HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 Council Retreat Agenda
Wheat Ridge Mayor and City Council Retreat January 31 – February 1, 2025
Friday, January 31st
Colorado Plus, 2nd Floor
6995 W. 38th Avenue
AGENDA 5:00 pm Arrive to meeting location and get settled.
5:15 pm Icebreaker – Heather Bergman - Wheat Ridge has a rich history and a strong community. Today, let’s imagine what the next chapter looks like. If you could write a story about what Wheat Ridge feels/looks like in the next 10-15 years, what would be your top three themes?
6:00 pm Dinner - Dinner will be ready at approximately 6:00 p.m. and meeting will continue while everyone continues to eat. 6:15 pm Update on current planning efforts and summary of community priorities and values – Management Team - Staff will provide a brief update on 2024 planning and engagement efforts and summarize those community priorities and values that emerged during these planning and engagement efforts.
7:15 pm How is the City currently addressing these community priorities and values –
Management Team - Staff will review with City Council the current workplans for each department and how those workplans may be addressing community priorities and values. 8:30 pm Adjourn
Wheat Ridge Mayor and City Council Retreat
January 31 - February 1, 2025
Saturday, February 1st Lutheran Hospital, 12911 W. 40th Avenue Dr. Vernon D. Ritzman Family Learning Center
AGENDA
8:30 am Continental Breakfast Available in the Meeting Room - Elected officials and staff arrive before 9:00 a.m. and enjoy continental breakfast.
9:00 am Icebreaker – Heather Bergman - Reflecting on what you learned Friday night, what are you most excited about for the future of Wheat Ridge? 9:30 am Review of Community Priorities and Values Survey Results – Marianne Schilling - Staff will review with Council the results of the survey completed by members of the City’s public bodies.
9:45 am What are Vision and Mission Statements? – Heather Bergman - Review of the City’s current vision statement and sample vision and mission statements from other communities.
10:00 am Development of Vision and Mission Statements – Heather Bergman - Facilitated exercise to review elected official’s draft vision and mission statements and develop new vision and mission statements for the City.
10:30 am Break 10:45 am Continued - Development of Vision and Mission Statements – Heather Bergman 12:00 pm Lunch 12:30 pm Development of high-level goals based on community priorities and values – Patrick Goff and Heather Bergman - Facilitated exercise to discuss Council’s broad ambitions for the City for the next 10 to 15 years.
2:30 pm Open discussion - Time for the Mayor and Councilmembers to address any other items not on the agenda.
3:30 pm Adjourn
1
THEMES WHICH EMERGED FROM 2024/2025 PLANNING EFFORTS
1.COMMUNITY PRIORITIES: TANGIBLE
Theme Sustainability
Action Plan
Wheat
Ridge
Prosperity
Plan
Storm-
water
Master
Plan
Parks &
Recreation
Pathway
City Plan
Network of Bike and Ped
Facilities
Corridors
Stormwater Management
Infrastructure Management
Density in appropriate
places
Infill
Coordination (agencies,
entities, etc.)
Business Support
Public Art
Network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the city: Working towards having a street network
that includes safe, comfortable, and connected networks of bicycle and pedestrian facilities that allows
people of all ages and abilities to travel around Wheat Ridge with or without a car. These completed
networks are particularly critical to connect neighborhoods to key assets and destinations such as our
parks and the greenbelt, schools, transit stops, and commercial areas.
Corridors: A holistic approach to the neighborhood-serving corridors in Wheat Ridge that synthesizes
mobility, commercial activity, and the potential to become community spaces. These corridors include
38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, 29th Avenue and 26th Avenue at Kipling. These locations have a higher
proportion of local businesses and neighborhood-serving amenities. They also have a higher
concentration of focal points and intersections for renewed energy and investment as identified in the
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan, and portions of three of them are included in City Plan focus areas.
Stormwater Management: Implementing strategies to manage the runoff of rainwater or melted snow.
This includes identifying and addressing existing and future flood and drainage issues as well as
prioritizing and recommending future projects and programs to mitigate these issues.
2
Infrastructure management: Proactive management of the city’s infrastructure, which includes streets
and sidewalks, parks and open space amenities, and city buildings and facilities. Proactive management
includes preemptive investment as well as ongoing maintenance.
Density in appropriate places: Defining where additional density is appropriate as well as what that
density looks like—How much of an increase is appropriate? What do the buildings look like? What
limits on the uses and operations are appropriate?
Infill: Development, redevelopment, or reuse on vacant or underutilized properties within established
urban areas.
Coordination with other entities: Determining ideal outcomes and what role is appropriate for Wheat
Ridge to take in coordination with external entities. Entities to consider include water districts, fire
districts, RTD, utilities, Jefferson County, the school district, and State agencies. Within economic
development, partner organizations include the Chamber, the Business Association, the Wheat Ridge
Business District, and Localworks.
Business Support: A suite of strategies aimed at making it easier to open, maintain, or expand a
business in Wheat Ridge. These strategies include the city’s Economic Development division acting as a
business facilitator to connect existing and prospective businesses to resources, city staff continuing to
implement efficiencies with permitting processes, coordination and streamlining the various
organizations in the business support ecosystem, and reevaluating and retooling some of the existing
incentive programs.
