HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-2025 - Study Session Agenda PacketSTUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Monday, December 1, 2025
6:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at: 7500 West 29th
Avenue, Municipal Building, Council Chambers.
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 December 1, 2025)
3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
Click here to pre-register and provide public comment by Zoom (You must
preregister before 6:00 p.m. on December 1, 2025)
4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or
YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings
sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. The City will upon request, provide auxiliary
aids and services leading to effective communication for people with disabilities,
including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, documents
in Braille, and other ways of making communications accessible to people who have
speech, hearing, or vision impairments. To request auxiliary aid, service for effective
communication, or document in a different format, please use this form or contact
ADA Coordinator, (Kelly McLaughlin at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885) as
soon as possible, preferably 7 days before the activity or event.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
1. Wheat Ridge 102 Presentations
2. City Council District III Vacancy Interviews
3. Staff Report(s)
4. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
ITEM NO. 1
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Marianne Schilling, Interim Deputy City Manager
DATE: December 1, 2025
SUBJECT: Wheat Ridge 102 Presentations
ISSUE:
Wheat Ridge 102 participants have been working on two projects this fall: Youth
Engagement and Neighborhood Mediation. Program participants will present their
finalized project blueprints to the City Council, with the goal of handing these projects
off to staff for implementation.
PRIOR ACTION:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Wheat Ridge 102 is a program that grew out of Wheat Ridge 101, a seven-week
interactive program designed to share detailed information about how the City of Wheat Ridge works, and to discuss strategies for community input and engagement.
Participants in Wheat Ridge 102 are required to be graduates of Wheat Ridge 101. Wheat Ridge 101 and 102 now take place during alternate years, and this is the second
year of Wheat Ridge 102.
The goal of Wheat Ridge 102 is two-pronged. Primarily, the program is designed to
build upon the skills that were learned in Wheat Ridge 101 and allow participants to go through the process of facilitating a needed change in the community. Additionally, the
projects that were given to the program participants were hand-selected by staff to
meet a need where there is limited staff capacity to research and/or add new programs. This year, the two projects include the development of a framework for a youth
engagement program and a neighborhood mediation program.
Study Session Memo – Wheat Ridge 102 Presentation
December 1, 2025
Page 2
Participants were provided projects that would be both useful and easy to hand off, and
they worked with staff and community mentors to create a project blueprint and
presentation with guidance on how the program would be implemented. This provided
Wheat Ridge 102 participants with a real-time experience of learning how change is facilitated in a community.
DISCUSSION:
Wheat Ridge 102 launched in fall 2023 and was designed to follow a self-guided
schedule with homework assignments, outside work requirements and a syllabus for
specific milestones in the project timeline.
Participants were first given summaries of the program projects, and they were assigned a project based upon their interest in that area. Following the project
assignments, the participants worked with their project mentors. Mentors included
subject matter experts who were either City personnel or involved residents in the
community. The goal of the mentors was to help provide guidance along the way,
asking questions of the group and keeping them on track.
Each project required involvement with local businesses, community members,
neighboring agencies and other stakeholders. Regular check-ins were required as part
of the program, and the whole group was able to share questions and ideas with each
other to strengthen the outcome of the projects.
To complete the program, each group was required to complete a finalized project
blueprint and give a presentation to the City Council with a full implementation plan that
can be managed by the City and/or supporting organization.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
This presentation is informational only.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Project Blueprint – Youth Engagement
2. Project Blueprint – Neighborhood Mediation
2025 Wheat Ridge 102
Youth Engagement Project
ATTACHMENT 1
Introduction
The Wheat Ridge 102 Program invited graduates of Wheat Ridge 101 to get more involved in
the community by participating in and helping spearhead actual projects with the assistance of
city staff. The City of Wheat Ridge and Localworks identified the Youth Engagement Blueprint
as a priority. The goal of this program is to involve the city’s youth more closely in both local
government and community initiatives, showing through action to the kids growing up in Wheat
Ridge that their voices are valued.
The City of Wheat Ridge recognizes the need to develop more robust civic engagement
opportunities for youth who live in or identify with our community. A critical first step in launching
meaningful youth programming across all city departments is the creation of a “Youth
Engagement Blueprint.” This guiding document will outline the importance of involving youth in
local government and community initiatives, identify key youth demographics within Wheat
Ridge, and provide general guidelines and best practices for effective engagement strategies. It
will also offer recommendations on appropriate communication channels, events, and project-
specific approaches to ensure youth are meaningfully included in civic life.
Project Background
Summary
As part of the Wheat Ridge 102 program, our group’s focus is on Youth Engagement, with the
goal of creating meaningful spaces and opportunities for the voices of Wheat Ridge youth to be
better represented in city processes. To guide our work, we first identified several core goals for
the project:
1. Increase representation of Wheat Ridge youth within city government
2. Develop an organization that empowers youth to meaningfully impact their community
3. Ensure all problems identified and solutions proposed are youth driven and achievable
4. Build a structure that teaches real world skills and provides insight into the inner
workings of Wheat Ridge
For us, increasing representation meant finding ways for youth to engage directly with the City
Council, helping students feel empowered and confident that the issues they identify in their
community are taken seriously and their solutions are genuinely considered. To shape our
approach, we reflected on the programs that have helped us, as residents, better understand
and influence our community. Programs like Wheat Ridge 101 provided an inside look at how
the city operates, while city committees offered hands-on opportunities to identify problems,
craft solutions, and contribute to meaningful change.
Our goal is to create a youth centered space that combines these same elements: education,
representation, and the ability to develop and implement realistic solutions within a manageable
timeframe. Establishing a Youth Council emerged as the best way to meet all of our criteria.
A Youth Council closely mirrors the real positions and processes through which Wheat Ridge
residents participate in local government and shape community outcomes. It creates a
dedicated platform where students can learn collaboratively from the city and school system,
develop practical skills, and gain foundational knowledge of local government. Just as
importantly, its structure ensures that the work is student-led and that the issues pursued are
identified directly by youth themselves, amplifying their voices and strengthening representation
across the city.
Identified Challenge
1. Ensuring Meaningful Youth Representation
Reaching a diverse group of students, across schools, backgrounds, and age groups, is an
important long-term goal, but we recognize this will take time to fully achieve. For the first
iteration of the Youth Council, we focused on the most effective starting point: building
representation across multiple age groups.
The Youth Council itself will be composed of high school students, ideally freshmen through
juniors, so they have enough time left in school to see their ideas implemented. Middle school
students will serve as the Council’s “constituents,” participating through surveys and touchpoints
that allow their needs and concerns to directly inform the Council’s priorities.
