29%
30%
45%
58%
75%
None of these
My job is here
I like the school my children attend
I've always lived here
The growing and diverse community
I like that the community is forward-thinking
Cost of living is affordable
I like the access to dining and entertainment
Housing and rental rates are affordable
I have friends and family in the area
Small town feel
I feel safe here
I like my neighborhood
I like the location in general
2023
2021
2018
2015
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Community Inclusivity and Equality in Wheat Ridge
Over 6 in 10 respondents gave high marks to the community for marking all residents feel welcome
in general and in business establishments. Nearly 6 in 10 residents indicated that Wheat Ridge
does an excellent or good job welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local
government and community decision-making and respecting individual cultural beliefs and values.
About half of residents gave positive scores to the community for providing a safe and secure
environment for residents of all backgrounds, treating all residents fairly, providing equal
employment opportunities to residents of all backgrounds, demonstrating respect for residents of
different cultures and belief systems, and providing equal access to housing for residents of all
backgrounds. Fewer residents positively rated the community for valuing residents from diverse
backgrounds (46% excellent or good), helping residents feel connected and integrated (45%), and
attracting people from diverse backgrounds (40%). All aspects were on par with 2021, apart from
the community treating all residents fairly, demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures
and belief systems, and providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds. These
items declined in 2023.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
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Figure 6: Community Inclusivity and Equality by Year
Please rate your community on each of the following.
Percent of respondents
*These items were significantly different in 2023 compared to 2021.
At least 30% of respondents said “don’t know” when rating the community in terms of valuing residents from diverse
backgrounds, respecting individual cultural beliefs and values, providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all
backgrounds, providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds, welcoming residents from all backgrounds to
participate in local government and community decision-making. The responses presented in the body of the report are for
those who had an opinion. The full set of responses, including “don’t know” can be found in Appendix B: Complete Survey
Frequencies.
41%
49%
47%
54%
57%
55%
59%
57%
60%
59%
65%
70%
40%
45%
46%
48%
48%
51%
51%
54%
57%
59%
62%
66%
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Helping new residents feel connected and
integrated
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds
Demonstrating respect for residents of different
cultures and belief systems*
Providing equal access to housing for residents of
all backgrounds*
Providing equal employment opportunities to
residents of all backgrounds
Treating all residents fairly*
Providing a safe and secure environment for
residents of all backgrounds
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to
participate in local government and community
decision-making
Making all residents feel welcome
Making all residents feel welcome in business
establishments
2023
2021
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Future Outlook for Wheat Ridge
Similar to previous years, over half of residents believed that the quality of life in Wheat Ridge
would improve slightly or a lot in the coming five years. About 2 in 10 felt that quality of life would
remain the same, while about one-quarter indicated that they thought it would decline slightly or a
lot.
Figure 7: Quality of Life in Wheat Ridge over Next Five Years by Year
Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same, or
decline over the next 5 years?
Percent of respondents
36%
46%
50%
53%
61%
62%
58%
55%
38%
29%
28%
31%
22%
19%
18%
21%
26%
25%
22%
16%
17%
19%
23%
24%
2004
2006
2008
2012
2015
2018
2021
2023
Improve a lot/slightly Stay the same Decline a lot/slightly
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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About 9 in 10 stated they were very or somewhat likely to recommend living in Wheat Ridge to
someone who asks and to remain in the city for the next five years. Compared to 2021, residents
were more likely to remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years in 2023. The rating for
recommending living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asks was higher than the national benchmark
and much higher than peer communities in the Front Range. The rating for likelihood of remaining in
the city for the next five years was also higher than the Front Range benchmark (see Figure 9).
Figure 8: Residential Stability by Year
Percent very or somewhat likely
*This item was significantly different in 2023 compared to 2021.
88%
90%
87%
90%
86%
90%
83%
87%
87%
89%
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the
next five years*
Recommend living in Wheat
Ridge to someone who asks
2023
2021
2018
2015
2012
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
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Figure 9: Residential Stability Benchmarks
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are
to do each of the following:
National
benchmark
Front Range
benchmark
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone
who asks Higher Much higher
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years Similar Higher
Community Characteristics
At least two-thirds of respondents gave high marks to the availability of parks, recreational
opportunities, and the availability of parks and walking trails. At least 6 in 10 residents positively rated
the quality of the overall natural environment, availability of bike paths and bike lanes, the overall
image or reputation of Wheat Ridge, sense of community, openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of diverse backgrounds, opportunities to volunteer, and the availability of
affordable quality food. Additionally, over half of residents highly rated the availability of preventative
health services and affordable quality health care, opportunities to participate in civic matters, the
overall quality of business and service establishments in Wheat Ridge, availability of dog parks, air
quality, and opportunities to participate in social events and activities. The lowest rated items were
availability of affordable quality housing (rated excellent or good by 30% of respondents) and the
availability of affordable quality child care (26%).
Many items declined from 2021 to 2023, including availability of parks, availability of paths and
walking trails, quality of overall natural environment, availability of bike paths and bike lanes, overall
image or reputation, availability of affordable quality food, overall quality of business and service
establishments, cleanliness of Wheat Ridge, variety of housing options, shopping opportunities,
availability of affordable quality housing, and availability of affordable quality child care. One item,
opportunities to attend cultural activities, increased in resident sentiment between 2021 and 2023.
Statistically significant changes between 2021 and 2023 have been shaded grey in the table on the
following page.
A few community characteristics were rated higher than the Front Range benchmarks. Items higher
included variety of housing options, availability of affordable quality housing, availability of
affordable quality food, availability of preventative health services, and overall image or reputation.
Items that were rated lower or much lower than national and/or Front Range benchmarks included
cleanliness of Wheat Ridge, overall quality of business and service establishments, opportunities to
attend cultural activities, educational opportunities, availability of affordable quality child care, air
quality, quality of overall natural environment, and overall image or reputation (see Figure 11).
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 10: Ratings of Individual Community Characteristics Compared by Year
Please rate each of the following characteristics as
they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole: (Percent
excellent or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012
Availability of parks 78% 86% NA NA NA
Recreational opportunities 69% 72% 77% 66% 70%
Availability of paths and walking trails 69% 82% 79% 74% 70%
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge 64% 70% 70% 68% 71%
Availability of bike paths and bike lanes 63% 78% 77% 71% NA
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge 62% 67% 61% 60% 61%
Availability of affordable quality food 60% 67% 69% 61% 57%
Sense of community 60% 63% 63% 53% 59%
Openness and acceptance of the community toward
people of diverse backgrounds
60% 58% 59% 56% 63%
Opportunities to volunteer 60% 56% 69% 60% 65%
Availability of preventive health services 59% 63% 64% 61% 63%
Availability of affordable quality health care 58% 62% 62% 61% 62%
Opportunities to participate in civic matters 57% 56% 63% 56% 59%
Availability of dog parks 56% NA NA NA NA
Overall quality of business and service establishments in
Wheat Ridge
56% 62% 57% 48% 51%
Air quality 55% 58% 64% 67% 66%
Opportunities to participate in social events and
activities
50% 51% 59% 48% 46%
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge 48% 52% 54% 52% 49%
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge 47% 57% 60% 60% 66%
Variety of housing options 46% 54% 49% 50% 55%
Educational opportunities 46% 48% 45% 36% 42%
Shopping opportunities 43% 48% 37% 36% 37%
Opportunities to attend cultural activities 41% 32% 41% 31% 34%
Employment opportunities 36% 39% 38% 25% 25%
Availability of affordable quality housing 30% 37% 35% 43% 51%
Availability of affordable quality child care 26% 34% 33% 33% 44%
At least 30% of respondents said “don’t know” when rating employment opportunities, educational opportunities,
opportunities to volunteer, opportunities to participate in civic matters, availability of dog parks, and availability of affordable
quality child care. The responses presented in the body of the report are for those who had an opinion. The full set of
responses, including “don’t know” can be found in Appendix B: Complete Survey Frequencies. “Availability of dog parks” was a
new item in 2023. Prior to 2023, “Availability of bike paths and bike lanes” was “Availability of bike trails.”
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 11: Individual Community Characteristics Benchmarks
Please rate each of the following characteristics as
they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
National
benchmark
Front Range
benchmark
Sense of community Similar Similar
Openness and acceptance of the community toward
people of diverse backgrounds
Similar Similar
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge Much lower Lower
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge Similar Similar
Variety of housing options Similar Higher
Overall quality of business and service establishments in
Wheat Ridge
Lower Similar
Shopping opportunities Similar Similar
Opportunities to attend cultural activities Lower Lower
Recreational opportunities Similar Similar
Employment opportunities Similar Similar
Educational opportunities Lower Similar
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Similar Similar
Opportunities to volunteer Similar Similar
Opportunities to participate in civic matters Similar Similar
Availability of parks NA NA
Availability of paths and walking trails Similar Similar
Availability of affordable quality housing Similar Higher
Availability of affordable quality child care Lower Similar
Availability of affordable quality health care Similar Higher
Availability of affordable quality food Similar Higher
Availability of preventive health services Similar Higher
Air quality Much lower Similar
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge Much lower Lower
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge Lower Higher
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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More than half of residents positively rated ease of car travel, ease of bicycle travel, ease of bus travel,
access to mass transit, and ease of walking in Wheat Ridge. About half of respondents rated the ease
of commuter rail use as excellent or good, while fewer than 4 in 10 gave high marks to the condition
of city streets and traffic flow on major streets. The condition of sidewalks, a new item in 2023, was
positively rated by 34% of respondents. All items with trends from 2021 declined in 2023.
While ease of bus travel was higher than the national benchmark, condition of city streets, ease of
walking, and traffic flow on major streets were either lower or much lower than peer communities
nationally. Ease of walking and traffic flow on major streets were also lower than Front Range
counterparts (see Figure 13).
Figure 12: Aspects of Transportation by Year
Please rate the following aspects
of transportation within the City
of Wheat Ridge: (Percent excellent
or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge 65% 73% 66% 58% 68% 65% 65% 64%
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge 58% 66% 61% 58% 50%
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge 57% 62% 69% 61% 58% 60% 61% 57%
Access to mass transit 56% 67% 67%
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge 54% 62% 56% 58% 50% 56% 58%
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat
Ridge 48% 53%
Condition of city streets 38% 49% 64% 54% 64% 61% 68% 70%
Traffic flow on major streets 35% 42% 31% 33% 46%
Condition of sidewalks 34%
At least 30% of respondents said “don’t know” when rating ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge and ease of commuter rail use in
Wheat Ridge. The responses presented in the body of the report are for those who had an opinion. The full set of responses,
including “don’t know” can be found in Appendix B: Complete Survey Frequencies. “Condition of sidewalks” was a new item in
2023.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 13: Transportation Benchmark Comparisons
Please rate each of the following characteristics as
they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
National
benchmark
Front Range
benchmark
Condition of city streets Much lower NA
Condition of sidewalks NA NA
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge Similar Similar
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge Higher NA
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge Lower Lower
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge Similar Similar
Traffic flow on major streets Much lower Lower
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Community Participation
As in previous years, survey participants were asked about their participation in a number of activities
in Wheat Ridge (see Figure 14 below). At least 8 in 10 participants dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant
(other than fast food), used a Wheat Ridge park or trail, or used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path
at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey. At least half of the survey respondents indicated
that they used the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special events,
or used the Clear Creek Trail. At least 3 in 10 participants rode a RTD bus, participated in a recreation
program or activity, or used the Wheat Ridge Library. Two new items were added in 2023: “visited the
Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson Park” (used at least once by 26% of residents), and “visited
the Active Adult Center” (17%).
Compared to 2021, respondents in 2023 were more likely to have dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant,
attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event, used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, participated
in a recreation program or activity, or ridden a RTD bus at least once in the previous 12 months. All
other ratings remained stable since the previous survey iteration. Changes over time are regarded as
significant if the difference in ratings between years is five percentage points or greater. (Please see
Appendix F: Survey Methodology for more information on how to interpret changes over time.)
Figure 14: Participation in Activities by Year
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge? (Percent
at least once in the last year) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant
(other than fast food) 92% 87% 93% 89% 89% 92% 90% 90%
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail 86% 86% 86% 85% 85% 85% 84% 82%
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian
path 80% 79% 78% 76% 75% 76% 75% 71%
Used Clear Creek Trail 65% 67% 68% NA NA NA NA NA
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or
special event 64% 42% 68% 61% NA NA NA NA
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 51% 39% 59% 58% 61% 64% 63% 63%
Used the Wheat Ridge Library 42% 38% 48% 52% 52% 54% 49% 50%
Participated in a recreation program
or activity 42% 30% 42% 39% 44% 44% 44% 42%
Ridden an RTD bus 30% 25% 37% 38% 40% 44% 36% 40%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge? (Percent
at least once in the last year) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor
pool at Anderson Park 26% NA 21% NA NA NA NA NA
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat
Ridge-Ward station 23% 21% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Watched a meeting of local city
officials (on cable television,
YouTube, etc.) 22% 21% 21% 25% 32% 44% 41% 42%
Visited the Anderson Building for a
reason not related to the outdoor
pool 21% 18% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Attended a virtual or in-person
meeting of local city officials or other
local public meeting 20% 18% 23% 26% 24% 27% 21% 23%
Visited the Active Adult Center 17% NA 21% 22% 26% 33% 29% 30%
Participated in a senior program 14% 12% 15% 16% 18% 20% 17% 15%
Prior to 2023, “Attended a virtual or in-person meeting of local city officials or other local public meeting” was “Attended a
(virtual) meeting of local city officials or other local public meeting”, and “Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson
Park” was “Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool.” Prior to 2023, the stem of this question was “Despite the limitation of some
of these facilities and services due to COVID, in the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other
household members participated in the following activities in Wheat Ridge?”
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Safety in Wheat Ridge
Survey participants were also asked to rate their feeling of safety in various locations in Wheat Ridge
(see Figure 15). Similar to previous years, residents felt safest in recreation centers (91% felt very or
somewhat safe), in their home (91%), and in parks and playgrounds (81%). About 8 in 10 also felt at
least somewhat safe in their neighborhood. The three areas respondents felt the least safe were in
retail/commercial areas, on the trail system, and on roadways. Each of these items declined from
2021 to 2023.
Two of the seven safety items could be compared to the national benchmark; safety in parks and
playgrounds was similar and safety in neighborhoods was lower (see Appendix D: Benchmark
Comparisons).
Figure 15: Safety in Public Areas by Year
Please rate how safe you feel in
the following areas in Wheat
Ridge: (Percent very or somewhat
safe) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Recreation centers 91% 93% 94% 93% 92% 92% 92% 92%
In your home 91% 90% 93% 93% 93% 88% NA NA
Parks and playgrounds 81% 84% 87% 85% 88% 82% 86% 82%
In your neighborhood 81% 80% 86% 81% 85% 83% 78% 85%
Retail/commercial areas 73% 82% 82% 84% 83% 83% 83% NA
On the trail system 65% 76% 73% 72% 75% 70% 67% 67%
On roadways 64% 72% 70% 74% NA NA NA NA
Respondents were asked about crime victimization and reporting in the previous 12 months. Similar
to previous years, fewer than one-quarter of residents indicated they had reported a crime to the
police in Wheat Ridge, and 14% reported that a household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat
Ridge (see Figure 16).
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
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Figure 16: Crime Victimization and Reporting by Year
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12
months.
Percent yes
Survey respondents were also asked about the importance of prioritizing resources to various Wheat
Ridge Police Department areas in the coming year. On par with previous years, about 9 in 10
residents indicated it was essential or very important to focus on solving violent and property crimes.
About three-quarters of respondents felt it was important to prioritize police resources to reduce
illegal activities committed by youth, reduce illegal drug activity, and engage in crime prevention
(School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police academy). Fewer residents thought it
was important to prioritize code enforcement and the enforcement of traffic laws.
24%
14%
24%
13%
22%
13%
22%
14%
Reported a crime to the police in
Wheat Ridge
Household member was a victim of a
crime in Wheat Ridge
2023
2021
2018
2015
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 17: Importance of Police Department Resource Prioritization by Year
How important, if at all, is it for the Wheat Ridge Police Department to prioritize
resources in each of the following areas in the next 12 months?
Percent essential or very important
51%
61%
81%
86%
81%
90%
99%
53%
63%
80%
80%
79%
87%
97%
51%
61%
76%
75%
72%
88%
97%
54%
62%
74%
76%
75%
88%
94%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control,
trash, etc.)
Enforcement of traffic laws
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy)
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth
Reducing illegal drug activity
Solving property crimes
Solving violent crimes
2023
2021
2018
2015
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Residents indicated how much of a priority they would place on police department activities or
strategies in the coming two years. Most respondents, 90%, placed a medium or high priority on
directing additional City resources towards crime-related mental health issues in the community. At
least 8 in 10 residents prioritized adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas and more
relationship-based policing officers. Nearly 80% of respondents indicated they wanted more of a
priority placed on better connection with the community and increased visibility of police. Two items
increased significantly from 2021 to 2023, adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas and
adding officers in public schools.
Figure 18: Police Department Priorities by Year
How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department
place on each of the following in the next two years?
Percent high or medium priority
*These items were significantly different in 2023 compared to 2021.
Prior to 2023, “More relationship-based policing officers (problem solving at a community-level such as neighborhood
problems)” was “More community policing officers (problem solving at a community-level such as neighborhood problems).”
68%
76%
79%
83%
78%
82%
57%
79%
74%
84%
80%
77%
92%
70%
74%
78%
79%
80%
84%
90%
Adding officers in public schools*
Greater accessibility to police and police-related
information
Increased visibility of police
Better connection with the community (i.e.,
community forums, events)
More relationship-based policing officers (problem
solving at a community level such as neighborhood
problems)
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas*
Additional City resources directed towards crime-
related mental health issues in the community
2023
2021
2018
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
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City Government
The City of Wheat Ridge Quality of Life Survey included several questions aimed at measuring
government performance, City services, and interactions with City employees.
Quality and Value of City Government Services
When asked to rate the overall quality of Wheat Ridge services, about 7 out of 10 residents rated
these services as excellent or good. This rating is on par with previous years. This measure was similar
to national and Front Range benchmarks (see Appendix E: Detailed Benchmark Comparisons for
detailed information on the benchmark comparisons).
Figure 19: Overall Quality of City Services, 2023
Figure 20: Overall Quality of City Services Compared by Year
Percent excellent or good
Excellent
7%
Good
54%
Fair
33%
Poor
6%
75%75%72%73%73%72%
2008 2012 2015 2018 2021 2023
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Residents were asked their opinion on the quality and importance of 27 individual services provided
to them by the City of Wheat Ridge (see Figure 21 below). At least 7 in 10 residents positively rated
the quality of recreation facilities, maintenance of existing parks, maintenance of open space and
trails, and recreation programs. While two-thirds of respondents rated police response time to
emergency police calls excellent or good, at least 6 in 10 rated city-sponsored special events,
services/programs for seniors, and animal highly. The lowest rated items in terms of quality were
addressing homelessness throughout the city (rated excellent or good by 15% of residents), street
repair and maintenance (31%), code enforcement (36%), and building permits (37%). Many items
decreased in positive ratings from 2021 to 2023. While most items were rated similar or lower than
national and Front Range benchmarks, recreation facilities were rated higher than the national
benchmark.
In terms of importance, more than 9 in 10 residents rated police response time to emergency police
calls, addressing homelessness throughout the city, and street repair and maintenance as either
essential or very important. Additionally, 8 in 10 respondents felt maintenance of existing parks,
policing services, snow removal, maintenance of open space and trails, crime prevention, police
response time to non-emergency police calls, and relationship-based policing were highly important.
At least two-thirds of residents rated the following items as either essential or very important:
stormwater drainage, services/programs for youth, building inspections, municipal court, land use,
planning and zoning, recreational facilities, services/programs for seniors, building permits, public
information services, and traffic enforcement. Relationship-based policing was rated as more
important in 2023 than 2021, while animal control and street sweeping were rated as less important
in 2023 than 2021.
Figure 21: Quality of City Services Compared by Year and Benchmarks
The following are
services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge. For
each service, please rate
the quality of each
service: (Percent
excellent or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
National
benchmark
Front
Range
benchmark
Recreation facilities 78% 84% 77% 83% 85% 85% 87% 85% Higher Similar
Maintenance of existing
city parks 75% 80% 74% 77% 80% 77% 79% 76% Lower NA
Maintenance of open
space and trails 73% 79% 77% 78% 77% 75% 80% 74% NA NA
Recreation programs 73% 79% 78% 79% 82% 81% 81% 81% Similar Similar
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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The following are
services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge. For
each service, please rate
the quality of each
service: (Percent
excellent or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
National
benchmark
Front
Range
benchmark
Police response time to
emergency police calls
(not code enforcement) 66% 80% 74% 79% 83% 79% 79% 79% Similar NA
City-sponsored special
events 64% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Similar Similar
Services/programs for
seniors 62% 66% 68% 76% 77% 72% 74% 75% Similar Similar
Animal control 60% 68% 60% 68% 71% NA NA NA Lower Similar
Stormwater drainage 59% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Lower Lower
Municipal court 56% 62% 54% 60% 67% 66% 68% 66% NA NA
Policing services 54% 69% 68% 69% 76% 73% 72% 76% Much lower Lower
Public information
services 53% 55% 56% 48% NA NA NA NA Lower Similar
Police response time to
non-emergency police
calls (not code
enforcement) 53% 69% 68% 72% 77% 69% 64% 71% NA NA
Snow removal 52% 65% 64% 67% 67% 58% 69% 64% Much lower Similar
Traffic enforcement 52% 60% 64% 66% 69% 69% 69% 66% Lower Similar
Relationship-based
policing 50% 55% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Street sweeping 49% 56% 64% 57% 62% 58% 63% 62% Lower Lower
Services/programs for
youth 48% 58% 61% 64% 64% 65% 54% 64% Much lower NA
Community engagement
by City staff 47% 49% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Building inspections 43% 49% 49% 52% 59% 57% 52% 54% Much lower NA
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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The following are
services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge. For
each service, please rate
the quality of each
service: (Percent
excellent or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
National
benchmark
Front
Range
benchmark
Crime prevention (School
Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch,
citizen police academy) 43% 56% 70% 59% 67% NA NA NA Much lower Similar
Community/public art 42% 41% 47% 40% 41% 45% 43% NA NA NA
Land use, planning and
zoning 41% 43% 42% 43% 46% 41% NA NA Similar Similar
Building permits 37% 48% 52% 48% 51% 56% 54% 56% Much lower NA
Code enforcement (junk
vehicles, weed control,
trash, outside storage) 36% 41% 49% 48% 49% 45% 42% 42% Lower Similar
Street repair and
maintenance 31% 45% 52% 42% 56% 51% 58% 55% Lower Lower
Addressing homelessness
throughout city 15% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
At least 30% of respondents said “don’t know” when rating the following services: Animal control (38% “don’t know”), Land
use, planning and zoning (38%), building permits (61%), building inspections (65%), recreation programs (35%), city-sponsored
special events (32%), community/public art (39%), services/programs for youth (67%), services/programs for seniors (59%),
municipal court (76%), public information services (45%), community engagement by City staff (56%), police response time to
emergency calls (47%), police response time to non-emergency calls (46%), crime prevention (53%), and relationship-based
policing (61%). The responses presented in the body of the report are for those who had an opinion. The full set of responses,
including “don’t know” can be found in Appendix B: Complete Survey Frequencies. Prior to 2023, “street sweeping” was “street
cleaning” and “relationship-based policing” was “community-oriented policing”. “Stormwater drainage”, “city-sponsored
special events”, and “addressing homelessness throughout city” were added in 2023.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 22: Importance of City Services Compared by Year
The following are services provided
by the City of Wheat Ridge. For
each service, please rate the
importance of each service:
(Percent essential or very
important) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) 96% 96% 93% 97% 97% 97% 97% 97%
Addressing homelessness throughout
city 92% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Street repair and maintenance 91% 91% 88% 95% 89% 86% 87% 86%
Maintenance of existing city parks 86% 88% 83% 86% 85% 85% 83% 77%
Policing services 86% 84% 87% 87% 91% 91% 94% 94%
Snow removal 85% 87% 83% 90% 83% 83% 77% 82%
Maintenance of open space and trails 83% 87% 86% 84% 80% 82% 77% 74%
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen
police academy) 83% 86% 89% 86% 94% NA NA NA
Police response time to non-
emergency police calls (not code
enforcement) 81% 82% 88% 87% 89% 88% 89% 87%
Relationship-based policing 80% 74% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Stormwater drainage 79% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Services/programs for youth 78% 80% 80% 76% 79% 81% 83% 81%
Building inspections 76% 76% 73% 71% 72% 71% 77% 70%
Municipal court 76% 76% 69% 75% 76% 78% 79% 78%
Land use, planning and zoning 75% 76% 74% 77% 79% 76% NA NA
Recreation facilities 75% 72% 66% 73% 74% 76% 75% 74%
Services/programs for seniors 73% 77% 68% 70% 75% 77% 79% 76%
Building permits 71% 73% 66% 63% 68% 64% 68% 65%
Public information services 70% 71% 63% 68%
Traffic enforcement 67% 68% 73% 76% 72% 77% 78% 82%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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The following are services provided
by the City of Wheat Ridge. For
each service, please rate the
importance of each service:
(Percent essential or very
important) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Recreation programs 63% 63% 75% 66% 72% 72% 71% 69%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, outside storage) 60% 62% 66% 59% 66% 69% 72% 67%
Community engagement by City staff 60% 62% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Animal control 52% 63% 56% 59% 60% NA NA NA
City-sponsored special events 44% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Street sweeping 42% 59% 68% 61% 53% 55% 53% 55%
Community/public art 41% 44% 53% 37% 44% 46% 38% NA
Prior to 2023, “street sweeping” was “street cleaning” and “relationship-based policing” was “community-oriented policing”.
“Stormwater drainage”, “city-sponsored special events”, and “addressing homelessness throughout city” were added in 2023.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Balancing Quality and Importance
Ratings of importance were compared to ratings of quality to help guide City staff and officials with
decisions on future resource allocation. Most government services are considered to be important,
but when competition for limited resources demands that efficiencies or cutbacks be instituted, it is
wise not only to know what services are deemed most important to residents’ quality of life, but
which services among the most important are perceived to be delivered with the lowest quality. It is
these services – more important services delivered with lower quality – to which attention needs to
be paid first.
To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively lower quality at the same time as
relatively higher importance, the quality and importance ratings were plotted for each service.
Services were classified as “more important” if they were rated as essential or very important by 76%
or more of respondents (the median importance rating across all services) and as “less important” if
less than 76% of respondents considered them essential or important. Services receiving quality
ratings of excellent or good by 52% or more of respondents (the median quality rating across all
services) were considered of “higher quality” and those considered excellent or good by less than
52% were considered to be of “lower quality.”
Figure 24 displays the plot of these services. They are displayed in a matrix in Figure 23. In both
figures, the upper left-hand quadrant contains those services of higher importance but lower quality.
Figure 23 also shows in bolded red font those services that received ratings lower than the national
benchmark comparison.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
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Figure 23: City Services by Quality and Importance, 2023
Lower Quality Higher Quality
Hi
g
h
e
r
I
m
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
• Street repair and maintenance
• Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen
police academy)
• Addressing homelessness throughout the
city
• Services/programs for youth
• Building inspections
• Snow removal
• Relationship-based policing
• Police response time to emergency police
calls (not code enforcement)
• Maintenance of existing city parks
• Maintenance of open space and trails
• Policing services
• Police response time to non-emergency
police calls (not code enforcement)
• Municipal court
• Stormwater drainage
Lo
w
e
r
Im
p
o
r
t
a
n
c
e
• Building permits
• Community engagement by City staff
• Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed
control, trash, outside storage)
• Street sweeping
• Community/public art
• Traffic enforcement
• Land use, planning and zoning
• Recreation facilities
• Recreation programs
• Animal control
• City-sponsored special events
• Public information services
Note: Bolded items with red font are those that were below the national benchmark comparisons.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 24: Comparison of Quality and Importance Ratings, 2023
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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City Government and Employee Performance
About 6 in 10 respondents rated the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government as
excellent or good in 2023, which is a decrease from the previous rating of 66% in 2021.
Figure 25: Overall City Government Performance, 2023
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government?
Figure 26: Overall City Government Performance by Year
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government?
Percent excellent or good
Excellent
7%
Good
54%
Fair
33%
Poor
6%
60%62%65%64%
51%
64%66%61%
2004 2006 2008 2012 2015 2018 2021 2023
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Survey respondents rated seven aspects of the City government performance. About 7 in 10
residents said the quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees and the quality of
experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer was excellent or good. More than half of
respondents positively the city government in terms of the overall direction that Wheat Ridge is
taking, the extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best interest of the community
at large, and the job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming citizen involvement. Fewer than
half of respondents felt that Wheat Ridge does an excellent or good job at informing residents on
major issues within the community. Similarly, 47% of residents indicated that the value of services
for the taxes paid to Wheat Ridge was either excellent or good.
Half of the aspects were similar in 2023 and 2021. However, fewer respondents in 2023 gave high
ratings to the quality of work performed by city employees, the extent to which elected officials act
in the best interest of the community at large, and the value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat
Ridge.
Where comparisons were available to the benchmarks, Wheat Ridge residents generally gave
similar ratings, with the exception of the extent to which elected officials act in the best interest of
the community at large, which was much lower than the national benchmark (see Appendix E:
Detailed Benchmark Comparisons).
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 27: Aspects of City Government Performance by Year
Please rate the following aspects of
Wheat Ridge city government
performance. (Percent excellent or
good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
The quality of experience interacting
with a Wheat Ridge police officer 72% NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
The quality of work performed by City
of Wheat Ridge employees 71% 76% 72% 67% 72% 69% 70% 70%
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge
is taking 54% 57% 60% 51% 56% 61% 60% 51%
The extent to which Wheat Ridge
elected officials act in the best interest
of the community at large 53% 62% 57% 42% 59% 71% 69% 64%
The job Wheat Ridge government
does at welcoming citizen
involvement 52% 50% 55% 43% 50% 61% 64% 59%
The job Wheat Ridge does at
informing residents on major issues
within the community 48% 49% 52% 36% 48% 40% 46% 46%
The value of services for the taxes
paid to Wheat Ridge 47% 57% 52% 48% 53% 55% 58% 62%
The question wording changed in 2012. Before 2012, respondents were asked how strongly they agreed or disagreed with
positively-worded statements about public trust. (See the 2008 report for the exact wording for each item.)
“The quality of experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer” was added in 2023.
At least 30% of respondents said “don’t know” when rating: The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best
interest of the community at large (35% “don’t know”), the quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees (33%),
the quality of experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer (33%), and the job Wheat Ridge government does at
welcoming resident involvement (32%). The responses presented in the body of the report are for those who had an opinion.
The full set of responses, including “don’t know” can be found in Appendix B: Complete Survey Frequencies.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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City Employees
One-third of respondents said that they had contact with a City employee in the 12 months prior to
the survey. This rate of contact was similar to 2021. Contact with Wheat Ridge employees was
much lower than rates observed across the nation and in the Front Range (see Appendix D:
Benchmark Comparisons).
Figure 28: Contact with City Employees by Year
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with a City of
Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
Percent who had contact in the last 12 months
44%44%40%35%42%40%37%33%
2004 2006 2008 2012 2015 2018 2021 2023
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
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Of those who had contact with a city employee, almost 7 in 10 respondents rated their overall
impression of the City employee in their most recent interaction as excellent or good. This rating was
lower than the 2021 rating but was similar to both benchmark comparison groups.
Figure 29: Rating of Overall Impression of City Employees by Year
Percent who had contact in the last 12 months rating as excellent or good
Residents were most pleased with the employee’s courtesy and knowledge (77% excellent or good).
About 7 in 10 positively rated the employee’s responsiveness, while nearly two-thirds highly rated the
employee in terms of making them feel valued.
While the employee’s responsiveness was similar to the Front Range benchmark, all other aspects
were lower or much lower than both national and Front Range counterparts (see Appendix D:
Benchmark Comparisons).
Figure 30: City Employee Characteristics by Year
What was your impression of the
City of Wheat Ridge employee in
your most recent contact? (Rate
each characteristic below.)*
(Percent excellent or good) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Courtesy 77% 82% 84% 75% 86% 85% 82% 81%
Knowledge 77% 81% 77% 72% 86% 82% 78% 78%
Responsiveness 71% 77% 72% 71% 81% 76% 76% 76%
Making you feel valued 64% 73% 70% 60% 76% 69% 69% 69%
*Asked only of those who had contact with a City employee in the last 12 months.
73%75%72%79%
65%
76%77%68%
2004 2006 2008 2012 2015 2018 2021 2023
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Policy and Special Topics
Shopping in Wheat Ridge
Since 2004, Wheat Ridge residents have reported the frequency with which they make purchases in
Wheat Ridge for various types of items. Residents most frequently bought groceries in Wheat Ridge;
85% reported doing this somewhat or very frequently in 2023. About 6 in 10 have made meals and
entertainment purchases in Wheat Ridge. More than half of respondents somewhat or very
frequently purchased household items in the city. Fewer than half of respondents made health
services and general retail purchases at least somewhat frequently. Rates for all purchase types were
on par with previous years.
Figure 31: Frequency of Shopping in Wheat Ridge by Year
For each type of shopping, please
estimate how frequently you make
purchases in Wheat Ridge: (Percent
very or somewhat frequently) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Grocery shopping 85% 84% 89% 87% 82% 87% 91% 88%
Meals and entertainment 61% 63% 64% 63% 62% 68% 68% 68%
Household items 55% 56% 57% 58% 59% 63% 65% 63%
Health services 45% 44% 45% 44% 47% 52% 55% 54%
General retail (shoes, drug stores,
clothing, etc.) 39% 39% 32% 31% 41% 41% 43% 44%
Computers and electronics 10% 11% 9% 13% 16% 14% 12% 12%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
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Respondents who shop outside of Wheat Ridge were asked to identify all the reasons why. The most
common reason for shopping outside of Wheat Ridge was that the desired item is not available in
Wheat Ridge (68% of respondents selected). In 2023, over half of respondents indicated they shop
online and like the range of quality goods and services. Fewer than half of respondents preferred to
visit a mall or other major retailers or said it is convenient to shop outside of Wheat Ridge. Nearly 2
in 10 indicated that it Is more affordable to shop outside of the city. Reasons for shopping outside of
Wheat Ridge were similar to previous years.
Figure 32: Reasons for Shopping Outside of Wheat Ridge by Year
When you shop outside of Wheat
Ridge, why do you shop outside of
Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Desired item is not available in Wheat
Ridge 68% 69% 69% 72% 71% 69% 67% 71%
I shop online 54% 58% 55% NA NA NA NA NA
I like the range of quality goods and
services 52% 48% 45% 44% 46% 41% 41% 42%
Visit a mall or other major retailers 46% 46% 50% 53% 57% 57% NA NA
It is convenient; on my way to or from
work or near my home 45% 49% 43% 38% 41% 38% 40% 39%
It is more affordable 17% 14% 19% 19% 22% 20% 20% 16%
Other 12% 10% 6% 15% 17% 18% 5% 4%
*Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer. Respondents who do not shop outside of Wheat
Ridge were removed from the table above since they should not have answered the question.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Economic Development
Survey respondents indicated the extent to which they agreed with several statements regarding the
City’s economic development efforts. Opinions in 2023 generally were similar to those in 2021 and
previous years, with at least 7 in 10 respondents agreeing with each effort. However, the level of
agreement with promoting efforts to attract new jobs decreased from 2021 to 2023.
Figure 33: Economic Development by Year
Please rate the following statements by
circling the number which best
represents your opinion. Wheat Ridge
should... (Percent strongly or
somewhat agree) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Promote efforts to revitalize business
corridors such as 38th Avenue, 44th
Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and
Kipling St 87% 84% 82% 77% 87% 85% 83% 79%
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat
Ridge's business areas 84% 85% 85% 84% 85% 83% 83% 78%
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new
types of retail businesses to Wheat Ridge 81% 84% 79% 81% 87% 82% 78% 71%
Promote efforts to attract new jobs 76% 81% 78% NA NA NA NA NA
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat
Ridge's housing areas 75% 75% 80% 78% 78% 79% 79% 77%
Strengthen Wheat Ridge's community
image and identity 71% 75% 76% 80% 78% 81% 78% 72%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Sales Tax Rates
In 2023, residents were asked new questions regarding a potential extension of the one-half of one-
cent sales tax. First, respondents were asked to indicate their level of support for extending the sales
tax to fund several projects in the city. At least 8 in 10 respondents indicated that they would be
somewhat or very likely to support sidewalk and street improvements on primary street corridors
such as 38th Ave., 44th Ave., and Youngfield St., and filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an
emphasis on major pedestrian corridor. More than three-quarters of residents would be at least
somewhat likely to support drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements throughout the
City. The expansion of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center for additional gymnasium and fitness
activity space was likely to be supported by 6 in 10 respondents.
Figure 34: Support Funding Projects with Sales Tax, 2023
Percent of respondents
60%
77%
82%
84%
0%25%50%75%100%
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge Recreation
Center for additional gymnasium and fitness
activity space
Drainage and floodplain inftrastructure
improvements throughout the City
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city
with an emphasis on major pedestrian
corridor
Sidewalk and street improvements on
primary street corridors such as 38th Ave.,
44th Ave., and Youngfield St.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Respondents were also asked how long, if at all, they would be comfortable extending the current
temporary one-half of one-cent sales tax rate. Nearly 4 in 10 residents indicated that they would be
comfortable extending the increase for 10 years, yielding approximately $45 million. About one-
quarter of respondents were comfortable with a 20-year extension, which would yield approximately
$75 million, while 23% indicated they did not want to extend the sales tax increase. An extension of
15 years, yielding approximately $60 million, was selected by 1 in 10 respondents.