Public Art: Art that is displayed in public spaces. The Sustainability Action Plan notes that public art is an
opportunity to communicate environmental sustainability values, promote community vibrancy, and
integrate placemaking by bringing the community together to actively participate in and adapt to a
changing climate. The Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan values public art for its ability to make Wheat Ridge
distinctive, particularly through helping define business districts.
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2.FEELINGS, VALUES, AND DESIRES: INTANGIBLE
Feeling, Value, or Desire Sustainability
Action Plan
Wheat
Ridge
Prosperity
Plan
Storm-
water
Master
Plan
Parks &
Recreation
Pathway
City Plan
Independent-
Minded/Unique
Inclusive
Forward-looking
Safe
Community Pride
Complete Community
Healthy Living
Comfortable
Customer-focused
Independent-Minded/Unique: We do what’s right for Wheat Ridge, regardless of what other
communities are doing. We want our community to feel like a unique place, and we want individual
neighborhoods to retain their own specific character and feel.
Inclusive: We want to be a place where all types of people feel welcome. We want to be sure to serve a
mix of incomes and have diversity in our people, our businesses, and our activities.
Forward-looking: We are responsible for our future, which means that we protect our environment, we
are fiscally responsible and invest in our future, and we take care of what we have, including keeping
our assets clean and well-maintained.
Safe: We want to feel safe, both in terms of crime and being able to walk, bike, or travel in other ways
without a car without feeling in danger.
Community Pride: We are proud of our city, and we think it’s already pretty close to the place that we
want it to become.
Complete Community: We want Wheat Ridge to have everything that the community needs within the
city, including a range of parks and recreation amenities, the different businesses that we need and
want to support, and a choice in how we get around.
4
Healthy Living: We want a city that supports our physical and ou mental health, including the ability to
access parks and recreation amenities, public spaces that allow us to be physically active, and access to
services that support mental health.
Comfortable: We want a city that allows individuals to be comfortable, whether that is shade trees in
parks and on streets, bicycle and pedestrian facilities that let us get around comfortably without a car,
or investments around our businesses that make visiting them feel easy.
Customer-focused: We want a city government that is easy to engage with, including streamlined
processes that are easy to understand and friendly and welcoming staff.
Sustainability Action Plan
TIMEFRAME
• Kicked off in January 2024
• Adopted by City Council on October 14, 2024
• Time horizon of Plan: Five years
PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION
• During Phase 2: Plan Engagement, informational interviews were held with members of
City Council, Sustainable Wheat Ridge, members of City staff, local businesses, and a
few of the City’s water districts.
• City Council reviewed and provided feedback to the draft 2024 Sustainability Action Plan
Update: A Five-Year Roadmap at the August 19, 2024 Study Session
• The Action Plan was adopted by City Council on October 14, 2024
PURPOSE
• The purpose of this project has been to update the initial 2018 Sustainability Action Plan and to gain additional staff leadership and buy-in of the proposed goals and implementation strategies to create an actionable and feasible plan that City Council will
adopt.
• The updated Action Plan will provide a five-year roadmap guiding sustainability efforts
within Wheat Ridge.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, THEMES, AND PRIORITIES
Engagement
• Informational interviews were held with members of City Council, Sustainable Wheat
Ridge, City staff, local businesses, and a few of the City’s water districts.
• Online public survey took place to understand sustainability priorities as they related to
the Action Plan’s proposed eight focus areas; this survey received 154 responses.
• After plan development, four facilitated staff meetings with members of the Executive
Management Team and other staff from departments across the City to gain broad
approval and buy-in of the proposed goals and strategies. A similar review was
conducted with Sustainable Wheat Ridge.
Focus Areas and Goals
Water
• Improve stormwater management systems.
• Increase water quality in all major waterways and water bodies in Wheat Ridge.
• Incorporate water efficiency and conservation measures to reduce municipal water
usage.
• Increase the adoption of water efficiency and conservation measures to reduce community water usage.
Transportation
• Increase traveler safety and environmental quality.
• Maximize development that substantially incorporates mixed use considerations and efficient transportation.
• Increase access to multimodal transportation options. Solid Waste and Recycling
• Reduce negative impacts of waste management on City infrastructure and local environment.
• Improve waste management behavior by residents, businesses, and institutions.
Renewable Energy
• Promote renewable energy projects and policy within the city and regionally.
• Implement renewable energy projects.
Energy Efficiency and Green Building
• Reduce municipal energy use.
• Understand and track commercial and industrial energy use.
• Encourage sustainable design infrastructure elements to support construction and renovation of buildings to promote green building practices and create livable
communities.
• Promote energy-efficiency programs for residents, including those in multi-unit, rental,
and naturally occurring affordable housing.
Businesses and Jobs
• Support sustainability workforce development.
• Expand participation in the Colorado Green Business Network.
• Engage businesses and organizations to encourage sustainable practices.
• Encourage Wheat Ridge residents and businesses to buy local.
Communications and Engagement
• Inform and celebrate the successes of the Sustainability Action Plan.
• Engage the community through behavior change campaigns to encourage and grow
participation in sustainability activities, approaches, and programs.