This structure ensures that high school Council members are not simply expressing their own
perspectives, but are actively representing the broader youth community, creating early lessons
in representation, empathy, and civic responsibility. Over time, future iterations can expand
representation across additional schools and diverse student backgrounds.
2. Sustaining Consistent Engagement
To keep students motivated throughout an entire school year, the Youth Council must feel both
manageable and meaningful. This requires designing a structure with a clear beginning, middle,
and end, so students can see a cycle of learning, action, and results without experiencing
burnout. This structure will also create a natural beginning and conclusion to the Youth Council
throughout a single school year. This gives the opportunity for a variety of work for Council to
tackle year over year making it exciting for returning students and easy for new members to join.
Projects must be intentionally short-term and achievable, allowing students to witness tangible
outcomes/recommendations before the school year ends. This creates immediate reinforcement
for high school members and shows middle schoolers that their input has real value,
encouraging them to join the Council when they reach high school.
To further support participation, the program should meet students where they are by aligning
meeting times with their existing schedules. Holding Youth Council meetings at Wheat Ridge
High School, during Club Hour or Thursday late-start mornings, reducing competition with
sports, clubs, jobs, and family commitments. This approach removes unnecessary barriers while
signaling that the Council is designed to fit into students’ lives, not compete with them.
3. Coordinating Educational Components Within the Council’s Work
Civic education is a core function of the Youth Council, but it should enhance the students’
work, not overshadow it. While introductory sessions on how the city operates are essential at
the start of the year, the deeper learning should happen organically as students investigate
issues, meet with city staff, and develop their own recommendations.
This “learn by doing” model ensures that civic education feels relevant and connected to real
problems the students are trying to solve. It also provides opportunities for mentors to teach
real-world skills such as research, outreach, data analysis, meeting planning, and public
presentation.
By embedding skill-building within the project process, the Council maintains its focus on youth-
driven problem solving while still delivering the educational value that prepares students for
future civic engagement.
4. Youth Input Translates to Real Impact
For the Youth Council to feel meaningful, students must see that their ideas matter. This
requires establishing clear, dependable pathways for the Council to present their proposals to
City Council and city staff, and for those proposals to receive thoughtful review and feedback.
Mentors will play a critical role in guiding students toward solutions that are both creative and
achievable within city capacity. The goal is not to limit students’ imaginations, but to help them
craft ideas that can realistically be implemented within the school year.
Visible outcomes are essential for building trust in the process. When students see their
recommendations taken seriously, and implemented, they gain confidence in their ability to
influence their community. Without this tangible feedback loop, motivation and engagement will
naturally decline. Ensuring that each project results in a clear next step or meaningful action is
crucial to sustaining enthusiasm across all age groups.
Stakeholders Contacted
● Jeni Christoffel, Thornton Youth Council
● Arra Katonah, Teen Services Coordinator, Jeffco Public LIbrary
● Lisa Mahannah, Principal, Wheat Ridge High School
● Mario Martinez-Varelas, Boulder Youth Opportunity Advisory Board
● Sarah Moss, Colorado Youth Advisory Council
● Joy Vigil, Broomfield Teen Council
● Laura Paulson, Broomfield Public Health Youth Projects
Survey Results (links included in appendix)
Community Need
By creating a city-council-like experience, this program would matter to the entire community by
ensuring youth perspectives are represented, valued, and woven directly into city planning and
initiatives. It signals to kids that this city is for them and their future, and that their voices
genuinely matter. It also provides city leaders with insights they may not otherwise hear —
ideas, needs, and priorities that only young residents can surface. Through presenting
recommendations to council members and various city departments, students both learn from
the experience and contribute feedback that can shape policies and strengthen community
engagement for years to come.
Aside from giving their voice to their community, this program would give young people a
meaningful way to learn how their city works, understand government processes, and practice
real skills like running meetings and presenting proposals.
Research Completed
● City of Thornton
● Jeffco Public LIbrary
● Wheat Ridge High School
● City of Boulder
● Colorado Youth Advisory Council
● Broomfield Teen Advisory Council
Project Proposal
High level summary
The Wheat Ridge Youth Council (WRYC) will serve as a leadership development and civic
engagement program for local students in grades 9–12, with a connected participation pipeline
for middle school students. The goal is to educate and empower youth to engage in local
government, build leadership skills, and strengthen community ties through collaborative
projects and mentorship from city leaders and educators.
Detailed Recommendation
Council Composition
● Up to 10 Youth Council Members
○ Students in grades 9–12.
○ Representation from Wheat Ridge High School, as well as other schools
(including homeschool students) within city boundaries.
○ Youth Leadership Positions: Youth Mayor & Youth Mayor Pro Tem
○ Future: Youth leadership positions exclusive for seniors serving as veteran
council members and assisting in setting agendas with mentors.
● Middle School Engagement Program
○ Middle school students (grades 6–8) will participate by completing surveys and
providing feedback that informs Youth Council projects.
○ This engagement helps build a pipeline of interested students for future
participation in the council.
● Mentors (4 total)
○ Two mentors from the city: one City Council member and one City staff
member.
○ Two mentors from education: one teacher and one school administrator.
○ Mentors provide civic, professional, and educational guidance throughout the
program.
○ Future: Have City Staff member dedicated to mentoring youth council
Mentorship and Training
● Mentor responsibility will be to guide Youth Council to pursue projects/solutions that are
achievable
○ Mentors will receive sensitivity and youth engagement training to ensure
consistent, inclusive, and supportive interactions with students.
● Mentors will help youth leadership to plan agendas and provide relevant resources
● Youth Council members will learn practical civic and professional skills through council
work/projects, including:
○ Conducting community outreach and engagement
○ Compiling and analyzing data
○ Organizing meetings
○ Developing and delivering structured presentations
Program Timeline
Application Period
● 4-5 student members are invited to join through recommendation from teachers
● Remaining seats filled by “at-large” students by applying
● The Youth Council will conduct outreach to promote interest and build awareness.
Fall Semester: Learning and Foundation (2 meetings per month)
● Meeting Space: Meet at WRHS to initially be where the kids are. Can move once more
diversity of schools are represented in council.
○ Club Hour after lunch or during the free time during the late starts on Thursdays.
● Initial Meetings: Focus on team-building, icebreakers, and establishing youth-led “rules
of engagement.”
● Government 101:
○ Introductory sessions on city structure, departments, and Council-staff
interactions.
○ Required for new members; optional for returning (veteran) members.
● Middle School Survey Development:
○ Youth Council will design and distribute a survey to middle school students to
identify issues and project ideas meaningful to younger residents.