Figure 35: Support for Extending Sales Tax Increase, 2023
How long, if at all, would you feel comfortable extending the current temporary one-half
of one-cent sales tax rate to fund priority projects throughout the city.
10 years,
yielding
approximately
$45 million
39%
15 years, yielding
approximately
$60 million
11%
20 years, yielding
approximately
$75 million
27%
Not at all
23%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Homelessness
About 8 in 10 residents felt that homelessness in Wheat Ridge is either a major or moderate problem.
This rating was on par with 2021.
Figure 36: Extent to Which Homelessness is Viewed as a Problem in Wheat Ridge by Year
Percent major or moderate problem
61%
77%
81%
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a
problem in the City of Wheat Ridge?
2023
2021
2018
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Respondents also indicated how important they felt it was for the City of Wheat Ridge to contribute
funding to community-based organizations providing various services to people who are homeless.
Residents voiced the highest levels of support for mental health programs and substance abuse
programs, with over three-quarters feeling it was very important or essential to do so. About 7 in 10
residents were supportive of shelters for severe weather and supportive housing. Fewer than two-
thirds of respondents indicated that it would be essential or very important to provide housing/rental
assistance or job training programs. Levels of support for all items were on par with 2021, with the
exception of shelters for severe weather, which decreased in support in 2023.
Figure 37: Importance of City Involvement in Providing Homeless Services by Year
How important to you, if at all, is it for the City to contribute funding to community-
based organizations that provide each of the following services to the homeless
populations?
Percent essential or very important
*These items were significantly different in 2023 compared to 2021.
60%
61%
69%
69%
78%
81%
63%
67%
75%
76%
81%
84%
59%
63%
69%
71%
78%
81%
Job training programs
Housing/rental assistance programs
Shelters for severe weather*
Supportive housing, which combines housing
with services such as job training and substance
abuse treatment
Substance abuse programs
Mental health programs
2023
2021
2018
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Environmental Sustainability
Survey respondents assessed the importance of city involvement in environmental sustainability
efforts, which might or might not increase taxpayer costs (see Figure 38 on the following page). At
least 6 in 10 residents indicated it to be essential or very important for the City to focus on creating
walkable communities, improving water quality from runoff to local streams & lakes, ensuring
availability of and access to public transit, and expanding access to residential recycling and
composting services. All other activities were considered essential or very important by more than
half of respondents.
Where differences in importance ratings from 2021 to 2023 were observed, residents tended to give
lower ratings in 2023. However, in 2023, respondents placed more importance on encouraging biking
or walking, instead of automobile use.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Figure 38: Importance of City Focus on Environmental Sustainability by Year
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of the following areas of
environmental sustainability, which may or may not increase costs for taxpayers?
Percent essential or very important
*These items were significantly different in 2023 compared to 2021.
“Improving localized flooding and reducing impacts on private property through improvements to the city’s stormwater
drainage system” and “improving water quality from runoff to local streams & lakes” were added in 2023.
53%
68%
69%
72%
75%
59%
47%
59%
62%
63%
58%
62%
64%
64%
75%
52%
53%
54%
57%
58%
59%
59%
59%
64%
64%
69%
72%
Implementing organized trash hauling in neighborhoods*
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of automobile use*
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the home*
Requiring green building practices for new commercial and
residential construction*
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the
community*
Improving localized flooding and reducing impacts on
private property through improvements to the city's
stormwater drainage system
Promoting use of drought-tolerant and native landscaping
Implementing energy efficiency improvements for city
facilities
Expanding access to residential recycling and composting
services
Ensuring availability of and access to public transit
Improving water quality from runoff to local streams &
lakes
Creating walkable communities (providing sidewalk
connections, bike lanes, retail/shopping/grocery closer to
homes, etc.)
2023
2021
2018
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Communication with Residents
Wheat Ridge residents shared whether they used various sources of information for news about
Wheat Ridge. Word of mouth, the Neighborhood Gazette, and the City Quarterly “Connections”
Newsletter topped the list as the most used sources of information, with at least 7 in 10 residents
saying they used these sources at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey. At least 5 in 10
respondents used the City’s website, television news, and the Parks and Recreation Activity Guide.
Additionally, at least one-third of residents used the Denver Post, radio news, and Wheat Ridge
Police Department social media sites at least once in the past year.
Four information sources saw an increase in usage from 2021 to 2023: the Neighborhood Gazette,
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites, City of Wheat Ridge social media sites, and
What’s Up Wheat Ridge. In 2023, residents were less likely to seek city information from television
and radio news.
Figure 39: Information Sources by Year
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used the
following sources of information
for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent at least once in the last 12
months) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
Word of mouth 77% 74% 82% 83% 78% 79% 76% 76%
Neighborhood Gazette 77% 72% 68% 68% 60% NA NA NA
City Quarterly "Connections”
Newsletter 74% 72% 73% 72% 67% 70% 68% 64%
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide 58% 57% 71% NA NA NA NA NA
Television news 54% 60% 62% 62% 57% 76% 71% 75%
City's website:
www.ci.wheatridge.co.us 54% 52% 50% 46% 40% 34% 27% 23%
Neighborhood websites (e.g.,
NextDoor, etc.) 43% 45% 36% 18% NA NA NA NA
Denver Post 39% 40% 44% 49% 60% 69% 71% 74%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Radio news 37% 44% 45% 42% 33% 52% 48% 52%
Wheat Ridge Police Department social
media sites (Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram) 33% 24% 20% 16% NA NA NA NA
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites
(Facebook, Twitter) 32% 26% 24% NA NA NA NA NA
City website automatic notifications
(e.g., community events, calendar
listing) 28% 24% 25% 23% NA NA NA NA
Jeffco Transcript 26% 28% NA NA NA NA NA NA
What's Up Wheat Ridge 26% 18% NA NA NA NA NA NA
Community-created Facebook
groups/pages about Wheat Ridge 24% 22% 20% 17% NA NA NA NA
Denver Post YourHub 18% 15% 24% 32% 28% NA NA NA
City live/on-demand video streaming,
including City Council meetings 17% 18% 10% 11% 11% NA NA NA
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center's
Facebook page 17% 16% 13% 14% NA NA NA NA
Wheat Ridge Speaks 15% 12% NA NA NA NA NA NA
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel) 13% 16% 21% 20% 30% 48% 45% 50%
Prior to 2023, “Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook/Instagram page” was “Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook
page”.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Respondents were also asked to share their use of various social networking sites in a typical month.
Similar to previous years, YouTube and Facebook were the most frequently used sites (with 73% and
60% reporting use at least once in a typical month, respectively). At least 4 in 10 respondents
reported using Instagram and NextDoor at least once. Fewer residents reported using LinkedIn (38%),
Twitter (23%), and TikTok (16%) at least once in a typical month.
Use of Instagram significantly increased from 2021 to 2023.
Figure 40: Use of Social Media Sites by Year
In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the following
social media sites?
Percent at least once
*These items were significantly different in 2021 compared to 2018.
TikTok was added in 2023.
20%
38%
31%
33%
66%
72%
23%
36%
42%
38%
59%
71%
16%
23%
38%
41%
44%
60%
73%
TikTok
Twitter
LinkedIn
NextDoor
Instagram*
Facebook
YouTube
2023
2021
2018
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Appendix A: Respondent Characteristics
The following tables summarize the demographic characteristics of Wheat Ridge’s survey respondents in 2023.
Table 1: Question D1
About how long have you lived in Wheat Ridge? Percent of respondents
Less than 2 years 18%
2 to 5 years 24%
6 to 10 years 16%
11 to 20 years 15%
More than 20 years 26%
Total 100%
Table 2: Question D2
In what city do you work? (If you work in more than one city, check the box for the city in which you
most often work.)
Percent of
respondents
Arvada 5%
Aurora 3%
Boulder 2%
Broomfield 1%
Denver 23%
Englewood 1%
Golden 4%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
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In what city do you work? (If you work in more than one city, check the box for the city in which you
most often work.)
Percent of
respondents
Lakewood 6%
Littleton 1%
Louisville 2%
Northglenn 0%
Thornton 0%
Westminster 1%
Wheat Ridge 16%
Other 7%
Do not work (student, homemaker, retired, etc ) 31%
Total 100%
Table 3: Question D3
Please check the appropriate box indicating the type of housing unit in which you live. Percent of respondents
Detached single-unit home 55%
Condominium or townhouse 8%
Duplex 10%
Apartment 27%
Total 100%
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Table 4: Question D4
Do you live in senior housing such as an assisted-living or senior living community? Percent of respondents
Yes 8%
No 92%
Total 100%
Table 5: Question D5
Do you own or rent your residence? Percent of respondents
Own 56%
Rent 44%
Total 100%
Table 6: Question D6
How many people (including yourself) live in your household? Percent of respondents
1 37%
2 38%
3 13%
4 9%
5 2%
6 0%
14 0%
Total 100%
Average number of household members 2.0
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Table 7: Question D7
How many of these household members are 17 or younger? Percent of respondents
0 79%
1 10%
2 10%
3 2%
Total 100%
Average number of household members under 18 for households with at least one child under 18 1.6
Table 8: Question D8
Please indicate the number of dogs and cats in your household. (Please write 0 if
none.) None 1 2
3 or
more Total
Dogs 56% 33% 7% 3% 100%
Cats 77% 13% 6% 5% 100%
Dogs and cats 55% 26% 10% 9% 100%
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Table 9: Average number of dogs and cats in households with dogs and cats
Average number
Number of dogs 1.3
Number of cats 1.8
Dogs and cats 1.8
Table 10: Question D9
How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)
Percent of
respondents
Less than $15,000 6%
$15,000 to $24,999 8%
$25,000 to $34,999 8%
$35,000 to $49,999 11%
$50,000 to $74,999 14%
$75,000 to $99,999 13%
$100,000 to $124,999 9%
$125,000 or more 32%
Total 100%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Table 11: Question D10
What is your age? Percent of respondents
18 to 24 years 2%
25 to 34 years 23%
35 to 44 years 19%
45 to 54 years 12%
55 to 64 years 11%
65 to 74 years 19%
75 years or older 14%
Total 100%
Table 12: Question D11
What is your race? (Please check all that apply.) Percent of respondents*
White 75%
Black or African American 2%
Asian or Pacific Islander 5%
American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut 6%
Other 8%
Prefer not to say 10%
*Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Table 13: Question D12
Are you Hispanic/Spanish/Latino? Percent of respondents
Yes 17%
No 83%
Total 100%
Table 14: Question D13
What is your gender? Percent of respondents
Female 51%
Male 44%
Prefer to self-describe 0%
Prefer not to say 5%
Total 100%
Table 15: Question D14
Did you vote in the last election? Percent of respondents
Yes 88%
No 12%
Total 100%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Appendix B: Complete Survey Frequencies
The following pages contain a complete set of responses to each question on the survey. For questions that included a “don’t know” or
“no opinion” response option, two tables for that question are provided: the first excludes the “don’t know” or “no opinion” responses
and the second includes those response options.
Table 16: Question 1 without "don't know" responses
Please rate each of the following aspects of
quality of life in Wheat Ridge. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Wheat Ridge as a place to live 29% N=241 56% N=467 14% N=115 1% N=6 100% N=828
Your neighborhood as a place to live 30% N=249 49% N=402 18% N=145 4% N=29 100% N=825
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children 22% N=132 51% N=304 22% N=133 4% N=24 100% N=593
Wheat Ridge as a place to work 16% N=79 46% N=226 29% N=141 9% N=45 100% N=491
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire 22% N=132 43% N=262 25% N=152 10% N=61 100% N=607
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a
whole 9% N=76 44% N=361 37% N=303 9% N=73 100% N=813
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge 15% N=123 62% N=507 21% N=168 2% N=15 100% N=813
Table 17: Question 1 with "don't know" responses
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Wheat
Ridge. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Wheat Ridge as a place to live 29% N=241 56% N=467 14% N=115 1% N=6 0% N=2 100% N=830
Your neighborhood as a place to live 30% N=249 49% N=402 18% N=145 4% N=29 0% N=3 100% N=828
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Wheat
Ridge. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise
children 16% N=132 37% N=304 16% N=133 3% N=24 28% N=229 100% N=821
Wheat Ridge as a place to work 10% N=79 28% N=226 17% N=141 5% N=45 40% N=324 100% N=814
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire 16% N=132 32% N=262 19% N=152 7% N=61 26% N=213 100% N=819
The physical attractiveness of Wheat
Ridge as a whole 9% N=76 44% N=361 37% N=303 9% N=73 1% N=10 100% N=823
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge 15% N=123 62% N=507 20% N=168 2% N=15 1% N=9 100% N=822
Table 18: Question 2
Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same or decline over the
next 5 years? Percent Number
Improve a lot 12% N=100
Improve slightly 43% N=354
Stay the same 21% N=170
Decline slightly 20% N=166
Decline a lot 4% N=37
Total 100% N=826
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Table 19: Question 3
What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that apply.) Percent of respondents*
I feel safe here 45%
I like the school my children attend 9%
My job is here 8%
I like my neighborhood 58%
I like the location in general 75%
I like the access to dining and entertainment 27%
Housing and rental rates are affordable 27%
I've always lived here 13%
I have friends and family in the area 29%
Small town feel 30%
Cost of living is affordable 17%
I like that the community is forward-thinking 15%
The growing and diverse community 15%
None of these 5%
*Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
Table 20: Question 4 without "don't know" responses
Please rate each of the following characteristics
as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Sense of community 10% N=78 50% N=379 32% N=243 8% N=63 100% N=762
Openness and acceptance of the community toward
people of diverse backgrounds 12% N=75 48% N=313 30% N=197 10% N=65 100% N=650
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate each of the following characteristics
as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge 8% N=65 39% N=323 42% N=341 11% N=90 100% N=819
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge 6% N=45 42% N=317 39% N=290 13% N=99 100% N=751
Variety of housing options 8% N=60 38% N=275 39% N=283 15% N=106 100% N=725
Overall quality of business and service
establishments in Wheat Ridge 9% N=74 47% N=374 37% N=291 7% N=57 100% N=797
Shopping opportunities 7% N=58 36% N=296 42% N=343 15% N=122 100% N=820
Opportunities to attend cultural activities 7% N=51 34% N=238 40% N=281 19% N=137 100% N=706
Recreational opportunities 17% N=134 52% N=401 25% N=197 5% N=41 100% N=774
Employment opportunities 7% N=28 29% N=112 47% N=181 17% N=65 100% N=387
Educational opportunities 7% N=35 38% N=182 36% N=169 18% N=87 100% N=473
Opportunities to participate in social events and
activities 10% N=66 41% N=281 42% N=291 7% N=50 100% N=687
Opportunities to volunteer 13% N=66 47% N=235 34% N=169 6% N=30 100% N=499
Opportunities to participate in civic matters 12% N=65 45% N=241 36% N=192 7% N=40 100% N=538
Availability of parks 33% N=267 45% N=368 19% N=155 2% N=20 100% N=809
Availability of dog parks 18% N=90 38% N=195 25% N=127 19% N=98 100% N=510
Availability of paths and walking trails 30% N=232 39% N=304 24% N=185 7% N=53 100% N=774
Availability of bike paths and bike lanes 24% N=164 39% N=268 27% N=188 9% N=63 100% N=684
Availability of affordable quality housing 6% N=39 24% N=153 38% N=239 32% N=204 100% N=636
Availability of affordable quality child care 12% N=30 14% N=35 47% N=117 26% N=65 100% N=247
Availability of affordable quality health care 16% N=96 42% N=248 32% N=186 10% N=59 100% N=588
Availability of affordable quality food 15% N=118 45% N=366 31% N=248 9% N=74 100% N=806
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate each of the following characteristics
as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Availability of preventive health services 16% N=98 43% N=263 35% N=212 6% N=39 100% N=613
Air quality 11% N=86 44% N=344 36% N=282 8% N=66 100% N=779
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat
Ridge 14% N=115 50% N=410 30% N=244 6% N=49 100% N=818
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge 9% N=72 53% N=427 32% N=253 6% N=50 100% N=802
Table 21: Question 4 with "don't know" responses
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Sense of community 10% N=78 47% N=379 30% N=243 8% N=63 6% N=46 100% N=808
Openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of
diverse backgrounds 9% N=75 39% N=313 24% N=197 8% N=65 20% N=161 100% N=811
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge 8% N=65 39% N=323 41% N=341 11% N=90 1% N=5 100% N=824
Overall quality of new development
in Wheat Ridge 6% N=45 38% N=317 35% N=290 12% N=99 9% N=74 100% N=824
Variety of housing options 7% N=60 34% N=275 35% N=283 13% N=106 11% N=89 100% N=814
Overall quality of business and
service establishments in Wheat
Ridge 9% N=74 46% N=374 36% N=291 7% N=57 3% N=23 100% N=820
Shopping opportunities 7% N=58 36% N=296 41% N=343 15% N=122 1% N=8 100% N=828
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Opportunities to attend cultural
activities 6% N=51 29% N=238 34% N=281 17% N=137 14% N=114 100% N=820
Recreational opportunities 16% N=134 49% N=401 24% N=197 5% N=41 6% N=51 100% N=825
Employment opportunities 3% N=28 14% N=112 22% N=181 8% N=65 53% N=429 100% N=815
Educational opportunities 4% N=35 22% N=182 21% N=169 11% N=87 42% N=341 100% N=814
Opportunities to participate in social
events and activities 8% N=66 34% N=281 36% N=291 6% N=50 16% N=128 100% N=816
Opportunities to volunteer 8% N=66 29% N=235 21% N=169 4% N=30 39% N=321 100% N=821
Opportunities to participate in civic
matters 8% N=65 30% N=241 24% N=192 5% N=40 33% N=270 100% N=808
Availability of parks 32% N=267 45% N=368 19% N=155 2% N=20 2% N=16 100% N=825
Availability of dog parks 11% N=90 24% N=195 16% N=127 12% N=98 38% N=310 100% N=820
Availability of paths and walking
trails 28% N=232 37% N=304 23% N=185 6% N=53 6% N=46 100% N=820
Availability of bike paths and bike
lanes 20% N=164 33% N=268 23% N=188 8% N=63 16% N=129 100% N=812
Availability of affordable quality
housing 5% N=39 19% N=153 29% N=239 25% N=204 22% N=183 100% N=819
Availability of affordable quality
child care 4% N=30 4% N=35 15% N=117 8% N=65 69% N=560 100% N=807
Availability of affordable quality
health care 12% N=96 30% N=248 23% N=186 7% N=59 28% N=227 100% N=816
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Availability of affordable quality
food 14% N=118 45% N=366 30% N=248 9% N=74 2% N=13 100% N=819
Availability of preventive health
services 12% N=98 32% N=263 26% N=212 5% N=39 25% N=205 100% N=818
Quality of overall natural
environment in Wheat Ridge 14% N=115 50% N=410 30% N=244 6% N=49 1% N=8 100% N=826
Overall image or reputation of
Wheat Ridge 9% N=72 52% N=427 31% N=253 6% N=50 3% N=26 100% N=829
Table 22: Question 5 without "don't know" responses
Please rate your community on each of the
following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Making all residents feel welcome 12% N=80 50% N=346 31% N=215 7% N=52 100% N=693
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated 8% N=49 37% N=231 39% N=245 15% N=96 100% N=621
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds 6% N=37 33% N=194 43% N=252 17% N=98 100% N=582
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds 8% N=45 37% N=200 40% N=213 15% N=78 100% N=535
Demonstrating respect for residents of different
cultures and belief systems 11% N=62 37% N=215 39% N=221 13% N=75 100% N=574
Treating all residents fairly 11% N=68 40% N=241 37% N=221 12% N=71 100% N=601
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents
of all backgrounds 12% N=75 42% N=271 36% N=229 10% N=65 100% N=641
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate your community on each of the
following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values 11% N=59 46% N=256 34% N=189 9% N=51 100% N=555
Providing equal employment opportunities to
residents of all backgrounds 10% N=33 41% N=136 39% N=130 10% N=32 100% N=330
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all
backgrounds 11% N=44 37% N=155 34% N=143 18% N=73 100% N=415
Making all residents feel welcome in business
establishments 14% N=89 51% N=318 28% N=175 6% N=36 100% N=619
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to
participate in local government and community
decision-making 16% N=72 43% N=190 32% N=142 9% N=42 100% N=446
Table 23: Question 5 with "don't know" responses
Please rate your community on each
of the following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Making all residents feel welcome 10% N=80 42% N=346 26% N=215 6% N=52 15% N=126 100% N=818
Helping new residents feel connected
and integrated 6% N=49 28% N=231 30% N=245 12% N=96 24% N=191 100% N=812
Attracting people from diverse
backgrounds 5% N=37 24% N=194 31% N=252 12% N=98 28% N=229 100% N=811
Valuing residents from diverse
backgrounds 6% N=45 25% N=200 26% N=213 10% N=78 33% N=269 100% N=804
Demonstrating respect for residents of
different cultures and belief systems 8% N=62 27% N=215 27% N=221 9% N=75 29% N=234 100% N=808
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Please rate your community on each
of the following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Treating all residents fairly 8% N=68 30% N=241 27% N=221 9% N=71 26% N=209 100% N=810
Providing a safe and secure
environment for residents of all
backgrounds 9% N=75 33% N=271 28% N=229 8% N=65 21% N=174 100% N=815
Respecting individual cultural beliefs
and values 7% N=59 32% N=256 23% N=189 6% N=51 32% N=258 100% N=812
Providing equal employment
opportunities to residents of all
backgrounds 4% N=33 17% N=136 16% N=130 4% N=32 59% N=475 100% N=806
Providing equal access to housing for
residents of all backgrounds 5% N=44 19% N=155 18% N=143 9% N=73 48% N=389 100% N=804
Making all residents feel welcome in
business establishments 11% N=89 39% N=318 22% N=175 4% N=36 23% N=189 100% N=807
Welcoming residents from all
backgrounds to participate in local
government and community decision-
making 9% N=72 24% N=190 18% N=142 5% N=42 45% N=361 100% N=807
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Table 24: Question 6 without "don't know" responses
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are
to do each of the following. Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Total
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone
who asks 45% N=362 44% N=356 6% N=52 5% N=37 100% N=806
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years 54% N=426 33% N=261 6% N=45 7% N=56 100% N=788
Table 25: Question 6 with "don't know" responses
Please indicate how likely or
unlikely you are to do each of the
following. Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Don't
know Total
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to
someone who asks 44% N=362 44% N=356 6% N=52 5% N=37 1% N=11 100% N=817
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next
five years 52% N=426 32% N=261 6% N=45 7% N=56 3% N=28 100% N=816
Table 26: Question 7
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than 26
times Total
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation
Center 49% N=403 17% N=142 16% N=134 6% N=53 10% N=84 100% N=815
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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- 76 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than 26
times Total
Participated in a recreation
program or activity 58% N=464 21% N=168 11% N=84 6% N=44 5% N=38 100% N=798
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail 14% N=115 13% N=108 23% N=189 19% N=151 31% N=254 100% N=816
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor
pool at Anderson Park 74% N=600 14% N=115 9% N=73 2% N=17 1% N=6 100% N=811
Visited the Anderson Building for a
reason not related to the outdoor
pool 79% N=640 13% N=106 6% N=48 1% N=11 1% N=7 100% N=813
Used a Wheat Ridge
bike/pedestrian path 20% N=166 14% N=115 26% N=208 14% N=117 26% N=209 100% N=814
Used Clear Creek Trail 35% N=287 15% N=124 17% N=138 11% N=92 21% N=171 100% N=813
Attended a virtual or in-person
meeting of local city officials or
other local public meeting 80% N=652 13% N=108 4% N=34 1% N=7 1% N=9 100% N=810
Watched a meeting of local city
officials (on cable television,
YouTube, etc.) 78% N=634 14% N=110 5% N=41 2% N=15 1% N=9 100% N=810
Participated in a senior program 86% N=703 7% N=57 5% N=37 1% N=8 1% N=8 100% N=813
Visited the Active Adult Center 83% N=677 9% N=74 4% N=33 2% N=13 2% N=15 100% N=813
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant
(other than fast food) 8% N=65 16% N=132 37% N=303 23% N=186 15% N=123 100% N=810
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than 26
times Total
Used the Wheat Ridge Library 58% N=463 15% N=123 12% N=97 7% N=56 8% N=64 100% N=803
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or
special event 36% N=291 40% N=325 21% N=171 1% N=10 2% N=13 100% N=811
Ridden an RTD bus 70% N=569 13% N=102 9% N=74 2% N=13 6% N=51 100% N=809
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat
Ridge-Ward station 77% N=630 11% N=93 7% N=56 1% N=8 3% N=27 100% N=814
Table 27: Question 8 without "don't know" responses
Please rate the following aspects of
transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Condition of city streets 5% N=39 34% N=273 40% N=325 22% N=175 100% N=812
Condition of sidewalks 3% N=26 31% N=244 42% N=331 24% N=195 100% N=796
Access to mass transit 12% N=78 44% N=295 34% N=231 10% N=65 100% N=670
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge 17% N=139 47% N=376 29% N=227 7% N=55 100% N=797
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge 10% N=41 47% N=192 34% N=139 9% N=35 100% N=407
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat Ridge 11% N=47 37% N=164 30% N=133 22% N=99 100% N=443
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge 12% N=93 42% N=332 35% N=273 11% N=88 100% N=786
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge 11% N=61 47% N=269 31% N=178 11% N=63 100% N=570
Traffic flow on major streets 3% N=28 31% N=252 39% N=311 26% N=213 100% N=804
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
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Table 28: Question 8 with "don't know" responses
Please rate the following aspects
of transportation within the City
of Wheat Ridge. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Condition of city streets 5% N=39 33% N=273 40% N=325 22% N=175 0% N=4 100% N=816
Condition of sidewalks 3% N=26 30% N=244 41% N=331 24% N=195 2% N=18 100% N=814
Access to mass transit 10% N=78 37% N=295 29% N=231 8% N=65 17% N=139 100% N=808
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge 17% N=139 46% N=376 28% N=227 7% N=55 2% N=18 100% N=815
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge 5% N=41 24% N=192 17% N=139 4% N=35 49% N=398 100% N=805
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat
Ridge 6% N=47 20% N=164 16% N=133 12% N=99 45% N=366 100% N=808
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge 11% N=93 41% N=332 33% N=273 11% N=88 4% N=30 100% N=816
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge 7% N=61 33% N=269 22% N=178 8% N=63 29% N=239 100% N=809
Traffic flow on major streets 3% N=28 31% N=252 38% N=311 26% N=213 2% N=12 100% N=816
Table 29: Question 9 Quality without "don't know" responses
The following are services provided by the City
of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
quality of each service. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Snow removal 12% N=93 40% N=321 28% N=222 20% N=159 100% N=795
Street repair and maintenance 4% N=35 27% N=211 45% N=357 23% N=183 100% N=785
Street sweeping 8% N=58 41% N=283 37% N=257 14% N=95 100% N=694
Stormwater drainage 12% N=76 47% N=307 32% N=212 9% N=59 100% N=654
Traffic enforcement 10% N=69 42% N=294 31% N=216 16% N=114 100% N=693
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
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The following are services provided by the City
of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
quality of each service. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control,
trash, outside storage) 5% N=37 31% N=212 37% N=254 27% N=182 100% N=686
Animal control 11% N=53 50% N=250 32% N=162 7% N=37 100% N=501
Land use, planning and zoning 7% N=34 34% N=169 39% N=194 19% N=95 100% N=492
Building permits 8% N=25 29% N=91 37% N=116 26% N=81 100% N=312
Building inspections 10% N=29 33% N=92 38% N=106 19% N=52 100% N=280
Maintenance of existing city parks 17% N=121 58% N=426 23% N=165 3% N=21 100% N=734
Maintenance of open space and trails 19% N=128 55% N=379 23% N=162 4% N=25 100% N=694
Recreation programs 21% N=109 52% N=271 25% N=128 2% N=12 100% N=519
City-sponsored special events 17% N=92 47% N=253 33% N=180 3% N=15 100% N=540
Recreation facilities 25% N=154 52% N=318 21% N=126 1% N=9 100% N=606
Community/public art 9% N=43 33% N=161 42% N=206 16% N=78 100% N=487
Services/programs for youth 13% N=33 35% N=92 38% N=99 14% N=36 100% N=260
Services/programs for seniors 19% N=62 43% N=140 31% N=102 6% N=21 100% N=325
Municipal court 12% N=23 44% N=85 36% N=70 8% N=16 100% N=194
Public information services 11% N=46 43% N=187 38% N=168 8% N=36 100% N=437
Community engagement by City staff 11% N=38 36% N=124 37% N=129 16% N=54 100% N=345
Addressing homelessness throughout city 3% N=22 11% N=73 32% N=210 53% N=344 100% N=650
Policing services 12% N=76 42% N=273 37% N=239 9% N=60 100% N=648
Police response time to emergency police calls (not
code enforcement) 21% N=90 45% N=194 24% N=103 10% N=44 100% N=430
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 80 -
The following are services provided by the City
of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
quality of each service. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Police response time to non-emergency police calls
(not code enforcement) 15% N=65 38% N=166 32% N=139 15% N=66 100% N=435
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) 9% N=34 34% N=130 41% N=156 16% N=60 100% N=379
Relationship-based policing 14% N=45 35% N=109 36% N=113 14% N=43 100% N=310
Table 30: Question 9 Quality with "don't know" responses
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the quality of each service. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Snow removal 11% N=93 39% N=321 27% N=222 20% N=159 2% N=19 100% N=814
Street repair and maintenance 4% N=35 26% N=211 44% N=357 23% N=183 3% N=23 100% N=808
Street sweeping 7% N=58 35% N=283 32% N=257 12% N=95 15% N=119 100% N=813
Stormwater drainage 9% N=76 38% N=307 26% N=212 7% N=59 19% N=154 100% N=808
Traffic enforcement 9% N=69 37% N=294 27% N=216 14% N=114 13% N=104 100% N=797
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, outside storage) 5% N=37 26% N=212 31% N=254 22% N=182 16% N=129 100% N=814
Animal control 7% N=53 31% N=250 20% N=162 5% N=37 38% N=308 100% N=809
Land use, planning and zoning 4% N=34 21% N=169 24% N=194 12% N=95 38% N=308 100% N=800
Building permits 3% N=25 11% N=91 15% N=116 10% N=81 61% N=486 100% N=798
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 81 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the quality of each service. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Building inspections 4% N=29 11% N=92 13% N=106 7% N=52 65% N=523 100% N=803
Maintenance of existing city parks 15% N=121 53% N=426 20% N=165 3% N=21 9% N=74 100% N=807
Maintenance of open space and
trails 16% N=128 47% N=379 20% N=162 3% N=25 13% N=108 100% N=802
Recreation programs 14% N=109 34% N=271 16% N=128 1% N=12 35% N=282 100% N=801
City-sponsored special events 12% N=92 32% N=253 23% N=180 2% N=15 32% N=257 100% N=797
Recreation facilities 19% N=154 40% N=318 16% N=126 1% N=9 24% N=192 100% N=798
Community/public art 5% N=43 20% N=161 26% N=206 10% N=78 39% N=310 100% N=798
Services/programs for youth 4% N=33 12% N=92 12% N=99 5% N=36 67% N=537 100% N=797
Services/programs for seniors 8% N=62 18% N=140 13% N=102 3% N=21 59% N=468 100% N=793
Municipal court 3% N=23 11% N=85 9% N=70 2% N=16 76% N=604 100% N=798
Public information services 6% N=46 23% N=187 21% N=168 5% N=36 45% N=363 100% N=799
Community engagement by City
staff 5% N=38 16% N=124 16% N=129 7% N=54 56% N=441 100% N=786
Addressing homelessness
throughout city 3% N=22 9% N=73 26% N=210 43% N=344 19% N=155 100% N=805
Policing services 10% N=76 34% N=273 30% N=239 7% N=60 19% N=154 100% N=802
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) 11% N=90 24% N=194 13% N=103 5% N=44 47% N=379 100% N=809
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 82 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the quality of each service. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Police response time to non-
emergency police calls (not code
enforcement) 8% N=65 21% N=166 17% N=139 8% N=66 46% N=365 100% N=801
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch,
citizen police academy) 4% N=34 16% N=130 19% N=156 7% N=60 53% N=422 100% N=801
Relationship-based policing 6% N=45 14% N=109 14% N=113 6% N=43 61% N=479 100% N=789
Table 31: Question 9 Importance without "don't know" responses
The following are services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each service. Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Snow removal 43% N=298 42% N=289 14% N=98 1% N=7 100% N=692
Street repair and maintenance 47% N=323 45% N=307 8% N=58 0% N=1 100% N=689
Street sweeping 13% N=91 29% N=198 51% N=350 7% N=48 100% N=687
Stormwater drainage 34% N=220 45% N=294 21% N=137 0% N=3 100% N=654
Traffic enforcement 28% N=190 39% N=263 30% N=201 3% N=19 100% N=674
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control,
trash, outside storage) 21% N=141 39% N=268 35% N=242 5% N=33 100% N=685
Animal control 17% N=109 35% N=223 45% N=289 3% N=20 100% N=640
Land use, planning and zoning 34% N=198 41% N=243 22% N=128 3% N=18 100% N=587
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 83 -
The following are services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each service. Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Building permits 29% N=152 41% N=215 26% N=136 3% N=16 100% N=519
Building inspections 28% N=147 48% N=249 22% N=114 3% N=14 100% N=525
Maintenance of existing city parks 30% N=203 56% N=379 13% N=91 0% N=3 100% N=676
Maintenance of open space and trails 32% N=216 50% N=337 17% N=111 1% N=5 100% N=669
Recreation programs 21% N=129 42% N=254 32% N=198 5% N=30 100% N=611
City-sponsored special events 10% N=59 34% N=205 47% N=283 9% N=52 100% N=599
Recreation facilities 24% N=149 51% N=319 21% N=134 3% N=21 100% N=622
Community/public art 9% N=50 33% N=190 45% N=262 14% N=82 100% N=584
Services/programs for youth 28% N=151 49% N=262 20% N=107 2% N=10 100% N=530
Services/programs for seniors 24% N=139 49% N=280 25% N=143 3% N=15 100% N=577
Municipal court 31% N=152 45% N=221 22% N=110 2% N=11 100% N=494
Public information services 24% N=136 46% N=261 28% N=160 2% N=13 100% N=569
Community engagement by City staff 18% N=95 42% N=225 35% N=189 5% N=29 100% N=537
Addressing homelessness throughout city 53% N=354 39% N=265 7% N=44 1% N=8 100% N=671
Policing services 52% N=344 34% N=226 13% N=86 1% N=9 100% N=665
Police response time to emergency police calls
(not code enforcement) 68% N=428 28% N=177 4% N=25 0% N=3 100% N=633
Police response time to non-emergency police
calls (not code enforcement) 38% N=233 43% N=269 17% N=107 2% N=13 100% N=621
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) 47% N=284 36% N=216 15% N=93 2% N=11 100% N=604
Relationship-based policing 41% N=211 39% N=199 15% N=77 4% N=22 100% N=509
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 84 -
Table 32: Question 9 Importance with "don't know" responses
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each
service Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Don't know Total
Snow removal 43% N=298 42% N=289 14% N=98 1% N=7 1% N=4 100% N=696
Street repair and maintenance 47% N=323 44% N=307 8% N=58 0% N=1 1% N=4 100% N=694
Street sweeping 13% N=91 28% N=198 50% N=350 7% N=48 2% N=17 100% N=703
Stormwater drainage 32% N=220 42% N=294 20% N=137 0% N=3 6% N=39 100% N=693
Traffic enforcement 28% N=190 38% N=263 29% N=201 3% N=19 2% N=14 100% N=688
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, outside
storage) 20% N=141 38% N=268 35% N=242 5% N=33 2% N=15 100% N=700
Animal control 16% N=109 32% N=223 41% N=289 3% N=20 8% N=56 100% N=696
Land use, planning and zoning 29% N=198 36% N=243 19% N=128 3% N=18 14% N=95 100% N=683
Building permits 22% N=152 31% N=215 20% N=136 2% N=16 24% N=163 100% N=682
Building inspections 22% N=147 37% N=249 17% N=114 2% N=14 23% N=155 100% N=680
Maintenance of existing city parks 29% N=203 55% N=379 13% N=91 0% N=3 2% N=16 100% N=692
Maintenance of open space and
trails 31% N=216 49% N=337 16% N=111 1% N=5 3% N=20 100% N=689
Recreation programs 19% N=129 37% N=254 29% N=198 4% N=30 11% N=73 100% N=684
City-sponsored special events 9% N=59 30% N=205 42% N=283 8% N=52 12% N=84 100% N=682
Recreation facilities 22% N=149 47% N=319 20% N=134 3% N=21 9% N=61 100% N=684
Community/public art 7% N=50 28% N=190 39% N=262 12% N=82 14% N=95 100% N=680
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 85 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each
service Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Don't know Total
Services/programs for youth 22% N=151 39% N=262 16% N=107 1% N=10 21% N=144 100% N=674
Services/programs for seniors 20% N=139 41% N=280 21% N=143 2% N=15 16% N=107 100% N=684
Municipal court 23% N=152 33% N=221 16% N=110 2% N=11 26% N=178 100% N=672
Public information services 20% N=136 39% N=261 24% N=160 2% N=13 16% N=106 100% N=675
Community engagement by City
staff 14% N=95 33% N=225 28% N=189 4% N=29 20% N=138 100% N=675
Addressing homelessness
throughout city 51% N=354 38% N=265 6% N=44 1% N=8 3% N=22 100% N=693
Policing services 50% N=344 33% N=226 12% N=86 1% N=9 4% N=27 100% N=692
Police response time to
emergency police calls (not code
enforcement) 62% N=428 26% N=177 4% N=25 0% N=3 8% N=58 100% N=691
Police response time to non-
emergency police calls (not code
enforcement) 34% N=233 39% N=269 16% N=107 2% N=13 9% N=64 100% N=686
Crime prevention (School
Resource Officers, neighborhood
watch, citizen police academy) 42% N=284 32% N=216 14% N=93 2% N=11 12% N=80 100% N=684
Relationship-based policing 31% N=211 29% N=199 11% N=77 3% N=22 25% N=171 100% N=679
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 86 -
Table 33: Question 10 without "don't know" responses
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge? Percent Number
Excellent 9% N=72
Good 63% N=499
Fair 25% N=201
Poor 3% N=26
Total 100% N=798
Table 34: Question 10 with "don't know" responses
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge? Percent Number
Excellent 9% N=72
Good 61% N=499
Fair 24% N=201
Poor 3% N=26
Don't know 3% N=23
Total 100% N=821
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 87 -
Table 35: Question 11 without "don't know" responses
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government? Percent Number
Excellent 7% N=47
Good 54% N=337
Fair 33% N=209
Poor 6% N=36
Total 100% N=630
Table 36: Question 11 with "don't know" responses
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government? Percent Number
Excellent 6% N=47
Good 41% N=337
Fair 26% N=209
Poor 4% N=36
Don't know 23% N=188
Total 100% N=818
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 88 -
Table 37: Question 12 without "don't know" responses
Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge
city government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials
act in the best interest of the community at large 9% N=45 45% N=232 36% N=186 11% N=57 100% N=520
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat
Ridge employees 15% N=82 56% N=301 26% N=143 3% N=17 100% N=543
The quality of experience interacting with a Wheat
Ridge police officer 23% N=125 49% N=266 21% N=115 7% N=39 100% N=545
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat
Ridge 9% N=58 38% N=234 39% N=242 13% N=81 100% N=615
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking 10% N=71 44% N=318 34% N=244 12% N=83 100% N=717
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents on
major issues within the community 13% N=89 35% N=243 37% N=256 16% N=111 100% N=699
The job Wheat Ridge government does at
welcoming resident involvement 12% N=68 40% N=219 36% N=197 12% N=68 100% N=552
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 89 -
Table 38: Question 12 with "don't know" responses
Please rate the following aspects
of Wheat Ridge city government
performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
The extent to which Wheat Ridge
elected officials act in the best
interest of the community at large 6% N=45 29% N=232 23% N=186 7% N=57 35% N=286 100% N=806
The quality of work performed by
City of Wheat Ridge employees 10% N=82 37% N=301 18% N=143 2% N=17 33% N=268 100% N=811
The quality of experience interacting
with a Wheat Ridge police officer 15% N=125 33% N=266 14% N=115 5% N=39 33% N=265 100% N=810
The value of services for the taxes
paid to Wheat Ridge 7% N=58 29% N=234 30% N=242 10% N=81 23% N=188 100% N=803
The overall direction that Wheat
Ridge is taking 9% N=71 39% N=318 30% N=244 10% N=83 11% N=92 100% N=809
The job Wheat Ridge does at
informing residents on major issues
within the community 11% N=89 30% N=243 31% N=256 14% N=111 14% N=113 100% N=812
The job Wheat Ridge government
does at welcoming resident
involvement 8% N=68 27% N=219 24% N=197 8% N=68 32% N=260 100% N=812
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 90 -
Table 39: Question 13
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with a City of Wheat Ridge
employee(s)? Percent Number
Yes 33% N=274
No 67% N=544
Total 100% N=818
Table 40: Question 14 without "don't know" responses
What was your impression of the City of Wheat
Ridge employee(s) overall? Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Knowledge 34% N=90 43% N=116 16% N=44 7% N=18 100% N=267
Responsiveness 38% N=102 33% N=89 18% N=49 11% N=30 100% N=271
Courtesy 44% N=119 33% N=90 15% N=41 8% N=21 100% N=271
Making you feel valued 35% N=91 30% N=77 20% N=52 15% N=40 100% N=260
Overall impression 35% N=96 32% N=87 22% N=60 10% N=27 100% N=269
Table 41: Question 14 with "don't know" responses
What was your impression of the City
of Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? Excellent Good Fair Poor
Don't
know Total
Knowledge 33% N=90 43% N=116 16% N=44 7% N=18 2% N=5 100% N=272
Responsiveness 37% N=102 33% N=89 18% N=49 11% N=30 1% N=2 100% N=273
Courtesy 44% N=119 33% N=90 15% N=41 8% N=21 1% N=2 100% N=272
Making you feel valued 33% N=91 28% N=77 19% N=52 15% N=40 4% N=11 100% N=271
Overall impression 35% N=96 32% N=87 22% N=60 10% N=27 1% N=2 100% N=271
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 91 -
Table 42: Question 15 without "don't know" responses
Please rate how safe you feel in
the following areas in Wheat
Ridge. Very safe
Somewhat
safe
Neither safe
nor unsafe
Somewhat
unsafe
Very
unsafe Total
Parks and playgrounds 35% N=264 46% N=343 12% N=88 7% N=49 1% N=8 100% N=751
Recreation centers 62% N=358 29% N=165 7% N=38 2% N=10 1% N=4 100% N=575
In your neighborhood 39% N=314 42% N=337 6% N=48 10% N=82 3% N=26 100% N=808
In your home 63% N=508 29% N=233 3% N=27 5% N=37 1% N=6 100% N=811
On the trail system 24% N=154 41% N=270 19% N=126 13% N=82 4% N=24 100% N=656
On roadways 16% N=131 48% N=381 23% N=184 10% N=83 2% N=18 100% N=796
Retail/commercial areas 27% N=217 46% N=365 18% N=146 7% N=59 1% N=9 100% N=796
Table 43: Question 15 with "don't know" responses
Please rate how safe
you feel in the
following areas in
Wheat Ridge. Very safe
Somewhat
safe
Neither safe
nor unsafe
Somewhat
unsafe
Very
unsafe Don't know Total
Parks and
playgrounds 33% N=264 43% N=343 11% N=88 6% N=49 1% N=8 5% N=42 100% N=793
Recreation centers 44% N=358 21% N=165 5% N=38 1% N=10 0% N=4 29% N=230 100% N=805
In your neighborhood 39% N=314 42% N=337 6% N=48 10% N=82 3% N=26 1% N=4 100% N=812
In your home 63% N=508 29% N=233 3% N=27 5% N=37 1% N=6 0% N=2 100% N=812
On the trail system 19% N=154 33% N=270 16% N=126 10% N=82 3% N=24 19% N=150 100% N=806
On roadways 16% N=131 47% N=381 23% N=184 10% N=83 2% N=18 2% N=16 100% N=812
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 92 -
Please rate how safe
you feel in the
following areas in
Wheat Ridge. Very safe
Somewhat
safe
Neither safe
nor unsafe
Somewhat
unsafe
Very
unsafe Don't know Total
Retail/commercial
areas 27% N=217 45% N=365 18% N=146 7% N=59 1% N=9 2% N=15 100% N=811
Table 44: Question 16
Please indicate whether or not each of the following has applied to you in the
last 12 months. No Yes Total
Household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat Ridge 86% N=703 14% N=111 100% N=814
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge 78% N=625 22% N=181 100% N=806
Table 45: Question 17 without "don't know" responses
How important, if at all, is it for the City of
Wheat Ridge Police Department to prioritize
resources in each of the following areas in the
next 12 months? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Solving violent crimes 72% N=566 22% N=174 4% N=31 2% N=13 100% N=784
Solving property crimes 42% N=332 46% N=361 10% N=82 2% N=14 100% N=789
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth 38% N=291 38% N=296 20% N=154 4% N=27 100% N=769
Reducing illegal drug activity 48% N=375 27% N=213 20% N=158 5% N=38 100% N=783
Enforcement of traffic laws 27% N=212 35% N=282 32% N=255 6% N=48 100% N=797
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 93 -
How important, if at all, is it for the City of
Wheat Ridge Police Department to prioritize
resources in each of the following areas in the
next 12 months? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control,
trash, etc.) 20% N=160 33% N=261 37% N=294 9% N=70 100% N=785
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) 41% N=311 34% N=258 22% N=169 3% N=27 100% N=765
Table 46: Question 17 with "don't know" responses
How important, if at all, is it for the
City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department to prioritize resources
in each of the following areas in
the next 12 months? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don't
know Total
Solving violent crimes 70% N=566 21% N=174 4% N=31 2% N=13 3% N=26 100% N=810
Solving property crimes 41% N=332 44% N=361 10% N=82 2% N=14 3% N=25 100% N=814
Reducing illegal activities committed
by youth 36% N=291 36% N=296 19% N=154 3% N=27 6% N=47 100% N=816
Reducing illegal drug activity 46% N=375 26% N=213 19% N=158 5% N=38 4% N=33 100% N=816
Enforcement of traffic laws 26% N=212 35% N=282 31% N=255 6% N=48 2% N=20 100% N=817
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, etc.) 20% N=160 32% N=261 36% N=294 9% N=70 3% N=28 100% N=813
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 94 -
How important, if at all, is it for the
City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department to prioritize resources
in each of the following areas in
the next 12 months? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don't
know Total
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen
police academy) 38% N=311 32% N=258 21% N=169 3% N=27 6% N=49 100% N=814
Table 47: Question 18 without "don't know" responses
How much of a priority, if at all, should the City
of Wheat Ridge Police Department place on
each of the following in the next two years?