• Engage City staff and partners to promote awareness of and support for the Wheat
Ridge Sustainability Action Plan.
• Create opportunities for feedback and input from the community and City staff for
ongoing sustainability initiatives.
Arts and Culture
• Collaborate with arts and cultural institutions to advance sustainability.
Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan
TIMEFRAME
• Kicked off in April 2024
• Four phases of process and public engagement concluded in September 2024
• Open houses in conjunction with the City Plan on April 16, June 6, and September 17
PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION
• Study session on August 5, 2024
• Study session on December 16, 2024
• Approved on January 13, 2025
PURPOSE
The Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan is a market-based,
community informed economic development strategy
created to guide decision-making over the next 5 to 10
years. The Plan builds upon exiting assets and
investments, recent growth, and future development
areas to chart a path toward a resilient and
economically vibrant future.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, THEMES, AND PRIORITIES
Community input was critical in the development of the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan. A Steering
Committee was formed and the consultant team met with key stakeholders, focus groups, City
staff and City leaders to collect feedback about the community’s aspirations, with a total of
more than 300 people engaged in the planning process. Engagement activities included:
• Roundtables with residents, businesses, and commercial real estate brokers/developers
• Interviews with Mayor, City Manager, departments, divisions and all members of the City
Council
• Interviews with key stakeholders including business organizations, employers, and
nonprofits
• Online and in-person surveys and voting exercises
• City Plan open houses
Key Themes: Through this process the following key themes emerged:
• Community stakeholders have a strong desire for additional local retail opportunities
with more walkable, vibrant corridors.
• Desired quality-of-life improvements include safer and more attractive bike and
pedestrian routes to connect business districts, and investments in public art and
wayfinding.
• There is a growing sense that there is a new energy and enthusiasm, creativity, and
younger demographics and households coming to Wheat Ridge.
• Concerns about housing attainability and cost of living, particularly how it relates to challenges with employee retention.
• Divide among residents/stakeholders who desire more density and more housing, and those who would prefer Wheat Ridge to remain unchanged.
• Businesses are generally optimistic about the economic climate and support, but some desire for improvements in city processes and the availability of marketing of resources. Key Takeaways: The following broad conclusions are based upon the community engagement
themes, market assessment, past plan review, and internal conditions analysis. These
takeaways help inform the goals framework for this Plan: 1. What Ridge’s distinct competitive advantages such as location, quality of life, amenities,
and historic character underpin a strong market outlook and opportunities looking
ahead.
2. Wheat Ridge is a city of corridors. 3. The city is largely landlocked and built-out. 4. The City’s demographics are slowly shifting, bringing new opportunities to spur business
growth entrepreneurial activity and investments in amenities.
5. Many organizations currently provide economic development and business support in
Wheat Ridge – both a strength and challenge. Goals: The Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan is organized by four key goal areas:
1. Corridors, Nodes and Redevelopment Opportunities
a. Continue creating walkable, dynamic destinations to support retailers within neighborhood-serving corridors, and an appropriate mix for regional-serving corridors.
b. Coordinate strategic investment around key development sites and opportunity
corridors. 2. Jobs, Innovation and Light Manufacturing
a. Preserve and enhance existing industrial areas and expand, when possible, the
inventory of industrial and “flex” real estate.
b. Expand employment and workforce development opportunities in key industries, including creative manufacturing, high tech, research, and professional services.
3. Attainability and Quality of Life
a. Enhance multi-modal access to Wheat Ridge’s business districts and between
neighborhoods. b. Invest in public art and gateway improvements to make Wheat Ridge distinctive. c. Elevate housing attainability and sustainability as core values tied to economic
prosperity.
4. Business Support Ecosystem a. Ensure that opening, maintaining, or expanding a business in Wheat Ridge is effective, efficient, fair, and transparent.
b. Enhance the City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development & Urban Renewal
functions.
c. Strengthen business development partnerships.
Stormwater Master Plan
TIMEFRAME
• Project began in April 2024
• Public Engagement: o WUWR on-line survey: June – Sept. 2024
o Open House: September 17, 2024
• Adoption expected in spring 2025
• Utility Rate Study to be completed by mid-year 2025 PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION
• 10/16/23: Utilities Overview Study Session
• 11/18/24: Review of Draft Plan Recommendations Study Session PURPOSE
The city experienced a series of storm sewer failures in 2023. It was determined that an increased
level of investment in maintenance, repairs and upgrades to the system is necessary to provide adequate protection to life, safety, and property.
The Plan will provide an assessment of the current system, development of immediate and future
needs along with recommendations for improvements, a capital plan, and a 10-year implementation
schedule. The consultant will also review and recommend modifications to the city’s current development standards related to drainage and runoff. TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
• Utilized DRCOG aerial data and city GIS data to produce a system model.
• Significant effort expended to review and modify the city’s GIS data; a model, comprising more than 300 sub-basins, was created of the existing system.
• Model was analyzed using rainfall data from the Mile High Flood District (MHFD) for three storm events – 5-year, 25-year, and 100-year.
• Resulted in a list of projects to achieve protection from flooding for a 25-year event.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• A What’s Up Wheat Ridge page was created with an on-line survey available to allow comments
and specific location “pins” for problem areas on a map.