○ Survey data will guide Fall and Spring projects.
● Guided Fall Projects (2 total):
○ Small-scale initiatives designed to build foundational skills in:
■ Community engagement
■ Event design and coordination
■ Survey distribution and data collection
■ Marketing and outreach
○ Example small-scale projects:
■ Selecting a movie for “Movies in the Park”
■ Partnering with local organizations for food drives or resource events for
unhoused residents
■ Organizing neighborhood clean-up events
■ Supporting “Music in the Park” band selection
Spring Semester: Leadership and Action (1 meeting per month + subcommittee
meetings)
● Youth Council reviews and analyzes survey data to identify top community priorities, as
articulated by other students across age groups.
● Members select one/two capstone projects and divide into subcommittees, each led
by a Youth Council leader.
○ Subcommittee examples: Community Outreach, Event/Project Design, Marketing
● Members are empowered to design and implement solutions with mentor guidance.
● The program includes a mock City Council presentations at City Hall, where Youth
Council members present their projects.
○ Middle school participants could serve as mock council members during these
presentations.
● WRYC ends each year with a presentation to City Council and staff about their work
throughout the year and their capstone project recommendations
Incentives and Recognition
To encourage engagement and celebrate participation:
● Official Certificate and Graduation Ceremony
● Letter of Recommendation from the Mayor for active participants
● Recognition photo display at The Green on 38th
● Exploration of potential school credit or other academic incentives in coordination with
Jefferson County Public Schools
● Budget for food and drinks during council meetings
● Consideration of one excused Friday per month for Youth Council-related activities
Attendance & Expectations
● Youth Council members must sign a participation contract outlining attendance and
engagement expectations.
● Members are expected to attend a set minimum number of meetings and participate
actively in group projects.
Program Goals
1. Build civic literacy and leadership skills among Wheat Ridge youth.
2. Foster collaboration between the city, schools, and community organizations.
3. Encourage youth-driven solutions to community issues.
4. Develop a pipeline for future civic leaders.
5. Strengthen community identity and belonging among young residents.
How do we know it’s working?
1. City comes to Youth Council to ask for input on city-wide projects
2. Present at City Council re: project research + framework
3. Plan a project based off project research conducted
a. Not having a project planned doesn’t mean the Youth Council isn’t adding value
— the City would benefit simply from completing item #1, which isn’t being done
today.
Conclusion
We recommend the development of a Youth Council in Wheat Ridge to represent a meaningful
opportunity to elevate the voices of young residents in the community, creating new pathways
for civic engagement, and strengthening the connection between the city and its future leaders.
By building a structure that is youth driven and grounded in real world problem solving, this
program ensures that students are not only learning about government, but are actively shaping
their community in authentic and impactful ways. The combination of high school leadership and
middle school input will capture a true representation of youth perspectives, allowing the Council
to identify issues and solutions that reflect the experiences of students across the city.
Aligning meeting times with student schedules, and creating project cycles that deliver visible
results within a school year, the Youth Council will be a sustainable and engaging program. Just
as importantly, the recommended pathways for presenting youth proposals to City Council and
staff ensure that student ideas are treated with respect and seriousness, reinforcing that their
voices matter.
The creation of the Youth Council is an investment in the long term health and vibrancy of
Wheat Ridge. It prepares young residents to become informed, confident community members
and strengthens the city’s commitment to complete representation and citizen collaboration.
This program gives the youth of Wheat Ridge the tools to lead, the platform to be heard, and the
opportunity to help shape the city they call home.
Appendix
Survey Result Links:
● Appendix A: 5th Grade Results
● Appendix B: High School Results
What’s one thing you would
like to make better at your
school or in your
neighborhood?
If you could create a project
for kids your age, what would
it be?
Why do you think it’s good
for kids to share their ideas
with adults?
What would be a fun way for
you to help—planning events,
volunteering, sharing ideas,
or something else?
Who gets helped more when
kids join in—just the kids, or
everyone in the community?
What’s the best way for
adults at the city to talk with
you and your friends (school
visits, text, email, social
media, etc.)?
How do you think youth
voices could make a
difference in the city?
Imagine a “Youth
Commission” in 3 years—
what cool things do you think
it could do?
What might make it hard for
kids to join in (like rides, time,
or other stuff)?
More fund raisers.We could work on natural
energy services.
So the adults could take
action and possibly make it
happen.
A fun way for me to help with
planning events would be to
help set up.
I believe that everyone in the
community is helped if they
work together.
School visits.Because we may be able to
understand newer problems.
I believe a Youth
Commission could help with
things like cyber bullying.
It may be hard for us to get
to places or participate do to
responsibilities .
I would like for the teachers
to respect your boundaries
more.
To get good grades.Cause then the adults wanna
help out with their ideas.
To share ideas or not be rude
to others.
It helps because it makes it
more fun.
For them to be respectful
and not be rude.
The city could start listening
more.
We could have more
freedom.
If they are busy or have
sports.
I would like to show the kids
how to respect their elders.
I would want to create a
project for kids my age, it
would probably be
something to show the kids
how hard their parents or
teachers lives are, so they
would respect them more.
I think it is good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because it will help show
creative differences and
maybe the adults can help
the kids with their ideas.
A fun way for me to help
would be allowing me to
write down a long paper or
something like that.
Everyone in the community
because the kids help make
it easier on everyone in the
community.
Email because I am really
bad at texting, I don't want
social media and I don't have
it, and school visits disrupt
me from my learning.
I think youth voices could
make a difference in the city
because their voices will help
bring new perspectives to
plan, and they also have
fresh minds that are eager to
help.
I think that the youth
commission would be cool
because the commission
could help do the things that
the regular government can
not find time to do.
I think that extracurriculars,
rides, and stress would make
it hard for kids to join in.
Kinder people and more
activities. Make a flower garden. So that their ideas can be a
thing.
Giving us a monthly or yearly
field trip to help.
I think everyone because the
kids are helped which helps
their adults.
I think school visits would be
a good idea.
I think we could give our
point of view on things, not
just have the adults deciding
everything.
I think a cool thing to do is
design playgrounds and get
more families involved in
events.
I think sport times, school,
and rides to events.
More play areas and or
playgrounds for younger kids
to play at.
Probably to make a project
about your biggest fear.
Because adults can make
there ideas come true.
To just have everybody have
ideas and share and juts be
together in person.
everyone kids have really
good ways of knowing how
people feel and what they
need
email,or text
voices always make
differences in city's big or
small beacuse everyone gets
herd.
to plan many kid friendly
events.
just people letting them
down and telling them there
not good enough.