High
priority
Medium
priority Low priority
Not a
priority Total
Better connection with the community (i.e.,
community forums, events) 33% N=248 46% N=351 19% N=142 3% N=21 100% N=763
Increased visibility of police 40% N=312 38% N=298 17% N=134 5% N=42 100% N=786
Additional City resources directed towards crime-
related mental health issues in the community 59% N=460 31% N=239 8% N=60 2% N=16 100% N=775
Greater accessibility to police and police-related
information 28% N=217 46% N=357 23% N=177 3% N=24 100% N=775
More relationship-based policing officers (problem
solving at a community-level such as neighborhood
problems) 38% N=291 42% N=325 16% N=119 4% N=32 100% N=767
Adding officers in public schools 36% N=253 34% N=243 19% N=135 11% N=78 100% N=709
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas 58% N=461 26% N=209 11% N=88 4% N=35 100% N=793
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 95 -
Table 48: Question 18 with "don't know" responses
How much of a priority, if at all,
should the City of Wheat Ridge
Police Department place on each
of the following in the next two
years?
High
priority
Medium
priority Low priority
Not a
priority Don't know Total
Better connection with the
community (i.e., community forums,
events) 31% N=248 44% N=351 18% N=142 3% N=21 5% N=37 100% N=800
Increased visibility of police 39% N=312 37% N=298 17% N=134 5% N=42 2% N=20 100% N=805
Additional City resources directed
towards crime-related mental health
issues in the community 57% N=460 30% N=239 7% N=60 2% N=16 4% N=32 100% N=808
Greater accessibility to police and
police-related information 27% N=217 45% N=357 22% N=177 3% N=24 3% N=26 100% N=802
More relationship-based policing
officers (problem solving at a
community-level such as
neighborhood problems) 36% N=291 40% N=325 15% N=119 4% N=32 5% N=39 100% N=806
Adding officers in public schools 31% N=253 30% N=243 17% N=135 10% N=78 12% N=100 100% N=809
Adding surveillance cameras in high
crime areas 57% N=461 26% N=209 11% N=88 4% N=35 2% N=18 100% N=810
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 96 -
Table 49: Question 19
When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that
apply.)
Percent of
respondents*
It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home 45%
I like the range of quality goods and services 52%
Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge 68%
It is more affordable 17%
Visit a mall or other major retailers 46%
I shop online 54%
Other 12%
Total 100%
*Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
Table 50: Question 20 without "don't know" responses
For each type of shopping,
please estimate how
frequently you make
purchases in Wheat Ridge: Never
Very
infrequently
Somewhat
infrequently
Somewhat
frequently
Very
frequently Total
Grocery shopping 1% N=5 10% N=79 5% N=38 14% N=116 71% N=579 100% N=818
Health services 16% N=129 22% N=177 16% N=130 23% N=180 22% N=177 100% N=793
Meals and entertainment 2% N=16 15% N=121 22% N=180 38% N=305 23% N=190 100% N=813
Household items 4% N=29 21% N=168 21% N=166 26% N=209 29% N=231 100% N=804
Computers and electronics 46% N=354 31% N=240 12% N=93 5% N=37 6% N=43 100% N=767
General retail (shoes, drug
stores, clothing, etc.) 11% N=88 26% N=214 24% N=196 26% N=209 13% N=107 100% N=814
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 97 -
Table 51: Question 20 with "don't know" responses
For each type of
shopping, please
estimate how
frequently you
make purchases in
Wheat Ridge: Never
Very
infrequently
Somewhat
infrequently
Somewhat
frequently
Very
frequently
Don't
know Total
Grocery shopping 1% N=5 10% N=79 5% N=38 14% N=116 71% N=579 0% N=0 100% N=818
Health services 16% N=129 22% N=177 16% N=130 22% N=180 22% N=177 2% N=18 100% N=811
Meals and
entertainment 2% N=16 15% N=121 22% N=180 37% N=305 23% N=190 0% N=3 100% N=815
Household items 4% N=29 21% N=168 20% N=166 26% N=209 29% N=231 1% N=7 100% N=811
Computers and
electronics 44% N=354 30% N=240 11% N=93 5% N=37 5% N=43 5% N=40 100% N=807
General retail (shoes,
drug stores,
clothing, etc.) 11% N=88 26% N=214 24% N=196 26% N=209 13% N=107 0% N=3 100% N=817
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 98 -
Table 52: Question 21 without "don't know" responses
How much do you agree or
disagree that the City of Wheat
Ridge should do each of the
following?
Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree Total
Promote efforts to revitalize
Wheat Ridge’s housing areas 39% N=305 36% N=281 17% N=134 5% N=39 2% N=17 100% N=776
Promote efforts to revitalize
Wheat Ridge’s business areas 47% N=371 37% N=291 12% N=93 3% N=26 1% N=5 100% N=786
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s
community image and identity 36% N=282 35% N=268 24% N=190 4% N=29 1% N=7 100% N=777
Promote efforts to attract and
recruit new types of retail
businesses to Wheat Ridge 49% N=385 32% N=251 15% N=121 2% N=18 1% N=9 100% N=784
Promote efforts to revitalize
business corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue,
Wadsworth Boulevard and
Kipling St 60% N=475 27% N=215 8% N=64 3% N=25 1% N=10 100% N=788
Promote efforts to attract new
jobs 38% N=291 38% N=286 20% N=154 2% N=17 1% N=11 100% N=760
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 99 -
Table 53: Question 21 with "don't know" responses
How much do you
agree or disagree that
the City of Wheat
Ridge should do each
of the following?
Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree
Don't
know Total
Promote efforts to
revitalize Wheat
Ridge’s housing areas 38% N=305 35% N=281 17% N=134 5% N=39 2% N=17 4% N=31 100% N=807
Promote efforts to
revitalize Wheat
Ridge’s business areas 46% N=371 36% N=291 11% N=93 3% N=26 1% N=5 3% N=24 100% N=810
Strengthen Wheat
Ridge’s community
image and identity 35% N=282 34% N=268 24% N=190 4% N=29 1% N=7 3% N=23 100% N=801
Promote efforts to
attract and recruit new
types of retail
businesses to Wheat
Ridge 48% N=385 31% N=251 15% N=121 2% N=18 1% N=9 2% N=19 100% N=802
Promote efforts to
revitalize business
corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue,
Wadsworth Boulevard
and Kipling St 59% N=475 27% N=215 8% N=64 3% N=25 1% N=10 2% N=16 100% N=804
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 100 -
How much do you
agree or disagree that
the City of Wheat
Ridge should do each
of the following?
Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree
Don't
know Total
Promote efforts to
attract new jobs 36% N=291 36% N=286 19% N=154 2% N=17 1% N=11 6% N=45 100% N=805
Table 54: Question 22 without "don't know" responses
The City is seeking feedback on the
following categories of projects
that could be funded through the
extension of the one-half of one-
cent (0.5) sales tax. How likely
would you support an extension of
the sales tax for these categories of
projects? Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Not
applicable Total
Sidewalk and street improvements on
primary street corridors such as 38th
Ave., 44th Ave., and Youngfield St. 56% N=444 28% N=219 5% N=36 11% N=90 0% N=0 100% N=789
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the
city with an emphasis on major
pedestrian corridor 52% N=404 30% N=233 8% N=60 10% N=79 0% N=0 100% N=777
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge
Recreation Center for additional
gymnasium and fitness activity space 32% N=247 28% N=211 20% N=153 20% N=153 0% N=0 100% N=764
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 101 -
The City is seeking feedback on the
following categories of projects
that could be funded through the
extension of the one-half of one-
cent (0.5) sales tax. How likely
would you support an extension of
the sales tax for these categories of
projects? Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Not
applicable Total
Drainage and floodplain
infrastructure improvements
throughout the City 42% N=314 35% N=260 12% N=89 11% N=81 0% N=0 100% N=745
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 102 -
Table 55: Question 22 with "don't know" responses
The City is seeking
feedback on the
following categories of
projects that could be
funded through the
extension of the one-
half of one-cent (0.5)
sales tax. How likely
would you support an
extension of the sales
tax for these categories
of projects? Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Don't
know
Not
applicable Total
Sidewalk and street
improvements on
primary street corridors
such as 38th Ave., 44th
Ave., and Youngfield St. 55% N=444 27% N=219 4% N=36 11% N=90 2% N=18 0% N=0 100% N=807
Filling sidewalk gaps
throughout the city with
an emphasis on major
pedestrian corridor 50% N=404 29% N=233 7% N=60 10% N=79 4% N=32 0% N=0 100% N=809
Expansion of the Wheat
Ridge Recreation Center
for additional
gymnasium and fitness
activity space 31% N=247 26% N=211 19% N=153 19% N=153 5% N=43 0% N=0 100% N=807
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 103 -
The City is seeking
feedback on the
following categories of
projects that could be
funded through the
extension of the one-
half of one-cent (0.5)
sales tax. How likely
would you support an
extension of the sales
tax for these categories
of projects? Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Don't
know
Not
applicable Total
Drainage and floodplain
infrastructure
improvements
throughout the City 39% N=314 32% N=260 11% N=89 10% N=81 7% N=60 0% N=0 100% N=805
Table 56: Question 23 without "don't know" responses
How long, if at all, would you feel comfortable extending the current temporary one-half of one-cent
sales tax rate to fund priority projects throughout the city? Percent Number
10 years, yielding approximately $45 million 39% N=245
15 years, yielding approximately $60 million 11% N=68
20 years, yielding approximately $75 million 27% N=172
Not at all 23% N=142
Total 100% N=627
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 104 -
Table 57: Question 23 with "don't know" responses
How long, if at all, would you feel comfortable extending the current temporary one-half of one-cent
sales tax rate to fund priority projects throughout the city? Percent Number
10 years, yielding approximately $45 million 30% N=245
15 years, yielding approximately $60 million 8% N=68
20 years, yielding approximately $75 million 21% N=172
Not at all 18% N=142
Don’t know 22% N=180
Total 100% N=807
Table 58: Question 24 without "don't know" responses
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat Ridge? Percent Number
Major problem 41% N=319
Moderate problem 40% N=308
Minor problem 16% N=124
Not a problem 3% N=22
Total 100% N=773
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 105 -
Table 59: Question 24 with "don't know" responses
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat Ridge? Percent Number
Major problem 39% N=319
Moderate problem 38% N=308
Minor problem 15% N=124
Not a problem 3% N=22
Don't know 5% N=44
Total 100% N=817
Table 60: Question 25 without "don't know" responses
How important to you, if at all, is it for the
City to contribute funding to community-
based organizations that provide each of the
following services to the homeless
populations? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Job training programs 25% N=187 34% N=254 31% N=229 10% N=73 100% N=743
Mental health programs 51% N=388 30% N=225 13% N=95 7% N=51 100% N=760
Substance abuse programs 43% N=328 33% N=251 15% N=118 9% N=67 100% N=764
Shelters for severe weather 42% N=321 28% N=214 19% N=144 12% N=93 100% N=772
Housing/rental assistance programs 34% N=252 30% N=223 24% N=180 13% N=95 100% N=751
Supportive housing, which combines housing
with services such as job training and substance
abuse treatment 39% N=290 32% N=238 20% N=146 9% N=68 100% N=743
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 106 -
Table 61: Question 25 with "don't know" responses
How important to you, if at all, is it
for the City to contribute funding
to community-based organizations
that provide each of the following
services to the homeless
populations? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don't
know Total
Job training programs 23% N=187 32% N=254 29% N=229 9% N=73 7% N=58 100% N=800
Mental health programs 48% N=388 28% N=225 12% N=95 6% N=51 5% N=43 100% N=802
Substance abuse programs 41% N=328 31% N=251 15% N=118 8% N=67 5% N=41 100% N=805
Shelters for severe weather 40% N=321 27% N=214 18% N=144 12% N=93 4% N=29 100% N=802
Housing/rental assistance programs 32% N=252 28% N=223 23% N=180 12% N=95 6% N=44 100% N=795
Supportive housing, which combines
housing with services such as job
training and substance abuse
treatment 37% N=290 30% N=238 19% N=146 9% N=68 5% N=39 100% N=782
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 107 -
Table 62: Question 26 without "don't know" responses
How important to you, if at all, is it that the
City focus on each of the following areas of
environmental sustainability, which may or
may not increase costs for taxpayers? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Expanding access to residential recycling and
composting services 29% N=228 35% N=269 23% N=181 12% N=96 100% N=774
Implementing organized trash hauling in
neighborhoods 24% N=185 27% N=207 31% N=233 18% N=134 100% N=759
Promoting use of drought-tolerant and native
landscaping 26% N=198 33% N=250 28% N=214 13% N=99 100% N=761
Improving localized flooding and reducing
impacts on private property through
improvements to the city’s stormwater drainage
system 26% N=187 34% N=244 34% N=250 6% N=46 100% N=727
Improving water quality from runoff to local
streams & lakes 34% N=260 35% N=266 27% N=209 4% N=31 100% N=766
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of
automobile use 20% N=157 33% N=254 31% N=244 16% N=125 100% N=780
Ensuring availability of and access to public
transit 21% N=168 43% N=335 28% N=216 8% N=65 100% N=783
Implementing energy efficiency improvements
for city facilities 24% N=189 35% N=269 33% N=252 8% N=63 100% N=773
Requiring green building practices for new
commercial and residential construction 27% N=203 30% N=228 26% N=196 18% N=134 100% N=762
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 108 -
How important to you, if at all, is it that the
City focus on each of the following areas of
environmental sustainability, which may or
may not increase costs for taxpayers? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in
the community 27% N=204 31% N=238 27% N=203 15% N=117 100% N=763
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in
the home 25% N=191 29% N=221 28% N=210 18% N=137 100% N=759
Creating walkable communities (providing
sidewalk connections, bike lanes, retail/
shopping/ grocery closer to homes, etc.) 37% N=293 35% N=275 23% N=179 5% N=43 100% N=790
Table 63: Question 26 with "don't know" responses
How important to you, if at all, is
it that the City focus on each of
the following areas of
environmental sustainability,
which may or may not increase
costs for taxpayers? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don't
know Total
Expanding access to residential
recycling and composting services 28% N=228 33% N=269 22% N=181 12% N=96 4% N=31 100% N=805
Implementing organized trash
hauling in neighborhoods 23% N=185 26% N=207 29% N=233 17% N=134 5% N=42 100% N=802
Promoting use of drought-tolerant
and native landscaping 25% N=198 31% N=250 27% N=214 12% N=99 5% N=42 100% N=803
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 109 -
How important to you, if at all, is
it that the City focus on each of
the following areas of
environmental sustainability,
which may or may not increase
costs for taxpayers? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don't
know Total
Improving localized flooding and
reducing impacts on private
property through improvements to
the city’s stormwater drainage
system 23% N=187 30% N=244 31% N=250 6% N=46 9% N=75 100% N=802
Improving water quality from runoff
to local streams & lakes 32% N=260 33% N=266 26% N=209 4% N=31 5% N=37 100% N=803
Encouraging biking or walking,
instead of automobile use 19% N=157 31% N=254 30% N=244 15% N=125 3% N=27 100% N=806
Ensuring availability of and access to
public transit 21% N=168 42% N=335 27% N=216 8% N=65 2% N=19 100% N=801
Implementing energy efficiency
improvements for city facilities 24% N=189 34% N=269 31% N=252 8% N=63 4% N=29 100% N=802
Requiring green building practices
for new commercial and residential
construction 25% N=203 28% N=228 24% N=196 17% N=134 5% N=41 100% N=803
Promoting renewable energy (wind
or solar) in the community 25% N=204 30% N=238 25% N=203 15% N=117 5% N=40 100% N=803
Promoting renewable energy (wind
or solar) in the home 24% N=191 28% N=221 26% N=210 17% N=137 5% N=40 100% N=799
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 110 -
How important to you, if at all, is
it that the City focus on each of
the following areas of
environmental sustainability,
which may or may not increase
costs for taxpayers? Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don't
know Total
Creating walkable communities
(providing sidewalk connections,
bike lanes, retail/ shopping/ grocery
closer to homes, etc.) 36% N=293 34% N=275 22% N=179 5% N=43 3% N=21 100% N=811
Table 64: Question 27 without "don't know" responses
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used
the following sources of
information for news about
Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than
26 times Total
City Quarterly "Connections"
Newsletter 26% N=207 26% N=212 36% N=288 7% N=54 5% N=41 100% N=803
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide 42% N=336 28% N=224 20% N=163 6% N=49 3% N=27 100% N=800
Denver Post 61% N=491 12% N=93 10% N=78 7% N=53 11% N=86 100% N=800
Denver Post YourHub 82% N=652 7% N=52 4% N=32 3% N=23 5% N=38 100% N=796
Jeffco Transcript 74% N=587 12% N=96 8% N=66 3% N=24 3% N=24 100% N=796
Neighborhood Gazette 23% N=187 23% N=188 37% N=296 9% N=76 7% N=58 100% N=805
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 111 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used
the following sources of
information for news about
Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than
26 times Total
Radio news 63% N=501 12% N=95 10% N=78 5% N=43 10% N=77 100% N=795
Television news 46% N=365 13% N=101 13% N=101 9% N=75 20% N=159 100% N=802
WRTV8 (Government Access
Channel) 87% N=690 7% N=53 4% N=29 1% N=8 2% N=17 100% N=796
City live/on-demand video
streaming, including City Council
meetings 83% N=665 9% N=69 4% N=30 2% N=17 2% N=20 100% N=800
City’s website:
www.ci.wheatridge.co.us 46% N=364 22% N=175 24% N=193 5% N=42 3% N=23 100% N=796
City website automatic notifications
(e.g., community events, calendar
listing) 72% N=571 15% N=118 9% N=69 2% N=19 2% N=19 100% N=796
City of Wheat Ridge social media
sites (Facebook, Twitter) 68% N=539 11% N=86 11% N=85 4% N=33 7% N=54 100% N=798
Wheat Ridge Speaks 85% N=679 7% N=58 5% N=38 1% N=5 2% N=16 100% N=797
What’s Up Wheat Ridge 74% N=583 12% N=93 9% N=71 3% N=21 3% N=22 100% N=790
Wheat Ridge Police Department
social media sites (Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram) 67% N=536 11% N=87 12% N=92 4% N=31 6% N=48 100% N=794
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 112 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used
the following sources of
information for news about
Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than
26 times Total
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s
Facebook/Instagram page 83% N=660 7% N=57 5% N=43 2% N=15 3% N=24 100% N=800
Community-created Facebook
groups/pages about Wheat Ridge 76% N=606 7% N=55 7% N=58 4% N=35 6% N=45 100% N=798
Neighborhood websites (e.g.,
NextDoor, etc.) 57% N=457 12% N=99 12% N=97 8% N=67 9% N=75 100% N=796
Word of mouth 23% N=184 24% N=191 28% N=225 14% N=111 12% N=94 100% N=805
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 113 -
Table 65: Question 27 with "don't know" responses
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used
the following sources of
information for news about
Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than
26 times Total
City Quarterly "Connections"
Newsletter 26% N=207 26% N=212 36% N=288 7% N=54 5% N=41 100% N=803
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide 42% N=336 28% N=224 20% N=163 6% N=49 3% N=27 100% N=800
Denver Post 61% N=491 12% N=93 10% N=78 7% N=53 11% N=86 100% N=800
Denver Post YourHub 82% N=652 7% N=52 4% N=32 3% N=23 5% N=38 100% N=796
Jeffco Transcript 74% N=587 12% N=96 8% N=66 3% N=24 3% N=24 100% N=796
Neighborhood Gazette 23% N=187 23% N=188 37% N=296 9% N=76 7% N=58 100% N=805
Radio news 63% N=501 12% N=95 10% N=78 5% N=43 10% N=77 100% N=795
Television news 46% N=365 13% N=101 13% N=101 9% N=75 20% N=159 100% N=802
WRTV8 (Government Access
Channel) 87% N=690 7% N=53 4% N=29 1% N=8 2% N=17 100% N=796
City live/on-demand video
streaming, including City Council
meetings 83% N=665 9% N=69 4% N=30 2% N=17 2% N=20 100% N=800
City’s website:
www.ci.wheatridge.co.us 46% N=364 22% N=175 24% N=193 5% N=42 3% N=23 100% N=796
City website automatic notifications
(e.g., community events, calendar
listing) 72% N=571 15% N=118 9% N=69 2% N=19 2% N=19 100% N=796
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 114 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used
the following sources of
information for news about
Wheat Ridge? Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13-26 times
More than
26 times Total
City of Wheat Ridge social media
sites (Facebook, Twitter) 68% N=539 11% N=86 11% N=85 4% N=33 7% N=54 100% N=798
Wheat Ridge Speaks 85% N=679 7% N=58 5% N=38 1% N=5 2% N=16 100% N=797
What’s Up Wheat Ridge 74% N=583 12% N=93 9% N=71 3% N=21 3% N=22 100% N=790
Wheat Ridge Police Department
social media sites (Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram) 67% N=536 11% N=87 12% N=92 4% N=31 6% N=48 100% N=794
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s
Facebook/Instagram page 83% N=660 7% N=57 5% N=43 2% N=15 3% N=24 100% N=800
Community-created Facebook
groups/pages about Wheat Ridge 76% N=606 7% N=55 7% N=58 4% N=35 6% N=45 100% N=798
Neighborhood websites (e.g.,
NextDoor, etc.) 57% N=457 12% N=99 12% N=97 8% N=67 9% N=75 100% N=796
Word of mouth 23% N=184 24% N=191 28% N=225 14% N=111 12% N=94 100% N=805
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 115 -
Table 66: Question 28 without "don't know" responses
In a typical month, about how
many times, if ever, do you
use each of the following
social media sites? Never
1-3 times a
month Once a week
Multiple times
a week Daily Total
Facebook 40% N=327 10% N=79 8% N=66 14% N=116 28% N=231 100% N=818
Twitter 77% N=626 8% N=66 3% N=23 4% N=34 8% N=62 100% N=811
YouTube 27% N=217 19% N=153 14% N=110 22% N=175 19% N=155 100% N=811
LinkedIn 62% N=500 19% N=150 8% N=63 7% N=53 5% N=41 100% N=807
NextDoor 59% N=476 18% N=146 9% N=69 8% N=68 6% N=52 100% N=811
Instagram 56% N=457 6% N=50 3% N=26 10% N=84 24% N=198 100% N=815
TikTok 84% N=683 4% N=34 2% N=16 3% N=23 7% N=59 100% N=814
Table 67: Question 28 with "don't know" responses
In a typical month, about how
many times, if ever, do you
use each of the following
social media sites? Never
1-3 times a
month Once a week
Multiple times
a week Daily Total
Facebook 40% N=327 10% N=79 8% N=66 14% N=116 28% N=231 100% N=818
Twitter 77% N=626 8% N=66 3% N=23 4% N=34 8% N=62 100% N=811
YouTube 27% N=217 19% N=153 14% N=110 22% N=175 19% N=155 100% N=811
LinkedIn 62% N=500 19% N=150 8% N=63 7% N=53 5% N=41 100% N=807
NextDoor 59% N=476 18% N=146 9% N=69 8% N=68 6% N=52 100% N=811
Instagram 56% N=457 6% N=50 3% N=26 10% N=84 24% N=198 100% N=815
TikTok 84% N=683 4% N=34 2% N=16 3% N=23 7% N=59 100% N=814
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 116 -
Appendix C: Responses to Selected Survey
Questions by Respondent Characteristics
The subgroup comparison tables contain the cross tabulations of selected survey questions by
respondent characteristics. Chi-square or ANOVA tests of significance were applied to these breakdowns
of survey questions. A “p-value” of 0.05 or less indicates that there is less than a 5% probability that
differences observed between groups are due to chance; or in other words, a greater than 95% probability
that the differences observed in the selected categories of the sample represent “real” differences among
those populations.
For each pair of subgroups that has a statistically significant difference, an upper-case letter denoting
significance is shown in the category with the larger column proportion. The letter denotes the category
with the smaller column proportion from which it is statistically different. Differences were marked as
statistically significant if the probability that the differences were due to chance alone were less than 5%.
Categories were not used in comparisons when a column proportion was equal to zero or one.
Items that have no upper-case letter denotation in their column and that are also not referred to in any
other column were not statistically different.
For example, in Table 68: Question 1 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income,
89% of residents who lived in a single-unit home (A) gave excellent or good ratings to Wheat Ridge as a
place to live. This proportion of residents (A) was statistically higher than residents who had lived in multi-
unit housing (B). In another example in this table, renters (A) gave statistically higher scores to Wheat
Ridge as a place to work than homeowners (B).
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 117 -
Comparisons by Housing Tenure, Housing Unit Type, and Household Income
Table 68: Question 1 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please rate each of the
following aspects of quality of
life in Wheat Ridge: (Percent
rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Wheat Ridge as a place to live
85% 86% 89%
B
81% 81% 84% 81% 91%
A B C
85%
Your neighborhood as a place to
live
74% 83%
A
86%
B
70% 70% 71% 74% 87%
A B C
79%
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise
children
74% 73% 77%
B
69% 67% 78% 72% 74% 74%
Wheat Ridge as a place to work
72%
B
55% 60% 65% 69% 68% 61% 58% 62%
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire
60% 68%
A
71%
B
57% 62% 70% 59% 67% 65%
The physical attractiveness of
Wheat Ridge as a whole
62%
B
47% 48% 61%
A
68%
C D
66%
C D
53%
D
44% 54%
Overall quality of life in Wheat
Ridge
77% 78% 81%
B
73% 79% 76% 74% 81%
C
78%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 118 -
Table 69: Question 2 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Do you think the quality of
life in Wheat Ridge is likely
to improve, stay the same, or
decline over the next 5 years?
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Improve a lot
13% 12% 11% 14% 14%
C
19%
C
5% 14%
C
12%
Improve slightly
45% 41% 45% 40% 28% 36% 42%
A
51%
A B
43%
Stay the same
20% 21% 20% 20% 34%
B C D
18% 19% 17% 21%
Decline slightly
20% 20% 18% 22% 20% 24%
D
26%
D
15% 20%
Decline a lot
3% 6%
A
5% 4% 4% 4% 7%
D
3% 4%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 119 -
Table 70: Question 3 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
What are your reasons for
living in Wheat Ridge?
(Please select all that
apply.)