• Online survey was available from June through September 2024; 77 specific comments were
received and evaluated; the site received more than 330 individual views.
• An Open House event was held as a part of the larger City Plan effort on September 17, 2024.
OUTCOMES/RECOMMENDATIONS
• The model analysis showed the need for system capacity improvements at twelve (12)
locations.
• In addition, staff has identified the need to complete systematic repairs to maintain the existing
system (no increase in capacity), as well as financial participation in regional drainage projects,
detailed drainage studies and dedicated operations and maintenance resources.
• Collectively, the estimated cost of all program elements is approximately $62M.
• Preliminary recommendations related to the City’s current Drainage Criteria include:
o The City’s drainage criteria and standards contains various inconsistencies with the MHFD’s Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual (USDCM). Specifically, in many cases, the
USDCM are more stringent than the city’s current criteria. Therefore, the city’s criteria
should be modified to ensure the USDCM is the basis for Wheat Ridge’s requirements. o The City’s criteria and standards are currently organized differently than those of many front range communities and could benefit from reorganization to mirror the structure of
MHFD’s USDCM in order to be clearer and more user-friendly.
NEXT STEPS A stormwater utility fee is anticipated to be necessary to provide long-term funding for the program. The 2025 budget includes funds to conduct a comprehensive rate study. This study will determine a
recommended rate to charge, by property type, to recoup the necessary operational and capital costs.
The rate study will also collect comparative data from other communities. The rate study would likely
begin in March 2025 and be completed by mid-year 2025.
Parks & Recreation Pathway
TIMEFRAME
• Kicked off project on May 2, 2024
• Data collection: June 2024 – October 2024
o Parks Inventory and Assessment
o Facilities Inventory and Assessment
o Recreation Programs Assessment
o Demographics and Trends Report
o Operations Assessment Report
o Level of Service Gap Analysis and Future Needs Report
o Benchmarking Analysis
• Public engagement completed in October of 2024
• Focus groups including key stakeholders: January 29 & 30, 2025
• Individual meetings with City Council members – currently being scheduled
• Visioning sessions begin February 12, 2025
• Council presentation and adoption expected in April 2025
PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION
• Contract approved by Council on March 25, 2025
PURPOSE
The Parks & Recreation Pathway, which is often called
a master plan, will articulate the community’s vision
for the next 10 years. It should:
• Ensure thorough public engagement to gather
input and translate community vision.
• Conduct in-depth analysis to inform
recommendations for future facilities, outdoor
spaces, programs and services.
• Integrate surveys, visioning, and financial
planning into the planning process, and
summarize comprehensive recommendations.
• Provide the framework for many decisions for
years to come.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, THEMES, AND PRIORITIES
Engagement has included in-person and online opportunities, and project information has been
pushed out through print and digital media. Over 1,000 comment cards were collected through
engagement efforts at events including Ridgefest, the Carnation Festival, the Lutheran Medical
Center Grand Opening, City Plan public meetings, Performances in the Park, pop-ups at
GetRight’s Bakery, the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, the Active Adult Center, and more. The
project team also presented information to and obtained feedback from the Parks & Recreation
Commission and Wheat Ridge 101 participants.
Part of the engagement strategy included a statistically valid survey. The goal for the survey was
300 responses, which typically takes 90 days. 414 responses were received by Wheat Ridge
residents in approximately 30 days.
While the Parks & Recreation Pathway is not quite as far along as some of the other planning
efforts, some preliminary themes have emerged. Specific things that are appreciated by the
community include:
• The abundance of parks and open spaces.
• The cleanliness and maintenance of parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
• Facilities for their amenities, classes, and family-oriented offerings.
• Diversity of activities (special events, classes, concerts, sports, etc.).
• The availability of trails, with many enjoying biking, walking, and running.
• Staff are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
Identified areas of improvement include:
• More community events, cultural activities, and diverse programming, especially for different age groups.
• More bike trails, walking paths, and better connectivity between trails and parks.
• More swimming pools, larger weight rooms, and additional fitness equipment at the recreation center.
• More dog parks, off-leash areas, and dog waste stations in parks and trails.
• Planting more trees, native plants, and adding more green spaces.
• Some comments point out the need for more restrooms in parks, perhaps open year-
round and better maintained.
Key emerging themes:
• Continue to invest in park improvements and existing infrastructure.
• Continue evaluating and improving existing programs and special events. Look at
industry trends and community need to implement new programming. Consider challenges related to convenience and how information is shared.
• Parks & Recreation overwhelmingly improves physical health and fitness, makes Wheat Ridge a more desirable place to live, improves mental health, and reduces stress.
• Survey respondents strongly support the expansion of Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, the renovation/replacement of the outdoor pool at Anderson Park, and acquisition of school outdoor fields at Kullerstrand and Wilmore Davis.
This information was compiled from preliminary engagement results. The final report will
provide far greater detail, including specific recommendations. As identified in the timeline, focus groups and visioning sessions will take place over the next few weeks. This work will shape the priorities that will be identified in the plan.