One thing that would make
the school better is more
snacks/food for kids who
cant bring snacks.
I would make a project about
one place they would like to
travel.
Because that's the best way
for kids to express there self
is to adults.
Make the thing that your
setting up look cool.
When kids join I would say
they help out the most.
The best way is texting and
calling.
Because we can speak up
about important topics.Do a baking contest.It might be hard because
they will feel left out.
I'd like to make kids feel
more safe going to school
everyday and for kids to
actually want to wake up and
go to school everyday.
I would make a project to
make us feel like kids again
like something that was fun
when you were little or
something nostalgic to bring
out your inner kid.
So that their ideas can reach
different people and it's good
to share your opinions or
ideas with other people.
Sharing ideas with different
people and planning events.
The community gets helped
because if we have more
people we can have more
ideas to make planning this
for the school/community
better.
Visiting our school, or
sending us emails.
Kids can help make our city
better with their voice by
sharing their opinions on the
city or just the state in
general. Sharing their
opinions could help the
community/city better for
everyone.
A youth commission could
make schools better,
different activities in the
community and making the
city a better place to live.
Probably just kids not
wanting to go, or having
activity's/after school sports,
or other things.
One thing I would like to
make better at school is how
big the classes are because
some classes have 30-40
kids and it is a lot.
It would probably be creating
a academic game that is still
fun and makes you learn.
I think it is good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because some ideas can be
very important like an
invention or something.
A fun way for me to help with
events would to be with my
friends because when I am
not with my friends at events
it is awkward.
I would say it is a majority of
everyone in the community
gets helped but sometimes it
is just the kids.
The best way for adults in the
city to talk with me and my
friends are probably over
text, email or over a specific
website that everyone has
access to.
I think youth voices could
make a difference in the city
by having a new law or
speaking in public to change
something, or something like
that.
Some cool things I think it
could do may include having
fair laws for children like
child labor, etc.
It might make it hard for kids
to join in because they might
be shy and do not want to
talk to someone, or they want
to talk to people but do not
know how to say it.
no drama better people
knowing how to drive.
a poster for no drama and do
you work and don't get
involved with thing you don't
wanna and like something
for them thats fun and they
could do it to get out of class
too
because it can help them get
a closer relationship with
them and the adults could
understand how they feel
and know them better
doing surveys have giving
ideas to the people in charge mostly everyone sometimes visits, texts, and
emails,
they can give people what
they need to hear and to do
better because they are
younger and maybe it will
give people hope.
i could do a lot if they put a
lot of effort into it and it
could be one of the top youth
groups in the world.
doing the work and putting
effort into it and not being
tired of listening to other
people
More activities that are
accessible for everyone. Like
times and people with
dissabilities.
A design program for
everyone expanding over
multiple different ways like
clothes, architecture, parks,
etc. They could meet with
different businesses helping
them execute these.
Because they know what is
good for education systems
and for themselves and
others. They serve as a
different viewpoint.
Having a place where kids
can come together and
brainstorm ideas to help the
city, once they do this they
could build a community
where anyone is welcome.
Everyone because there are
different viewpoints and
opinions to help the
community.
School visits.
They could show people
what they believe is right for
schools and other student
based things.
Make better playgrounds and
create new electives and
clubs,
Sports or any
extracurriculars,
transportation, etc
One thing i would ask to
change is something in my
neighborhood because there
is only on area to play and
have fun but i want to do a
fundraiser for kids that have
cancer and for are school .
A project to do is a family
tree that tells us what their
family is and what the do for
tradition
Yes because the adults can
help them and see what they
need
I would volunteering and try
to help others and my self or
my group .
Are Student co and are
community and how helps us
Contacting the school or the
parents
It would help to do more
community events
There would be more events
to do To get there and participate
One thing I would like to
make better in my
community is inclusion. I
would also like for kids to
have more available
opportunities.
I would make a project that
could change based on kids
needs and wants. For
example one kid could build
things like cars while a
diffrent kid could shadow
teachers to help them learn
what they want to do in life.
I think its good for kids to
share there ideas becuase
even if there young there
thoughts are still very
important. You also could
learn somthing new and
change your thoughts on a
topic.
i think planning events would
be fun.
Everyone in the community! I
think this becuase kids may
be young but they can still
help.
The best way would be
school visits becuase
meeting face to face is
important and if you cant
emails would be good.
I think youth voices could
make a difference becuase
every person has ideas no
matter there age.
I think it could give a voice to
younger kids.
some things that maight
make it hard for kids to join
could be there famliys
financial state somthing else
could be rides.
Appendix A: 5th Grader Survey Responses
What’s one thing you would
like to make better at your
school or in your
neighborhood?
If you could create a project
for kids your age, what would
it be?
Why do you think it’s good
for kids to share their ideas
with adults?
What would be a fun way for
you to help—planning events,
volunteering, sharing ideas,
or something else?
Who gets helped more when
kids join in—just the kids, or
everyone in the community?
What’s the best way for
adults at the city to talk with
you and your friends (school
visits, text, email, social
media, etc.)?
How do you think youth
voices could make a
difference in the city?
Imagine a “Youth
Commission” in 3 years—
what cool things do you think
it could do?
What might make it hard for
kids to join in (like rides, time,
or other stuff)?
One thing I would like to
make better at my
school/neighborhood is
more enforced driving
repercussions. There are
constantly unsafe drivers in
neighborhoods and school
zones who exceed the
posted speed limit and it
creates an unsafe
environment for children and
pedestrians.
I think a fun project for
children would be
planting/gardening. If our
area had a designated
garden or place that children
could go plant trees and
flowers I think it would be a
very engaging activity for
people to do.
When kids share their ideas
with adults it can open a new
kind of thought for adults. All
ages are constantly learning
new things so by sharing the
knowledge we can all
become more wise,
increasing the amount of
new modern ideas.
I think a zoom meeting would
be a good way to plan public
events.
Everyone in the community
benefits when kids share
their ideas and join in.
I think via email or maybe a
zoom meeting.
They share a new
perspective to issues and
give us unique helpful ideas.
It could help create a safer
environment for kids, more
free activities, un and safe
places to go for kids to meet
and socialize, ect.
Maybe if they don ´ t have a
way to access the activities,
if they don ´ t have time, if
they feel embarrassed, etc..
One thing i would like to
make better in my
neighborhood is to have
more kids in my
neighborhood.
A project i would create for
kids my age is a money
machine to get money.
Its good for kids to share
their ideas with adults
because adults have more
say in things.
A fun way to help plan events
is also robots, Robots can
help people reach tall stuff
on the shelf or something.