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income
Overall Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
I feel safe here 49% 41% 46% 44% 51% 49% 41% 45% 45%
I like the school my children
attend
7% 10% 10% 7% 16% 6% 4% 11% 9%
My job is here 8% 7% 6% 9% 4% 11% 13% 5% 8%
I like my neighborhood 52% 62% 64% 50% 50% 60% 50% 62% 58%
I like the location in general 72% 77% 80% 70% 66% 72% 68% 85% 75%
I like the access to dining and
entertainment
29% 25% 27% 28% 18% 27% 32% 27% 27%
Housing and rental rates are
affordable
44% 14% 16% 41% 41% 32% 27% 24% 27%
I've always lived here 4% 19% 17% 7% 7% 23% 11% 9% 13%
I have friends and family in
the area
29% 29% 31% 27% 30% 35% 33% 24% 29%
Small town feel 35% 27% 29% 33% 29% 40% 30% 28% 30%
Cost of living is affordable 21% 14% 13% 21% 16% 24% 17% 15% 17%
I like that the community is
forward-thinking
16% 15% 14% 17% 12% 24% 15% 14% 15%
The growing and diverse
community
15% 14% 15% 15% 13% 17% 12% 16% 15%
None of these 7% 4% 4% 6% 9% 7% 4% 4% 5%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 120 -
Table 71: Question 4 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please rate each of the
following characteristics as they
relate to Wheat Ridge as a
whole: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Sense of community
61% 58% 59% 61% 61% 76%
A C D
51% 59% 60%
Openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of
diverse backgrounds
63% 57% 60% 59% 56% 70%
D
59% 57% 60%
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge
49% 46% 47% 47% 60%
C D
53%
C
37% 46%
C
47%
Overall quality of new
development in Wheat Ridge
53%
B
45% 49% 47% 43% 45% 44% 56%
A C
48%
Variety of housing options
44% 48% 51%
B
40% 34% 36% 52%
A B
51%
A B
46%
Overall quality of business and
service establishments in Wheat
Ridge
64%
B
50% 50% 64%
A
51% 60% 64%
A D
51% 56%
Shopping opportunities
52%
B
36% 35% 53%
A
56%
C D
53%
D
44%
D
33% 43%
Opportunities to attend cultural
activities
50%
B
35% 37% 47%
A
44% 50%
D
45%
D
33% 41%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 121 -
Please rate each of the
following characteristics as they
relate to Wheat Ridge as a
whole: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Recreational opportunities
66% 71% 72%
B
65% 60% 63% 67% 74%
A B
69%
Employment opportunities
48%
B
28% 30% 44%
A
38% 53%
C D
27% 32% 36%
Educational opportunities
53%
B
41% 41% 52%
A
53% 57%
C D
40% 40% 46%
Opportunities to participate in
social events and activities
52% 50% 52% 49% 48% 48% 53% 51% 50%
Opportunities to volunteer
56% 63% 65%
B
55% 52% 60% 56% 66% 60%
Opportunities to participate in
civic matters
52% 60% 61%
B
50% 41% 47% 58%
A
65%
A B
57%
Availability of parks
70% 85%
A
85%
B
70% 73% 76% 78% 81% 78%
Availability of dog parks
64%
B
49% 51% 61%
A
47% 64%
A
59% 54% 56%
Availability of paths and walking
trails
61% 75%
A
76%
B
61% 62% 70% 71% 69% 69%
Availability of bike paths and bike
lanes
60% 65% 67%
B
57% 59% 65% 59% 64% 63%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 122 -
Please rate each of the
following characteristics as they
relate to Wheat Ridge as a
whole: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Availability of affordable quality
housing
30% 30% 33% 27% 35% 31% 28% 30% 30%
Availability of affordable quality
child care
32% 23% 22% 32% 23% 41%
D
37%
D
17% 26%
Availability of affordable quality
health care
59% 58% 59% 58% 53% 58% 65% 56% 58%
Availability of affordable quality
food
62% 59% 60% 60% 63% 62% 65% 57% 60%
Availability of preventive health
services
57% 60% 62% 55% 56% 63% 63% 56% 59%
Air quality 54% 56% 57% 52% 53% 58% 54% 57% 55%
Quality of overall natural
environment in Wheat Ridge
64% 64% 67% 61% 60% 70% 66% 63% 64%
Overall image or reputation of
Wheat Ridge
67%
B
58% 63% 61% 66% 75%
C D
56% 62% 62%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 123 -
Table 72: Question 5 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please rate your community
on each of the following:
(Percent rating as "excellent"
or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Making all residents feel
welcome
59% 64% 67%
B
56% 53% 57% 61% 69%
A B
62%
Helping new residents feel
connected and integrated
41% 49% 52%
B
38% 41% 41% 44% 50% 45%
Attracting people from diverse
backgrounds
41% 39% 41% 39% 40% 50%
D
46%
D
32% 40%
Valuing residents from diverse
backgrounds
45% 47% 50%
B
41% 43% 50% 50% 44% 46%
Demonstrating respect for
residents of different cultures
and belief systems
47% 50% 53%
B
44% 40% 49% 54% 49% 48%
Treating all residents fairly
47% 55% 57%
B
45% 45% 48% 56% 54% 51%
Providing a safe and secure
environment for residents of all
backgrounds
54% 54% 59%
B
49% 50% 53% 54% 56% 54%
Respecting individual cultural
beliefs and values
58% 57% 59% 56% 50% 56% 64%
A
56% 57%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 124 -
Please rate your community
on each of the following:
(Percent rating as "excellent"
or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Providing equal employment
opportunities to residents of all
backgrounds
51% 53% 55% 48% 49% 50% 51% 53% 51%
Providing equal access to
housing for residents of all
backgrounds
50% 48% 51% 47% 43% 48% 53% 48% 48%
Making all residents feel
welcome in business
establishments
61% 70%
A
73%
B
58% 52% 59% 67%
A
74%
A B
66%
Welcoming residents from all
backgrounds to participate in
local government and
community decision-making
53% 64%
A
64%
B
53% 46% 61% 63%
A
62%
A
59%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 125 -
Table 73: Question 6 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please indicate how likely or
unlikely you are to do each of
the following: (Percent rating
as "very likely" or "somewhat
likely")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Recommend living in Wheat
Ridge to someone who asks
90% 88% 91% 87% 91% 89% 84% 92%
C
89%
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the
next five years
82% 91%
A
92%
B
81% 94%
C
90%
C
82% 88%
C
87%
Table 74: Question 7 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge?
(Percent rating at least once)
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation
Center
44% 55%
A
54%
B
46% 50% 51% 41% 55%
C
51%
Participated in a recreation program
or activity
37% 46%
A
44% 40% 50%
C
43% 32% 44%
C
42%
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail
79% 91%
A
92%
B
79% 67% 78%
A
89%
A B
94%
A B
86%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 126 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge?
(Percent rating at least once)
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor
pool at Anderson Park
25% 26% 26% 26% 31%
C
31%
C
16% 30%
C
26%
Visited the Anderson Building for a
reason not related to the outdoor
pool
15% 26%
A
26%
B
16% 22% 16% 19% 24% 21%
Used a Wheat Ridge
bike/pedestrian path
74% 85%
A
86%
B
71% 59% 74%
A
81%
A
89%
A B C
80%
Used Clear Creek Trail
54% 74%
A
70%
B
58% 46% 65%
A
62%
A
74%
A C
65%
Attended a virtual or in-person
meeting of local city officials or
other local public meeting
9% 28%
A
27%
B
10% 11% 14% 21%
A
23%
A B
20%
Watched a meeting of local city
officials (on cable television,
YouTube, etc.)
18% 25%
A
23% 19% 29%
C D
25% 19% 18% 22%
Participated in a senior program
16% 12% 10% 18%
A
34%
B C D
23%
C D
8% 6% 14%
Visited the Active Adult Center
18% 16% 15% 19% 35%
B C D
25%
C D
12% 9% 17%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 127 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members
participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge?
(Percent rating at least once)
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant
(other than fast food)
90% 94%
A
95%
B
89% 78% 89%
A
96%
A B
94%
A
92%
Used the Wheat Ridge Library
39% 45% 47%
B
36% 45%
C
54%
C
28% 46%
C
42%
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or
special event
57% 70%
A
68%
B
60% 60% 69% 61% 65% 64%
Ridden an RTD bus
35%
B
26% 26% 34%
A
52%
B C D
33%
C
19% 29%
C
30%
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat
Ridge-Ward station
23% 23% 22% 23% 27% 22% 25% 22% 23%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 128 -
Table 75: Question 8 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please rate the following
aspects of transportation within
the City of Wheat Ridge:
(Percent rating as "excellent"
or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Condition of city streets
35% 41% 44%
B
32% 32% 41% 34% 43%
C
38%
Condition of sidewalks 36% 33% 34% 34% 34% 36% 37% 32% 34%
Access to mass transit
58% 53% 51% 61%
A
73%
C D
60% 51% 52% 56%
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge
59% 69%
A
70%
B
57% 58% 59% 57% 74%
A B C
65%
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge
59% 56% 58% 57% 73%
B C
41% 55% 60%
B
57%
Ease of commuter rail use in
Wheat Ridge
46% 49% 41% 57%
A
60% 48% 46% 46% 48%
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge 57% 52% 55% 52% 60% 53% 56% 51% 54%
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat
Ridge
58% 57% 59% 56% 56% 60% 53% 59% 58%
Traffic flow on major streets
35% 35% 39%
B
30% 34% 27% 28% 44%
B C
35%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 129 -
Table 76: Question 9: Quality by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the quality of each service:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Snow removal 50% 53% 54% 48% 58% 50% 53% 51% 52%
Street repair and maintenance
27% 35%
A
35%
B
25% 27% 31% 30% 34% 31%
Street sweeping
48% 49% 51% 47% 41% 46% 49% 54%
A
49%
Stormwater drainage
62% 57% 61% 56% 45% 61%
A
63%
A
60%
A
59%
Traffic enforcement
54% 51% 54% 50% 43% 52% 49% 59%
A C
52%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, outside storage)
34% 37% 37% 34% 35% 38% 33% 38% 36%
Animal control
60% 61% 63% 57% 54% 60% 56% 68%
A C
60%
Land use, planning and zoning
49%
B
37% 38% 47% 45% 42% 39% 42% 41%
Building permits
41% 36% 32% 47%
A
46% 45% 35% 33% 37%
Building inspections 39% 44% 43% 41% 41% 42% 38% 46% 43%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 130 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the quality of each service:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Maintenance of existing city parks
74% 75% 77%
B
70% 66% 72% 74% 78%
A
75%
Maintenance of open space and
trails
74% 72% 75% 70% 64% 72% 73% 77%
A
73%
Recreation programs
69% 76% 75% 69% 72% 75% 64% 76%
C
73%
City-sponsored special events 60% 66% 67% 59% 64% 58% 68% 65% 64%
Recreation facilities
71% 82%
A
82%
B
72% 77% 77% 74% 82% 78%
Community/public art
46% 39% 38% 46% 51%
D
45% 46% 36% 42%
Services/programs for youth
41% 53% 50% 44% 50% 63%
D
46% 41% 48%
Services/programs for seniors
51% 70%
A
70%
B
51% 63% 54% 64% 69%
B
62%
Municipal court
47% 63%
A
59% 53% 61% 49% 47% 60% 56%
Public information services
51% 54% 56% 49% 37% 58%
A
57%
A
56%
A
53%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 131 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the quality of each service:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Community engagement by City
staff
33% 53%
A
51% 40% 45% 45% 43% 55% 47%
Addressing homelessness
throughout city
12% 16% 17%
B
11% 14% 18% 11% 16% 15%
Policing services
45% 60%
A
62%
B
43% 49% 52% 53% 57% 54%
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement)
53% 75%
A
75%
B
56% 57% 67% 66% 69% 66%
Police response time to non-
emergency police calls (not code
enforcement)
44% 60%
A
61%
B
44% 43% 59%
A C
42% 59%
A C
53%
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch,
citizen police academy)
36% 47%
A
49%
B
35% 34% 59%
A C D
38% 39% 43%
Relationship-based policing
42% 55%
A
57%
B
41% 43% 57% 48% 55% 50%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 132 -
Table 77: Question 9: Importance by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each
service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Snow removal
85% 84% 83% 87% 84% 85% 90%
D
81% 85%
Street repair and maintenance 92% 92% 92% 90% 95% 92% 89% 92% 91%
Street sweeping
43% 40% 37% 48%
A
63%
C D
56%
C D
32% 35% 42%
Stormwater drainage
78% 79% 81%
B
75% 83% 81% 72% 79% 79%
Traffic enforcement
70% 65% 66% 69% 87%
C D
75%
D
67%
D
57% 67%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, outside storage)
60% 59% 58% 63% 71%
C D
67%
C D
54% 55% 60%
Animal control
53% 51% 50% 54% 65%
D
65%
C D
50% 42% 52%
Land use, planning and zoning
65% 81%
A
81%
B
67% 81% 79%
C
68% 75% 75%
Building permits
68% 72% 75%
B
61% 73% 80%
C D
68% 66% 71%
Building inspections
82%
B
72% 75% 77% 77% 81% 76% 71% 76%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 133 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each
service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Maintenance of existing city parks
83% 89%
A
89%
B
82% 83% 87% 81% 90%
C
86%
Maintenance of open space and
trails
80% 84% 86%
B
79% 79% 85%
C
75% 87%
C
83%
Recreation programs
60% 64% 63% 62% 84%
B C D
67%
C
51% 63%
C
63%
City-sponsored special events
44% 44% 42% 47% 56%
C D
57%
C D
38% 39% 44%
Recreation facilities
72% 78% 78% 72% 76% 82%
C
68% 77%
C
75%
Community/public art
41% 42% 41% 41% 46% 50%
C
31% 42%
C
41%
Services/programs for youth 80% 77% 78% 78% 79% 84% 78% 78% 78%
Services/programs for seniors
74% 72% 72% 75% 82%
D
81%
D
71% 67% 73%
Municipal court
75% 76% 74% 78% 87%
D
81%
D
77% 69% 76%
Public information services
70% 70% 67% 73% 79%
D
81%
D
73%
D
59% 70%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 134 -
The following are services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please
rate the importance of each
service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Community engagement by City
staff
53% 63%
A
60% 58% 76%
C D
64% 56% 54% 60%
Addressing homelessness
throughout city
92% 92% 92% 93% 95% 92% 95% 90% 92%
Policing services
87% 85% 83% 90%
A
96%
D
91%
D
92%
D
76% 86%
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement)
95% 96% 96% 96% 96% 97% 97% 94% 96%
Police response time to non-
emergency police calls (not code
enforcement)
80% 81% 78% 84% 93%
C D
88%
C D
77% 77% 81%
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch,
citizen police academy)
76% 87%
A
83% 82% 82% 86% 81% 81% 83%
Relationship-based policing 81% 80% 82% 79% 87% 85% 77% 79% 80%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 135 -
Table 78: Question 10 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Overall, how would you rate
the quality of the services
provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge?: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided
by the City of Wheat Ridge?
73% 71% 74% 69% 68% 73% 70% 74% 72%
Table 79: Question 11 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How would you rate the overall
performance of the Wheat
Ridge city government:
(Percent rating as "excellent"
or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
How would you rate the overall
performance of the Wheat Ridge
city government?
65% 58% 58% 65% 60% 66% 56% 64% 61%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 136 -
Table 80: Question 12 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please rate the following
aspects of Wheat Ridge city
government performance:
(Percent rating as "excellent"
or "good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
The extent to which Wheat Ridge
elected officials act in the best
interest of the community at
large
54% 53% 52% 55% 48% 54% 55% 57% 53%
The quality of work performed by
City of Wheat Ridge employees
70% 71% 73% 68% 64% 70% 73% 74% 71%
The quality of experience
interacting with a Wheat Ridge
police officer
61% 78%
A
81%
B
59% 61% 75%
C
62% 79%
A C
72%
The value of services for the taxes
paid to Wheat Ridge
45% 49% 49% 45% 51% 48% 49% 47% 47%
The overall direction that Wheat
Ridge is taking
54% 55% 58%
B
50% 54% 48% 52% 60%
B
54%
The job Wheat Ridge does at
informing residents on major
issues within the community
42% 52%
A
52%
B
42% 44% 42% 49% 53%
B
48%
The job Wheat Ridge
government does at welcoming
resident involvement
48% 55% 55% 47% 49% 60% 47% 54% 52%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 137 -
Table 81: Question 13 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
In the last 12 months, have you
had any in-person, phone or
email contact with a City of
Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
(Percent rating as "yes").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
In the last 12 months, have you
had any in-person, phone or email
contact with a City of Wheat
Ridge employee(s)?
24% 41%
A
39%
B
26% 28% 35% 32% 36% 33%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 138 -
Table 82: Question 14 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
What was your impression of
the City of Wheat Ridge
employee(s) overall? (Percent
rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Knowledge
76% 77% 79% 74% 61% 65% 88%
A B
80%
A B 77%
Responsiveness
66% 73% 72% 68% 46% 74%
A
74%
A
72%
A 71%
Courtesy
69% 81%
A
82%
B
69% 52% 63% 88%
A B
83%
A B 77%
Making you feel valued
54% 69%
A
69% 57% 47% 52% 70%
A B
72%
A B 64%
Overall impression
59% 72%
A
71% 62% 54% 57% 74% 73%
B 68%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 139 -
Table 83: Question 15 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please rate how safe you feel in
the following areas in Wheat
Ridge (Percent rating as "very
safe" or "somewhat safe")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Parks and playgrounds
79% 82% 84%
B
77% 84% 77% 78% 86%
B C
81%
Recreation centers 90% 92% 93% 89% 92% 88% 93% 92% 91%
In your neighborhood
77% 84%
A
87%
B
73% 75% 74% 78% 87%
A B C
81%
In your home
90% 93% 94%
B
89% 85% 89% 93%
A
93%
A
91%
On the trail system 67% 63% 65% 64% 70% 65% 63% 68% 65%
On roadways 68% 62% 62% 67% 73% 70% 63% 62% 64%
Retail/commercial areas 73% 74% 75% 71% 75% 72% 73% 77% 73%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 140 -
Table 84: Question 16 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
Please indicate whether or
not each of the following has
applied to you in the last 12
months (Percent rating as
"yes")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Household member was a
victim of a crime in Wheat
Ridge
15% 13% 11% 18%
A
21%
C
18%
C
8% 14%
C
14%
Reported a crime to the police
in Wheat Ridge
22% 23% 20% 26%
A
38%
C D
28%
C
16% 21% 22%
Table 85: Question 17 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How important, if at all, is it for
the City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department to prioritize resources
in each of the following areas in
the next 12 months? (Percent
rating as "essential" or "very
important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Solving violent crimes
92% 96%
A
96%
B
92% 91% 93% 96% 94% 94%
Solving property crimes
84% 90%
A
89% 86% 90% 91%
D
92%
D
82% 88%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 141 -
How important, if at all, is it for
the City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department to prioritize resources
in each of the following areas in
the next 12 months? (Percent
rating as "essential" or "very
important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Reducing illegal activities committed
by youth
80% 74% 73% 80%
A
92%
C D
85%
C D
74% 69% 76%
Reducing illegal drug activity
73% 76% 74% 76% 92%
C D
81%
D
76%
D
64% 75%
Enforcement of traffic laws
61% 62% 60% 64% 82%
B C D
69%
D
62%
D
48% 62%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weed control, trash, etc.)
55% 53% 51% 57% 65%
C D
70%
C D
45% 46% 54%
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch,
citizen police academy)
72% 76% 74% 75% 84%
C D
82%
C D
68% 69% 74%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 142 -
Table 86: Question 18 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How much of a priority, if at all,
should the City of Wheat Ridge
Police Department place on each
of the following in the next two
years? (Percent rating as "high
priority" or "medium priority")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Better connection with the
community (i.e., community forums,
events)
76% 80% 77% 80% 91%
C D
89%
C D
77% 70% 79%
Increased visibility of police
77% 78% 75% 80% 85%
D
79%
D
83%
D
68% 78%
Additional City resources directed
towards crime-related mental health
issues in the community
90% 91% 92% 89% 96%
B D
88% 93% 88% 90%
Greater accessibility to police and
police-related information
76% 73% 72% 77% 85%
D
76%
D
79%
D
64% 74%
More relationship-based policing
officers (problem solving at a
community-level such as
neighborhood problems)
79% 81% 81% 80% 85% 78% 81% 77% 80%
Adding officers in public schools
70% 70% 66% 74%
A
84%
D
71%
D
77%
D
57% 70%
Adding surveillance cameras in high
crime areas
84% 85% 83% 87% 93%
B D
83% 88%
D
78% 84%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 143 -
Table 87: Question 19 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
When you shop outside of
Wheat Ridge, why do you
shop outside of Wheat
Ridge? (Check all that apply.)
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income
Overall Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
It is convenient; on my way to
or from work or near my home
46% 44% 45% 45% 28% 39% 48% 48% 45%
I like the range of quality
goods and services
49% 53% 55% 46% 45% 47% 50% 56% 52%
Desired item is not available in
Wheat Ridge
62% 73% 74% 60% 58% 68% 65% 74% 68%
It is more affordable 20% 14% 12% 22% 22% 30% 11% 10% 17%
Visit a mall or other major
retailers
49% 44% 45% 48% 36% 57% 48% 42% 46%
I shop online 50% 57% 61% 46% 30% 54% 52% 65% 54%
Other 14% 10% 9% 15% 20% 14% 8% 10% 12%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 144 -
Table 88: Question 20 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
For each type of shopping,
please estimate how frequently
you make purchases in Wheat
Ridge: (Percent rating as "very
frequently" or "somewhat
frequently").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Grocery shopping
83% 87% 89%
B
80% 85% 84% 89% 83% 85%
Health services
38% 50%
A
50%
B
40% 51%
D
49%
D
47% 38% 45%
Meals and entertainment
61% 60% 63% 59% 70%
B
56% 68%
B D
60% 61%
Household items
56% 54% 56% 52% 62%
D
58%
D
60%
D
48% 55%
Computers and electronics
14%
B
7% 8% 14%
A
25%
C D
17%
C D
7% 5% 10%
General retail (shoes, drug stores,
clothing, etc.)
42% 36% 37% 41% 51%
C D
51%
C D
34% 31% 39%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 145 -
Table 89: Question 21 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How much do you agree or
disagree that the City of Wheat
Ridge should do each of the
following? (Percent rating as
"strongly agree" or "somewhat
agree").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Promote efforts to revitalize
Wheat Ridge’s housing areas
81%
B
71% 72% 79%
A
73% 75% 79% 75% 75%
Promote efforts to revitalize
Wheat Ridge’s business areas
83% 85% 87%
B
81% 76% 77% 86%
A B
88%
A B
84%
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s
community image and identity
66% 75%
A
70% 71% 67% 68% 73% 73% 71%
Promote efforts to attract and
recruit new types of retail
businesses to Wheat Ridge
77% 85%
A
84%
B
76% 78% 74% 82% 85%
B
81%
Promote efforts to revitalize
business corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth
Boulevard and Kipling St
88% 88% 88% 87% 84% 81% 90%
B
91%
B
87%
Promote efforts to attract new
jobs
80%
B
73% 71% 83%
A
74% 80% 77% 74% 76%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 146 -
Table 90: Question 22 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How likely would you support
an extension of the sales tax for
these categories of projects?
(Percent rating as "very likely"
or "somewhat likely").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Sidewalk and street improvements
on primary street corridors such as
38th Ave., 44th Ave., and
Youngfield St.
86% 83% 84% 84% 88% 82% 86% 84% 84%
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout
the city with an emphasis on major
pedestrian corridor
84% 81% 82% 82% 85% 84% 82% 82% 82%
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge
Recreation Center for additional
gymnasium and fitness activity
space
60% 60% 60% 59% 71% 58% 58% 61% 60%
Drainage and floodplain
infrastructure improvements
throughout the City
74% 79% 80% 74% 81% 81% 73% 78% 77%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 147 -
Table 91: Question 24 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
To what degree, if at all, is
homelessness a problem in the
City of Wheat Ridge? (Percent
rating as "major problem" or
"moderate problem").
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
To what degree, if at all, is
homelessness a problem in the
City of Wheat Ridge?
77% 84%
A
82% 80% 78% 79% 86% 79% 81%
Table 92: Question 25 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How important to you, if at all, is it
for the City to contribute funding
to community-based organizations
that provide each of the following
services to the homeless
populations? (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Job training programs
67%
B
53% 52% 69%
A
81%
B C D
65%
D
57% 52% 59%
Mental health programs 84% 78% 80% 82% 85% 80% 78% 82% 81%
Substance abuse programs 77% 74% 75% 76% 81% 72% 76% 76% 76%
Shelters for severe weather
80%
B
61% 65% 75%
A
80%
C D
70% 68% 67% 69%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 148 -
How important to you, if at all, is it
for the City to contribute funding
to community-based organizations
that provide each of the following
services to the homeless
populations? (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Housing/rental assistance programs
75%
B
54% 53% 76%
A
75%
D
71%
D
65% 57% 63%
Supportive housing, which combines
housing with services such as job
training and substance abuse
treatment
75%
B
68% 69% 74% 84%
C D
74% 72% 67% 71%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 149 -
Table 93: Question 26 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
How important to you, if at all, is it
that the City focus on each of the
following areas of environmental
sustainability, which may or may
not increase costs for taxpayers?
(Percent rating as "essential" or
"very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Expanding access to residential
recycling and composting services
67% 62% 63% 66% 58% 64% 59% 71%
A C
64%
Implementing organized trash
hauling in neighborhoods
52% 52% 50% 54% 61%
C
57%
C
40% 54%
C
52%
Promoting use of drought-tolerant
and native landscaping
56% 61% 59% 58% 59% 56% 55% 65%
C
59%
Improving localized flooding and
reducing impacts on private property
through improvements to the city’s
stormwater drainage system
58% 60% 60% 58% 63% 64% 55% 59% 59%
Improving water quality from runoff
to local streams & lakes
71% 67% 68% 69% 73%
C
71%
C
59% 72%
C
69%
Encouraging biking or walking,
instead of automobile use
55% 51% 52% 54% 50% 55%
C
38% 64%
A C
53%
Ensuring availability of and access to
public transit
72%
B
58% 60% 69%
A
70%
C
73%
C
56% 65%
C
64%
Implementing energy efficiency
improvements for city facilities
64%
B
56% 57% 62% 64% 64% 55% 59% 59%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 150 -
How important to you, if at all, is it
that the City focus on each of the
following areas of environmental
sustainability, which may or may
not increase costs for taxpayers?
(Percent rating as "essential" or
"very important")
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Requiring green building practices
for new commercial and residential
construction
61% 54% 53% 61%
A
56% 61% 50% 59%
C
57%
Promoting renewable energy (wind
or solar) in the community
60% 57% 55% 62% 57% 67%
C
49% 62%
C
58%
Promoting renewable energy (wind
or solar) in the home
58% 52% 51% 58% 53% 60%
C
46% 59%
C
54%
Creating walkable communities
(providing sidewalk connections, bike
lanes, retail/ shopping/ grocery
closer to homes, etc.)
74% 70% 70% 75% 72%
C
77%
C
61% 79%
C
72%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 151 -
Table 94: Question 27 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used the
following sources of information
for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent at least once).
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
City Quarterly "Connections"
Newsletter
68% 79%
A
79%
B
69% 65% 77%
A
76%
A
75% 74%
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide
44% 69%
A
66%
B
48% 65%
C
62%
C
49% 60%
C
58%
Denver Post 39% 39% 39% 38% 32% 41% 35% 42% 39%
Denver Post YourHub
14% 21%
A
21%
B
14% 26%
C D
22% 15% 15% 18%
Jeffco Transcript
20% 31%
A
30%
B
22% 30%
D
35%
D
28%
D
18% 26%
Neighborhood Gazette
69% 83%
A
85%
B
66% 63% 78%
A
79%
A
80%
A
77%
Radio news
38% 36% 38% 36% 32% 45%
A D
42%
D
32% 37%
Television news
52% 56% 53% 56% 73%
C D
70%
C D
50% 44% 54%
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel)
12% 14% 13% 13% 21%
C D
20%
C D
10% 7% 13%
City live/on-demand video streaming,
including City Council meetings
14% 20%
A
19% 14% 19% 18% 13% 17% 17%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 152 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used the
following sources of information
for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent at least once).
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
City’s website:
www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
44% 63%
A
65%
B
42% 31% 42% 51%
A
70%
A B C
54%
City website automatic notifications
(e.g., community events, calendar
listing)
22% 33%
A
32%
B
24% 28% 27% 25% 30% 28%
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites
(Facebook, Twitter)
32% 33% 33% 32% 19% 31% 36%
A
36%
A
32%
Wheat Ridge Speaks
10% 18%
A
18%
B
11% 17% 11% 12% 18%
C
15%
City’s Up Wheat Ridge
19% 31%
A
30%
B
22% 21% 27% 20% 32%
A C
26%
Wheat Ridge Police Department social
media sites (Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram)
28% 36%
A
33% 33% 26% 33% 32% 36% 33%
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s
Facebook/Instagram page
15% 19% 18% 17% 19% 23%
C
11% 19%
C
17%
Community-created Facebook
groups/pages about Wheat Ridge
21% 26% 25% 23% 22% 25% 21% 27% 24%
Neighborhood websites (e.g.,
NextDoor, etc.)
32% 51%
A
51%
B
32% 32% 39% 35% 53%
A B C
43%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 153 -
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if ever, have you or
other household members used the
following sources of information
for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent at least once).
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less
than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Word of mouth
68% 85%
A
86%
B
68% 69% 76% 81%
A
79%
A
77%
Table 95: Question 28 by Housing Tenure, Type of Housing Unit, and Household Income
In a typical month, about how
many times, if ever, do you use
each of the following social
media sites? (Percent rating as
at least once).
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Facebook
63% 58% 56% 65%
A
58% 67%
C
54% 64%
C
60%
Twitter
25% 21% 21% 25% 19% 17% 23% 29%
B
23%
YouTube
73% 74% 74% 72% 61% 60% 80%
A B
83%
A B
73%
LinkedIn
34% 41%
A
41%
35% 22% 22% 27% 61%
A B C
38%
NextDoor
38% 44% 46%
B
35% 39% 34% 35% 52%
A B C
41%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 154 -
In a typical month, about how
many times, if ever, do you use
each of the following social
media sites? (Percent rating as
at least once).
Rent or
own
Detached or
attached Household income Overall
Rent Own
Single-
unit
Home
Multi-
unit
Home
Less than
$25,000
$25,000-
$49,999
$50,000-
$99,999
$100,000
or more
(A) (A) (B) (A) (B) (A) (B) (C) (D)
Instagram
43% 45% 48%
B
39% 27% 31% 37% 64%
A B C
44%
TikTok
21%
B
13% 11% 22%
A
17% 18% 18% 15% 16%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 155 -
Comparisons by Race and Ethnicity
Table 96: Question 1 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please rate each of the following aspects of
quality of life in Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating
as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Wheat Ridge as a place to live
92%
B C
83% 84% 87% 85% 86% 87% 85%
Your neighborhood as a place to live
82% 77% 78% 76% 83%
A
78% 83% 79%
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children
80%
B
69% 74% 78%
B
70% 73% 81% 74%
Wheat Ridge as a place to work
61% 56% 69%
B
66% 61% 65% 62% 62%
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire
59% 59% 69%
B
69% 62% 69%
B
58% 65%
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a
whole
55% 51% 55% 55% 55% 51% 64%
A
54%
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge
84%
C
76% 76% 81% 76% 78% 80% 78%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 156 -
Table 97: Question 2 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Do you think the quality of life in Wheat
Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same, or
decline over the next 5 years?
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Improve a lot
18%
C
14%
C
8% 12% 14% 10% 20%
A
12%
Improve slightly
53%
C
44% 37% 42% 46% 47%
B
37% 43%
Stay the same
11% 18%
A
27%
A B
22% 19% 20% 17% 21%
Decline slightly 18% 19% 22% 21% 17% 19% 24% 20%
Decline a lot
1% 5%
A
7%
A
3% 4% 3% 2% 4%
Table 98: Question 3 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
What are your reasons for living in Wheat
Ridge? (Please select all that apply.)
Age Sex Race/ethnicity
Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or
other race
I feel safe here 55% 42% 41% 46% 45% 43% 52% 45%
I like the school my children attend 8% 16% 3% 12% 5% 9% 9% 9%
My job is here 7% 7% 9% 7% 8% 9% 6% 8%
I like my neighborhood 59% 59% 55% 57% 59% 57% 63% 58%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 157 -
What are your reasons for living in Wheat
Ridge? (Please select all that apply.)
Age Sex Race/ethnicity
Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or
other race
I like the location in general 87% 75% 69% 74% 77% 74% 82% 75%
I like the access to dining and entertainment 36% 26% 23% 27% 27% 27% 30% 27%
Housing and rental rates are affordable 40% 27% 21% 28% 28% 26% 32% 27%
I've always lived here 1% 12% 19% 12% 11% 14% 7% 13%
I have friends and family in the area 33% 24% 32% 30% 29% 30% 28% 29%
Small town feel 35% 27% 31% 27% 36% 28% 40% 30%
Cost of living is affordable 25% 16% 13% 16% 19% 19% 13% 17%
I like that the community is forward-thinking 11% 20% 15% 17% 15% 16% 16% 15%
The growing and diverse community 11% 21% 12% 16% 14% 14% 21% 15%
None of these 2% 6% 7% 6% 4% 4% 7% 5%
Table 99: Question 4 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please rate each of the following characteristics
as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Sense of community
57% 57% 63% 63% 58% 59% 68%
A
60%
Openness and acceptance of the community
toward people of diverse backgrounds
61% 55% 61% 57% 61% 59% 59% 60%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 158 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics
as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge
46% 40% 54%
B
48% 48% 44% 56%
A
47%
Overall quality of new development in Wheat
Ridge
59%
C
50% 42% 53% 47% 49% 53% 48%
Variety of housing options
49% 50%
C
40% 46% 48% 50%
B
36% 46%
Overall quality of business and service
establishments in Wheat Ridge
60% 55% 55% 55% 60% 56% 62% 56%
Shopping opportunities
43% 40% 45% 43% 44% 38% 57%
A
43%
Opportunities to attend cultural activities 43% 41% 40% 43% 39% 39% 42% 41%
Recreational opportunities
70% 68% 69% 70% 69% 72%
B
61% 69%
Employment opportunities
34% 38% 37% 43%
B
32% 34% 45%
A
36%
Educational opportunities
46% 45% 46% 48% 45% 42% 58%
A
46%
Opportunities to participate in social events and
activities
50% 51% 51% 56%
B
45% 52% 47% 50%
Opportunities to volunteer
54% 62% 61% 65%
B
55% 60% 65% 60%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 159 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics
as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Opportunities to participate in civic matters 56% 56% 58% 60% 54% 60% 54% 57%
Availability of parks
70% 79%
A
82%
A
79% 76% 84%
B
62% 78%
Availability of dog parks
63%
B
50% 55% 55% 56% 52% 62% 56%
Availability of paths and walking trails
61% 68% 75%
A
73%
B
65% 77%
B
47% 69%
Availability of bike paths and bike lanes
58% 59% 69%
A B
64% 62% 67%
B
49% 63%
Availability of affordable quality housing 37% 28% 28% 31% 29% 32% 27% 30%
Availability of affordable quality child care 32% 21% 33% 26% 30% 24% 33% 26%
Availability of affordable quality health care 53% 55% 62% 59% 60% 60% 58% 58%
Availability of affordable quality food
68%
B
53% 61%
B
61% 61% 64%
B
55% 60%
Availability of preventive health services
57% 55% 62% 64%
B
55% 60% 60% 59%
Air quality
64%
C
59%
C
48% 57% 58% 55% 62% 55%
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat
Ridge
68% 63% 63% 65% 66% 68%
B
58% 64%
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge 67% 58% 63% 66% 61% 64% 63% 62%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 160 -
Table 100: Question 5 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please rate your community on each of the
following: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Making all residents feel welcome
71%
C
63% 57% 62% 65% 63% 60% 62%
Helping new residents feel connected and
integrated
45% 49% 43% 48% 44% 44% 50% 45%
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
33% 44% 42% 34% 49%
A
40% 41% 40%
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds
41% 47% 48% 40% 55%
A
48% 40% 46%
Demonstrating respect for residents of different
cultures and belief systems
49% 48% 50% 44% 55%
A
50% 44% 48%
Treating all residents fairly
52% 49% 52% 46% 59%
A
53% 47% 51%
Providing a safe and secure environment for
residents of all backgrounds
62%
B
50% 55% 50% 63%
A
57% 49% 54%
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values
57% 58% 56% 53% 64%
A
60% 51% 57%
Providing equal employment opportunities to
residents of all backgrounds
46% 54% 55% 51% 54% 56% 47% 51%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 161 -
Please rate your community on each of the
following: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Providing equal access to housing for residents
of all backgrounds
51% 51% 46% 45% 54% 50% 47% 48%
Making all residents feel welcome in business
establishments
67% 71% 63% 62% 72%
A
71%
B
55% 66%
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to
participate in local government and community
decision-making
52% 64% 60% 59% 61% 62% 54% 59%
Table 101: Question 6 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are
to do each of the following: (Percent rating as
"very likely" or "somewhat likely")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone
who asks
92%
C
91% 86% 91% 88% 89% 93% 89%
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years 86% 87% 88% 89% 85% 88% 87% 87%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 162 -
Table 102: Question 7 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if
ever, have you or other household members
participated in the following activities in Wheat
Ridge? (Percent rating at least once)
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
47% 51% 51% 55%
B
45% 50% 46% 51%
Participated in a recreation program or activity
29% 54%
A C
40%
A
49%
B
34% 43% 39% 42%
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail
91%
C
93%
C
77% 85% 86% 88%
B
78% 86%
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson
Park
25% 36%
A C
21% 31%
B
22% 22% 39%
A
26%
Visited the Anderson Building for a reason not
related to the outdoor pool
13% 26%
A
23%
A
24% 18% 22% 18% 21%
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path
91%
C
89%
C
67% 77% 82% 82%
B
73% 80%
Used Clear Creek Trail
67%
C
75%
C
56% 62% 68% 68%
B
58% 65%
Attended a virtual or in-person meeting of local city
officials or other local public meeting
13% 21%
A
23%
A
18% 21% 21%
B
12% 20%
Watched a meeting of local city officials (on cable
television, YouTube, etc.)