City Plan
TIMEFRAME
• Kicked off in January 2024
• Three phases of public engagement completed in 2024
• Phase 4 public engagement will occur in February 2025
o Online survey: February 14 through March 21
o Open House: February 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Rec Center
• Next Council study session in March 2025
• Adoption expected in summer 2025
PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION
• Study session on April 15, 2024
• City Council small group discussions June 4-6, 2024
• Study session on September 16, 2024
PURPOSE
The City Plan, which is often called a comprehensive
plan, will articulate the community’s vision for the next
20 years. It should:
• Articulate the community’s vision and
establish shared values.
• Identify priorities for the future.
• Provide the framework for many decisions for
years to come.
• Guide the actions of property owners,
residents, elected and appointed officials, City
staff, and others.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, THEMES, AND PRIORITIES
Engagement has included in-person and online opportunities, and project information has been
pushed out through print and digital media. A resident steering committee has augmented
public engagement and neighborhood champions have helped with project awareness.
Through three phases so far, the community has defined and affirmed core values, planning
principles, and priorities:
Core Values: Deeply held, widely shared beliefs in Wheat Ridge that serve as building blocks for
the City’s vision of the future.
• Independent-Minded - We go our own way - 72% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Inclusive - Our community is welcoming to all and is a good home for different kinds of
people - 82% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Forward-Looking - We are responsible to the future - 87% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
Planning Principles: Criteria for public decision-making that ensure adherence to the
community’s core values.
• Serve a mix of incomes - We will avoid the likelihood that new housing is only for those with high incomes - 77% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Preserve our “patchwork quilt,” - We will celebrate and enhance the unique character of
areas within Wheat Ridge - 89% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Focus on sustainability - We will act as good stewards of the environment - 86% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Strengthen the City’s fiscal position - We will make decisions about public investments with an eye on the future - 88% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
Planning Priorities: Important, long-term projects that must be done right in order for the community to be successful.
• Improved Retail and Business Environment – We will support the business community and cultivate the kinds of places where residents want to shop, dine, and visit - 78%
Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• 38th Ave. from Lutheran Legacy Campus to Harlan St. – We will continue shaping this section of 38th Avenue into Wheat Ridge’s Main Street corridor - 78% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City – We will provide a system
for pedestrians and cyclists to move between important locations more easily - 86%
Agreed or Mostly Agreed
• Proactive Infrastructure Management – We will catch up on deferred infrastructure maintenance and keep pace into the future - 95% Agreed or Mostly Agreed
The next phase of engagement will be used to affirm what the City is trying to achieve when it
comes to character — how new can peacefully coexist with old and how the City’s place of
places can become the best version of itself incrementally, over time, in a managed way.
2025-2026 Work Plan
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PROJECT NAME AND LEAD DEPARTMENT
1 Cyberattack Incident Response Plan Admin x x x x x
2 44th Avenue Plan CD x x x x x x x x x x
3 Code Amendment - Landscaping & water wise CD x x x x x x x
4 Code Amendment - Modernize mixed use & sub regs CD x x x x x
5 CRS Recertification CD x x x
6 NTMP Program Modifications CD x x x x x
7 Online Interactive Projects & Property Map CD x x x x x
8 2J Bond Ballot Initiative CMO x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
9 Residential Waste Engagement CMO x x x x
10 Sustainability Action Plan Update CMO x x x x x x x x x x x x x
11 The Green at 38th Design CMO/PR x x x x x x x x x x x x x
12 Clear Creek Crossing - Public Art PR x x x x x
13 Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Implementation PR x x x x
14
Greenbelt Fire Fuel Mitigation & Invasive Species
Removal PR x x x x
15 Historic Park Fence PR x x x x
16 Open Space Management Plan PR x x x x x x x x x x
17 Paramount Fence PR x x x x
18 Parks & Recreation 5-Yr Strategic Plan PR x x x x x x x
19 Prospect Water Quality PR x x x x x
20 Stadium Redistribution Project PR x x x x
21 WRRC Lap Pool Resurface PR x x x x x x x
22 Youngfield Trailhead Parking Lot Repair PR x x x x