The whole community gets
help more when kids join in
because they have a lot a
energy and there sometimes
fun.
The best way for adults to
contact me and my friends is
Email.
Youth voices can make a
difference in the city because
they can help adult people
with there work like young
sheldon.
Some cool things a young
Commission would do in 3
years is to have no school.
It might be hard for kids to
join in on stuff because they
don't have the most social
skills
One thing that I would like to
make better at my school
and in my neighborhood is
kinder people and more
activities.
If I could create a project for
kids my age it would be a
cooking project where you
cook one of your favorite
dishes then bring it to school
for everyone to try!
Why I think it's good for kids
to share their ideas with
adults is so their voices can
spread a word of something
that is good or needs to
change so the adults can
make a change to what's
happening or keep it the
same.
A fun way for me to help is
volunteering!
Everyone in the community
because if you get more
people to help it's helping the
community!
The best way for adults at
the city to talk to with me and
my friends is school visits.
With them telling someone in
their community what needs
to change and what needs to
stay the same.
Creating new electives and
clubs for school and after
school activities!
With after school activities it
can make it hard for them to
join in if someone didn't tell
them what time they have to
be there where they have to
go.
Not sure Not sure
so that their ideas are out
there and shared with a hire
chance of them being done
working with the people you
want to work with and work
well With
Everyone in the community
Most likely email and school
visits because it lets us be
more careful involved and
know what's going around
Youth can have more ideas
to help the community and
when their ideas are shared
that can improve the
community
Help plan events and help
other youth in the community
share their voices
Extracurricular activities
times and other issues
One thing I would like to
make better at my school is
the lunch lines because
people cut the lines plus the
lines are barely lines at this
point.
A paint ball tournament for
fun.
I think it's good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because the adults could
make that idea real instead
of hiding their ideas from
adults.
To think of it as a game, like
help with planning and get a
small prize every time.
Everyone in the community
because, more people to help
means it goes faster.
Probably school visits or
emails that'll work for me I
guess.
They could make a
difference by showing kids
that their voice matters too.
Having a place to talk about
ideas, plans, and etc.
Family matters, time for
homework or other school
stuff, and what parents think
about it.
For people to get along and
we can have more fun.
I would like an easier
learning system.
It's good because kids could
share their creativity and
their opinion.
I feel like just being there or
like help do something.Everyone in the community.School visits or text.
They can tell someone about
their opinions and they can
have a voice and say what
they believe.
I don't understand i don't understand
I think that everyone should
try to be more friendly and
create a better community.
The project would definitely
be to create a design of a
new sign for the school
made in a way that everyone
feels like they are welcome
and have a say in making
some decisions. (it would be
voted on by the admin)
Yes, it is very important that
kids share their ideas and
thoughts to adults because if
kids have to be seen and not
heard it can cause many
issues down inside them and
lead on to later issues.
I think that a fun way for us
to plan events like this would
be to have a meeting with
other school principles to see
what we all think about the
event.
I think that they both equally
get helped because the kids
that join us get new friends
and bigger community while
the community gets helped
more because we get a new
member!
I think that emails are very
good but school visits give
us a chance to speak about
everything on our mind and
we can finish the
conversation faster. I like
leaving followup emails as
well!
I think that our voices could
make a difference in the city
because we could speak up
about the problems we think
we can fix or help with.
I think that if we had a youth
commission group, they
could plan more major
events and help with some
problems that are happening
at that moment.
It can sometimes be hard for
kids to join in with events
happening because
sometimes they don't have a
ride or they don't have good
enough grades, which I think
is very unfair to them.
people shaming people for
what they wear
it would be for kids to go out
and do some type of fund
raiser like going the the
street and selling lemonade
to see how much money they
can get.
depends what the idea is and
who the adult is but an adult
could help make the idea
reality
planning events and
volunteering at them makes
kids feel included
everyone in the community it
gives more helpers to run
whatevers going on
texting and visits shows adults kids
perspective of there laws i don't understand this one
adults thinking that we don't
know what were doing and
giving unwanted advice.
One thing I would like to
make better at Everitt is I
think that you should be able
to have 3 electives.
If I could create a project for
kids my age it would be a
fundraiser for Mr. O'connor
to dye his hair pink for breast
cancer awareness.
I think it is good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because then adults can
understand children.
Since we already do this at
our school, I think that
elementary schools should
start doing it as well.
Both, the student because
they get to make new
friends. And the community
because Student council
gets new ideas.
I would choose email
because its a way to notify
students on their computer
at school.
It would make a difference
because they would have
more ideas.
I don't understand this
question
commitment and rides or
like sports
One thing I would like to
make better at my school or
in my neighborhood is having
more events so we could
socialize more with people.
If I could create a project for
kids my age then I would
make something that would
interest them and make it so
they would enjoy it, if kids
dont enjoy it then their
motivation is lost and the
project would look sloppy.
I think its good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because then adults could
understand their perspective
and what kinds of things they
love and have interests in.
A fun way for me to help plan
events, volunteer, and to
share ideas would be to do it
my way-- like decorating. I
would love to not have
someone do my decorating
and let me just do it myself.
Everyone in the community in
my opinion because they
would help out the adults an
dtake off some of the
workload.
The best way for adults to
talk to me or my friends
would be school visits
because texting is just weird,
emailing is sometimes bad
because students dont check
their emails sometimes, and
social media is also weird.
Youth voices could make a
difference in the city by
sharing more different
opinions that the adults have.
I think it could do a lot to
make kids feel more
recognized.
What might make it hard is
sometimes people dont like
the rides or they dont have
enough time to even attend.
What’s one thing you would
like to make better at your
school or in your
neighborhood?
If you could create a project
for kids your age, what would
it be?
Why do you think it’s good
for kids to share their ideas
with adults?
What would be a fun way for
you to help—planning events,
volunteering, sharing ideas,
or something else?
Who gets helped more when
kids join in—just the kids, or
everyone in the community?
What’s the best way for
adults at the city to talk with
you and your friends (school
visits, text, email, social
media, etc.)?
How do you think youth
voices could make a
difference in the city?
Imagine a “Youth
Commission” in 3 years—
what cool things do you think
it could do?
What might make it hard for
kids to join in (like rides, time,
or other stuff)?
One thing that I would like to
make better at Everitt Middle
School is the lunches that
they serve here. Whenever I
get the lunch to me the food
looks fake and most of the
time they do not have the
food that people want
because they run out. I would
just want more and healthier
food at Everitt middle school.