14% 25%
A
23%
A
22% 21% 18% 26%
A
22%
Participated in a senior program
4% 3% 27%
A B
18%
B
9% 14% 11% 14%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 163 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if
ever, have you or other household members
participated in the following activities in Wheat
Ridge? (Percent rating at least once)
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Visited the Active Adult Center
2% 12%
A
29%
A B
21%
B
12% 17% 17% 17%
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast
food)
96%
C
93%
C
89% 92% 92% 93% 90% 92%
Used the Wheat Ridge Library
32% 45%
A
46%
A
47%
B
37% 42% 43% 42%
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event
57% 72%
A C
62% 67% 60% 63% 63% 64%
Ridden an RTD bus
27% 35% 28% 28% 34% 28% 39%
A
30%
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat Ridge-Ward
station
25% 25% 21% 22% 25% 22% 23% 23%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 164 -
Table 103: Question 8 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please rate the following aspects of
transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Condition of city streets
39% 48%
A C
33% 41% 38% 39% 38% 38%
Condition of sidewalks
35% 39%
C
31% 38% 33% 34% 35% 34%
Access to mass transit
44% 54% 63%
A B
56% 55% 56% 53% 56%
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge
69%
C
67% 60% 66% 64% 67% 60% 65%
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge
57% 51% 62%
B
60% 57% 58% 59% 57%
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat Ridge 40% 49% 51% 48% 48% 48% 43% 48%
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge
47% 52% 60%
A
55% 53% 55% 55% 54%
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge
60% 52% 63%
B
56% 61% 57% 58% 58%
Traffic flow on major streets
44%
B C
35% 30% 34% 38% 33% 40% 35%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 165 -
Question 9: Quality by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
The following are services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
quality of each service: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Snow removal
45% 54% 54%
A
52% 53% 57%
B
41% 52%
Street repair and maintenance
26% 37%
A
30% 32% 32% 32% 27% 31%
Street sweeping
56%
C
53%
C
43% 53% 46% 50% 46% 49%
Stormwater drainage
60% 61% 57% 54% 67%
A
61% 57% 59%
Traffic enforcement
61%
B C
49% 51% 53% 55% 56%
B
46% 52%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash,
outside storage)
26% 46%
A C
35%
A
37% 36% 36% 37% 36%
Animal control 62% 55% 65% 61% 62% 63% 60% 60%
Land use, planning and zoning 46% 41% 40% 46% 42% 43% 44% 41%
Building permits 31% 33% 44% 41% 37% 37% 38% 37%
Building inspections 38% 44% 45% 44% 45% 42% 52% 43%
Maintenance of existing city parks
77% 76% 73% 75% 75% 77%
B
69% 75%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 166 -
The following are services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
quality of each service: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Maintenance of open space and trails
83%
B C
71% 70% 73% 75% 75% 70% 73%
Recreation programs
65% 76%
A
75%
A
76% 69% 72% 78% 73%
City-sponsored special events
56% 67%
A
66% 68% 61% 65% 63% 64%
Recreation facilities
72% 79% 80%
A
81% 75% 78% 77% 78%
Community/public art
33% 39% 51%
A B
45% 39% 39% 53%
A
42%
Services/programs for youth
19% 49%
A
63%
A B
46% 53% 50% 42% 48%
Services/programs for seniors
26% 75%
A
63%
A
70%
B
56% 69%
B
51% 62%
Municipal court
17% 61%
A
63%
A
61% 54% 55% 55% 56%
Public information services 55% 51% 54% 53% 57% 57% 49% 53%
Community engagement by City staff
36% 53%
A
47% 49% 49% 50% 45% 47%
Addressing homelessness throughout city
9% 16% 17%
A
12% 20%
A
15% 18% 15%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 167 -
The following are services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
quality of each service: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Policing services
39% 54%
A
62%
A
49% 61%
A
55% 51% 54%
Police response time to emergency police calls (not
code enforcement)
49% 67%
A
72%
A
60% 73%
A
71%
B
55% 66%
Police response time to non-emergency police calls
(not code enforcement)
40% 50% 60%
A
49% 58% 57%
B
41% 53%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy)
33% 41% 51%
A
43% 46% 47%
B
32% 43%
Relationship-based policing
38% 46% 60%
A B
47% 58% 52% 42% 50%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 168 -
Question 9: Importance by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
The following are services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
importance of each service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Snow removal
85% 84% 85% 89%
B
80% 84% 86% 85%
Street repair and maintenance
89% 91% 93% 94%
B
88% 89% 97%
A
91%
Street sweeping
28% 36% 55%
A B
46%
B
37% 36% 61%
A
42%
Stormwater drainage
64% 82%
A
85%
A
83%
B
73% 75% 88%
A
79%
Traffic enforcement
49% 60%
A
83%
A B
72%
B
59% 64% 72% 67%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash,
outside storage)
49% 54% 70%
A B
64%
B
53% 58% 67% 60%
Animal control
36% 44% 67%
A B
58%
B
42% 49% 59%
A
52%
Land use, planning and zoning
57% 76%
A
85%
A B
83%
B
66% 73% 79% 75%
Building permits
60% 69% 77%
A
71% 68% 69% 71% 71%
Building inspections
69% 74% 80%
A
80%
B
71% 73% 84%
A
76%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 169 -
The following are services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
importance of each service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Maintenance of existing city parks
82% 91%
A
84% 88% 83% 85% 90% 86%
Maintenance of open space and trails
83% 85% 81% 86%
B
79% 82% 83% 83%
Recreation programs
46% 69%
A
68%
A
73%
B
53% 62% 71% 63%
City-sponsored special events
32% 48%
A
48%
A
53%
B
37% 43% 55%
A
44%
Recreation facilities 70% 78% 76% 78% 72% 74% 80% 75%
Community/public art
38% 50%
A C
35% 48%
B
37% 41% 50% 41%
Services/programs for youth
75% 80% 80% 82%
B
74% 77% 84% 78%
Services/programs for seniors
61% 75%
A
78%
A
80%
B
65% 73% 79% 73%
Municipal court
71% 71% 82%
A B
81%
B
70% 72% 82%
A
76%
Public information services
62% 69% 74%
A
78%
B
59% 70% 74% 70%
Community engagement by City staff
51% 57% 66%
A
65%
B
53% 57% 71%
A
60%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 170 -
The following are services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge. For each service, please rate the
importance of each service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Addressing homelessness throughout city
92% 92% 92% 94%
B
90% 94%
B
87% 92%
Policing services
78% 83% 92%
A B
87% 83% 85% 84% 86%
Police response time to emergency police calls (not
code enforcement)
95% 96% 96% 95% 96% 95% 98% 96%
Police response time to non-emergency police calls
(not code enforcement)
77% 80% 84% 83% 79% 80% 84% 81%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy)
74% 86%
A
86%
A
87%
B
79% 81% 90%
A
83%
Relationship-based policing
81% 82% 79% 83% 79% 78% 90%
A
80%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 171 -
Table 104: Question 10 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the
services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge?:
(Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the
services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge?
78%
C
71% 69% 71% 75% 73% 71% 72%
Table 105: Question 11 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How would you rate the overall performance
of the Wheat Ridge city government: (Percent
rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
How would you rate the overall performance of
the Wheat Ridge city government?
69%
B
58% 60% 65% 61% 63% 63% 61%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 172 -
Table 106: Question 12 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please rate the following aspects of Wheat
Ridge city government performance: (Percent
rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials
act in the best interest of the community at large
65%
C
52% 51% 60% 52% 57% 53% 53%
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat
Ridge employees
74% 73% 68% 69% 74% 72% 70% 71%
The quality of experience interacting with a
Wheat Ridge police officer
59% 75%
A
74%
A
72% 72% 76%
B
58% 72%
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat
Ridge
43% 48% 49% 51% 48% 49% 47% 47%
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking
64%
B C
52% 51% 54% 59% 58% 51% 54%
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents
on major issues within the community
44% 51% 47% 51% 47% 51% 44% 48%
The job Wheat Ridge government does at
welcoming resident involvement
48% 54% 53% 55% 52% 55% 48% 52%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 173 -
Table 107: Question 13 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-
person, phone or email contact with a City of
Wheat Ridge employee(s)? (Percent rating as
"yes").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person,
phone or email contact with a City of Wheat Ridge
employee(s)?
23% 42%
A C
33%
A
34% 31% 34% 30% 33%
Table 108: Question 14 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
What was your impression of the City of
Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? (Percent
rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Knowledge
70% 76% 82% 77% 82% 83%
B
65% 77%
Responsiveness
36% 79%
A
77%
A
66% 80%
A
72% 70% 71%
Courtesy
59% 75%
A
88%
A B
72% 85%
A
81%
B
67% 77%
Making you feel valued
37% 67%
A
75%
A
62% 71% 66% 61% 64%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 174 -
What was your impression of the City of
Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? (Percent
rating as "excellent" or "good").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Overall impression
44% 72%
A
75%
A
67% 73% 72% 61% 68%
Table 109: Question 15 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please rate how safe you feel in the following
areas in Wheat Ridge (Percent rating as "very
safe" or "somewhat safe")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Parks and playgrounds
88%
B C
77% 81% 81% 82% 84% 78% 81%
Recreation centers
92% 91% 91% 91% 92% 93%
B
86% 91%
In your neighborhood
85%
B
77% 82% 81% 82% 82% 83% 81%
In your home 93% 89% 92% 90% 93% 93% 90% 91%
On the trail system
73%
B
60% 64% 66% 67% 67% 63% 65%
On roadways
68% 61% 65% 70%
B
62% 63% 72%
A
64%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 175 -
Please rate how safe you feel in the following
areas in Wheat Ridge (Percent rating as "very
safe" or "somewhat safe")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Retail/commercial areas
81%
B C
71% 72% 77% 73% 77% 71% 73%
Table 110: Question 16 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
Please indicate whether or not each of the
following has applied to you in the last 12
months (Percent rating as "yes")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Household member was a victim of a crime in
Wheat Ridge
16%
C
21%
C
8% 15% 12% 11% 20%
A
14%
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge
23% 31%
A C
16% 25% 20% 23% 21% 22%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 176 -
Table 111: Question 17 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How important, if at all, is it for the City of Wheat
Ridge Police Department to prioritize resources in
each of the following areas in the next 12 months?
(Percent rating as "essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Solving violent crimes
92% 91% 98%
A B
94% 94% 98%
B
89% 94%
Solving property crimes
78% 86%
A
94%
A B
85% 90%
A
87% 87% 88%
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth
65% 64% 91%
A B
78% 74% 77% 75% 76%
Reducing illegal drug activity
59% 63% 91%
A B
79%
B
68% 73% 73% 75%
Enforcement of traffic laws
34% 59%
A
78%
A B
67%
B
53% 57% 69%
A
62%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash,
etc.)
30% 50%
A
68%
A B
55% 51% 51% 61%
A
54%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy)
61% 69% 86%
A B
80%
B
67% 73% 79% 74%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 177 -
Table 112: Question 18 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of
Wheat Ridge Police Department place on each of
the following in the next two years? (Percent
rating as "high priority" or "medium priority")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Better connection with the community (i.e.,
community forums, events)
66% 73% 89%
A B
80% 75% 78% 80% 79%
Increased visibility of police
59% 71%
A
92%
A B
78% 76% 77% 79% 78%
Additional City resources directed towards crime-
related mental health issues in the community
90% 90% 91% 95%
B
85% 91% 90% 90%
Greater accessibility to police and police-related
information
67% 64% 84%
A B
75% 72% 71% 77% 74%
More relationship-based policing officers (problem
solving at a community-level such as neighborhood
problems)
77% 74% 86%
A B
81% 79% 81% 77% 80%
Adding officers in public schools
54% 66%
A
82%
A B
70% 70% 65% 82%
A
70%
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas
77% 80% 92%
A B
91%
B
78% 85% 87% 84%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 178 -
Table 113: Question 19 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge,
why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge?
(Check all that apply.)
Age Sex Race/ethnicity
Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
It is convenient; on my way to or from work or
near my home
52% 49% 37% 40% 52% 46% 44% 45%
I like the range of quality goods and services 58% 51% 48% 53% 49% 51% 52% 52%
Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge 76% 66% 64% 63% 72% 67% 67% 68%
It is more affordable 13% 16% 19% 14% 18% 15% 20% 17%
Visit a mall or other major retailers 42% 43% 49% 45% 48% 47% 49% 46%
I shop online 57% 69% 43% 54% 56% 57% 56% 54%
Other 15% 10% 10% 11% 11% 6% 23% 12%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 179 -
Table 114: Question 20 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
For each type of shopping, please estimate how
frequently you make purchases in Wheat Ridge:
(Percent rating as "very frequently" or
"somewhat frequently").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Grocery shopping
83% 85% 87% 87% 83% 89%
B
79% 85%
Health services
36% 42% 51%
A B
49%
B
39% 48% 39% 45%
Meals and entertainment
60% 67%
C
58% 64% 61% 64% 56% 61%
Household items
54% 52% 58% 63%
B
47% 56% 54% 55%
Computers and electronics
8% 8% 13%
B
13%
B
8% 7% 18%
A
10%
General retail (shoes, drug stores, clothing, etc.)
34% 31% 47%
A B
41% 37% 40% 38% 39%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 180 -
Table 115: Question 21 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How much do you agree or disagree that the
City of Wheat Ridge should do each of the
following? (Percent rating as "strongly agree" or
"somewhat agree").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing
areas
80% 75% 74% 76% 77% 76% 82% 75%
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s business
areas
86% 85% 82% 80% 90%
A
85% 86% 84%
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and
identity
70% 68% 74% 69% 74% 70% 78% 71%
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of
retail businesses to Wheat Ridge
77% 84% 81% 82% 82% 84% 78% 81%
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such
as 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard
and Kipling St
94%
B C
87% 84% 85% 92%
A
90% 88% 87%
Promote efforts to attract new jobs 79% 76% 74% 77% 77% 78% 77% 76%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 181 -
Table 116: Question 22 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How likely would you support an extension of
the sales tax for these categories of projects?
(Percent rating as "very likely" or "somewhat
likely").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Sidewalk and street improvements on primary
street corridors such as 38th Ave., 44th Ave., and
Youngfield St.
91%
B C
80% 84% 87% 83% 87% 83% 84%
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an
emphasis on major pedestrian corridor
86% 79% 82% 84% 82% 83% 86% 82%
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
for additional gymnasium and fitness activity space
57% 63% 61% 65% 58% 60% 68% 60%
Drainage and floodplain infrastructure
improvements throughout the City
67% 81%
A
81%
A
79% 77% 76% 86%
A
77%
Table 117: Question 24 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a
problem in the City of Wheat Ridge? (Percent
rating as "major problem" or "moderate
problem").
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem
in the City of Wheat Ridge?
65% 79%
A
92%
A B
82% 79% 84%
B
70% 81%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 182 -
Table 118: Question 25 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How important to you, if at all, is it for the City to
contribute funding to community-based
organizations that provide each of the following
services to the homeless populations? (Percent
rating as "essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Job training programs
61% 52% 64%
B
69%
B
50% 56% 74%
A
59%
Mental health programs
87%
C
80% 78% 88%
B
73% 83% 80% 81%
Substance abuse programs
82%
B
70% 76% 83%
B
68% 78% 74% 76%
Shelters for severe weather
71% 70% 68% 77%
B
63% 70% 74% 69%
Housing/rental assistance programs
67% 64% 61% 73%
B
56% 62% 77%
A
63%
Supportive housing, which combines housing with
services such as job training and substance abuse
treatment
77%
C
72% 67% 79%
B
65% 72% 76% 71%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 183 -
Table 119: Question 26 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City
focus on each of the following areas of
environmental sustainability, which may or may not
increase costs for taxpayers? (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Expanding access to residential recycling and
composting services
75%
C
71%
C
54% 67% 64% 68% 70% 64%
Implementing organized trash hauling in
neighborhoods
48% 59%
A C
48% 58%
B
45% 51% 63%
A
52%
Promoting use of drought-tolerant and native
landscaping
58% 64%
C
55% 61% 58% 59% 66% 59%
Improving localized flooding and reducing impacts on
private property through improvements to the city’s
stormwater drainage system
45% 63%
A
64%
A
60% 57% 57% 69%
A
59%
Improving water quality from runoff to local streams &
lakes
67% 71% 68% 72%
B
64% 69% 74% 69%
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of automobile
use
61%
C
59%
C
44% 54% 53% 56% 55% 53%
Ensuring availability of and access to public transit
70%
C
64% 61% 67% 63% 62% 74%
A
64%
Implementing energy efficiency improvements for city
facilities
59% 64% 56% 64%
B
55% 61% 64% 59%
Requiring green building practices for new commercial
and residential construction
59%
C
64%
C
50% 64%
B
49% 58% 62% 57%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 184 -
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City
focus on each of the following areas of
environmental sustainability, which may or may not
increase costs for taxpayers? (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the
community
57% 62% 55% 60% 57% 61% 60% 58%
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the
home
53% 60%
C
51% 56% 52% 57% 58% 54%
Creating walkable communities (providing sidewalk
connections, bike lanes, retail/ shopping/ grocery
closer to homes, etc.)
82%
C
78%
C
62% 77%
B
67% 74% 78% 72%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 185 -
Table 120: Question 27 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if
ever, have you or other household members used
the following sources of information for news
about Wheat Ridge? (Percent at least once).
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
City Quarterly "Connections" Newsletter
69% 73% 77%
A
72% 76% 77%
B
68% 74%
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide
37% 65%
A
64%
A
64%
B
48% 60% 52% 58%
Denver Post
49%
B C
32% 38% 43%
B
34% 39% 40% 39%
Denver Post YourHub
10% 12% 26%
A B
17% 19% 17% 19% 18%
Jeffco Transcript
14% 21% 36%
A B
26% 26% 29% 22% 26%
Neighborhood Gazette
77% 78% 75% 78% 75% 80%
B
71% 77%
Radio news
32% 38% 40% 33% 42%
A
39% 33% 37%
Television news
32% 52%
A
68%
A B
54% 55% 55% 53% 54%
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel)
6% 13%
A
17%
A
13% 12% 11% 19%
A
13%
City live/on-demand video streaming, including City
Council meetings
14% 21% 15% 15% 18% 15% 22%
A
17%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 186 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if
ever, have you or other household members used
the following sources of information for news
about Wheat Ridge? (Percent at least once).
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White
alone, not
Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or
other race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
City’s website: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
62%
C
68%
C
40% 53% 55% 56% 50% 54%
City website automatic notifications (e.g., community
events, calendar listing)
24% 35%
A C
26% 30% 26% 28% 30% 28%
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites (Facebook,
Twitter)
47%
C
43%
C
17% 36% 30% 32% 38% 32%
Wheat Ridge Speaks
13% 22%
A C
11% 14% 16% 13% 20%
A
15%
What’s Up Wheat Ridge
30%
C
31%
C
20% 24% 28% 25% 29% 26%
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites
(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
39%
C
43%
C
21% 36%
B
29% 34% 30% 33%
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook/Instagram
page
18% 25%
A C
12% 21%
B
14% 17% 21% 17%
Community-created Facebook groups/pages about
Wheat Ridge
24%
C
36%
A C
16% 28%
B
20% 24% 31% 24%
Neighborhood websites (e.g., NextDoor, etc.)
43% 51%
C
36% 49%
B
35% 45% 39% 43%
Word of mouth
76% 76% 78% 75% 78% 81%
B
66% 77%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 187 -
Table 121: Question 28 by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity of the Respondent
In a typical month, about how many times, if
ever, do you use each of the following social
media sites? (Percent rating as at least once).
Age Sex Race/ethnicity Overall
18-
34
35-
54 55+ Female Male
White alone,
not Hispanic
Hispanic
and/or other
race
(A) (A) (B) (C) (A) (B) (A) (B)
Facebook
76%
B C
63%
C
50% 67%
B
54% 60% 67% 60%
Twitter
41%
B C
25%
C
11% 21% 27%
A
23% 28% 23%
YouTube
96%
B C
84%
C
54% 70% 79%
A
74% 76% 73%
LinkedIn
63%
B C
50%
C
16% 39% 40% 40% 42% 38%
NextDoor
45%
C
48%
C
34% 50%
B
33% 44% 41% 41%
Instagram
78%
B C
55%
C
18% 48% 41% 44% 50% 44%
TikTok
36%
B C
16%
C
5% 19%
B
14% 17% 19% 16%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 188 -
Comparisons by Geographical Area
Table 122: Question 1 by Council district
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Wheat
Ridge: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Wheat Ridge as a place to live
91%
D
85% 85% 79% 85%
Your neighborhood as a place to live
85%
D
79%
D
84%
D
63% 79%
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children
78%
D
72% 79%
D
62% 74%
Wheat Ridge as a place to work
75%
B C D
59% 60% 55% 62%
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire 69% 63% 64% 64% 65%
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a whole
60%
D
51% 56% 47% 54%
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge 81% 77% 78% 73% 78%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 189 -
Table 123: Question 2 by Council district
Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay
the same, or decline over the next 5 years?
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Improve a lot
10% 18%
A C D
10% 8% 12%
Improve slightly
52%
B C D
42% 37% 41% 43%
Stay the same
20% 16% 26%
B
21% 21%
Decline slightly
16% 20% 21% 25%
A
20%
Decline a lot
2% 4% 6%
A
5% 4%
Table 124: Question 3 by Council district
What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that
apply.)
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
I feel safe here 48% 44% 53% 28% 45%
I like the school my children attend 5% 5% 11% 15% 9%
My job is here 6% 6% 8% 12% 8%
I like my neighborhood 62% 58% 65% 40% 58%
I like the location in general 76% 78% 75% 69% 75%
I like the access to dining and entertainment 40% 27% 19% 20% 27%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 190 -
What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that
apply.)
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
Housing and rental rates are affordable 29% 23% 25% 34% 27%
I've always lived here 12% 12% 14% 13% 13%
I have friends and family in the area 29% 30% 31% 23% 29%
Small town feel 22% 36% 28% 33% 30%
Cost of living is affordable 19% 12% 15% 25% 17%
I like that the community is forward-thinking 14% 16% 19% 12% 15%
The growing and diverse community 13% 21% 12% 10% 15%
None of these 4% 6% 6% 6% 5%
Table 125: Question 4 by Council district
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Wheat
Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Sense of community
60% 71%
A C D
52% 54% 60%
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse
backgrounds
56% 67%
A C D
57% 55% 60%
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge
54%
B D
45% 52%
D
35% 47%
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge 52% 49% 46% 47% 48%
Variety of housing options
56%
B D
43% 47% 38% 46%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 191 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Wheat
Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Wheat Ridge 57% 55% 55% 60% 56%
Shopping opportunities 42% 45% 46% 38% 43%
Opportunities to attend cultural activities 40% 44% 36% 45% 41%
Recreational opportunities 66% 67% 73% 71% 69%
Employment opportunities 31% 41% 33% 39% 36%
Educational opportunities 45% 51% 41% 46% 46%
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities
52% 54%
C
43% 55%
C
50%
Opportunities to volunteer 59% 60% 57% 66% 60%
Opportunities to participate in civic matters 59% 56% 56% 57% 57%
Availability of parks
84%
B
72% 81%
B
79% 78%
Availability of dog parks
61%
C
53% 47% 66%
B C
56%
Availability of paths and walking trails
68%
B
58% 75%
B
81%
A B
69%
Availability of bike paths and bike lanes
67%
B
51% 62%
B
80%
A B C
63%
Availability of affordable quality housing
32% 25% 28% 41%
B C
30%
Availability of affordable quality child care 26% 26% 32% 19% 26%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 192 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Wheat
Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Availability of affordable quality health care
58%
D
63%
D
63%
D
44% 58%
Availability of affordable quality food
66%
B D
54% 65%
B D
54% 60%
Availability of preventive health services 61% 61% 58% 56% 59%
Air quality
59%
D
62%
C D
53% 43% 55%
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge
64% 63% 69%
D
58% 64%
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge
68%
D
62%
D
64%
D
52% 62%
Table 126: Question 5 by Council district
Please rate your community on each of the following: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Making all residents feel welcome 62% 62% 61% 62% 62%
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated 48% 46% 40% 46% 45%
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
40% 44%
C
33% 42% 40%
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds 45% 51% 41% 45% 46%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 193 -
Please rate your community on each of the following: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures and belief systems 48% 54% 45% 43% 48%
Treating all residents fairly 56% 51% 53% 45% 51%
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents of all backgrounds 58% 55% 55% 46% 54%
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values 59% 58% 54% 58% 57%
Providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all backgrounds
53% 56%
D
52% 40% 51%
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds
46% 54%
D
52%
D
35% 48%
Making all residents feel welcome in business establishments 67% 70% 64% 60% 66%
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local government
and community decision-making
55% 63% 60% 53% 59%
Table 127: Question 6 by Council district
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:
(Percent rating as "very likely" or "somewhat likely")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asks
91%
D
91%
D
89%
D
82% 89%
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years
92%
D
87% 87% 82% 87%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 194 -
Table 128: Question 7 by Council district
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other
household members participated in the following activities in Wheat
Ridge? (Percent rating at least once)
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
56%
B
38% 54%
B
61%
B
51%
Participated in a recreation program or activity 41% 39% 44% 44% 42%
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail
78% 82% 91%
A B
95%
A B
86%
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson Park
23% 28%
C
20% 36%
A C
26%
Visited the Anderson Building for a reason not related to the outdoor pool 23% 21% 19% 23% 21%
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path
75% 78% 83%
A
84%
A
80%
Used Clear Creek Trail
52% 59% 73%
A B
78%
A B
65%
Attended a virtual or in-person meeting of local city officials or other local
public meeting
17% 18% 22% 22% 20%
Watched a meeting of local city officials (on cable television, YouTube, etc.)
18% 24% 26%
D
16% 22%
Participated in a senior program
24%
B C D
8% 14% 8% 14%
Visited the Active Adult Center
31%
B C D
12% 14% 10% 17%
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast food)
93%
D
95%
D
93%
D
84% 92%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 195 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other
household members participated in the following activities in Wheat
Ridge? (Percent rating at least once)
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Used the Wheat Ridge Library
60%
B C D
39% 33% 40% 42%
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event
63% 63% 61% 72%
C
64%
Ridden an RTD bus 31% 30% 30% 27% 30%
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat Ridge-Ward station
18% 19% 28%
A B
26% 23%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 196 -
Table 129: Question 8 by Council district
Please rate the following aspects of transportation within the City of
Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Condition of city streets
45%
B D
34% 41% 32% 38%
Condition of sidewalks 32% 32% 34% 41% 34%
Access to mass transit
54% 56% 52% 66%
C
56%
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge
71%
B
54% 70%
B
66%
B
65%
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge 60% 56% 54% 62% 57%
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat Ridge
29% 46%
A
53%
A
65%
A B
48%
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge
62%
B C
50% 49% 58% 54%
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge
64%
B C
51% 50% 74%
B C
58%
Traffic flow on major streets
45%
B C D
29% 35% 32% 35%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 197 -
Table 130: Question 9: Quality by Council district
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each
service, please rate the quality of each service: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Snow removal
54%
B
43% 59%
B
54% 52%
Street repair and maintenance
34% 26% 36%
B
30% 31%
Street sweeping
55%
B D
45% 54%
B D
41% 49%
Stormwater drainage
64%
D
63%
D
55% 47% 59%
Traffic enforcement 57% 50% 54% 49% 52%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, outside storage) 37% 34% 41% 33% 36%
Animal control 58% 64% 60% 57% 60%
Land use, planning and zoning 35% 41% 43% 46% 41%
Building permits 30% 30% 44% 46% 37%
Building inspections 40% 39% 54% 39% 43%
Maintenance of existing city parks
75% 75% 78%
D
67% 75%
Maintenance of open space and trails
77%
D
73% 76%
D
64% 73%
Recreation programs 76% 74% 71% 73% 73%
City-sponsored special events 65% 65% 63% 62% 64%
Recreation facilities 82% 74% 79% 77% 78%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 198 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each
service, please rate the quality of each service: (Percent rating as
"excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Community/public art 40% 42% 46% 37% 42%
Services/programs for youth
52% 43% 59%
D
37% 48%
Services/programs for seniors
68%
B
51% 74%
B D
52% 62%
Municipal court
59%
D
55% 67%
D
36% 56%
Public information services
59%
D
52% 57%
D
43% 53%
Community engagement by City staff
52% 37% 55%
B
43% 47%
Addressing homelessness throughout city
20%
B D
12% 16% 11% 15%
Policing services
60%
D
51% 58%
D
44% 54%
Police response time to emergency police calls (not code enforcement)
78%
B D
63%
D
74%
B D
44% 66%
Police response time to non-emergency police calls (not code enforcement)
71%
B C D
47% 55% 42% 53%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police
academy)
46% 40% 47% 40% 43%
Relationship-based policing
71%
B C D
47% 52%
D
33% 50%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 199 -
Table 131: Question 9: Importance by Council district
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each
service, please rate the importance of each service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Snow removal
79% 84% 91%
A B
85% 85%
Street repair and maintenance
91% 96%
A C
87% 91% 91%
Street sweeping
42% 49%
D
41% 30% 42%
Stormwater drainage
86%
C D
84%
C D
76%
D
64% 79%
Traffic enforcement 64% 70% 67% 67% 67%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, outside storage) 58% 62% 60% 56% 60%
Animal control
42% 53%
A
58%
A
52% 52%
Land use, planning and zoning
77% 76% 77%
D
67% 75%
Building permits
79%
C D
72% 67% 63% 71%
Building inspections
86%
C D
80%
D
72%
D
60% 76%
Maintenance of existing city parks
90%
D
85% 88% 80% 86%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 200 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each
service, please rate the importance of each service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Maintenance of open space and trails
89%
B D
81% 85%
D
75% 83%
Recreation programs 63% 64% 63% 59% 63%
City-sponsored special events
40% 51%
A C
39% 43% 44%
Recreation facilities
85%
B C D
73% 73% 70% 75%
Community/public art
38% 48%
C
37% 38% 41%
Services/programs for youth
84%
D
79% 75% 72% 78%
Services/programs for seniors 77% 70% 72% 74% 73%
Municipal court 78% 76% 73% 76% 76%
Public information services
62% 76%
A
71% 65% 70%
Community engagement by City staff
63%
D
70%
C D
54% 46% 60%
Addressing homelessness throughout city 91% 91% 94% 93% 92%
Policing services
79% 89%
A
88%
A
82% 86%
Police response time to emergency police calls (not code enforcement)
94% 97%
D
98%
D
92% 96%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 201 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each
service, please rate the importance of each service: (Percent rating as
"essential" or "very important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Police response time to non-emergency police calls (not code enforcement)
69% 90%
A D
83%
A
76% 81%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police
academy)
69% 91%
A D
87%
A
79%
A
83%
Relationship-based policing
83% 85%
C D
76% 75% 80%
Table 132: Question 10 by Council district
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge?: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge?
75% 69% 75% 67% 72%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 202 -
Table 133: Question 11 by Council district
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city
government: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city
government?
70%
B
54% 62% 63% 61%
Table 134: Question 12 by Council district
Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge city government
performance: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best interest of
the community at large
56% 51% 56% 51% 53%
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees
76% 65% 75%
B
68% 71%
The quality of experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer
82%
B D
63% 76%
B
68% 72%
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat Ridge
52%
D
48% 48% 39% 47%
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking 54% 55% 57% 48% 54%
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents on major issues within the
community
47% 43% 49% 55%
B
48%
The job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming resident involvement 54% 49% 49% 60% 52%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 203 -
Table 135: Question 13 by Council district
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email
contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)? (Percent rating as "yes").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact
with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
26% 30% 39%
A B
39%
A
33%
Table 136: Question 14 by Council district
What was your impression of the City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)
overall? (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Knowledge 76% 75% 76% 83% 77%
Responsiveness 75% 74% 67% 67% 71%
Courtesy
78% 65% 83%
B
83%
B
77%
Making you feel valued 72% 55% 69% 64% 64%
Overall impression 75% 59% 69% 70% 68%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 204 -
Table 137: Question 15 by Council district
Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat Ridge
(Percent rating as "very safe" or "somewhat safe")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Parks and playgrounds
86%
D
82%
D
82%
D
68% 81%
Recreation centers 94% 90% 92% 87% 91%
In your neighborhood
88%
B D
78%
D
86%
B D
66% 81%
In your home
97%
B D
88% 94%
B D
85% 91%
On the trail system
70%
B
57% 71%
B D
59% 65%
On roadways
70%
D
62% 65% 59% 64%
Retail/commercial areas 77% 72% 71% 75% 73%
Table 138: Question 16 by Council district
Please indicate whether or not each of the following has applied to you
in the last 12 months (Percent rating as "yes")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat Ridge
12% 17%
C
9% 18%
C
14%
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge
14% 24%
A
23%
A
30%
A
22%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 205 -
Table 139: Question 17 by Council district
How important, if at all, is it for the City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department to prioritize resources in each of the following areas in the
next 12 months? (Percent rating as "essential" or "very important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Solving violent crimes
94% 95%
D
97%
D
90% 94%
Solving property crimes
87%
D
90%
D
90%
D
80% 88%
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth 73% 76% 77% 80% 76%
Reducing illegal drug activity
70% 76% 80%
A
71% 75%
Enforcement of traffic laws
56% 68%
A D
65%
A D
53% 62%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, etc.) 54% 57% 52% 48% 54%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police
academy)
71% 79%
C
70% 77% 74%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 206 -
Table 140: Question 18 by Council district
How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department place on each of the following in the next two years? (Percent
rating as "high priority" or "medium priority")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Better connection with the community (i.e., community forums, events)
71% 83%
A
81%
A
75% 79%
Increased visibility of police
72% 79% 83%
A D
73% 78%
Additional City resources directed towards crime-related mental health issues in
the community
97%
B C
86% 89% 92% 90%
Greater accessibility to police and police-related information 76% 74% 73% 73% 74%
More relationship-based policing officers (problem solving at a community-
level such as neighborhood problems)
84% 77% 80% 83% 80%
Adding officers in public schools
69% 77%
D
70%
D
60% 70%
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas
80% 86% 88%
A
83% 84%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 207 -
Table 141: Question 19 by Council district
When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of
Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.)
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home 48% 40% 43% 52% 45%
I like the range of quality goods and services 54% 53% 47% 53% 52%
Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge 69% 71% 63% 70% 68%
It is more affordable 12% 17% 19% 18% 17%
Visit a mall or other major retailers 49% 47% 46% 40% 46%
I shop online 55% 59% 50% 51% 54%
Other 5% 12% 14% 14% 12%
Table 142: Question 20 by Council district
For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently you make
purchases in Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating as "very frequently" or
"somewhat frequently").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Grocery shopping 86% 85% 87% 80% 85%
Health services
36% 50%
A
47%
A
45% 45%
Meals and entertainment
60% 70%
A C D
54% 59% 61%
Household items 53% 57% 56% 51% 55%
Computers and electronics 9% 13% 9% 9% 10%
General retail (shoes, drug stores, clothing, etc.) 34% 43% 40% 37% 39%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 208 -
Table 143: Question 21 by Council district
How much do you agree or disagree that the City of Wheat Ridge should
do each of the following? (Percent rating as "strongly agree" or
"somewhat agree").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing areas
74% 80%
C
71% 77% 75%
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s business areas
84% 85% 86%
D
78% 84%
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and identity 70% 71% 74% 66% 71%
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of retail businesses to Wheat
Ridge
79% 86%
D
82%
D
73% 81%
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as 38th Avenue, 44th
Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling St
89% 90%
D
86% 83% 87%
Promote efforts to attract new jobs
70% 83%
A D
75% 73% 76%
Table 144: Question 22 by Council district
How likely would you support an extension of the sales tax for these
categories of projects? (Percent rating as "very likely" or "somewhat
likely").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Sidewalk and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 38th
Ave., 44th Ave., and Youngfield St.
88%
D
83% 86%
D
77% 84%
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an emphasis on major pedestrian
corridor
85%
D
84%
D
82% 75% 82%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 209 -
How likely would you support an extension of the sales tax for these
categories of projects? (Percent rating as "very likely" or "somewhat
likely").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center for additional gymnasium
and fitness activity space
62% 61% 58% 59% 60%
Drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements throughout the City 80% 79% 76% 72% 77%
Table 145: Question 24 by Council district
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat
Ridge? (Percent rating as "major problem" or "moderate problem").
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat
Ridge?
74% 82%
A
82% 87%
A
81%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 210 -
Table 146: Question 25 by Council district
How important to you, if at all, is it for the City to contribute funding to
community-based organizations that provide each of the following services
to the homeless populations? (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Job training programs 61% 59% 57% 62% 59%
Mental health programs
87%
B C
77% 79% 81% 81%
Substance abuse programs
84%
B
69% 76% 78% 76%
Shelters for severe weather
76%
C
70% 66% 66% 69%
Housing/rental assistance programs 66% 66% 59% 62% 63%
Supportive housing, which combines housing with services such as job training
and substance abuse treatment
76% 71% 68% 70% 71%
Table 147: Question 26 by Council district
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of the
following areas of environmental sustainability, which may or may not
increase costs for taxpayers? (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Expanding access to residential recycling and composting services 64% 65% 62% 67% 64%
Implementing organized trash hauling in neighborhoods
56%
D
59%
C D
48% 41% 52%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 211 -
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of the
following areas of environmental sustainability, which may or may not
increase costs for taxpayers? (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Promoting use of drought-tolerant and native landscaping
59% 64%
D
58% 51% 59%
Improving localized flooding and reducing impacts on private property through
improvements to the city’s stormwater drainage system
58% 64%
D
63%
D
49% 59%
Improving water quality from runoff to local streams & lakes
75%
D
66% 70% 64% 69%
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of automobile use
59%
C
50% 49% 54% 53%
Ensuring availability of and access to public transit 69% 64% 61% 63% 64%
Implementing energy efficiency improvements for city facilities
53% 66%
A
59% 57% 59%
Requiring green building practices for new commercial and residential
construction
58% 53% 62% 52% 57%
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the community 59% 57% 60% 55% 58%
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the home 59% 51% 55% 52% 54%
Creating walkable communities (providing sidewalk connections, bike lanes,
retail/ shopping/ grocery closer to homes, etc.)
78%
D
71% 71% 67% 72%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 212 -
Table 148: Question 27 by Council district
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other
household members used the following sources of information for news
about Wheat Ridge? (Percent at least once).
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
City Quarterly "Connections" Newsletter
69% 75% 79%
A D
70% 74%
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide
57% 50% 64%
B
63%
B
58%
Denver Post
32% 42%
A D
47%
A D
29% 39%
Denver Post YourHub
15% 18% 24%
A D
12% 18%
Jeffco Transcript
27% 24% 31%
D
21% 26%
Neighborhood Gazette
86%
C D
79%
D
77%
D
60% 77%
Radio news 34% 36% 40% 38% 37%
Television news 53% 52% 58% 55% 54%
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel) 12% 13% 16% 12% 13%
City live/on-demand video streaming, including City Council meetings
12% 17% 21%
A
16% 17%
City’s website: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
54%
D
59%
D
58%
D
41% 54%
City website automatic notifications (e.g., community events, calendar listing) 24% 31% 30% 26% 28%
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites (Facebook, Twitter) 31% 36% 33% 28% 32%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 213 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other
household members used the following sources of information for news
about Wheat Ridge? (Percent at least once).
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Wheat Ridge Speaks
12% 16%
D
20%
A D
7% 15%
What’s Up Wheat Ridge
30%
D
26% 28% 19% 26%
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites (Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram)
22% 34%
A
38%
A
35%
A
33%
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook/Instagram page
13% 16% 18% 24%
A
17%
Community-created Facebook groups/pages about Wheat Ridge 23% 22% 28% 23% 24%
Neighborhood websites (e.g., NextDoor, etc.)
43% 45%
D
45%
D
34% 43%
Word of mouth 81% 76% 77% 74% 77%
Table 149: Question 28 by Council district
In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the
following social media sites? (Percent rating as at least once).