23 Implement Tree Inventory and Canopy Software PR x x x x x x
24 38th Ave at Reed - Sidewalk & Crossing PW x x x x x x x x
25 52nd Avenue Improvements PW x x x x x x
26 City Hall/Marshall Area Kiosk Modifications PW x x x x x x
27 Courts Remodel & Safety Enhancements PW x x x x x x
28 Facilities Master Plan PW x x x x x x x
29 Pavement Condition Assessment PW x x x x x x
30 PlowTracking Web Application PW x x x x
31 Rec Center Parking Lot Repair PW x x x x
32 Rec Center Roof Replacement PW x x x x
33 Youngfield Bridge Repair PW x x x x
34 ADA Website Transition Plan Admin x x x
35 Contract Modernization Project Implementation Admin x x x x
36 Disaster Recovery Plan Development Admin x x x x x
37 Review City's Investment Policy Admin x x x
38 Building Code Update CD x x x x x x
COMMUNITY VALUES COMMUNITY PRIORITIESTIMELINE TO COMPLETE
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PROJECT NAME AND LEAD DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY VALUES COMMUNITY PRIORITIESTIMELINE TO COMPLETE
39 City Plan CD x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
40 Code Amendment - Inclusionary Housing CD x x x x x x
41 Code Amendment - State Compliance CD x x x x
42 Establish Traffic Count Program CD x x x x
43 Lutheran Legacy Campus - Zoning CD x x x x x x x
44 Update Private Development Drainage Requirements CD x x x x x x
45 Urban Renewal Plan Area - Lutheran Campus CMO x x x x x
46 Urban Renewal Plan Area - SW I-70/Wadsworth CMO x x x x x
47 Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan CMO x x x x x x x x x
48 The Green at 38th Construction CMO/PR x x x x x x x x x x x x x
49 Investigations Bureau Reorganization PD x x x
50 Colorado Certified Records Network Master Certification PD x x x x
51 E-Citations PD x x x x
52 Enhancement of Emergency Preparedness PD x x x x x
53 Wadsworth Widening Project - Public Art PR x x x x x
54 Green at 38th - Public Art PR x x x x x
55 Happiness Gardens Expansion PR x x x x x x x
56 Hayward Park Trail Replacement PR x x x x
57
Leisure Pool Coating Balance Pit & Replacing Modulating
Float Valves PR x x x x x x x
58 Panorama Tennis Courts (ARPA)PR x x x x x x
59 Parks & Recreation Master Plan PR x x x x x x x x x x x x
60 Prospect Irrigation Meters & Ditch Control PR x x x x x
61 Randall Park house demo & community garden PR x x x x x x x
62 Sun Camp Expansion PR x x x x x
63 Tabor Lake Water Quality PR x x x x x
64 Youngfield Corridor - Public Art PR x x x x x
65 32nd & Youngfield Bike/Ped PW x x x x x x x x
66 Recreation Center Sign Installation PW X x x x x
67 Stormwater Master Plan Update PW x x x x x
68 Traffic Signal Communications/Telematics PW x x x
69 Youngfield Streetscape PW x x x x
70 Information Governance Planning Admin x x x x x
71 Records Management Training and Implementation Admin x x x x
72 Replace Legacy Phone System Admin x x x x x
73 Systems Transformation Implementation Admin x x x x
74 NOAH Program CD x x x x x x
75 Panorama Park backstops, fences, dugouts PR x x x x x x
76 Prospect Park Mill & Overlay PR x x x x
77 Stites Park dugout, backstop & ballfield fence PR x x x x x x
78 Tabor Lake Trail PR x x x x x x x x x
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PROJECT NAME AND LEAD DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY VALUES COMMUNITY PRIORITIESTIMELINE TO COMPLETE
79 Ward Station - Public Art PR x x x x x
80 RTD Terminal at Clear Creek Crossing PW x x x x x x
81 Wadsworth Sidewalk - 32nd to 35th PW x x x x x x x x
82 Wadsworth Widening Phase 1 & 2 PW X x x x x x x x x x
83 44th Avenue Plan Implementation CD x x x x x x x x x x
84 Affordable Housing Plan Implementation CD x x x x x x
85 City Plan Implementation CD x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
86 Let’s Talk CD x x x x x x x x x x x
87 Sustainability Action Plan Implementation CMO x x x x x x x x x x x x x
88 Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan Implementation CMO x x x x x x x x x
89 Black Cat Traffic Box Program PD x x x x x
90 implementation of Motel Ordinance PD x x x
91 Officer wellness PD x x x x x
92 Police Department Recruiting & Retention PD x x x x x x x
93 Relationship-Based Policing PD x x x x x x x
94 Targeted Traffic Enforcement PD x x x
95 AB Leisure Pool Resurface PR x x x x x x x
96 Clear Creek Trail Improvements PR x x x x x x x
97 Open Space Management Plan Implementation PR x x x x x x x x x x
98 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Implementation PR x x x x x x x x x x x x
99 Randall Park Backstop, Dugout, Fence PR x x x x x x
100 Tree Planting - USDA Funded Project PR x x x x
101 35th Ave. Improvements PW x x x x x x x x
102 38th Ave. West PW x x x x x x x x
103 Facility Master Plan Implementation PW x x x x x x x
104 Preventative Road Maintenance PW X x x x x
105 Roundabout at 26th & Harlan PW x x x x x
106 Stormwater Master Plan Implementation PW x x x x x
107 Wheat Ridge Ward Station Improvements PW x x x x x x
Black = From 2023-2024 Work PlanRed = New for 2025-2026 Work Plan
Power BI DesktopPlease indicate which public body or bodies you represent. (Check all that apply.)