If I could create a project for
kids at the age 11 I think it
would something like a game
or something like to help
clean up the state almost like
Earth day but when a bunch
of people like get together
and start a challenge on
teams to see who can pick
up the most trash around the
city.
I think it's a good idea for
kids to share their ideas with
adults because adults can
really help bring your ideas to
a new level and bring it to the
government or people that
can make a change.
A fun way for me to help
planning events,
volunteering, sharing ideas,
because I really like to help
out in my community and I
think it would just be fun if
we could get together for the
people that want to help and
see what we can get done.
Everyone in the community
and the kids gets helped
when they join in, because
they all deserve to be
welcome.
The best way for adults in the
city to talk with me and my
friends is probably texts or
emails because it is easier to
get to it.
Youth voices could make a
difference in the city because
they always have good ideas
and can help support
different things.
Cool things that I think could
be in a Youth Commission
group is to help set things up,
run community events, and
help out around the city with
trash and things.
Some things that might be
hard for kids to join in is if it
costs/money, rides, timing,
where it is, and what days it
is on.
In my neighborhood i think
we go do better about no
littering, picking up after your
pet or animal and going at
speed limits including school
zones and kid signs even if
there is now kids outside at
the time. In my school i think
we could do better at bullying
and physical violence. I think
doing this can help improve
our neighborhoods and
school.
I think a cool project for kids
my age would be building
and designing houses made
from cardboard and wood
along with small materials
like fabric and paper. We can
make the exterior and interior
designs for the model
houses.
Because both the kids and
adults can share their
perspective on the ideas and
some improvement and what
they think could help out
their idea.
Making sure all people
including me can get
involved in the planning and
others. I think with inclusion,
things can go more smoothly
for others and myself. I
personally think just getting a
part in the planning and
events is enough fun.
I think I observe just the kids,
because if you were to
envision kids joining into a
community or group, most
people's focus will shift to
them wanting to help them
be included and feel
welcomed. Even though
sometimes everyone can get
helped when others join, I
mostly think that the
attention would go to the
new members.
Kindly with patience with
their understanding of what
we need or offer.
Youth voices can help
change people's perspective
of one thing or multiple. With
more voices and different
ages with different ways of
seeing something can help
people confirm or change
their answer to a specific
thing.
i dont understand
A few things that could make
fitting in hard for kids could
be different personalities,
and i'm not saying people
MUST change to have other
people happy, the other
person could maybe just
have trouble finding people
they feel comfortable with.
Another thing that could be
making things hard for kids
could be bullying, if someone
is trying to join in on
something I don't think
bullying would make the
person feel included or safe
around their space they're in.
I would like to see everyone
being respectful and
following the rules at Everitt.
I would do a project so
everyone has a part in a
building contest that is all
their own colors.
I think its good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because then the kids can
get the help that they need,
the suggestions, and great
support.
a fun way fo me to help plan
events, volunteering, and
sharing ideas, will be to do
different activities for
different schools since we do
so much for our school.
I feel like everyone in the
community gets helped but
also the kids too because
then kids get more friends
and the community gets
more heathier and more
social.
I dont understand the
question.
if you talked to someone
important and you say
something then the
community can be more
safer with everyone.
I dont understand this
question.
it might make hard to join
because people might not be
free to go because of other
important stuff.
I would like to make the
areas around my
neighborhood safer for kids.
I would create a project
where they share about
things that they love such as
family, friends, pets, etc.
I think its good because the
adult can take their ideas and
share it to the class so that
they can work more on their
passions/ideas in class.
A fun way for us to help
would be volunteering.
I think everyone in the
community would be
benifitted because they
would have more people to
help.
The best way for the city to
talk to me and my friends is
texting.
I think youth can contribute
more time to the city with
events
I dont understand.
I think not having many
friends, having stricter
parents.
Nothing really.
Who could make the best
drawing of the 6'7 braintrot
and gaming as well.
So then they can be involved
with humans and their
coummunty.
Probly everthing I like
planning all these events.Everyone in the community.School vistits.
how I think youth voices can
make a difference in the city
is since thats what are or
used to be plus there will
more children than adults so
youth voices can help
everyone by working
together.
There will memes every
where like 6'7 or 41 pencil.
Why might make it hard for
kids to join in is because they
might have family situation.
One thing i would like to
make better at my school
would be making every kid
feel safe and welcomed,
though it's something
everybody knows is what
should be a habit for
everyone, no one actually
seems to take it as important
as it actually is. I would want
it to be a thing where no one
has to say it or ask for it
from someone, it should be
done naturally.
I don't understand
I think it good for share their
ideas with adults because
though adults are older and
they already "know more" or
"Know better", a kids point of
view or thoughts can be
useful to know what and how
a kid thinks some things
should go and maybe how
adults can make things work
in order for kids to
participate or agree with
what adults think.
Forming a competition but
there's only a prize sometime
so people don't expect
something all the time for
doing kindness or making
everywhere a safe
environment.
Everyone in the community,
because a kids voice doesn't
just impact another kid, a
kids voice and opinion can
help the whole community.
The best way for adults at
the city to talk with us an our
friends would be to do
school visits, so they can
presentations or speeches
face to face with the
community of the school. So
people can really understand
and pay attention to what
they have to say.
Hearing the voices of youth
can make a difference
because hearing that
something needs to be
changed or fixed from a kid
ca show how if a kid notices
it, it's important.
Not sure
It might make it hard for kids
to join after school activities
or other groups due to the
thought of judgment or the
thought of not fitting in.
Nothing! I think everything is
great!
I would do an art project,
where kids make a tree with
symbols so they can express
themselves with symbols.
(this is a project from last
year that i thought was cool.)
I think it is good for kids to
share their ideas with adults
because kids get to express
their ideas and it can help
both kids and adults.
I think it would be fun to
volunteer for something.
I think everyone in the
community is helped.
I think it is best to plan a time
that they can meet up and
talk, or email.
it can show adults different
perspectives and change
their point of view.
I dont really understand.I think it might be hard for
kids to join because of time.
What’s one thing you would
like to make better at your
school or in your
neighborhood?
If you could create a project
for kids your age, what would
it be?
Why do you think it’s good
for kids to share their ideas
with adults?
What would be a fun way for
you to help—planning events,
volunteering, sharing ideas,
or something else?
Who gets helped more when
kids join in—just the kids, or
everyone in the community?
What’s the best way for
adults at the city to talk with
you and your friends (school
visits, text, email, social
media, etc.)?
How do you think youth
voices could make a
difference in the city?
Imagine a “Youth
Commission” in 3 years—
what cool things do you think
it could do?