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
Facebook
54% 58% 60% 71%
A B C
60%
Twitter
18% 25% 21% 29%
A
23%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 214 -
In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the
following social media sites? (Percent rating as at least once).
District
1
District
2
District
3
District
4
Overall
(A) (B) (C) (D) (A)
YouTube 72% 73% 71% 78% 73%
LinkedIn 43% 37% 35% 38% 38%
NextDoor
44%
B
35% 42% 48%
B
41%
Instagram
47%
C
48%
C
36% 46%
C
44%
TikTok
8% 20%
A
15% 23%
A C
16%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 215 -
Comparisons by Year
Table 150: Question 1 by Survey Year
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in
Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Wheat Ridge as a place to live
85%
G
88%
D G
90%
A D E F
G H
84% 87%
G
86%
G
82% 86%
G
Your neighborhood as a place to live
79%
G H
80%
G H
79%
G H
78%
G
77% 77%
G
73% 75%
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children
74% 80%
A D F G
77% 74% 76% 74% 74% 77%
Wheat Ridge as a place to work
62%
D F
64%
D F
61%
D F
51% 58%
D
55%
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire
65% 69% 73%
A D F G
H
67% 71%
A
68% 68% 68%
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a whole
54%
F
59%
A C D E
F G H
52% 52% 53%
F
48% 52% 52%
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge
78%
F
81%
F G H
81%
F G H
78%
F
79%
F G
74% 75% 77%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 216 -
Table 151: Question 2 by Survey Year
Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is
likely to improve, stay the same, or decline over the
next 5 years?
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Improve a lot
12%
H
16%
A E F
G H
13%
H
17%
A C E F
G H
11%
H
11%
H
11%
H
5%
Improve slightly
43%
G H
43%
G H
49%
A B D E
F G H
43%
G H
43%
G H
39%
H
35% 31%
Stay the same
21% 18% 19% 22%
B
31%
A B C
D
28%
A B C
D
29%
A B C
D
38%
A B C D
E F G
Decline slightly
20%
C D
E
18%
D E
16% 14% 13% 19%
C D E
20%
C D E
21%
C D E
Decline a lot
4%
E
6%
C E F
3% 4% 2% 3% 5%
E
5%
E
Table 152: Question 3 by Survey Year
What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all
that apply.)
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
I feel safe here 45% 44% 44% 46% NA NA NA NA
I like the school my children attend 9% 8% 8% 8% NA NA NA NA
My job is here 8% 12% 12% 14% NA NA NA NA
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 217 -
What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all
that apply.)
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
I like my neighborhood 58% 55% 49% 54% NA NA NA NA
I like the location in general 75% 75% 76% 72% NA NA NA NA
I like the access to dining and entertainment 27% 27% 29% 26% NA NA NA NA
Housing and rental rates are affordable 27% 29% 29% 36% NA NA NA NA
I've always lived here 13% 12% 13% 15% NA NA NA NA
I have friends and family in the area 29% 28% 26% 28% NA NA NA NA
Small town feel 30% 26% 27% NA NA NA NA NA
Cost of living is affordable 17% 19% 26% 34% NA NA NA NA
I like that the community is forward-thinking 15% 14% 16% 15% NA NA NA NA
The growing and diverse community 15% 13% 14% 14% NA NA NA NA
None of these 5% 5% 4% NA NA NA NA NA
Table 153: Question 4 by Survey Year
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Sense of community
60%
D
63%
D E
63%
D E
53% 59%
D
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of
diverse backgrounds
60% 58% 59% 56% 63%
B D
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 218 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge
47% 57%
A
60%
A
60%
A
66%
A B C
D
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge
48% 52% 54%
A E
52% 49%
Variety of housing options
46% 54%
A C
49% 50% 55%
A C D
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Wheat
Ridge
56%
D E
62%
A C D
E
57%
D E
48% 51%
Shopping opportunities
43%
C D
E
48%
C D E
37% 36% 37%
Opportunities to attend cultural activities
41%
B D E
32% 41%
B D E
31% 34%
Recreational opportunities
69% 72%
D
77%
A B D
E
66% 70%
Employment opportunities
36%
D E
39%
D E
38%
D E
25% 25%
Educational opportunities
46%
D
48%
D E
45%
D
36% 42%
D
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 219 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities
50% 51%
E
59%
A B D
E
48% 46%
Opportunities to volunteer
60% 56% 69%
A B D
60% 65%
B
Opportunities to participate in civic matters
57% 56% 63%
A B D
56% 59%
Availability of parks
78% 86%
A
Availability of dog parks 56%
Availability of paths and walking trails
69% 82%
A D E
79%
A D E
74%
A E
70%
Availability of bike paths and bike lanes
63% 78%
A D
77%
A D
71%
A
Availability of affordable quality housing
30% 37%
A
35%
A
43%
A B
C
51%
A B C
D
Availability of affordable quality child care
26% 34% 33% 33% 44%
A B C
D
Availability of affordable quality health care 58% 62% 62% 61% 62%
Availability of affordable quality food
60% 67%
A D E
69%
A D E
61% 57%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 220 -
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to
Wheat Ridge as a whole: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Availability of preventive health services 59% 63% 64% 61% 63%
Air quality
55% 58% 64%
A B
67%
A B
66%
A B
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge
64% 70%
A
70%
A
68% 71%
A
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge
62% 67%
A C D
E
61% 60% 61%
Table 154: Question 5 by Survey Year
Please rate your community on each of the following: (Percent
rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Making all residents feel welcome 62% 65%
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated 45% 49%
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds 40% 41%
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds 46% 47%
Demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures and belief
systems
48% 54%
A
Treating all residents fairly
51% 59%
A
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 221 -
Please rate your community on each of the following: (Percent
rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents of all
backgrounds
54% 57%
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values 57% 60%
Providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all
backgrounds
51% 55%
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds
48% 57%
A
Making all residents feel welcome in business establishments 66% 70%
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local
government and community decision-making
59% 59%
Table 155: Question 6 by Survey Year
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the
following: (Percent rating as "very likely" or "somewhat likely")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asks
89% 87% 90%
B
90%
B
90%
B
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years
87%
B
83% 86%
B
87%
B
88%
B
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 222 -
Table 156: Question 7 by Survey Year
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have
you or other household members participated in the
following activities in Wheat Ridge? (Percent rating at least
once)
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
51%
B
39% 59%
A B
58%
A B
61%
A B
64%
A B C
D
63%
A B C
D
63%
A B C
D
Participated in a recreation program or activity
42%
B
30% 42%
B
39%
B
44%
B D
44%
B D
44%
B D
42%
B
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail
86%
H
86%
H
86%
H
85% 85% 85%
H
84% 82%
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson Park
26%
C
21%
Visited the Anderson Building for a reason not related to the
outdoor pool
21%
B
18%
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path
80%
E G
H
79%
E H
78%
H
76%
H
75%
H
76%
H
75%
H
71%
Used Clear Creek Trail 65% 67% 68%
Attended a virtual or in-person meeting of local city officials or
other local public meeting
20% 18% 23%
A B
26%
A B
G H
24%
A B
27%
A B G
H
21% 23%
B
Watched a meeting of local city officials (on cable television,
YouTube, etc.)
22% 21% 21% 25% 32%
A B C
D
44%
A B C
D E
41%
A B C
D E
42%
A B C
D E
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 223 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have
you or other household members participated in the
following activities in Wheat Ridge? (Percent rating at least
once)
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Participated in a senior program
14% 12% 15%
B
16%
B
18%
A B
H
20%
A B C
D H
17%
A B
15%
Visited the Active Adult Center
17% 21% 22%
A
26%
A C D
33%
A C D
E G
29%
A C D
30%
A C D
E
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast food)
92%
B D
87% 93%
B D E
G H
89% 89% 92%
B
90%
B
90%
B
Used the Wheat Ridge Library
42% 38% 48%
A B
52%
A B C
52%
A B C
54%
A B C
G H
49%
A B
50%
A B
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event
64%
B
42% 68%
B D
61%
B
Ridden an RTD bus
30%
B
25% 37%
A B
38%
A B
40%
A B
44%
A B C
D G H
36%
A B
40%
A B
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat Ridge-Ward station 23% 21%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 224 -
Table 157: Question 8 by Survey Year
Please rate the following aspects of transportation within
the City of Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating as "excellent" or
"good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Condition of city streets
38% 49%
A
64%
A B D
54%
A B
64%
A B
D
61%
A B
D
68%
A B D
F
70%
A B C
D E F
Condition of sidewalks 34%
Access to mass transit
56% 67%
A
67%
A
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge
65%
D
73%
A C D E
F G H
66%
D
58% 68%
D H
65%
D
65%
D
64%
D
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge
57% 62% 69%
A B D E
F G H
61% 58% 60% 61% 57%
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat Ridge 48% 53%
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge
54% 62%
A C E F
56%
E
58%
E
50% 56%
E
58%
E
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge
58%
E
66%
A C D E
61%
E
58%
E
50%
Traffic flow on major streets
35% 42%
A C D
31% 33% 46%
A C
D
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 225 -
Table 158: Question 9: Quality by Survey Year
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please rate the quality of each
service: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Snow removal
52% 65%
A F
64%
A F
67%
A F
67%
A F
58%
A
69%
A B C
F H
64%
A F
Street repair and maintenance
31% 45%
A
52%
A B
D
42%
A
56%
A B D
F
51%
A B
D
58%
A B C
D F
55%
A B
D F
Street sweeping
49% 56%
A
64%
A B
D F
57%
A
62%
A B
58%
A
63%
A B D
F
62%
A B
Stormwater drainage 59%
Traffic enforcement
52% 60%
A
64%
A B
66%
A B
69%
A B C
69%
A B
C
69%
A B C
66%
A B
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, outside
storage)
36% 41% 49%
A B G
H
48%
A B G
H
49%
A B G
H
45%
A B
42%
A
42%
A
Animal control
60% 68%
A C
60% 68%
A C
71%
A C
Land use, planning and zoning 41% 43% 42% 43% 46% 41%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 226 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please rate the quality of each
service: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Building permits
37% 48%
A
52%
A
48%
A
51%
A
56%
A B
D
54%
A
56%
A B
D
Building inspections
43% 49% 49% 52%
A
59%
A B C
G
57%
A B
C
52%
A
54%
A
Maintenance of existing city parks
75% 80%
A C
H
74% 77% 80%
A C H
77% 79%
A C
76%
Maintenance of open space and trails
73% 79%
A H
77% 78%
A H
77%
A
75% 80%
A F H
74%
Recreation programs
73% 79%
A
78%
A
79%
A
82%
A
81%
A
81%
A
81%
A
City-sponsored special events 64%
Recreation facilities
78% 84%
A C
77% 83%
A C
85%
A C
85%
A C
87%
A C D
85%
A C
Community/public art
42% 41% 47%
B D E
40% 41% 45%
D
43%
Services/programs for youth
48% 58%
A
61%
A G
64%
A G
64%
A G
65%
A G
54% 64%
A G
Services/programs for seniors
62% 66% 68% 76%
A B C
77%
A B C
72%
A
74%
A B C
75%
A B C
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 227 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please rate the quality of each
service: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Municipal court
56% 62%
C
54% 60% 67%
A C
66%
A C
68%
A C D
66%
A C
Public information services
53% 55%
D
56%
D
48%
Community engagement by City staff 47% 49%
Addressing homelessness throughout city 15%
Policing services
54% 69%
A
68%
A
69%
A
76%
A B C
D
73%
A B
C
72%
A
76%
A B C
D
Police response time to emergency police calls (not code
enforcement)
66% 80%
A C
74%
A
79%
A C
83%
A C
79%
A C
79%
A C
79%
A C
Police response time to non-emergency police calls (not code
enforcement)
53% 69%
A
68%
A
72%
A G
77%
A B C
F G H
69%
A
64%
A
71%
A G
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood
watch, citizen police academy)
43% 56%
A
70%
A B
D
59%
A
67%
A B D
Relationship-based policing 50% 55%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 228 -
Table 159: Question 9: Importance by Survey Year
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please rate the importance of
each service: (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Snow removal
85%
G
87%
C F G
H
83%
G
90%
A C E
F G H
83%
G
83%
G
77% 82%
G
Street repair and maintenance
91%
C F G
H
91%
C F G
H
88% 95%
B C E F
G H
89% 86% 87% 86%
Street sweeping
42% 59%
A E G
68%
A B D
E F G H
61%
A E F
G H
53%
A
55%
A
53%
A
55%
A
Stormwater drainage 79%
Traffic enforcement
67% 68% 73%
A B
76%
A B
72%
A
77%
A B
78%
A B C
E
82%
A B C
D E F
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, outside
storage)
60% 62% 66%
A D
59% 66%
A D
69%
A B
D
72%
A B C
D E H
67%
A B D
Animal control
52% 63%
A C
56% 59%
A
60%
A
Land use, planning and zoning
75% 76% 74% 77% 79%
C
76%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 229 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please rate the importance of
each service: (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Building permits
71%
D F H
73%
C D F
H
66% 63% 68% 64% 68% 65%
Building inspections
76%
H
76%
F H
73% 71% 72% 71% 77%
D F H
70%
Maintenance of existing city parks
86%
H
88%
C G H
83%
H
86%
H
85%
H
85%
H
83%
H
77%
Maintenance of open space and trails
83%
G H
87%
A E F
G H
86%
E F G H
84%
E G H
80%
H
82%
G H
77%
H
74%
Recreation programs
63% 63% 75%
A B D
H
66% 72%
A B
D
72%
A B
D
71%
A B
69%
A B
City-sponsored special events 44%
Recreation facilities
75%
C
72%
C
66% 73%
C
74%
C
76%
C
75%
C
74%
C
Community/public art
41% 44%
D G
53%
A B D
E F G
37% 44%
D G
46%
D G
38%
Services/programs for youth
78% 80%
D
80% 76% 79% 81%
D
83%
A D
81%
D
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 230 -
The following are services provided by the City of Wheat
Ridge. For each service, please rate the importance of
each service: (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Services/programs for seniors
73%
C
77%
A C D
68% 70% 75%
C D
77%
C D
79%
A C D
76%
C D
Municipal court
76%
C
76%
C
69% 75%
C
76%
C
78%
C
79%
C
78%
C
Public information services
70%
C
71%
C
63% 68%
C
Community engagement by City staff 60% 62%
Addressing homelessness throughout city 92%
Policing services
86% 84% 87%
B
87% 91%
A B
C D
91%
A B
C D
94%
A B C
D E F
94%
A B C
D E F
Police response time to emergency police calls (not code
enforcement)
96%
C
96%
C
93% 97%
C
97%
C
97%
C
97%
C
97%
C
Police response time to non-emergency police calls (not code
enforcement)
81% 82% 88%
A B
87%
A B
89%
A B
88%
A B
89%
A B
87%
A B
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood
watch, citizen police academy)
83% 86% 89%
A
86% 94%
A B
C D
Relationship-based policing
80%
B
74%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 231 -
Table 160: Question 10 by Survey Year
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by
the City of Wheat Ridge?: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the
City of Wheat Ridge?
72% 73% 73% 72% 75% 75%
Table 161: Question 11 by Survey Year
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge
city government: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city
government?
61%
D
66%
A D
H
64%
D
51% 64%
D
65%
D H
62%
D
60%
D
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 232 -
Table 162: Question 12 by Survey Year
Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge city government
performance: (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best
interest of the community at large
53%
D
62%
A C
D
57%
D
42% 59%
A D
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees
71% 76%
A D
72%
D
67% 72%
The quality of experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer 72%
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat Ridge
47% 57%
A D
52% 48% 53%
A
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking
54% 57%
D
60%
A D
51% 56%
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents on major issues within
the community
48%
D
49%
D
52%
D
36% 48%
D
The job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming resident
involvement
52%
D
50%
D
55%
D
43% 50%
D
Table 163: Question 13 by Survey Year
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email
contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)? (Percent rating
as "yes").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email
contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
33% 37% 40%
A
42%
A B
E
35% 40%
A E
44%
A B C
E
44%
A B
E
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 233 -
Table 164: Question 14 by Survey Year
What was your impression of the City of Wheat Ridge
employee(s) overall? (Percent rating as "excellent" or "good").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Knowledge
77% 81%
D
77% 72% 86%
A C D
G H
82%
D
78% 78%
Responsiveness
71% 77%
A D
72% 71% 81%
A C D
76% 76% 76%
Courtesy
77% 82%
D
84%
A D
75% 86%
A D
85%
A D
82%
D
81%
D
Making you feel valued
64% 73%
A D
70%
D
60% 76%
A D H
69%
D
69%
D
69%
D
Overall impression
68% 77%
A D
76%
A D
65% 79%
A D F
72%
D
75%
A D
73%
D
Table 165: Question 15 by Survey Year
Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat
Ridge (Percent rating as "very safe" or "somewhat safe")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Parks and playgrounds
81% 84%
A
87%
A F H
85%
A
88%
A B D
F H
82% 86%
A F
H
82%
Recreation centers
91% 93% 94%
A
93% 92% 92% 92% 92%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 234 -
Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat
Ridge (Percent rating as "very safe" or "somewhat safe")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
In your neighborhood
81% 80% 86%
A B D
G
81% 85%
A B D
G
83%
G
78% 85%
A B D
G
In your home
91%
F
90% 93%
B F
93%
B F
93%
B F
88%
On the trail system
65% 76%
A F G
H
73%
A G H
72%
A G
H
75%
A F G
H
70%
A
67% 67%
On roadways
64% 72%
A
70%
A
74%
A C
Retail/commercial areas
73% 82%
A
82%
A
84%
A
83%
A
83%
A
83%
A
Table 166: Question 16 by Survey Year
Please indicate whether or not each of the following has applied to
you in the last 12 months (Percent rating as "yes")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat Ridge 14% 13% 13% 14%
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge 22% 22% 24% 24%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 235 -
Table 167: Question 17 by Survey Year
How important, if at all, is it for the City of Wheat Ridge Police
Department to prioritize resources in each of the following areas in
the next 12 months? (Percent rating as "essential" or "very
important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Solving violent crimes
94% 97%
A
97%
A
99%
A C
Solving property crimes
88% 88% 87% 90%
C
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth
76% 75% 80%
A B
86%
A B
C
Reducing illegal drug activity
75% 72% 79%
A B
81%
A B
Enforcement of traffic laws 62% 61% 63% 61%
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, etc.) 54% 51% 53% 51%
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch,
citizen police academy)
74% 76% 80%
A B
81%
A B
Table 168: Question 18 by Survey Year
How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge
Police Department place on each of the following in the next two
years? (Percent rating as "high priority" or "medium priority")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Better connection with the community (i.e., community forums, events)
79% 84%
A
83%
A
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 236 -
How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge
Police Department place on each of the following in the next two
years? (Percent rating as "high priority" or "medium priority")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Increased visibility of police
78% 74% 79%
B
Additional City resources directed towards crime-related mental health
issues in the community
90% 92%
Greater accessibility to police and police-related information
74% 79%
A
76%
More relationship-based policing officers (problem solving at a
community-level such as neighborhood problems)
80% 80% 78%
Adding officers in public schools
70%
B
57% 68%
B
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime areas
84%
B
77% 82%
B
Table 169: Question 19 by Survey Year
When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside
of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home 45% 49% 43% 38% 41% 38% 40% 39%
I like the range of quality goods and services 52% 48% 45% 44% 46% 41% 41% 42%
Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge 68% 69% 69% 72% 71% 69% 67% 71%
It is more affordable 17% 14% 19% 19% 22% 20% 20% 16%
Visit a mall or other major retailers 46% 46% 50% 53% 57% 57% NA NA
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 237 -
When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside
of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.) 2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
I shop online 54% 58% 55% NA NA NA NA NA
Other 12% 10% 6% 15% 17% 18% 5% 4%
Table 170: Question 20 by Survey Year
For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently
you make purchases in Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating as "very
frequently" or "somewhat frequently").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Grocery shopping
85% 84% 89%
A B
E
87%
E
82% 87%
E
91%
A B D
E F H
88%
A B E
Health services
45% 44% 45% 44% 47% 52%
A B C
D E
55%
A B C
D E
54%
A B C
D E
Meals and entertainment
61% 63% 64% 63% 62% 68%
A B C
D E
68%
A B C
D E
68%
A B C
D E
Household items
55% 56% 57% 58% 59% 63%
A B C
D
65%
A B C
D E
63%
A B C
D
Computers and electronics
10% 11% 9% 13%
C
16%
A B C
G H
14%
A C
12% 12%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 238 -
For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently
you make purchases in Wheat Ridge: (Percent rating as "very
frequently" or "somewhat frequently").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
General retail (shoes, drug stores, clothing, etc.)
39%
C D
39%
C D
32% 31% 41%
C D
41%
C D
43%
C D
44%
A B C
D
Table 171: Question 21 by Survey Year
How much do you agree or disagree that the City of Wheat
Ridge should do each of the following? (Percent rating as
"strongly agree" or "somewhat agree").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing areas
75% 75% 80%
A B
78% 78% 79%
B
79%
B
77%
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s business areas
84%
H
85%
H
85%
H
84%
H
85%
H
83%
H
83%
H
78%
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and identity
71% 75%
A
76%
A H
80%
A B
H
78%
A H
81%
A B C
H
78%
A H
72%
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of retail businesses
to Wheat Ridge
81%
H
84%
C G
H
79%
H
81%
H
87%
A C D
F G H
82%
H
78%
H
71%
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling St
87%
C D G
H
84%
D H
82%
D
77% 87%
C D G
H
85%
D H
83%
D H
79%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 239 -
How much do you agree or disagree that the City of Wheat
Ridge should do each of the following? (Percent rating as
"strongly agree" or "somewhat agree").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Promote efforts to attract new jobs
76% 81%
A
78%
Table 172: Question 24 by Survey Year
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of
Wheat Ridge? (Percent rating as "major problem" or "moderate
problem").
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat
Ridge?
81%
B C
77%
C
61%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 240 -
Table 173: Question 25 by Survey Year
How important to you, if at all, is it for the City to contribute
funding to community-based organizations that provide each of
the following services to the homeless populations? (Percent rating
as "essential" or "very important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Job training programs 59% 63% 60%
Mental health programs 81% 84% 81%
Substance abuse programs
76% 81%
A C
78%
Shelters for severe weather
69% 75%
A C
69%
Housing/rental assistance programs
63% 67%
C
61%
Supportive housing, which combines housing with services such as job
training and substance abuse treatment
71% 76%
A C
69%
Table 174: Question 26
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of
the following areas of environmental sustainability, which may or
may not increase costs for taxpayers? (Percent rating as "essential"
or "very important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Expanding access to residential recycling and composting services 64% 64%
Implementing organized trash hauling in neighborhoods
52% 59%
A
Promoting use of drought-tolerant and native landscaping 59% 58%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 241 -
How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of
the following areas of environmental sustainability, which may or
may not increase costs for taxpayers? (Percent rating as "essential"
or "very important")
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Improving localized flooding and reducing impacts on private property
through improvements to the city’s stormwater drainage system
59%
Improving water quality from runoff to local streams & lakes 69%
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of automobile use
53%
B
47% 53%
B
Ensuring availability of and access to public transit
64% 64% 72%
A B
Implementing energy efficiency improvements for city facilities 59% 62%
Requiring green building practices for new commercial and residential
construction
57% 62%
A
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the community
58% 63%
A
69%
A B
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the home
54% 59%
A
68%
A B
Creating walkable communities (providing sidewalk connections, bike
lanes, retail/ shopping/ grocery closer to homes, etc.)
72% 75% 75%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 242 -
Table 175: Question 27 by Survey Year
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have
you or other household members used the following
sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent rating at least once).
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
City Quarterly "Connections" Newsletter
74%
E F G
H
72%
E G H
73%
E G H
72%
E H
67% 70%
H
68%
H
64%
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide
58% 57% 71%
A B
Denver Post
39% 40% 44%
A B
49%
A B C
60%
A B C
D
69%
A B C
D E
71%
A B C
D E
74%
A B C
D E F
Denver Post YourHub
18% 15% 24%
A B
32%
A B C
E
28%
A B
Jeffco Transcript
26% 28% 46%
A B
52%
A B C
F
57%
A B C
D F G
H
45%
A B
49%
A B
47%
A B
Neighborhood Gazette
77%
B C D
E
72%
C E
68%
E
68%
E
60%
Radio news
37% 44%
A E
45%
A E
42%
A E
33% 52%
A B C
D E
48%
A D E
52%
A B C
D E
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 243 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have
you or other household members used the following
sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent rating at least once).
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Television news
54% 60%
A
62%
A E
62%
A E
57% 76%
A B C
D E G
71%
A B C
D E
75%
A B C
D E
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel)
13% 16% 21%
A B
20%
A
30%
A B C
D
48%
A B C
D E
45%
A B C
D E
50%
A B C
D E G
City live/on-demand video streaming, including City Council
meetings
17%
C D E
18%
C D E
10% 11% 11%
City’s website: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
54%
D E F
G H
52%
D E F
G H
50%
E F G
H
46%
E F G
H
40%
F G H
34%
G H
27%
H
23%
City website automatic notifications (e.g., community events,
calendar listing)
28%
B D
24% 25% 23%
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites (Facebook, Twitter)
32%
B C
26% 24%
Wheat Ridge Speaks 15% 12%
What’s Up Wheat Ridge
26%
B
18%
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites (Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram)
33%
B C D
24%
C D
20% 16%
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook/Instagram page
17%
C D
16% 13% 14%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 244 -
In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have
you or other household members used the following
sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge?
(Percent rating at least once).
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Community-created Facebook groups/pages about Wheat
Ridge
24%
C D
22%
D
20% 17%
Neighborhood websites (e.g., NextDoor, etc.)
43%
C D
45%
C D
36%
D
18%
Word of mouth
77% 74% 82%
A B E
G H
83%
A B E
G H
78%
B
79%
B
76% 76%
Table 176: Question 28
In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each
of the following social media sites? (Percent rating as at least once).
2023 2021 2018 2015 2012 2008 2006 2004
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H)
Facebook
60% 59% 66%
A B
Twitter 23% 23% 20%
YouTube 73% 71% 72%
LinkedIn 38% 36% 38%
NextDoor
41%
C
42%
C
31%
Instagram
44%
B C
38% 33%
TikTok 16%
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 245 -
Appendix E: Detailed Benchmark Comparisons
Comparison Data
Polco/National Research Center (NRC)’s database of comparative resident opinion comprises resident
perspectives gathered in surveys from over 500 communities whose residents evaluated the same
kinds of topics on the Wheat Ridge Quality of Life Survey. The comparison evaluations are from the
most recent survey completed in each community; most communities conduct surveys every year or
in alternating years. NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the
benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a wide geographic
and population range. National benchmark comparisons, Minnesota communities’ comparisons and
comparisons to the north central region with populations over 15,000 have been provided when
similar questions on the Wheat Ridge Quality of Life Survey are included in NRC’s database.
Interpreting the Results
Ratings are compared when there are at least five communities in which a similar question was asked.
Where comparisons are available, four columns are provided in the table. The first column is Wheat
Ridge’s “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive
response options (i.e., “excellent” and “good,” “very safe” and “somewhat safe,” “essential” and “very
important,” etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents
the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month.
The second column is the rank assigned to Wheat Ridge’s rating among communities where a similar
question was asked. The third column is the number of communities that asked a similar question.
The final column shows the comparison of Wheat Ridge’s rating to the benchmark.
In that final column, Wheat Ridge’s results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower”
than the benchmark or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by
residents is statistically similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as
“higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that Wheat Ridge’s average rating for a particular
item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much higher” or “much
lower,” then Wheat Ridge’s average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the
benchmark.
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 246 -
National Benchmark Comparisons
Table 177: Quality of Life
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Wheat Ridge as a place to
live 85% 208 339 Similar
Your neighborhood as a
place to live 79% 219 302 Lower
Wheat Ridge as a place to
raise children 74% 245 343 Lower
Wheat Ridge as a place to
work 62% 190 336 Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to
retire 65% 197 340 Similar
Overall quality of life in
Wheat Ridge 78% 243 357 Similar
Table 178: Likelihood of Remaining in and Recommending Wheat Ridge
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Recommend living in Wheat
Ridge to someone who asks 89% 117 293 Higher
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the
next five years 87% 77 291 Similar
Table 179: Community Characteristics
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Sense of community 60% 207 308 Similar
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 247 -
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of diverse
backgrounds 60% 161 305 Similar
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge 47% 262 311 Much lower
Overall quality of new development
in Wheat Ridge 48% 194 303 Similar
Variety of housing options 46% 136 294 Similar
Overall quality of business and
service establishments in Wheat
Ridge 56% 234 295 Lower
Shopping opportunities 43% 190 298 Similar
Opportunities to attend cultural
activities 41% 237 296 Lower
Recreational opportunities 69% 171 301 Similar
Employment opportunities 36% 202 307 Similar
Educational opportunities 46% 207 281 Lower
Opportunities to participate in social
events and activities 50% 207 292 Similar
Opportunities to volunteer 60% 211 287 Similar
Opportunities to participate in civic
matters 57% 179 288 Similar
Availability of parks 78% NA NA NA
Availability of paths and walking
trails 69% 153 307 Similar
Availability of affordable quality
housing 30% 159 315 Similar
Availability of affordable quality child
care 26% 213 287 Lower
Availability of affordable quality
health care 58% 140 287 Similar
Availability of affordable quality food 60% 159 277 Similar
Availability of preventive health
services 59% 139 274 Similar
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 248 -
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Air quality 55% 254 281 Much lower
Quality of overall natural
environment in Wheat Ridge 64% 246 296 Much lower
Overall image or reputation of Wheat
Ridge 62% 236 334 Lower
Table 180: Equity and Inclusion
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Making all residents feel
welcome 62% 170 226 Lower
Attracting people from
diverse backgrounds 40% 193 223 Much lower
Treating all residents fairly 51% 169 291 Similar
Table 181: Aspects of Transportation
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Condition of city streets 38% 7 7 Much lower
Condition of sidewalks 34% NA NA NA
Ease of car travel in
Wheat Ridge 65% 197 304 Similar
Ease of bus travel in
Wheat Ridge 57% 2 9 Higher
Ease of walking in Wheat
Ridge 54% 211 307 Lower
Ease of bicycle travel in
Wheat Ridge 58% 126 304 Similar
Traffic flow on major
streets 35% 250 310 Much lower
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 249 -
Table 182: Participation in Activities
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 51% 109 154 Similar
Participated in a recreation program
or activity 42% NA NA NA
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail 86% 69 171 Similar
Attended a virtual or in-person
meeting of local city officials or other
local public meeting 20% 130 284 Similar
Watched a meeting of local city
officials (on cable television,
YouTube, etc.) 22% 168 272 Similar
Used the Wheat Ridge Library 42% 153 155 Much lower
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or
special event 64% 33 166 Much higher
Table 183: City Services
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall, how would you rate the quality
of the services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge? 72% 210 337 Similar
Snow removal 52% 194 241 Much lower
Street repair and maintenance 31% 236 328 Lower
Street sweeping 49% 241 296 Lower
Stormwater drainage 59% 239 303 Lower
Traffic enforcement 52% 245 329 Lower
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed
control, trash, outside storage) 36% 232 322 Lower
Animal control 60% 227 304 Lower
Land use, planning and zoning 41% 170 299 Similar
Building permits 37% 7 7 Much lower
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 250 -
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Building inspections 43% 8 8 Much lower
Maintenance of existing city parks 75% 7 8 Lower
Recreation programs 73% 120 302 Similar
City-sponsored special events 64% 138 285 Similar
Recreation facilities 78% 79 291 Higher
Services/programs for youth 48% 9 10 Much lower
Services/programs for seniors 62% 10 18 Similar
Public information services 53% 241 295 Lower
Policing services 54% 330 350 Much lower
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) 66% 3 6 Similar
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen
police academy) 43% 288 328 Much lower
Table 184: Safety in Public Areas
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Parks and
playgrounds 81% 8 11 Similar
In your
neighborhood 81% 6 6 Lower
Table 185: City Government Performance
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
The extent to which Wheat Ridge
elected officials act in the best interest
of the community at large 53% 5 6 Much lower
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 251 -
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
The value of services for the taxes paid
to Wheat Ridge 47% 192 341 Similar
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge
is taking 54% 183 321 Similar
The job Wheat Ridge does at
informing residents on major issues
within the community 48% 118 231 Similar
The job Wheat Ridge government
does at welcoming resident
involvement 52% 140 317 Similar
Table 186: City Employees
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
In the last 12 months, have you had any
in-person, phone or email contact with a
City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)? 33% 292 310 Much lower
Knowledge 77% 19 20 Lower
Responsiveness 71% 18 20 Lower
Courtesy 77% 15 16 Lower
Making you feel valued 64% NA NA NA
Overall impression 68% 218 336 Similar
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 252 -
National Benchmark Communities
The communities included in the Wheat Ridge national comparisons are listed on the following
pages along with their population according to the 2021 American Community Survey.