7 (17.07%)
6 (14.63%)
5 (12.2%)
5 (12.2%)
4 (9.76%)
4 (9.76%)
3 (7.32%)
3 (7.32%)
1 (2.44%)
1 (2.44%)
1 (2.44%)(2.44%)
1
City Council
Parks and Recreation Committee
Board of Adjustment
Sustainable Wheat Ridge
Chief's Leadership Team
Cultural Commission
IDEA Committee
Renewal Wheat Ridge
Active Adult Center Advisory Committee
Community Partners Grant Program Committee
Planning Commission
Wheat Ridge Housing Authority
Total Responses:
37
Power BI Desktop
Wheat Ridge has Community Pride
35.14%
40.54%
16.22%
5.41%
2.7%
5
4
3
2
1
Wheat Ridge is a Complete Community
24.32%
27.03%
40.54%
2.7%
5.41%5
4
3
2
1
Wheat Ridge is Comfortable
32.43%
32.43%
29.73%
5.41%5
4
3
1
Wheat Ridge is Customer-Focused
51.35%
29.73%
13.51%
5.41%
5
4
3
1
Wheat Ridge is Forward-looking
54.05%27.03%
13.51%
2.7%
2.7%
5
4
3
2
1
Wheat Ridge is Inclusive
45.95%
18.92%
24.32%
5.41%
5.41%5
4
3
2
1
Wheat Ridge is Independent-Minded/Unique
48.65%
29.73%
13.51%
8.11%
5
4
3
2
Wheat Ridge is Safe
32.43%
40.54%
10.81%
13.51%
2.7%5
4
3
2
1
Wheat Ridge supports Healthy Living
51.35%
24.32%
18.92%
5.41%
5
4
3
1
Respondents were asked to indicate how much they agreed (5) or disagreed (1) with each statement when looking through the lens of the next 10-15 years.
Power BI DesktopAre we missing anything?
Infrastructure
Public Art
Sustainability
Attainable housing
Business Support
Senior programming
Transportation
Accessibility Affordability Asset management Building codes
Crime prevention
Density Concern
Energy infrastructure
Home Rule
Homelessness Hospital signage Job creation
Sense of belonging
Stormwater
Traffic Waste man…
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
1 1 1 1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1
1
1 1 1
Respondents were asked to share any additional community priorities and values that were not articulated in the previous statements.
Vision and Mission Statements
What is a Vision Statement?
A vision statement (where we want to go) describes the desired future state. What do you aspire for
Wheat Ridge in the long term?
What is Mission Statement?
A mission statement (how we get there) describes our purpose and how we plan to achieve the
vision (how we will achieve our desired future state.)
In general, statements that are brief and clear tend to be more memorable than paragraphs or lists.
Current City of Wheat Ridge 2035 Vision:
Wheat Ridge is an attractive and inviting city and community for families. Wheat Ridge has
great neighborhoods, is a hub of commerce with a choice of economically viable commercial
areas and has diverse transportation. Wheat Ridge is committed to environmental
stewardship and its residents enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle and are proud of their
hometown.
Sample Vision and Mission Statements from neighboring communities:
Arvada:
Vision: We dream big and deliver
Mission: We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our
community
Centennial
Vision: The City of Centennial is a connected community, where neighborhoods matter, education
is embraced, businesses are valued, and innovation absolute
Mission: Driven to provide exceptional service to the Centennial community
Louisville:
Vision: The City of Louisville - dedicated to providing a vibrant, healthy community with the best
small town atmosphere
Mission: Our commitment is to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of life in our community
Fort Collins
Vision: We foster a thriving and engaged community through our operational excellence and culture
of innovation
Mission: Exceptional service for an exceptional community
Lone Tree
Vision: Lone Tree is a premier Colorado community connected by great neighborhoods, vibrant
public spaces, a beautiful natural environment, and thriving businesses.
Mission: We will achieve Lone Tree's community vision by doing things the best way, not just the
expected way.
Thornton:
Mission: Our mission as a community is to ensure the availability of a broad range of services using
all available public and private resources. Thornton will provide for a high quality of life by being
responsive to the physical and human requirements of its citizens through innovative leadership
and planning.
Northglenn:
Vision: Where excellent public service thrives through employee equity, trust, innovation and work-
life balance.
Mission: We enrich our community with high-quality city services and a small-town touch. For us,
people are the priority - we are responsive, inclusive and respectful.
Lakewood:
Mission: Quality lifestyle fostered by a transparent government
Englewood:
Vision: Advancing the community together.
Mission: The City of Englewood is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve by:
• Providing superior services to maintain a vibrant and inclusive community
• Investing in our future through fiscally responsible decisions
• Preserving our unique identity while welcoming new growth
Littleton
Vision: To preserve a family-oriented and ecnomically vibrant community that encourages citizen
involvement, respects diversity, values community character, and enhances the quality of life of
Littleton residents and visitors.
Greeley
Vision: Greeley will be a future-focused city. One that is intentionally developed, safe, affordable,
innovating, sustainable, healthy, and inclusive.
Mission: A city achieving community excellence
Mayor and Council Draft Vision Statements
A. To be a thriving, inclusive community that celebrates diversity and
innovation while committing to sustainable practices and the health and
well-being of all residents. We envision a Wheat Ridge where
collaboration, respect, and empowerment shape our identity and guide
our growth.
B. Wheat Ridge: A community of quiet strength building an informed future
with all deliberate speed.
C. A City That Celebrates People and Place
D. Wheat Ridge is a welcoming and safe city that provides superior service
to its' residents and businesses; we are forward-thinking, engaging, and
weave our community pride into everything we do. Other words to
include: honor our past while welcoming the future; open to new ideas;
challenge the status quo; recognize diversity is strength
E. By 2035, Wheat Ridge will be a vibrant, thriving community known for its
welcoming atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and sustainable growth.