What might make it hard for
kids to join in (like rides, time,
or other stuff)?
maybe make my
neighborhood safer and not
bad
i dont know nut i want it do at
least somthing that is
outside and not inside so you
are at least out side so you
are not inside all of the time
so they can tell them how
they feel about something
and maybe if they want to
change something that they
dont like
if you tell someone about
your idea and if they like it. it
can you feel like you are not
left out or like you are
inporent to this and so that
you are a part of something
i dont uderstand i dont understand
i think i can chang is pepole
that cant stand up for them
self or everone can spek
about what is going on and
be loud
i dont understand o i dont know
one thing that i will like to
make better in school is not
seeing trash all the time.
i will make a shop in school.i think that it is a good idea to
share their ideas with adults to put jocks in it.eyeryone in the community to talk in a way that 6 and 7th
like kids yes nothing the time that it is.
Get together's for all ages to
have fun, doing crafts and
small plays, I would also like
there to be more school
sports teams like baseball,
basketball,gymnastics and
maybe more.
a gaming night would be fun
with video and board games
and maybe trying to make a
video game would be fun too
So that they can feel heard
and welcomed into a
community, People like
sharing their ideas and
sharing their experiences
with other people
all of the above I love helping
out with things but usually
don't get a chance because
i'm never offered the chance
everyone gets helped out
because if there are kids in
the neighborhood and at
school that kids know, they
can get their phone numbers
and then the parents can get
a break because their kids
are at their friends house
while the parents relax at
home, .or if the parents need
a little help getting their kids
to school their kids can car
pool with their friends and
the parents become friends
as well.
I feel like school visits would
be best but emailing parents
would be fine too
The ideas could help the
environment and help kids
feel heard and proud of
themselves they could be too
busy to be on tech and
actually do something they
could learn and meet new
people make new life long
friends and have fun!
it could bring people together
and help kids have fun.
sports time if you have to pay
money too where its at and
when.
One thing i would like to
make better at my school is i
could plant flowers around
the school.
A project i would create is a
project for kids to do good
stuff in the community.
Adults could make their
ideas come true.I dont understand.I dont understand.School, email, visits.
Their voices could make a
difference by the city making
their ideas come true.
I dont understand.
It could be difficult for them
to talk and socialize with the
others.
Get together's for all ages to
have fun, doing crafts and
small plays, I would also like
there to be more school
sports teams like baseball,
basketball,gymnastics and
maybe more.
a gaming night would be fun
with video and board games
and maybe trying to make a
video game would be fun too
So that they can feel heard
and welcomed into a
community, People like
sharing their ideas and
sharing their experiences
with other people.
all of the above I love helping
out with things but usually
don't get a chance because
i'm never offered the chance
everyone gets helped out
because if there are kids in
the neighborhood and at
school that kids know, they
can get their phone numbers
and then the parents can get
a break because their kids
are at their friends house
while the parents relax at
home, .or if the parents need
a little help getting their kids
to school their kids can car
pool with their friends and
the parents become friends
as well.
I feel like school visits would
be best but emailing parents
would be fine too
The ideas could help the
environment and help kids
feel heard and proud of
themselves they could be too
busy to be on tech and
actually do something they
could learn and meet new
people make new life long
friends and have fun!
it could bring people together
and help kids have fun.
sports, where, money and
when.
What’s one thing you’d like to
improve in your school or
city?
If you had the chance to lead
a project for teens, what
would it focus on?
Why do you think youth
leadership and input matter
in community decisions?
What type of involvement
interests you most—event
planning, community service,
leadership roles, or policy
input?
Who do you think gains the
most when youth get
involved—the students, the
city, or both? Why?
What’s the most effective
way for city staff and leaders
to communicate with high
school students?
In your opinion, how can
youth perspectives actually
shape or influence the city?
Imagine the youth
commission 3 years from
now—what outcomes would
show it made a real impact?
What barriers might prevent
teens from participating
(transportation, work, sports,
family responsibilities, etc.)?
I would like to improve many
things, including trash,
violence, and support for
those in need. As well as
general respect and
kindness.
I would focus on life skills
and things like
communication and health.
Youth input matters so much
because we are the future
and have a diffrent
perspective on topics and we
can bring ideas that adults
may not think of.
Event planning,community
service, and policy input all
seem interesting.
I think that when youth is
involved everyone benefits.
The city benefits because
they can get more people to
help and youth can help
spread ideas and events
online or at school reaching
places the city might not be
able to. The students will
benefit because they will
have a voice in what is
happening and will get to
improve where they live and
meet new people as well as
interact with the community.
The 2 most effective ways
they can communicate is
through social media or
coming to the school to
speak.
The perspective of the youth
can influence the city by
coming up with new ideas
and prepping for the future
as well as voicing what they
feel they need.
Some outcomes would be a
diverse and new group of
people participating and a
physical change in the city
such as less trash. I also
think it would be great if
there was a functioning
system.
Homework,school,knowledge
of participation, resources,
money,time.
More kids supporting another
and participating in clubs or
activities.
Bringing kids together
through something creative
and artsy, an opportunity for
more quiet kids to make
friends as well.
Its important for kids to know
how to lead themselves and
their peers, and it shows lots
of maturity and compassion
for what you do.
Event planning interests me
most.
Both, the students get to feel
involved with things adults
are only part of most of the
time, and the city is benefited
from fresh ideas and a
younger perspective.
By just being honest and not
trying to "dumb down"
anything for students. Its
important for them to
become mature as they are
near adulthood.
To keep the city fresh and
nice for everyone, its
important to get a fresh
perspective every once in a
while to keep up.
Changes in the city that were
problems to kids before,
more students being involved
in their school, and support
for the group by peers and
adults.
Sports is a big thing, as most
students are in at least one
sport at the school. Work is
another huge responsibility
that shouldn't have to be
missed to participate in the
youth council.
I think having more
community outreach would
be better for our school. I
love that we are involved but I
would love to have more
resources in the community
for mental health and
support.
I would focus it on making
everyone feel more included
at school. I think it would be
nice to get everyone more
involved to meet new people,
so I believe it would be
beneficial.
Without youth leadership and
input, community decisions
get made without the
priorities of teens in mind. It's
very important to the
community, as teens provide
helpful insight to what they
need, and what the people
around them need as well.
I enjoy event planning and
leadership roles.
Students, because it shows
that they want to advocate
and it will bring more student
involvement.
instagram, text, phone
they can shape/influence the
city because they advocate
for the students for reasons
that may not be heard
if people are talking about
events that were exciting
from the commission, or
news about upcoming events
that people are interested in.
transportation, sports
schedules, club schedules,
work, family responsibilities,
schoolwork, traveling
The places that youth go to
hangout.