Adams County, CO.................... 509,844
Albany city, OR ............................. 54,442
Albert Lea city, MN ..................... 17,804
Alexandria city, VA .................... 158,309
Allegan County, MI ................... 117,104
American Canyon city, CA ........ 20,256
Ankeny city, IA .............................. 64,744
Ann Arbor city, MI ..................... 121,093
Anna city, TX ................................. 14,159
Apache Junction city, AZ ........... 41,863
Asheville city, NC ......................... 92,328
Ashland city, OR ........................... 21,138
Ashland town, MA ....................... 17,787
Ashland town, VA ...........................7,819
Athens-Clarke County unified
government (balance), ... 124,962
Auburn city, AL ............................. 65,508
Aurora city, CO ........................... 379,434
Avondale city, AZ......................... 86,091
Bainbridge Island city, WA ....... 24,859
Baltimore County, MD ............. 828,193
Basehor city, KS ...............................6,225
Batavia city, IL ............................... 26,479
Battle Creek city, MI .................... 51,084
Baytown city, TX ........................... 76,089
Beaumont city, CA ....................... 48,272
Bedford city, TX ............................ 49,145
Benicia city, CA ............................. 28,158
Berthoud town, CO ........................8,574
Bethlehem township, PA ........... 24,122
Bettendorf city, IA ....................... 36,214
Billings city, MT .......................... 109,705
Bloomington city, IN .................. 84,691
Bloomington city, MN................ 85,226
Borger city, TX .............................. 12,534
Boulder city, CO ......................... 108,777
Bowling Green city, KY ............... 71,628
Bozeman city, MT ........................ 48,330
Brighton city, CO ......................... 38,355
Broadview village, IL ......................7,677
Brookline CDP, MA ..................... 59,223
Broomfield city, CO ..................... 69,444
Buckeye town, AZ ........................ 74,467
Buffalo Grove village, IL ............. 40,804
Canandaigua city, NY ................. 10,241
Cañon City city, CO ..................... 16,369
Cape Coral city, FL ..................... 189,633
Carbondale city, IL....................... 25,400
Carol Stream village, IL .............. 39,447
Cedar Park city, TX ...................... 77,181
Cedar Rapids city, IA ................ 133,125
Celina city, TX ............................... 13,608
Centennial city, CO ................... 111,331
Chanhassen city, MN .................. 25,965
Chapel Hill town, NC .................. 61,912
Charles County, MD .................. 161,448
Charlotte County, FL ................. 185,926
Charlottesville city, VA ............... 47,217
Chatfield city, MN...........................2,690
Chattanooga city, TN ............... 181,370
Chesterfield County, VA .......... 348,500
Clackamas County, OR ............ 415,084
Clatsop County, OR .................... 39,656
Clearwater city, FL ..................... 115,975
Cleveland Heights city, OH ...... 44,176
Clive city, IA ................................... 17,246
Clovis city, CA ............................. 112,663
College Park city, MD ................. 32,221
Collegedale city, TN .................... 11,402
Collinsville city, IL ........................ 24,489
Commerce City city, CO ............ 55,891
Coral Gables city, FL ................... 49,937
Corona city, CA .......................... 168,112
Coronado city, CA ....................... 24,526
Corvallis city, OR .......................... 58,612
Coventry town, CT ....................... 12,434
Dacono city, CO ..............................6,167
Dakota County, MN .................. 425,271
Dallas city, OR ............................... 16,612
Dallas city, TX .......................... 1,338,846
Danville city, KY ............................ 16,801
Davenport city, IA ...................... 102,199
Davidson town, NC ..................... 12,920
Daviess County, KY ................... 101,001
Daytona Beach city, FL ............... 68,711
Decatur city, GA ........................... 24,814
DeLand city, FL ............................. 33,620
Delhi charter township, MI ....... 27,817
Denison city, TX ........................... 24,851
Denton city, TX ........................... 139,734
Denver city, CO .......................... 715,878
DeSoto city, TX ............................. 53,170
Destin city, FL ................................ 14,482
Dover city, NH .............................. 31,922
Dublin city, OH ............................. 47,824
Durham city, NC ........................ 276,341
Eagan city, MN ............................. 66,377
Eden Prairie city, MN .................. 64,481
Edina city, MN .............................. 52,215
Edmond city, OK .......................... 93,101
El Cerrito city, CA ......................... 25,280
El Mirage city, AZ ......................... 35,702
Elbert County, CO ........................ 26,230
Elk Grove city, CA ...................... 173,370
Englewood city, CO .................... 34,840
Erie town, CO ................................ 27,157
Escambia County, FL ................. 316,691
Escondido city, CA..................... 150,396
Estes Park town, CO .......................6,504
Farmers Branch city, TX ............. 42,659
Fate city, TX ................................... 14,300
Fayetteville city, GA..................... 17,902
Fayetteville city, NC .................. 211,201
Ferguson township, PA .............. 19,540
Fernandina Beach city, FL ......... 12,622
Flagstaff city, AZ .......................... 73,319
Fletcher town, NC ...........................8,287
Florence town, AZ ....................... 26,777
Flower Mound town, TX ............ 78,854
Fort Collins city, CO .................. 166,069
Fort Knox CDP, KY ..........................8,865
Franklin city, TN ........................... 80,675
Frederick town, CO ..................... 10,414
Fremont city, CA ........................ 234,829
Frisco town, CO ...............................2,928
Gaithersburg city, MD ................ 67,878
Gardena city, CA .......................... 59,401
Gardner city, KS............................ 21,936
Georgetown city, TX ................... 75,470
Gilbert town, AZ ......................... 248,349
Glencoe village, IL ..........................8,836
Glendale city, AZ ........................ 250,290
Glendora city, CA ......................... 51,087
Golden city, CO ............................ 20,391
Goodyear city, AZ ........................ 83,519
Grand Rapids city, MI ............... 199,417
Grand Traverse County, MI ...... 92,640
Greeley city, CO ......................... 107,445
Greer city, SC ................................ 32,229
Gulf Breeze city, FL .........................6,725
Gunnison County, CO ................ 17,119
Hamilton city, OH ........................ 62,162
Hanover County, VA ................. 106,538
Hastings city, MN ........................ 22,796
Highlands Ranch CDP, CO ...... 107,017
Hilliard city, OH ............................ 37,023
Honolulu County, HI ................. 979,682
Hopkinton town, MA .................. 18,030
Huntsville city, TX ........................ 41,664
Hutchinson city, MN ................... 13,935
Independence city, IA ...................6,085
Issaquah city, WA ........................ 38,707
Jackson County, MI ................... 158,174
Jerome city, ID .............................. 11,824
Johnson City city, TN .................. 66,934
Johnson County, KS .................. 597,574
Johnston city, IA........................... 22,077
Johnstown town, CO .................. 14,357
Jupiter town, FL ............................ 65,139
City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
May 2023
Report of Results
- 253 -
Kalamazoo city, MI ...................... 76,106
Kansas City city, KS ................... 153,014
Kansas City city, MO ................. 491,158
Kerrville city, TX ............................ 23,511
Kingman city, AZ.......................... 30,433
Kingsport city, TN ........................ 53,699
La Vista city, NE ............................ 17,081
Laguna Beach city, CA................ 22,991
Lake Elsinore city, CA ................. 64,201
Lake Forest city, CA ..................... 84,666
Lake Havasu City city, AZ .......... 55,463
Lake in the Hills village, IL......... 28,617
Lake Zurich village, IL ................. 19,912
Lakeville city, MN ........................ 65,710
Lakewood city, CO .................... 155,733
Lakewood city, WA ..................... 60,564
Lancaster County, SC.................. 95,378
Larkspur city, CA .......................... 12,363
Las Cruces city, NM .................. 102,950
Lawrence city, KS ......................... 97,348
Lawrenceville city, GA ................ 30,125
Lewes city, DE ..................................3,266
Little Elm city, TX ......................... 49,792
Littleton city, CO .......................... 46,208
Livermore city, CA ....................... 91,763
Longmont city, CO ...................... 95,864
Los Alamos County, NM ........... 18,976
Loudoun County, VA ................ 405,312
Louisville city, CO ........................ 19,342
Loveland city, CO ......................... 81,774
Lynchburg city, VA ...................... 80,970
Lynnwood city, WA ..................... 38,538
Manassas city, VA ........................ 41,038
Mankato city, MN ........................ 42,685
Maple Grove city, MN ................ 71,569
Maplewood city, MN .................. 40,684
Marin County, CA ...................... 259,441
Marion city, IA .............................. 39,910
Mariposa County, CA ................. 17,319
Marshalltown city, IA .................. 26,957
Maryland Heights city, MO ...... 26,996
Marysville city, WA ...................... 69,629
Maui County, HI ......................... 166,657
McKinney city, TX ...................... 191,197
Menlo Park city, CA .................... 35,211
Mercer Island city, WA ............... 25,820
Meridian charter township, MI 42,853
Mesquite city, TX ....................... 142,429
Middleton city, WI ....................... 19,764
Middletown town, RI .................. 15,982
Milford city, DE ............................. 11,463
Milton city, GA .............................. 39,252
Minturn town, CO...........................1,149
Missoula County, MT ............... 119,062
Missouri City city, TX .................. 75,348
Moline city, IL ............................... 41,213
Monroe city, MI ............................ 19,543
Montgomery County, MD .. 1,047,661
Montpelier city, VT .........................7,434
Moorpark city, CA ....................... 36,443
Morristown city, TN .................... 29,887
Morrisville town, NC ................... 27,582
Mount Prospect village, IL ........ 54,165
Mountlake Terrace city, WA ..... 21,328
Muscatine city, IA ........................ 23,661
Needham town, MA ................... 31,177
New Braunfels city, TX ............... 84,622
New Brighton city, MN .............. 22,663
New Concord village, OH ............2,530
New Orleans city, LA ................ 391,249
Nichols Hills city, OK .....................3,910
Niles village, IL .............................. 29,198
Norfolk city, NE ............................ 24,410
North Bend city, OR .......................9,708
North Kansas City city, MO .........4,606
North Mankato city, MN ........... 13,903
North Port city, FL ....................... 68,779
Northglenn city, CO .................... 39,201
Novi city, MI .................................. 60,439
O'Fallon city, IL ............................. 29,487
Oak Park village, IL ...................... 52,102
Oakdale city, MN ......................... 27,925
Okaloosa County, FL ................. 207,430
Oklahoma City city, OK ............ 649,821
Olmsted County, MN ............... 156,446
Oregon City city, OR ................... 37,057
Orland Park village, IL ................ 58,380
Oshkosh city, WI .......................... 66,753
Paducah city, KY ........................... 24,947
Palm Coast city, FL ...................... 88,222
Palm Springs city, CA ................. 48,390
Palm Springs village, FL ............. 25,168
Palo Alto city, CA ......................... 67,973
Panama City Beach city, FL ....... 12,747
Papillion city, NE .......................... 24,310
Park City city, UT .............................8,467
Parker town, CO ........................... 55,460
Pasco city, WA .............................. 74,266
Pasco County, FL........................ 539,885
Pearland city, TX ........................ 125,817
Perryville city, MO ..........................8,500
Philadelphia city, PA ............. 1,581,531
Pinehurst village, NC .................. 16,382
Pinellas County, FL .................... 970,985
Plymouth city, MN ...................... 78,879
Port St. Lucie city, FL ................. 195,773
Portage city, MI ............................ 49,224
Portland city, TX ........................... 17,807
Powhatan County, VA ................ 29,253
Prairie Village city, KS ................. 22,255
Prior Lake city, MN ...................... 26,775
Pueblo city, CO ........................... 111,776
Puyallup city, WA ......................... 41,666
Raleigh city, NC .......................... 469,698
Ramsey city, MN .......................... 27,201
Raymore city, MO ........................ 21,676
Redding city, CA .......................... 92,025
Redlands city, CA ......................... 71,680
Richfield city, MN ........................ 36,253
Richland city, WA......................... 57,353
Richmond city, CA ..................... 110,051
Richmond city, VA ..................... 229,233
Richmond Heights city, MO ........8,581
Rio Rancho city, NM ................... 97,976
River Falls city, WI ........................ 15,870
Riverside city, CA ....................... 327,569
Rochester city, MN .................... 117,134
Rochester city, NY ..................... 206,357
Rock Hill city, SC .......................... 74,410
Rocklin city, CA............................. 67,070
Rockville city, MD ........................ 68,155
Roeland Park city, KS .....................6,747
Rosemount city, MN ................... 24,792
Roseville city, CA ........................ 138,860
Round Rock city, TX .................. 128,812
Royal Palm Beach village, FL .... 39,615
Sachse city, TX .............................. 25,888
Sacramento city, CA ................. 503,482
Salem city, OR ............................ 171,806
Sammamish city, WA ................. 65,265
San Carlos city, CA ...................... 29,647
San Diego city, CA ................. 1,414,545
San Jose city, CA .................... 1,029,409
San Marcos city, TX ..................... 64,053
Santa Cruz city, CA ...................... 65,011
Santa Fe County, NM ............... 150,319
Sausalito city, CA ............................7,177
Savage city, MN ........................... 31,758
Schaumburg township, IL ....... 129,604
Schaumburg village, IL .............. 73,392
Scott County, MN ...................... 147,201
Scottsdale city, AZ ..................... 254,995
Sedona city, AZ ............................ 10,341
Shakopee city, MN ...................... 41,423
Shoreview city, MN ..................... 26,922
Shorewood village, IL ................. 17,303
Shrewsbury town, MA ................ 37,683
Sioux Falls city, SD ..................... 180,927
Skokie village, IL........................... 63,300
South Bend city, IN ................... 102,686
South Portland city, ME ............. 25,665
Spring Hill city, KS ..........................6,992
St. Anthony city, MN .....................9,035
St. Augustine city, FL .................. 15,065
St. Charles city, IL ......................... 32,612
St. Croix County, WI .................... 89,702
St. Louis County, MN................ 199,499
St. Lucie County, FL ................... 320,914
Stafford County, VA .................. 150,185
State College borough, PA ....... 42,100
Steamboat Springs city, CO ..... 13,048
Sunnyvale city, CA ..................... 152,569
Surprise city, AZ ......................... 139,007
Suwanee city, GA ......................... 20,444
Takoma Park city, MD ................ 17,703
Tempe city, AZ............................ 191,607
Temple city, TX ............................. 76,590
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The Woodlands CDP, TX ......... 114,532
Thomasville city, NC ................... 26,834
Tinley Park village, IL .................. 56,082
Tracy city, CA ................................ 91,462
Tualatin city, OR ........................... 27,601
Tustin city, CA ............................... 80,815
Twin Falls city, ID ......................... 49,819
Unalaska city, AK ............................4,758
Urbandale city, IA ........................ 43,879
Vallejo city, CA............................ 121,275
Victoria city, MN .............................9,787
Vienna town, VA .......................... 16,532
Walnut Creek city, CA ................ 69,836
Warrenville city, IL ....................... 13,137
Washington County, MN ........ 259,072
Washington County, RI ............ 126,139
Washoe County, NV ................. 464,182
Washougal city, WA ................... 15,927
Waukesha city, WI ....................... 72,419
Waunakee village, WI ................. 13,903
Wellington village, FL ................. 64,990
Wendell town, NC ..........................7,962
West Bend city, WI ...................... 31,587
West Chester township, OH ..... 64,420
West Linn city, OR ....................... 26,764
West St. Paul city, MN................ 19,805
Westminster city, CO ................ 114,832
Westminster city, MD ................. 18,649
Weston city, FL ............................. 70,965
Wheat Ridge city, CO ................. 31,889
White House city, TN ................. 12,258
Wichita city, KS ........................... 390,566
Williamsburg city, VA ................. 15,034
Wilsonville city, OR ..................... 24,413
Windsor town, CO ....................... 23,679
Winston-Salem city, NC .......... 245,787
Winter Garden city, FL ............... 44,888
Woodbury city, MN .................... 71,298
Woodinville city, WA .................. 13,038
Wyoming city, MI ........................ 75,999
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Front Range Benchmark Comparisons
Table 187: Quality of Life
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Wheat Ridge as a place to
live 85% 10 20 Similar
Your neighborhood as a
place to live 79% 9 18 Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to
raise children 74% 12 21 Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to
work 62% 10 21 Similar
Wheat Ridge as a place to
retire 65% 10 21 Similar
Overall quality of life in
Wheat Ridge 78% 11 21 Similar
Table 188: Likelihood of Remaining in and Recommending Wheat Ridge
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Recommend living in Wheat
Ridge to someone who asks 89% 4 16 Much higher
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the
next five years 87% 1 15 Higher
Table 189: Community Characteristics
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Sense of community 60% 8 16 Similar
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Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Openness and acceptance of the
community toward people of diverse
backgrounds 60% 10 18 Similar
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge 47% 11 15 Lower
Overall quality of new development
in Wheat Ridge 48% 6 13 Similar
Variety of housing options 46% 5 14 Higher
Overall quality of business and
service establishments in Wheat
Ridge 56% 9 14 Similar
Shopping opportunities 43% 11 17 Similar
Opportunities to attend cultural
activities 41% 12 16 Lower
Recreational opportunities 69% 11 16 Similar
Employment opportunities 36% 13 18 Similar
Educational opportunities 46% 7 12 Similar
Opportunities to participate in social
events and activities 50% 10 15 Similar
Opportunities to volunteer 60% 7 14 Similar
Opportunities to participate in civic
matters 57% 7 15 Similar
Availability of parks 78% NA NA NA
Availability of paths and walking
trails 69% 8 15 Similar
Availability of affordable quality
housing 30% 4 16 Higher
Availability of affordable quality child
care 26% 6 13 Similar
Availability of affordable quality
health care 58% 4 14 Higher
Availability of affordable quality food 60% 3 12 Higher
Availability of preventive health
services 59% 4 11 Higher
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Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Air quality 55% 10 14 Similar
Quality of overall natural
environment in Wheat Ridge 64% 10 15 Lower
Overall image or reputation of Wheat
Ridge 62% 9 17 Higher
Table 190: Equity and Inclusion
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Making all residents feel
welcome 62% 5 8 Similar
Attracting people from
diverse backgrounds 40% 7 8 Similar
Treating all residents fairly 51% 5 12 Similar
Table 191: Aspects of Transportation
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Condition of city streets 38% NA NA NA
Condition of sidewalks 34% NA NA NA
Ease of car travel in
Wheat Ridge 65% 8 18 Similar
Ease of bus travel in
Wheat Ridge 57% NA NA NA
Ease of walking in Wheat
Ridge 54% 14 18 Lower
Ease of bicycle travel in
Wheat Ridge 58% 10 18 Similar
Traffic flow on major
streets 35% 13 17 Lower
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Table 192: Participation in Activities
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 51% 9 10 Lower
Participated in a recreation program
or activity 42% NA NA NA
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail 86% 7 11 Similar
Attended a virtual or in-person
meeting of local city officials or other
local public meeting 20% 8 13 Similar
Watched a meeting of local city
officials (on cable television,
YouTube, etc.) 22% 7 13 Similar
Used the Wheat Ridge Library 42% 8 8 Much lower
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or
special event 64% 5 10 Higher
Table 193: City Services
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall, how would you rate the quality
of the services provided by the City of
Wheat Ridge? 72% 13 21 Similar
Snow removal 52% 11 18 Similar
Street repair and maintenance 31% 16 20 Lower
Street sweeping 49% 14 18 Lower
Stormwater drainage 59% 13 16 Lower
Traffic enforcement 52% 11 20 Similar
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed
control, trash, outside storage) 36% 12 19 Similar
Animal control 60% 10 18 Similar
Land use, planning and zoning 41% 9 16 Similar
Building permits 37% NA NA NA
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Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Building inspections 43% NA NA NA
Maintenance of existing city parks 75% NA NA NA
Recreation programs 73% 8 18 Similar
City-sponsored special events 64% 7 12 Similar
Recreation facilities 78% 9 17 Similar
Services/programs for youth 48% NA NA NA
Services/programs for seniors 62% 4 5 Similar
Public information services 53% 7 13 Similar
Policing services 54% 16 20 Lower
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) 66% NA NA NA
Crime prevention (School Resource
Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen
police academy) 43% 14 17 Similar
Table 194: Safety in Public Areas
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Parks and
playgrounds 81% NA NA NA
In your
neighborhood 81% NA NA NA
In your home 91% NA NA NA
Table 195: City Government Performance
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
The extent to which Wheat Ridge
elected officials act in the best interest
of the community at large 53% NA NA NA
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Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
The value of services for the taxes paid
to Wheat Ridge 47% 9 18 Similar
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge
is taking 54% 5 16 Similar
The job Wheat Ridge does at
informing residents on major issues
within the community 48% 4 8 Similar
The job Wheat Ridge government
does at welcoming resident
involvement 52% 7 19 Similar
Table 196: City Employees
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
In the last 12 months, have you had any
in-person, phone or email contact with a
City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)? 33% 14 17 Much lower
Knowledge 77% 5 6 Lower
Responsiveness 71% 4 5 Similar
Courtesy 77% 5 5 Much lower
Making you feel valued 64% NA NA NA
Overall impression 68% 11 19 Similar
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Front Range Benchmark Communities
The communities included in the Front Range Benchmark Comparisons are listed on the following
pages along with their population according to the 2021 American Community Survey.
Aurora city, CO ........................... 379,434
Boulder city, CO ......................... 108,777
Brighton city, CO ......................... 38,355
Broomfield city, CO .................... 69,444
Cañon City city, CO ..................... 16,369
Centennial city, CO ................... 111,331
Commerce City city, CO ............ 55,891
Dacono city, CO .............................. 6,167
Denver city, CO .......................... 715,878
Erie town, CO ................................ 27,157
Fort Collins city, CO .................. 166,069
Golden city, CO ............................ 20,391
Greeley city, CO ......................... 107,445
Lakewood city, CO .................... 155,733
Longmont city, CO ...................... 95,864
Louisville city, CO ........................ 19,342
Loveland city, CO ........................ 81,774
Northglenn city, CO .................... 39,201
Pueblo city, CO .......................... 111,776
Westminster city, CO................ 114,832
Wheat Ridge city, CO ................. 31,889
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Appendix F: Survey Methodology
About the Survey
The City of Wheat Ridge Quality of Life Survey was first administered in 2004. General resident
surveys, such as this one, ask recipients their perspectives about the quality of life in the city, their use
of city amenities, their opinions on policy issues facing the city and their assessment of city service
delivery. The City of Wheat Ridge funded this research. Please contact Marianne Schilling of the City
of Wheat Ridge at mschilling@ci.wheatridge.co.us if you have any questions about the survey.
Developing the Questionnaire
The 2023 survey instrument was developed by starting with the version from the previous
implementation in 2021. Few changes were made to the survey in order to maximize comparisons
over time. In an iterative process between City staff and NRC staff, a final seven-page questionnaire
was created.
Selecting Survey Recipients
“Sampling” refers to the method by which survey recipients are chosen. The “sample” refers to all
those who were given a chance to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip
codes serving Wheat Ridge was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the
United States Postal Service, updated every three months, providing the best representation of all
households in a specific geographic location. NRC used the USPS data to select the survey recipients.
A larger list than needed was pulled so that a process referred to as “geocoding” could be used to
eliminate addresses from the list that were outside Wheat Ridge’s boundaries. Geocoding is a
computerized process in which addresses are compared to electronically mapped boundaries and
coded as inside or outside desired boundaries, in this case, within Wheat Ridge. All addresses
determined to be outside the study boundaries were eliminated from the list of potential households.
Each address identified as being within city boundaries was further identified as being within one of
four council districts. A random selection was made of the remaining addresses to create a mailing
list of 4,500 addresses.
To choose the 4,500 survey recipients, a systematic sampling method was applied to the list of
households previously screened for geographic location. Systematic sampling is a procedure
whereby a complete list of all possible households is culled, selecting every Nth one, giving each
eligible household a known probability of selection, until the appropriate number of households is
selected. Multi-unit residences were selected at a higher rate as residents of this type of housing
typically respond at lower rates to surveys than do those in single-unit housing. In general, because
of the random sampling techniques used, the displayed sampling density will closely mirror the
overall housing unit density (which may be different from the population density). While the theory
of probability assumes no bias in selection, there may be some minor variations in practice (meaning,
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an area with only 15% of the housing units might be selected at an actual rate that is slightly above
or below that).
An individual within each household was randomly selected to complete the survey using the
birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within the household by asking the “person
whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying assumption
in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This
instruction was contained in the cover letter accompanying the questionnaire.
Survey Administration and Response Rate
Each selected household was contacted three times. First, a prenotification announcement was sent
on March 7, 2023, informing the household members that they had been selected to participate in
the City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey. Approximately one week after mailing the prenotification,
each household was mailed a paper survey enlisting participation. The packet also contained a
postage-paid return envelope in which the survey recipients could return the completed
questionnaire directly to NRC. A reminder letter and survey, scheduled to arrive one to two weeks
after the first survey, was the final contact for all households. The second cover letter asked those
who had not completed the survey to do so and those who had already done so to refrain from
turning in another survey. The online survey was available in English and Spanish, and each mailing
contained instructions in both languages. The paper survey that was sent to households was in
English only. Each wave of the cover letter accompanying the mailed survey included a web link for
residents to visit if they preferred to take the survey online. Data collection was open through April
18, 2023.
About 3% of the 4,500 surveys mailed were returned because the housing unit was vacant, or the
postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the 4,347 households presumed to
have received a survey, 844 completed the survey (228 of which were completed online), providing a
response rate of 19%. Additionally, responses were tracked by geographic area; response rates by
area ranged from 14% to 25%. The response rates were calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #21
for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.
1 See AAPOR’s Standard Definitions here: http://www.aapor.org/Standards-Ethics/Standard-Definitions-
(1).aspx for more information
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Response Rate by Area for Mailed Survey
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Overall
Total sample used 1,157 1,116 1,133 1,094 4,500
I=Complete Interviews 194 224 264 142 824
P=Partial Interviews 5 2 7 6 20
R=Refusal and break off 3 1 1 0 5
NC=Non Contact 44 34 27 48 153
O=Other 0 0 0 0 0
UH=Unknown household 0 0 0 0 0
UO=Unknown other 911 855 834 898 3,498
Response rate: (I+P)/(I+P) +
(R+NC+O) + (UH+UO) 18% 21% 25% 14% 19%
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Margin of Error
The 95% confidence interval (or “margin of error”) quantifies the “sampling error” or precision of the
estimates made from the survey results. A 95% confidence interval can be calculated for any sample
size and indicates that in 95 of 100 surveys conducted like this one, for a particular item, a result
would be found that is within three percentage points of the result that would be found if everyone
in the population of interest was surveyed. The practical difficulties of conducting any resident survey
may introduce other sources of error in addition to sampling error. Despite best efforts to boost
participation and ensure potential inclusion of all households, some selected households will decline
participation in the survey (referred to as non-response error) and some eligible households may be
unintentionally excluded from the listed sources for the sample (referred to as coverage error).
While the margin of error for the survey is generally no greater than plus or minus three2 percentage
points around any given percent reported for the entire sample, results for subgroups will have wider
confidence intervals. Where estimates are given for subgroups, they are less precise.
Survey Processing (Data Entry)
Upon receipt, completed surveys were assigned a unique identification number. Additionally, each
survey was reviewed and “cleaned” as necessary. For example, a question may have asked a
respondent to pick two items out of a list of five, but the respondent checked three; in this case, NRC
would use protocols to randomly choose two of the three selected items for inclusion in the dataset.
All surveys then were entered twice into an electronic dataset; any discrepancies were resolved in
comparison to the original survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were
also performed.
NRC uses Polco, an online public engagement tool designed primarily for local governments, to
collect online survey data. The Polco platform includes many features of online survey tools, but also
includes elements tailored to the civic environment. For example, like NRC’s mailed surveys, surveys
on Polco are presented with the city name, logo (or other image) and a description, so residents
understand who is asking for input and why. Optionally, Polco can also verify respondents with local
public data to ensure respondents are residents or voters. More generally, an advantage of online
programming and data gathering is that it allows for more rigid control of the data format, making
extensive data cleaning unnecessary.
A series of quality control checks were also performed in order to ensure the integrity of the web
data. Steps may include and not be limited to reviewing the data for clusters of repeat IP addresses
2 Although this has become the traditional way to describe survey research precision, when opt-in results are blended with
scientific results, assumptions about randomness of responses are not the same as when results come only from the random
sample. Consequently, other terms sometimes are used in place of "confidence interval" or "margin of error," such as
"credibility intervals." We hew to the traditional way of describing sample-driven uncertainty while we work with the
industry to sort out the best ways to describe these new approaches.
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and time stamps (indicating duplicate responses) and removing empty submissions (questionnaires
submitted with no questions answered).
Weighting the Data
The demographic characteristics of the survey sample were compared to those found in the 2020
Census and the 2021 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Wheat Ridge.
The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey sample reflective of the larger
population of the community. Both samples were weighted independently and then combined into
one final dataset.
The characteristics used for weighting were respondent gender, age, housing unit type (attached or
detached), housing tenure (rent or own), race, and ethnicity. This decision was based on:
• The disparity between the survey respondent characteristics and the population norms for
these variables
• The saliency of these variables in differences of opinion among subgroups
• The historical profile created and the desirability of consistently representing different groups
over the years
A special software program using mathematical algorithms is used to calculate the appropriate
weights. Several different weighting “schemes” are tested to ensure the best fit for the data.
The results of the weighting scheme are presented in the table on the following page.
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2023 Wheat Ridge Quality of Life Survey Weighting Table
Characteristic Population Norm Unweighted Data Weighted Data
Housing
Rent home 45% 23% 44%
Own home 50% 77% 56%
Detached unit 53% 68% 55%
Attached unit 47% 32% 45%
Race
White 90% 88% 78%
Not white 10% 12% 22%
Not Hispanic 81% 92% 83%
Hispanic 19% 8% 17%
White alone, not Hispanic 77% 84% 71%
Hispanic and/or other race 23% 16% 29%
Sex and Age
Female 53% 62% 53%
Male 47% 38% 47%
18-34 years of age 27% 9% 24%
35-54 years of age 32% 21% 31%
55+ years of age 41% 70% 44%
Females 18-34 13% 5% 13%
Females 35-54 17% 12% 17%
Females 55+ 22% 44% 24%
Males 18-34 14% 3% 13%
Males 35-54 15% 8% 15%
Males 55+ 19% 26% 20%
Council District
District 1 26% 24% 23%
District 2 25% 27% 31%
District 3 26% 32% 29%
District 4 24% 18% 17%
* 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey Population Estimates
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Analyzing the Data
The electronic dataset was analyzed by NRC staff using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS). For the most part, frequency distributions and mean ratings are presented in the body of the
report. A complete set of frequencies for each survey question is presented in Appendix B: Complete
Survey Frequencies. Also included are results by respondent characteristics (Appendix C: Responses
to Selected Survey Questions by Respondent Characteristics). Chi-square or ANOVA tests of
significance were applied to these breakdowns of selected survey questions. A “p-value” of 0.05 or
less indicates that there is less than a 5% probability that differences observed between groups are
due to chance; or in other words, a greater than 95% probability that the differences observed in the
selected categories of the sample represent “real” differences among those populations. Where
differences between subgroups are statistically significant, they have been denoted with capital
letters.
Comparing Survey Results
Ratings between 2023 and 2021 can be considered statistically significant if there are differences of
five percentage points or more.
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Appendix G: Survey Materials
The following pages contain copies of the survey materials sent to randomly selected households
within the City of Wheat Ridge.
Dear Wheat Ridge Resident,
It won’t take much of your time to make a big difference! Your household has been randomly selected to participate in Wheat Ridge’s 2023 Resident Survey. Your participation in this survey is very important—your answers will help
the City make decisions that affect our community.
In order to hear from a diverse group of residents, the
adult 18 years or older in your household who most
recently had a birthday should complete this survey. You
can wait a few days for a paper survey to arrive in the
mail, or go online now and complete the confidential
survey at:
https://polco.us/xxplaceholder
Please do not share your survey link. This survey is
for randomly selected households only.
If you have any questions about the survey, please call (303) 235-2867. Thank you for helping create a better City!
Sincerely,
Estimado Residente de Wheat Ridge,
¡Unos pocos minutos de su tiempo pueden ser de gran ayuda para nuestra comunidad! Su hogar ha sido elegido al azar para participar en la Encuesta de la Comunidad del
2023 de Wheat Ridge. Su participación en esta encuesta confidencial es muy importante— sus respuestas
ayudarán a tomar decisiones que afectan nuestra
comunidad.
Puede completar la encuesta confidencial en línea en
español en:
https://polco.us/xxplaceholdersp
También puede esperar unos días hasta recibir la encuesta en inglés por correo. Por favor no comparta el enlace de su encuesta. Esta encuesta es solamente para hogares seleccionados al azar. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta, por favor llame al (303) 235-2867. ¡Gracias por ayudar a crear una Ciudad mejor!
Atentamente,
Bud Starker Mayor/Alcalde
City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Building
7500 W. 29th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001
Presorted
First Class Mail
US Postage
PAID
Boulder, CO
Permit NO. 94
March 2023
Dear City of Wheat Ridge Resident:
Please help us shape the future of Wheat
Ridge! You have been selected at random to
participate in the 2023 Wheat Ridge Resident
Survey. If you’ve already completed the
survey online, thank you. Please do not
respond twice.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the
enclosed survey. Your participation in this
survey is very important—especially since
your household is one of only a small number
of households being surveyed. Your feedback
will help Wheat Ridge make decisions that
affect our City.
A few things to remember:
• Your responses are confidential
and no identifying information
will be shared.
• In order to hear from a diverse group
of residents, the adult 18 years or
older in your household who most
recently had a birthday should
complete this survey.
• You may return the survey by
mail in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope, or you can complete
the survey online at:
https://polco.us/xxplaceholder
Please do not share your survey link.
This survey is for randomly selected
households only.
If you have any questions about the survey,
please call (303) 235-2867.
Thank you for your time and participation!
Sincerely,
Estimado Residente de la Ciudad de Wheat Ridge:
¡Por favor ayúdenos a moldear el futuro de Wheat Ridge!
Usted ha sido seleccionado al azar para participar en la
Encuesta de la Comunidad de Wheat Ridge del 2023. Si
ya completó la encuesta en línea, gracias. Por
favor no responda dos veces.
Por favor tome unos minutos para completar la
encuesta adjunta; si usted preferiría completar la
encuesta en español, por favor siga las instrucciones
abajo para acceder a la encuesta en español por medio
de la red. Su participación en esta encuesta es muy
importante—especialmente porque su hogar es uno de
solamente un número pequeño de hogares que se
están encuestando. Sus observaciones le ayudarán a
Wheat Ridge tomar decisiones que afectarán a nuestra
ciudad.
Algunas cosas para recordar:
• Sus respuestas son confidenciales y no se
compartirá ninguna información de
identificación.
• Para poder escuchar a un grupo diverso de
residentes, el adulto de 18 años o más en su
hogar que haya celebrado su cumpleaños más
recientemente debe completar esta encuesta.
• Puede devolver la encuesta en ingles por
correo en el sobre pre-pagado adjunto, o
puede completar la encuesta en línea en
español en:
https://polco.us/xxplaceholdersp
Por favor no comparta el enlace de su encuesta.
Esta encuesta es solamente para hogares seleccionados
al azar.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta, por favor
llame al (303) 235-2867.
¡Gracias por su tiempo y participación!
Atentamente,
Bud Starker
Mayor/Alcalde
March 2023
Dear City of Wheat Ridge Resident:
Just a reminder—if you have not yet
completed Wheat Ridge’s 2023 Resident
Survey, please do so. If you have
completed it, thank you! Please do not
respond twice.
Your participation in this survey is very
important—your answers will help the City
make decisions that affect our community.
A few things to remember:
• Your responses are confidential
and no identifying information
will be shared.
• In order to hear from a diverse group
of residents, the adult 18 years or
older in your household who most
recently had a birthday should
complete this survey.
• You may return the survey by
mail in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope, or you can complete
the survey online at:
https://polco.us/xxplaceholder
Please do not share your survey link.
This survey is for randomly selected
households only.
If you have any questions about the survey,
please call (303) 235-2867.
Thank you for your time and participation!
Sincerely,
Estimado Residente de la Ciudad de Wheat Ridge:
Si aún no ha contestado la Encuesta de la Comunidad
de Wheat Ridge de 2023, ¡aquí tiene otra oportunidad
de hacerlo! Si ya la ha completado, gracias. Por
favor no responda dos veces.
Su participación en esta encuesta es muy importante—
sus respuestas ayudarán a tomar decisiones que
afectan nuestra comunidad.
Algunas cosas para recordar:
• Sus respuestas son confidenciales y no se
compartirá ninguna información de
identificación.
• Para poder escuchar a un grupo diverso de
residentes, el adulto de 18 años o más en su
hogar que haya celebrado su cumpleaños más
recientemente debe completar esta encuesta.
• Puede devolver la encuesta en ingles por
correo en el sobre pre-pagado adjunto, o
puede completar la encuesta en línea en
español en:
https://polco.us/xxplaceholdersp
Por favor no comparta el enlace de su encuesta.
Esta encuesta es solamente para hogares seleccionados
al azar.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta, por favor
llame al (303) 235-2867.
¡Gracias por su tiempo y participación!
Atentamente,
Bud Starker
Mayor/Alcalde
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 1 of 7
2023 Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s
year of birth does not matter. Your responses are confidential and will be reported in group form only. Thank you.
Community and Services
1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Wheat Ridge.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Wheat Ridge as a place to live ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Your neighborhood as a place to live .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to work .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a whole .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
2. Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same or decline over the next 5 years?
Improve a lot Improve slightly Stay the same Decline slightly Decline a lot
3. What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that apply.)
I feel safe here
I like the school my children
attend
My job is here
I like my neighborhood
I like the location in general
I like the access to dining and
entertainment
Housing and rental rates are
affordable
I’ve always lived here
I have friends and family in the area
Small town feel
Cost of living is affordable
I like that the community is forward-
thinking
The growing and diverse community
None of these
4. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Sense of community ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of
diverse backgrounds ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Variety of housing options .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Wheat Ridge ............ 1 2 3 4 5
Shopping opportunities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to attend cultural activities ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Recreational opportunities ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Employment opportunities ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Educational opportunities .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities ................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to volunteer ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in civic matters ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of parks............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of dog parks ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of paths and walking trails ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of bike paths & bike lanes ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality housing ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality child care ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality health care ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality food ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of preventive health services ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Air quality............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge .................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 2 of 7
5. Please rate your community on each of the following:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Making all residents feel welcome ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures and belief systems .. 1 2 3 4 5
Treating all residents fairly ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents of all backgrounds ...... 1 2 3 4 5
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all backgrounds .... 1 2 3 4 5
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds .................. 1 2 3 4 5
Making all residents feel welcome in business establishments ......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local government
and community decision-making .................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
6. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asks ........... 1 2 3 4 5
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years ............................ 1 2 3 4 5
7. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the
following activities in Wheat Ridge 1-2 3-12 13-26 More than
Never times times times 26 times
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center ....................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Participated in a recreation program or activity ....................................................1 2 3 4 5
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson Park ......................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Anderson Building for a reason not related to the outdoor pool ........1 2 3 4 5
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Used Clear Creek Trail .............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Attended a virtual or in-person meeting of local city officials or other local
public meeting .....................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Watched a meeting of local city officials (on cable television, YouTube, etc.) ......1 2 3 4 5
Participated in a senior program ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Active Adult Center ..............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast food) ....................................1 2 3 4 5
Used the Wheat Ridge Library ................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event .................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ridden an RTD bus ..................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat Ridge-Ward station ........................................1 2 3 4 5
8. Please rate the following aspects of transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Condition of city streets ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Condition of sidewalks ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Access to mass transit ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat Ridge ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Traffic flow on major streets .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 3 of 7
9. The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please first rate the quality of each
service and next rate the importance of each service.
Quality Importance
Don’t Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Excellent Good Fair Poor know Essential important important important know
Snow removal .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Street repair and maintenance ....................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Street sweeping ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Stormwater drainage ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Traffic enforcement ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed
control, trash, outside storage) .................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Animal control ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Land use, planning and zoning ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Building permits ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Building inspections ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Maintenance of existing city parks................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Maintenance of open space and trails ............ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
City-sponsored special events ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Recreation facilities ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community/public art ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Services/programs for youth ........................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Services/programs for seniors ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Municipal court ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Public information services ............................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community engagement by City staff ............. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Addressing homelessness throughout city ...... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Policing services ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) ............ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Police response time to non-emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) ........... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) ... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Relationship-based policing............................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
10. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
City Government and Employees
11. How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
12. Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge city government performance.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best interest
of the community at large ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees .................. 1 2 3 4 5
The quality of experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer .......... 1 2 3 4 5
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat Ridge. .................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents on major issues within
the community ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
The job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming citizen involvement ........ 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 4 of 7
13. In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
Yes (go to question 14) No (go to question 15)
14. What was your impression of the City of Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? (Rate each characteristic below.)
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Knowledge .......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Responsiveness ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Courtesy .............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Making you feel valued....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Overall impression .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
15. Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t
safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know
Parks and playgrounds ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Recreation centers .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
In your neighborhood ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
In your home ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
On the trail system ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
On roadways ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Retail/commercial areas ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
16. Please indicate whether or not each of the following has applied to you in the last 12 months.
No Yes
Household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat Ridge ......................................................................... 1 2
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge ............................................................................................. 1 2
17. How important, if at all, is it for the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department to prioritize resources in each of the
following areas in the next 12 months? Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Solving violent crimes ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Solving property crimes ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Reducing illegal drug activity ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Enforcement of traffic laws ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, etc.) ......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) .. 1 2 3 4 5
18. How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department place on each of the following in the
next two years? High Medium Low Not a Don’t
priority priority priority priority know
Better connection with the community (i.e., community forums, events) ................. 1 2 3 4 5
Increased visibility of police ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Additional City resources directed towards crime-related mental health issues
in the community ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Greater accessibility to police and police-related information ................................... 1 2 3 4 5
More relationship-based policing officers (problem solving at a community-level
such as neighborhood problems) ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Adding officers in public schools ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime area ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Economic Development
19. When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.)
Don’t shop outside of Wheat Ridge It is more affordable
It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home Visit a mall or other major retailers
I like the range of quality goods and services I shop online
Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge Other
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 5 of 7
20. For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently you make purchases in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
Never infrequently infrequently frequently frequently know Grocery shopping....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Health services ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Meals and entertainment .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Household items ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Computers and electronics ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
General retail (shoes, drug stores, clothing, etc.) ......... 1 2 3 4 5 6
21. How much do you agree or disagree that the City of Wheat Ridge should do each of the following?
Strongly Somewhat Neither agree Somewhat Strongly Don’t
agree agree nor disagree disagree disagree know Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing areas ....... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s business areas ...... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and identity........ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of retail
businesses to Wheat Ridge ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling St ..... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract new jobs ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Policy Topics
Wheat Ridge voters approved a temporary one-half of one-cent (0.5) sales tax rate increase in 2016 for improvements
to Anderson Park, Wadsworth Boulevard, Wheat Ridge-Ward commuter rail station area and the Clear Creek Crossing
development. City Council is considering a ballot measure for the November 2023 election that would ask voters to
approve an extension of this temporary tax for additional projects across the city that are currently unfunded. The
following two questions will be used to help gauge community support for this potential ballot measure.