With a focus on economic vitality, accessible transportation, and
environmental stewardship, Wheat Ridge will be a place where families
flourish, residents lead healthy, active lives, and a strong sense of pride
and connection binds the community together
F. In the next 10-15 years, Wheat Ridge will be a forward-thinking, resilient
city that blends the best of its past with a dynamic, sustainable future.
We envision a community that is connected by green spaces, thriving
neighborhoods, and accessible transportation options. With a focus on
environmental stewardship, economic growth, and social equity, Wheat
Ridge will be a place where innovation meets tradition, where
businesses grow, and where all residents feel empowered and engaged
in shaping the city’s future.
G. Wheat Ridge is a dynamic and inclusive city where families flourish,
businesses thrive, and everyone has access to opportunities, resources,
and services. We envision a future marked by innovation, transparency,
and community engagement, where a vibrant culture and high quality of
life are the hallmarks of our city.
H. We are a safe and welcoming city for our residents.
I. A city where infrastructure is functioning for all residents -- not passed
off the quasi private entities who are not responsible for a community
system.
J. Wheat Ridge is a connected, creative, and inviting community, inspiring
people of all ages to plant seeds today and for generations to come.
Mayor and Council Draft Mission Statements
A. The City of Wheat Ridge is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and
welcoming environment that values inclusivity and community
engagement. We strive to promote sustainability, health, and wellness
through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships, while
honoring our heritage and empowering every resident to contribute to a
bright and sustainable future.
B. Wheat Ridge instinctively understands its understated and influential
place in the metropolitan region. It proceeds with care and optimism and
provides a safe, thriving community for its residents and opportunity for
its businesses.
C. By 2040, our city will be an interconnected, flourishing community where
diversity in both business and housing creates opportunities for every
resident. We will champion inclusive gathering spaces that take full
advantage of our breathtaking views, lakes, and creeks—cultivating a
place where residents feel a sense of belonging, and deep social
connections.
D. Supporting residents and businesses by providing excellent service, safe
streets, a culture of listening and action, and a beautiful setting. Other
words to include: fiscally responsible; open to new ideas; evolving;
continuing sustainability efforts; embracing and showcasing our
creative community
E. The mission of the City of Wheat Ridge is to foster a high quality of life
by promoting sustainable development, maintaining diverse and livable
neighborhoods, supporting economic growth, and prioritizing the well-
being of its residents. Through collaboration, innovation, and
environmental responsibility, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive,
dynamic city that enhances the everyday experience for all who call
Wheat Ridge home.
F. The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to fostering a vibrant, sustainable,
and inclusive community where residents and businesses thrive.
Through proactive planning, innovative partnerships, and meaningful
community engagement, we aim to preserve our unique character while
embracing new opportunities for growth, mobility, and environmental
stewardship. By prioritizing equity, safety, and connectivity, we will create
a future where all generations can enjoy a high quality of life in Wheat
Ridge
G. The City of Wheat Ridge is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and
vibrant community where families, businesses, and individuals thrive.
We are committed to providing accessible opportunities, innovative
solutions, and transparent governance while nurturing a culture of
collaboration, sustainability, and engagement to enhance the quality of
life for all.
H. We will deliver our vision for our residents through respect, creativity,
and collaboration.
I. As a city we will identify and acknowledge the failures and vulnerabilities
of our current infrastructural system of roads, drainage, sever, water, gas,
trash and electricity. Even though we are not a "full service" city, we will
better work together with quasi public services to identify responsibility,
plan for future service needs (and cost), and initiate preventive
measures for new and old residents.
J. The City of Wheat Ridge ensures people, places, and businesses flourish
by embracing inclusive engagement, committing to resource
stewardship, valuing diversity, and demonstrating a willingness to
innovate.
Draft Vision Statements Word Cloud
Power BI DesktopVision Statement
Residents
Forward-thinking
Sustainability
Thriving
Welcoming
Businesses
Diversity
Engaging
Innovation
Accessible Transportation
Community Pride
Connection
Dynamic
Economic Vitality
Empowerment
Families Health and well-b…Inclusive Safe
Services Active Challen…Collab…Creative Culture Deliber…
Equity
Green space
Growth
Honor our past
Infrastructure
Inspiring
Open
Opportunities
Place Quality of life Quiet Stren…
Resilient
Resources
Respect
Tradition Transpa…
Vibrant
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2 2 2 2
2 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1
1
1
1
1 1
1
Draft Mission Statements Word Cloud
Power BI DesktopMission Statement
Residents
Sustainability
Businesses
Collaborative
Inclusive
Innovative
Connection
Opportunity
Quality of life
Safe
Vibrant
Beautiful Community Eng…CreativeDiversity Place Thriving
Accessible
Acknowledge fail…
Action
Belonging
Care
Culture
Dynamic
Economic growth
Empow…Equity Evolving Excellen…Families Fiscally …Forwar…
Gathering space
Growth
Health and well-…
Honor our past
Housing
Influential
Infrastru…Listening Livable …Mobilty Open to…
Optimism
Partnerships
Proactive
Respect
Responsib…Service ne…Transparent
Understated
Unique Character
Utilities
Vulner…Welco…
Well-being
8
8
6
5
5
5
3
3
3
3
3
2 2 23 2 2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1 1 1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1
1
1
1
1 1
1