22. The City is seeking feedback on the following categories of projects that could be funded through the extension of the
one-half of one-cent (0.5) sales tax. How likely would you support an extension of the sales tax for these categories of
projects?
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Sidewalk and street improvements on primary street
corridors such as 38th Ave., 44th Ave., and Youngfield St. ....... 1 2 3 4 5
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an emphasis on
major pedestrian corridor ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center for additional
gymnasium and fitness activity space ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements
throughout the City ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The temporary one-half of one-cent (0.5) sales tax rate increase approved by voters in 2016 will expire in 2028, after 12-years, or when $38.5 million in revenue is raised, whichever occurs first. It is likely $38.5 million in revenue will be
raised by 2024, four years early.
23. How long, if at all, would you feel comfortable extending the current temporary one-half of one-cent sales tax rate to
fund priority projects throughout the city?
10 Years, yielding approximately $45 million
15 Years, yielding approximately $60 million
20 Years, yielding approximately $75 million
Not at all
Don’t Know
24. To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat Ridge?
Major problem Moderate problem Minor problem Not a problem Don’t know
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 6 of 7
25. How important to you, if at all, is it for the City to contribute funding to community-based organizations that provide
each of the following services to the homeless populations?
Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Job training programs ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Mental health programs .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Substance abuse programs .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Shelters for severe weather ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Housing/rental assistance programs ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Supportive housing, which combines housing with services
such as job training and substance abuse treatment .................................. 1 2 3 4 5
26. How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of the following areas of environmental sustainability,
which may or may not increase costs for taxpayers?
Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Expanding access to residential recycling and composting services ............... 1 2 3 4 5
Implementing organized trash hauling in neighborhoods .............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Promoting use of drought tolerant and native landscaping ............................ 1 2 3 4 5
Improving localized flooding and reducing impacts on private property
through improvements to the city’s stormwater drainage system ............. 1 2 3 4 5
Improving water quality from runoff to local streams & lakes ....................... 1 2 3 4 5
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of automobile use ............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring availability of and access to public transit ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Implementing energy efficiency improvements for city facilities ................... 1 2 3 4 5
Requiring green building practices for new commercial and
residential construction ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the community .................... 1 2 3 4 5
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the home ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 Creating walkable communities (providing sidewalk connections,
bike lanes, retail/shopping/grocery closer to homes, etc.) ......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Information Sources
27. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members used the following sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge? 1-2 3-12 13-26 More than
Never times times times 26 times
City Quarterly “Connections” Newsletter ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Denver Post…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1 2 3 4 5
Denver Post YourHub ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Jeffco Transcript........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood Gazette ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Radio news ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Television news ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
City live/on-demand videostreaming, including City Council meetings ................... 1 2 3 4 5
City’s website: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
City website automatic notifications (e.g., community events, calendar listing) ..... 1 2 3 4 5
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites (Facebook, Twitter) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Speaks ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
What’s Up Wheat Ridge ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook/Instagram page .................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Community-created Facebook groups/pages about Wheat Ridge .......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood websites (e.g., NextDoor, etc.) ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Word of mouth ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 7 of 7
28. In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the following social media sites?
1-3 times Once Multiple times
Never a month a week a week Daily
Facebook ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Twitter .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
YouTube .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
LinkedIn .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
NextDoor ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Instagram ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
TikTok ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Demographics
Our last questions are about you and your household. All of your responses are completely confidential.
D1. About how long have you lived in Wheat Ridge?
Less than 2 years 11-20 years
2-5 years More than 20 years
6-10 years
D2. In what city do you work? (If you work in more than one
city, check the box for the city in which you most often
work.)
Arvada Louisville
Aurora Northglenn
Boulder Thornton
Broomfield Westminster
Denver Wheat Ridge
Englewood Other
Golden Do not work (student,
Lakewood homemaker, retired, etc.)
Littleton
D3. Please check the appropriate box indicating the type of
housing unit in which you live.
Detached single-unit home Duplex
Condominium or townhouse Apartment
D4. Do you live in senior housing such as an assisted-living
or senior living community?
Yes
No
D5. Do you own or rent your residence?
Own
Rent
D6. How many people (including
yourself) live in your household? people
D7. How many of these household
members are 17 or younger? people
D8. Please indicate the number of dogs and cats in your household. (Please write “0” if none.)
A. Number of dogs ______
B. Number of cats ______
D9. How much do you anticipate your household’s total
income before taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)
Less than $15,000 $50,000 to $74,999
$15,000 to $24,999 $75,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $34,999 $100,000 to $124,999
$35,000 to $49,999 $125,000 or more
D10. What is your age?
18-24 55-64
25-34 65-74
35-44 75 +
45-54
D11. What is your race? (Please check all that apply.)
White
Black or African American
Asian or Pacific Islander
American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut
Other
Prefer not to say
D12. Are you Hispanic/Spanish/Latino?
Yes
No
D13. What is your gender?
Female Prefer to self-describe:____________
Male Prefer not to say
D14. Did you vote in the last election?
Yes
No
Thank you very much! Please return the completed
questionnaire, in the postage-paid envelope provided, to:
National Research Center, Inc.
PO Box 549, Belle Mead
NJ 08502
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager Alli Scheck, Deputy City Manager
Marianne Schilling, Assistant City Manager Christopher Murtha, Police Chief Nick Klein, Associate Attorney DATE: June 12, 2023
SUBJECT: Hotel Licensing Ordinance Update
ISSUE: On October 25, 2021, City Council passed ordinance 1723, adding a new article XIV to Chapter 11 and updating use schedules in Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to establish a hotel licensing program.
Sec. 11-569 of the Code requires Council to review the implementation of the ordinance on or before June 30, 2023, and every 18 months thereafter. This report provides an update about the progress and current status of the hotel licensing program and includes recommendations for code amendments based on lessons learned thus far.
PRIOR ACTION: On July 15, 2019, staff presented options to City Council for an extended stay lodging ordinance. Based on input from City Council at the study session, staff sent a framework from the proposed ordinance to several regional hotel operators and received comment back in September 2019
from one operator.
On June 28, 2021, unanimous consensus was received from City Council to direct staff to draft a hotel licensing and extended stay ordinance and to reach out to the Wheat Ridge business community for feedback. A copy of the draft ordinance and a frequently asked question
document was sent to all motel business owners and managers in Wheat Ridge on August 13,
2021. A virtual meeting was held on August 30, 2021, to receive input from the motel industry on the draft ordinance. City Council passed ordinance 1723 on October 25, 2021, with and effective date of November
12, 2021.
Staff Report: Hotel Licensing Update June 12, 2023
Page 2
BACKGROUND: The intent of the hotel licensing ordinance is to address the significant public safety and other related
concerns involving hotels within the City. In particular, at the time Council was considering this
licensing program, the nine hotels in Wheat Ridge represented less than 0.05% of the total number of households and businesses in the City yet accounted for approximately 10% of the total police calls for service.
As a result of ordinance 1723, hotels in Wheat Ridge must have a hotel license, in addition to their
regular business license, to operate. In order to receive a hotel license, hotels must do the following (please see attached ordinance 1723 for exact requirements):
• Have achieved and maintain a call for service (CFS) rate of 1.8 (2022 metric) within 12
months of initially receiving a hotel license. On January 1, 2023, the CFS requirement was reduced to 1.5 and will remain at 1.5 under the current ordinance.
• Participate in the City’s certified crime free hotel/motel program.
• Make necessary corrective actions in response to the annual hotel/motel inspection
coordinated by the Police and Community Development Departments.
• Comply with the City’s landscape inspection program.
• Comply with applicable building codes.
• Have a current and approved Wheat Ridge Police Department (WRPD) security plan on file with the City.
• Not offer guest stays of more than 29 days without obtaining an extended stay addendum to
the hotel license. In order to obtain an extended stay addendum, properties must meet certain
criteria including:
o Units must be at least 300 square feet with a separate living room of at least 120 square feet. o Cooking facilities must be in units including a refrigerator, cooktop, dedicated sink
and cabinets with cooking and dining supplies.
o Maximum occupancy per room is two persons per dedicated bedroom.
o Adequate storage must exist per unit. o Housekeeping must be available. o 24-hour desk staffing.
o WIFI must be available within the room charge.
o In-room or common area laundry facilities.
o Properties must include three of the following common area amenities:
Business center;
Fitness center;
Swimming pool;
Meeting areas or conference rooms; or
On-site restaurant or other food options. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The current hotel license fee is $300 annually. Due to the likely expense of fulfilling the extended
stay requirements through renovations, there is no charge for an extended stay addendum.
Staff Report: Hotel Licensing Update June 12, 2023
Page 3
The City’s lodging tax rate is 10%, in lieu of sales tax. This tax generated $2,094,008 in revenues in 2022 - $1,004,941 to the General Fund; $626,548 to the Crime Prevention Fund; $420,506 to the
Capital Improvement Program Fund; $42,013 to the Housing Fund.
City Council allocated $500,000 of ARPA funds to help long-term residents in the City’s hotels find permanent housing through an innovative partnership with Family Tree. To date, the City has expensed approximately $170,000 of this funding.
The biggest financial investment with regards to this program is staff time. Since the passage of this ordinance, a cross-departmental City staff team meets frequently and works collaboratively to develop the required standard operating procedures, forms and processes to implement this program along with ongoing enforcement efforts. It involves approximately 20 employees and about five
meetings per month. The Licensing Technician and Crime Prevention team spend a significant
portion of their workdays on this program. This time commitment should decrease over time. DISCUSSION: Overall, the hotel licensing program is having the desired effect of reducing crime in Wheat Ridge,
particularly in the area surrounding I-70 and Kipling. The following discussion covers the current
status of hotels in Wheat Ridge, licensing update, public safety update, the status of long-term residents living in hotels and culminates with recommended code amendments based on what the team has learned thus far in the implementation.
Hotels in Wheat Ridge
When the hotel regulations were developed and adopted, Wheat Ridge had nine (9) hotels. Shortly thereafter, the Howard Johnson hotel located at 44th Avenue and Ward Road sold to 2nd Chance Homes, Inc. and was rezoned to Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C) on January 10, 2022. A building permit was issued in October 2022 and remodeling is underway to convert the 108-room hotel and
restaurant into approximately 100 units of workforce housing ranging between $1,100 to $1,500 per
month for rent. In January 2023, Terrapin Hospitality, the owner of the Holiday Inn Express in Wheat Ridge, purchased the American Motel at 10101 W Interstate 70 Frontage Rd. The site was rezoned to MU-
C Interstate on July 11, 2022, in anticipation of a redevelopment of this site. Trinsic Residential
Group is now under contract with Terrapin to purchase the property by January 2024 for a scrape of the current structure and the construction of a 350 multi-unit residential development. Trinsic is currently working through design and architectural plans with an anticipated submittal date of summer 2023. In the meantime, Terrapin is continuing to operate the American Motel.
In May 2023, the Best Interstate Inn at 4735 Kipling Street sold to Ville Property Management, a real estate investment firm out of Salt Lake, Utah. Ville plans to submit a rezoning application for the property to MU-C Interstate in June 2023. Ville intends to renovate the current structures on site to create a deeply affordable multi-unit community complete with case management and onsite
services. Ville is not currently accepting over-night stays and is working with current residents to
assist them in relocating to permanent housing.
Staff Report: Hotel Licensing Update June 12, 2023
Page 4
The remaining six hotels, including Apple Inn and Suites (formerly Affordable Inn), Holiday Inn Express, Super 8, Motel 6, La Quinta, and Comfort Inn, are still in operation and remain compliant
with hotel and business licensure requirements.
Finally, the Hampton Inn at Clear Creek Crossing has an approved Specific Development Plan and is expected to submit a building permit application this month. In addition, the Clear Creek Crossing development could see up to two additional new hotels in the future.
Licensing Update The 6 hotels that have not been purchased recently are all properly licensed. Licensing staff is currently working with the new owners of the American Motel and Best Interstate Inn to support them in obtaining their hotel license until such a time as the property ceases to operate as a hotel.
One hotel, the Apple Inn and Suites, is in the process of making required renovations in order to offer extended stays beyond 29 days. The owner has obtained the required special use permit and has submitted a building permit application for the remodel. Staff is awaiting a second submittal from the applicant.
Two hotels were not eligible to renew their hotel license in January 2023 because they did not meet the CFS threshold of 1.8 in 2022. Therefore, both hotels were granted a six-month extension, until July 31, 2023, of their current license in order to reach the 2023 CFS threshold of 1.5.
In December 2022, staff issued administrative subpoenas requesting the hotel logs of each hotel in
Wheat Ridge. Generally, records were in poor condition as to determine the lengths of stay of guests, leading staff to interpret that many hotels are out of compliance with lengths of stay and that guests are simply using different names, using partner’s names, and switching rooms in order to stay beyond the permitted length of stay.
Public Safety Update The WRPD continues to monitor and focus on criminal activity in and around the hotels, primarily in the I70/Kipling area of Wheat Ridge. Since the Hotel Licensing Ordinance went into effect, staff have monitored the number of CFS at each hotel and a steady decrease in the number of calls
requiring police response has been observed at all eight hotels. Despite the decrease in criminal
activity, two of the hotels were unable to meet the 1.8 CFS rate requirement of the ordinance. Staff believes these two hotels responded slowly to the requirements of the ordinance and were slow to request assistance from the Police Department. Those two hotels were granted a six-month extension to achieve compliance and are currently meeting the standards for CFS rates at the 2023 rate of 1.5
CFS per room/year.
Since the Ordinance was enacted, a 19% reduction in criminal complaints and criminal activity within a geographical area approximately ¼ mile from the I70/Kipling corridor has been recorded. The reduction in crimes in and around the hotels was a major contributor to the 26% overall crime
reduction citywide last year. In addition, the WRPD has had fewer contacts and seen fewer accidents
involving pedestrians in this corridor. Additionally, the hotel CFS rate has reduced the amount of
Staff Report: Hotel Licensing Update June 12, 2023
Page 5
allocated time from 10% to just over 5% of the entire City’s resource distribution for police services. These decreases have allowed the WRPD to focus on other issues in areas outside of the I70/Kipling corridor.
CFS 2022 (Full year) 2023 (Extrapolated-based on YTD
numbers)
American Motel 2.99 0.17
Apple Inn (Affordable Inn) 0.133 0.09
Best Interstate Inn 2.49 0.11
Comfort Inn 1.09 0.89
Holiday Inn 1.11 0.75
La Quinta 0.55 0.39
Motel 6 3.68 0.56
Super 8 2.24 1.34
The sale of the American Motel and the Best Interstate Inn demonstrates the inability of the former
property owners to meet the standards of the Wheat Ridge community. The resource commitment to the hotels and areas surrounding the hotels remains high relative to all other businesses in Wheat Ridge but hope to see continued improvements in the safety and perception surrounding the hotel district. WRPD continues to focus time and attention at I-70 and Kipling and the current concern is
the ability of current owners and future owners to sustain the partnership that has proven to be effective in creating a safer environment for those who stay or visit the area. Long Term Hotel Residents At the time the regulations were developed, staff were aware that numerous individuals were using
the hotels for long-term lodging. Some individuals had been residents of hotels in the Kipling and I-70 corridor for many years. Ultimately, hotels are expensive means of lodging and do not provide a safe and stable environment for long term use. City Council allocated $500,000 of ARPA funds to a contract with Family Tree to help long term residents of hotels find permanent housing. The funding pays for staffing, deposits, rent, move-in assistance and case management. A total of 53 households
have enrolled in the Family Tree program. As of April 30, 2023, Family Tree has helped place 21 households in housing, which is a total of 43 individuals. Specific examples include: o November 2022: Family Tree supported an 88-year-old woman who had been living in a motel. They assisted in getting her into senior housing by paying deposit and helping
with a moving company. The rent is income-based, and she will be able to afford her own rent moving forward. She continues to receive case management support as she transitions into her new residence. o February 2023: An individual in an enrolled household suffered a stroke and was unable to continue working in his field. Since then, he had been living in the motels. With the
support of Family Tree, he was placed into stable housing. He stated that he is so thankful to the staff and everyone who has helped with this process because it was overwhelming, and to have help, such as move-in cost support, was a great relief.
Staff Report: Hotel Licensing Update June 12, 2023
Page 6
o April 2023: A client was able to get housing in April, and subsequently they were able to get shared custody of their children. They were thankful for Family Tree, their case manager, and staff because they also received household items to get a fresh start at
housing.
It is now becoming more challenging to place remaining households in housing because in general, they have the greatest number of barriers and are having the most amount of difficulty making progress. The primary barriers include a criminal record and the inability to meet required income
levels required by property management companies, regardless of housing voucher status.
Recommended Code Amendments Based on experience with administering the hotel licensing program over the past 18 months, staff has identified a number of areas that warrant review and possible amendment or clarification.
Extended Stay Addendum Violations Currently, to permit stays longer than twenty-nine (29) consecutive days in length, a hotel licensee is required to obtain an extended stay license addendum pursuant to the standards provided by Code Sec. 11-568. The existing Code language provides no penalty for permitting extended stays
without the required extended stay license addendum. This means that were staff to discover that
a licensee is permitting extended stays without the required license addendum, the City would not be able to bring an enforcement action against the hotel license. Rather, the only available license enforcement action would be against the hotel’s general business license. While that is a meaningful enforcement avenue, it is less direct and a less logical enforcement avenue than an
action against the hotel license directly. For this reason, staff recommends a Code amendment
which makes extended stays without an approved extended stay addendum a hotel licensing violation. Clarification of How to Calculate Length of Stay
The ordinance does not adequately define how the 29-day maximum length of stay is calculated,
leading to interpretation by hotel management. Staff suggests including a stronger definition of the 29-day length of stay in the Code which clearly states that a guest may not stay anywhere on the property for longer than 29-days at one time or check back into the same property until the passage of a specific length of time (one month, three months, six months, etc.). If Council is
amenable to this amendment, staff will return with a recommendation and specific code language
for consideration. Further Defining the CFS calculation Staff recommends adding some detail to how CFS is calculated for purposes of maintaining a
license. In particular:
• Providing in clearer detail the events which factor into the CFS calculation provided by Code Sec. 11-561;
• Codify that severe weather days, as declared by the Severe Weather Shelter Network, are not considered for CFS purposes; and
Staff Report: Hotel Licensing Update June 12, 2023
Page 7
• Define the types of calls the WRPD will and will not use in calculating a hotel’s CFS rate.
Expiration Dates for Pending Incomplete Extended Stay Addendums It is the current practice to offer extended stay addendum applicants a grace period in which to receive their extended stay addendum so as not to displace the residents of properties planning to renovate to allow extended stays. So long as a licensee has a valid Special Use Permit (SUP) and is making progress toward the building permit, staff does not inspect the licensee’s premises for
possible extended stay violations. Currently, extended stay lodging requires a special use permit and then a building permit. Per Sec. 26-114 (G), the term of an SUP is valid for 12 months meaning the special use must become operational within 12 months of approval. A building permit application is valid for 6 months, and an issued building permit is valid for 12 months. These overlapping terms essentially gives a hotel offering extended stays the potential of a 24-month
grace period to renovate. In order to ensure hotels offering extended stays during the permitting and renovation process are accountable for progress, staff recommends aligning the SUP for an extended stay with marijuana businesses and reducing the term of a valid SUP from 12 months to 6 months so the SUP can
expire more quickly. This ensures the hotel moves more swiftly towards building permit submittal, and it reduces the overall potential time for a hotel to operate out of compliance to 12-18 months. NEXT STEPS:
Staff is requesting direction on the above issues and consensus for staff to draft an ordinance
amending the code for Council’s consideration. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Ordinance 1723
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DOZEMAN
COUNCIL BILL NO. 18
ORDINANCE NO. 1723
Series 2021
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11 OF THE WHEAT
RIDGE CODE OF LAWS BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW
ARTICLE XIV ENTITLED HOTEL LICENSES AND IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH, ADDING REFERENCE TO
EXTENDED STAY LODGING IN CHAPTER 26 USE SCHEDULES
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge is a home rule municipality having all
powers conferred by Article XX of the Colorado Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority and C.R.S. § 31-15-101, the City,
acting through its City Council (the "Council"), is authorized to adopt ordinances for the
protection of the public health, safety or welfare; and
WHEREAS, within the City there are presently nine hotels with a total of
approximately 972 rooms; and
WHEREAS, while these nine hotels represent less than .05% of the total number
of households and businesses in the City, the calls for service from the City's Police
Department to these establishments constitute approximately 10% of the total police
calls; and
WHEREAS, in order to address the significant public safety and related concerns
involving hotels and motels within the City, City Council has determined that it is
necessary to adopt the licensing program for hotels as contained herein; and
WHEREAS, the Council further finds that hotels used for long-term housing
should include minimal amenities sufficient to provide a safe and healthful environment
for persons relying upon such housing.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Hotel licensing program established. Chapter 11 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws concerning licenses, permits, and miscellaneous business
Regulations, is hereby amended by the addition of a new Article XIV, entitled Hotel
Licenses, to read as follows:
ARTICLE XIV HOTEL LICENSES
Sec. 11-560 Findings.
ATTACHMENT 1
The City Council finds this article is needed for the protection of the health and
safety of the public, and further to that end, finds as follows:
(a)Calls for service at hotels within the City are disproportionately higher than
other businesses and residences. The use of police department
resources in responding to these calls for service is excessive.
(b)The nature of calls for service at hotels include unwanted parties,
disturbances, welfare checks, theft, suspicious persons and vehicles,
drug calls, domestic violence, assaults, motor vehicle thefts and motor
vehicle recoveries.
(c)Hotels with high calls for service evolve into nodes of illegal activity,
including drug dealing, prostitution and other illicit behaviors.
(d)Adopting stronger local requirements to limit illegal activities in hotels and
motels is an essential tool to further combat economic blight in the City.
(e)It is necessary to establish and enforce standards for hotels by providing
for a separate licensing system, including inspection and revocation or
suspension of licenses if determined that the hotel is not operated
consistent with established standards and/or contributes
disproportionately to calls for services or documented rates of illegal
activity.
Sec. 11-561 Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in
this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the
context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Calls for service are public initiated dispatched calls for police assistance that are
generated by the community, through a call or text to 911 or the non-emergency line.
Calls for service rate is equal to the total calls for service at the licensed
premises divided by the total number of hotel rooms in the applicable period.
Extended stay lodging is the renting of a hotel room for a duration of stay greater
than 29 consecutive days. Extended stay lodging includes transient lodging
establishments constructed and operated to provide accommodations for longer term
stays by including additional common area amenities and in-room cooking facilities
beyond what might be provided in the standard hotel establishment.
Hotel is a transient lodging establishment renting individual rooms for temporary
occupancy and typically not including facilities for cooking. The term "hotel" includes
establishments also known as "motels."
Licensed premises include a hotel and its buildings, land, parking areas and
accessory structures.
Sec. 11–562. License required; licensee fee; license renewals.
(a)Issuance: No person shall conduct or operate a hotel without first having
obtained a hotel license issued by the City as required by this article. This
requirement to obtain a hotel license is in addition to the requirement to obtain a
business license pursuant to article II of this chapter. Applicants for a hotel
license shall pay the applicable fee.
(b)Renewal: The renewal of an existing hotel license issued pursuant to this article
shall be granted upon the payment of the annual license fee and the filing of a
completed renewal application in the form set forth in section 11-563 with the
treasurer at the same time as the renewal application for the business license for
the hotel. The treasurer may waive the timely filing requirement if the licensee
demonstrates in writing that the failure to complete timely filing is not solely the
result of neglect.
(c)The failure to approve or renew or the denial or revocation of either the hotel
license or the business license for that operation shall automatically revoke the
corresponding business or hotel license, as applicable.
(d)Term: The term of a hotel license shall be one year and shall run concurrently
with the associated business license under Article II of this chapter.
Sec. 11-563. Application form; processing.
(a)All applicants for a hotel license shall file a completed application with the
treasurer on forms provided by the treasurer.
(b)The completed application shall contain the following information and shall be
accompanied by the following documents:
(1)The business name and address of the applicant. If the applicant intends
to operate the hotel under a name other than that of the applicant, the
applicant shall state the business name to be used and submit copies of
documentation evidencing the registration of the business name under
applicable laws.
(2)Each individual applicant, partner of a partnership, managing officer or
managing director of a corporation, the manager of a limited liability
company and all business managers shall be named in each application
form.
(3)If the applicant is:
a.An individual, the individual shall state such person's legal name
and any aliases and submit satisfactory proof that the individual
is eighteen (18) years of age or older;
b.A partnership, the partnership shall state its complete name and
the names of all partners, whether the partnership is general or
limited, and provide a copy of the partnership agreement, if any;
c.A corporation, the corporation shall state its complete name, the
date of its incorporation, evidence that the corporation is in good
standing under the statutes of the State of Colorado, or in the
case of a foreign corporation, evidence that it is currently
authorized to do business in the State of Colorado, the names
and capacity of all officers, directors, and the name of the
registered corporate agent and the address of the registered
office for service of process;
d.A limited liability company, the company shall state its complete
name, the date of its formation, evidence that the company is in
good standing under the statutes of the State of Colorado, or in
the case of a foreign company, evidence that it is currently
authorized to do business in the State of Colorado and the name
of its members, the manager, and registered agent and the
address of the registered office for service of process.
(4)The location of the hotel, including a legal description of the property,
street address, and telephone number(s).
(5)For renewal applications, proof of compliance with requirements outlined
in Section 11-564.
Sec. 11-564. Eligibility requirements for hotel license. No hotel license shall
be issued or maintained under this article unless and until the applicant provides
sufficient information to establish, and the treasurer reviews and determines the
sufficiency of the same, of the following requirements:
(a)The applicant shall have achieved and maintained a call for service (CFS) rate of
1.8 within twelve (12) months of obtaining a hotel license. The required CFS rate
shall be decreased to 1.5 on January 1, 2023. The City may in its sole discretion
permit extensions of the twelve (12) month period, not to exceed a total of an
additional six (6) months during which time the hotel license shall be deemed
extended.
(b)The applicant shall demonstrate participation in the City's certified crime free
hotel/motel program, as evidenced by the approval of the Wheat Ridge Police
Department.
(c)The applicant shall have made all necessary corrective actions in response to
matters identified through the City's most recent annual hotel/motel inspection
program report for the subject location, which program is enforced through the
City's police and community development departments, in cooperation with
applicable fire protection districts.
(d)The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the City's landscape inspection
program, as applicable and as certified by the Community Development
Department.
(e)The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the applicable series of adopted
international building and property codes applicable to the subject property,
including the International Property Maintenance Code, as demonstrated by
certification from the City's chief building official.
(f)The applicant shall establish and maintain an approved security plan, including
crime prevention through environmental design, video surveillance, security
guards, fencing, and lighting, as approved by the City's police department.
Sec. 11-565. Approval or denial of application
(a)A completed license application shall be reviewed by the Police Department prior
to action by the treasurer. The application shall be approved or denied by the
treasurer within thirty (30) days of the date of filing. The application shall be
denied if:
(1)the applicant fails to satisfy the eligibility requirements of section 11–564;
(2)the application or any investigation performed or ordered by the city
establishes that the proposed licensee fails to conform to any requirement
of this article, the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws or other applicable law; and
(3)the applicant knowingly made a false statement or knowingly gave false
information in connection with the application; or
(4)the applicant is overdue in payment to the city of taxes, fees, fines or
penalties assessed against the applicant or imposed against the applicant.
(b)Nothing in this article shall prevent the treasurer from revoking approval if it is
discovered that the application contained or included false or incorrect
statements, or information which would otherwise constitute sufficient grounds for
the denial of the application. The decision of the treasurer to approve or deny a
license application shall not be construed as a quasi-judicial act but shall be a
final administrative decision of the City.
(c)In the event the treasurer denies the license application the treasurer shall
prepare a decision stating the reasons or basis for the denial. A copy of the
findings and decision shall be sent to the address of the applicant as shown on
the application within 10 days after the date of denial. The denial shall become a
final administrative decision of the City on the 14th day following the date of the
decision unless the applicant files a timely appeal, as provided by section11-567.
Sec. 11–566. Suspension or revocation of license: grounds
(a)The treasurer may suspend or revoke a hotel license upon the treasurer's finding
of any of the following facts in the treasurer's reasonable discretion, based upon
available information. It is not required that any criminal conviction be obtained to
support the treasurer's administrative action.
(1)Failure of the licensee to achieve and maintain the eligibility requirements
described in section 11-564; provided, however, the treasurer shall offer
the licensee notice and opportunity to cure the identified violations at least
30 days prior to taking further adverse action.
(2)Incidents of disorderly conduct in violation of Chapter 16 of this Code have
occurred upon the licensed premises or upon any parking areas,
sidewalks, access ways or grounds within the immediate neighborhood of
the licensed premises involving a customer, manager and/or employee of
the licensee;
(3)The licensee, manager, or any employee thereof illegally offered for sale
or illegally allowed to be consumed or possessed upon the licensed
premises or upon any parking areas, sidewalks, walkways, access ways
or grounds immediately adjacent to the licensed premises, narcotics or
dangerous drugs;
(4)The licensee or manager is not upon the licensed premises at all times if
the premises is open for business;
(5)The licensee, manager or employee has allowed or permitted patrons and
employees to engage in acts of prostitution, negotiations for acts of
prostitution within the licensed premises or upon any parking areas,
sidewalks, access ways or grounds immediately adjacent thereto;
(6)The licensee, manager or employee has allowed or permitted customers
to engage in public displays of indecency, or has allowed or permitted
customers to engage in acts of public urination or defecation within the
licensed establishment upon any parking areas, sidewalks, access ways
or grounds immediately adjacent thereto;
(7)The licensee or manager knowingly made a false statement or knowingly
gave false information in connection with an application for license or for a
renewal of a license;
(8)The licensee has failed to maintain books or records sufficient to properly
document the permitted length of stay of individual customers;
(9)The licensee is delinquent in payment to the city for taxes or fees.
(b)Summary suspension: the treasurer shall have the discretion to summarily
suspend a hotel license in the event the treasurer determines that an immediate
threat to public health, safety or welfare is posed by the licensee's failure to
comply with the requirements of this Article or any conditions of its existing
license. In the case of a summary suspension, the licensee shall be afforded a
right of appeal substantially in the manner provided at Section 11-567(b) and (c).
(c)Suspensions of a hotel license may be for any term up to a maximum of the
amount of time remaining in the one-year term of the license as issued.
Sec. 11-567. Suspension, revocation and appeal procedures
(a)The city treasurer shall have the authority to suspend or revoke hotel licenses. In
so acting, the treasurer shall apply the relevant eligibility requirements and
standards contained in this article.
(b)Appeals. In the event the treasurer denies, does not renew, suspends or revokes
a license, the applicant shall have the right to a quasi-judicial hearing before an
administrative hearing officer appointed by the city. A written request for hearing
shall be made to the treasurer within ten (10) days of the date of mailing of the
treasurer's written decision. The hearing shall be conducted within thirty (30)
days of the date of the treasurer's receipt of written request for hearing unless a
later date is requested by the applicant.
(c)The procedure for the appeal to and in consideration by the administrative
hearing officer shall be conducted substantially in the manner described at and
sections 11–31 and 11-32 of this Code, provided, however, that the hearing shall
be conducted by an administrative hearing officer appointed by the city in
compliance with section 2-87.
(d)Except in the case of a summary suspension, the hotel may continue to operate
during the appeal process and until the final decision of the hearing officer is
rendered.
Sec. 11-568. License addendum for extended stay operations.
(a)Application. As a part of or separately from an application for a hotel license
under this article, the applicant may also apply for the right to offer extended stay
lodging as defined in section 11-561 in all or portions of the licensed hotel
property. Applications for an extended stay addendum to a hotel license shall be
filed on forms provided by the treasurer and shall include the following
information:
(1)Number of rooms and a percentage of square footage in the hotel to be
devoted to extended-stay operations.
(2)Certification of compliance with requirements of subsections (b), (c) and
(d)below have been met with respect to the proposed extended-stay
component of the hotel operation.
(3)Evidence of all required zoning and development approvals under Chapter
26 of the Code of Laws and demonstrated compliance with any conditions
of approval.
(4)Evidence of a valid business license.
(b)Zone district compliance: extended-stay facilities are allowed only in the following
zone districts:
(1)commercial-one (C1) as a special use permit process
(2)commercial-two (C2) as a special use permit process
(3)mixed-use commercial (MU–C), and all MUC subdistricts as a conditional
use permit process; and
(4)mixed-use-neighborhood (MU-N) as a conditional use permit
The applicant, in addition to a precondition of the issuance of an extended-stay
hotel license addendum, must apply for and obtain approval of the relevant
special use under the procedures set forth in section 26-114 of this Code.
(c)In-room characteristics. The following in-room characteristics are required for all
lodging units permitted as extended-stay lodging:
(1)Minimum size for entire unit: 300 square feet
(2)Minimum size for living room: 120 square feet
(3)A defined bedroom must be provided separate and apart from other
portions of the unit
(4)The following minimum kitchen/cooking facilities are required (but may not
be located in the defined bedroom or bathroom): refrigerator, cooktop,
dedicated sink, cabinets with cooking/dining supplies
(5)The maximum sleeping occupancy per room or unit shall be 2 persons per
dedicated bedroom
(6)Personal possessions may not be stored on exterior balconies, interior
corridors or in a manner that prohibits adequate movement and
ingress/egress within the unit, with the exception on balconies for items
such as bikes, strollers, and coolers
(7)Housekeeping must be available, although an additional charge may be
made for the same
(d)Common area characteristics:
(1)The following common area amenities must be available to the residents
of all extended stay lodging facilities:
a)24-hour desk staffing;
b)prohibition of storage of any personal possessions within shared
common areas of the building and/or site;
c)universal wireless internet available included within room charge;
d)In-room or common area laundry facilities adequate for number of
guests;
(2)A minimum of 3 of the following common area amenities shall be provided
at the choosing of the extended stay lodging licensee, subject to the City's
review and approval:
a)business center of a size at least 120 square feet
b)a fitness center of at least 350 square feet for every 200 rooms
c)a swimming pool at least 15 x 25 x 4 feet
d)meeting areas or conference rooms
e)on-site restaurant or other available food options provided adequate for
number of guests
As part of the review process for the extended-stay lodging license addendum,
the treasurer may determine that one or more of the foregoing amenities in this
subsection (2) is not required, taking into consideration the age, location and size
of the hotel property itself, as well as the portion thereof proposed to be devoted
to extended stay lodging.
(e)Duration of stay: Duration of occupancy in any extended stay lodging unit may be
for a period of 30 consecutive days or more.
(f)Guest behavior: Persons renting an extended stay unit in a hotel with a valid
extended-stay hotel license addendum under this article must be present in the
unit at all times during which other persons are also present. In addition, persons
renting the unit may not:
(1)sublet the unit to any other person; or
(1)permit occupancy of the unit by any person other than the registered guest
or guests.
Sec. 11–569. Implementation schedule.
It is the intention of the City that existing hotels within the City be given the sufficient
time to make the operational and physical modifications and improvements necessary
to satisfy the eligibility requirements in section 11-564. Accordingly, the
following implementation schedule for this article is adopted:
(1)existing hotels shall have until January 1, 2022 within which to submit an
application and application fee for a hotel license
(2)the city treasurer shall have 30 days within which to review applications for
existing hotels
(3)a hotel, once licensed, shall comply with the schedule to achieve the
required CFS metric in Section 11-564(a)
(4)existing hotels shall have until September 30, 2022 to limit the duration of
guest stays to less than thirty (30) days, unless the hotel has applied
for and received an extended stay addendum under Section 11-568
(5)On or before June 30, 2023, and every 18 months thereafter, the Council
shall conduct a review of the implementation of this Article and shall
consider any amendments deemed appropriate in response to that review.
Section 2. Section 26-204 is amended by the addition of the following line entry at
the appropriate alphabetical location in the Table of Uses – Commercial and Industrial
Districts:
Uses Notes NC RC C-1 C-2 C-3
Extended stay lodging See Ch.11 Art XIV S S
Section 3. Section 26-316.B is amended to read:
(B)Permitted. Uses. Permitted uses shall be a mixture of residential and commercial
uses governed by approval of the outline development plan. EXTENDED STAY
LODGING SHALL BE PERMITTED ONLY IN PLANNED MIXED USE
DISTRICTS AND PLANNED COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, AND ONLY AS A
SPECIAL USE SUBJECT TO THE STANDARDS IN CHAPTER 11, ARTICLE
XIV.
Section 4. Section 26-1111.B is amended by the addition of a note in the line entry
under Hospitality and Entertainment- Hotels, motels and extended stay lodging, to read:
Use Group MU-C MU-C
Interstate
MU-C
TOD
MU-N
Hotels, motels and extended stay
lodging:
See Ch 11, Art. XIV
P P P P
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter, provided, however, that
implementation of requirements of this ordinance shall be as set forth in code section
11-569, adopted hereby.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of 8 to 0 on
this 11th day of October 2021, ordered published in full in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of Wheat Ridge, and Public Hearing and consideration on final
passage set for October 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., as a virtual meeting and in the Council
Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, if allowed to meet in
person on that date per COVID-19 restrictions.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by
a vote of 8 to 0 on this 25th day of October 2021.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this 27th day of October, 2021.
Bud Starker, Mayor
ATTEST:
Stephen Kirkpatrick, City Clerk
Approved as to Form:
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication: October 14, 2021
Second Publication: October 28, 2021
Effective Date: November 12, 2021
Published:
Jeffco Transcript and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us