It would focus on community
spaces and making sure
youth are welcome and have
places to be.
Because then the change
helps everybody, not just the
adults who usually decide on
things.
Policy input.
Both because the students
gain things that they like and
the city is overall improved
for all age groups.
Come to schools.By adding or improving
things related to youth.
Maybe youth are hanging out
at businesses or there are
youth specific places they
can go to and they feel
welcome at places.
Work, sports and school.
I’d like to improve our
ecological impact.
It would focus on cleaning up
parks near my school, or
educating gradeschoolers
about conservation.
Youth leadership and input is
important as it gives the
younger generation a voice.
Community service and
leadership roles interest me
most, but really all but policy
input interests me.
The students gain the most
as they get a voice, but that’s
not to say the city doesn’t
gain anything.
The most effective way for
city staff and leaders to
communicate with high
school leaders is just by
reaching out directly, either
through email or in person.
Youth perspectives can
actually shape the city with
enough backing behind them.
I feel as if I’ll answer too
broadly, but any social,
political, or environmental
change that is noticeable to a
lot of the population’s
everyday lives/wellbeing
would show it made a real
impact.
All of those listed can
prevent teens from
participating, yet I think the
biggest barrier would be lack
of advertisement for these
programs.
One thing I'd like to improve
is awareness around the
impacts of littering and
keeping our environment
clean. Even just around my
own school, students leave
trash on our fields, nearby
parks, and streets, all left
untouched for days without
consequence. Even just
outside of inhibiting athletics
and ruining the image of our
school, littering has far
bigger consequences to our
city as a whole. My school
isn't the only area, plenty of
places around Wheat Ridge
face similar problems.
I'd like to lead a project either
regarding conservation or art.
Trail building, cleaning rivers
and lakes, picking up trash,
planting trees, etc. are all
projects I'd be interested in!
As for art, creating a mural or
fixing up some abandoned
places could be cool!
Youth are a large
demographic of the
community that often isn't
able to truly contribute to
decisions that can impact
them. Teenagers are active in
public spaces such as parks,
libraries, events, etc. and
have valuable input that
could improve our city as a
whole. Teenagers typically
are also more accepting to
new ideas and change,
leading to more tolerance
and a desire for things to be
done.
Event planning, community
service, and leadership roles!
Both, students are able to
more actively participate and
be involved in their city and
community, and the city is
given the opportunity to hear
from fresh perspectives, and
embrace more radical
change and events that reach
a larger demographic.
By offering them
opportunities (such as this
panel) to offer ideas of
change and problems that
directly impact youth today.
From protests to passion
projects, high school
students want to be active in
their community, and by
giving them a voice, the city
is able to reach students and
what they care about.
Youth perspectives can
create new traditions and
change in the city, as youth
consider things a lot
differently than how adults
may. For example, youth are
far more active on social
media and are able to share
and create in ways that may
be unfamiliar to older
generations. Youth also hold
certain values that may be
overlooked by older
generations in favor of
tradition.
Physical projects led and
created by youth. Annual
events and services being
established and introduced
by youth. A growing council
with greater responsibilities
and influence in the greater
city of Wheat Ridge.
Surrounding cities
establishing similar councils.
Teens often do have a lot on
their plates depending on
their coursework,
extracurricular activities,
jobs, family responsibilities,
etc. Meetings may have to
work around that, whether
with later times or more
accessible locations.
Transportation may also be
an issue, especially for
younger teens, which could
be solved with virtual
meetings or just closer
locations.
I wold like to improve the
scene of community and
constructiveness at my
school.
The project would focus on
helping out in the community
and encouraging active
participation with peers.
Youth input matters because
they bring diverse ideas and
have an ability to connect to
a groups that adults may find
harder to reach.
The idea that interest me
most is policy input.
I think there is something to
be gained for everyone
involved when youth
participate. Not only do they
help achieve things in their
community but students then
also get the chance to work
together and build life skills
such as teamwork,
leadership and
communication.
The best way to
communicate with high
school students is to allow
them to contribute their own
ideas and opinions. It is more
engaging when they have a
chance to offer their own
thoughts, things like polls
and meetings are a good way
to do this.
Youth have a different
perspective on their
communities that no one else
has, this allows them to
shape things based on what
they're seeing and using
solutions that relate to their
own perspectives.
A long lasting well
established base that sees
regular participation and
continues growth would
show improvement and
impact.
The biggest barriers would
be school, things like
homework or other academic
obligations may be
obstacles. As well as other
clubs, sports teams, or
hobbies.
Appendix B: High School Survey Responses
What’s one thing you’d like to
improve in your school or
city?
If you had the chance to lead
a project for teens, what
would it focus on?
Why do you think youth
leadership and input matter
in community decisions?
What type of involvement
interests you most—event
planning, community service,
leadership roles, or policy
input?
Who do you think gains the
most when youth get
involved—the students, the
city, or both? Why?
What’s the most effective
way for city staff and leaders
to communicate with high
school students?
In your opinion, how can
youth perspectives actually
shape or influence the city?
Imagine the youth
commission 3 years from
now—what outcomes would
show it made a real impact?
What barriers might prevent
teens from participating
(transportation, work, sports,
family responsibilities, etc.)?
I’d like to improve road signs
and make them very clear so
everyone understands what
it’s saying.
Mental health awareness
Youth leadership matters
because sometimes young
people have more or an idea
of what’s happening in the
world than older people.
Community service and
policy input
Both because youth knows
that their voice was heard
and the city gets the input to
change in better ways.
In classrooms through
teachers so that all students
get the information that they
need
Youth perspectives shape the
city because a lot of the time
they are the ones out there
doing things which changed
the city for the better
Changes throughout the city
and even changes that might
not be able to be seen but in
things said and done
After school activities and
ways of getting around if they
are not able to drive yet
2025 Wheat Ridge 102
Neighborhood Mediation Project
Introduction
The Wheat Ridge 102 Program invited graduates of Wheat Ridge 101 to get more
involved in the community by participating in and helping spearhead actual projects with
the assistance of City staff. The City of Wheat Ridge and Localworks identified
neighborhood mediation as a priority.
The City of Wheat Ridge understands that, at times, the community needs neighbors,
peers, business partners, and community members to resolve conflicts in a neutral and
confidential setting, with the support of a trained mediator. The goal of this program is to
develop a conflict-resolution solution for the city through comprehensive research and to
recommend the next steps for implementing a neighborhood mediation program.
As our contribution to Wheat Ridge 102, we were tasked with developing a solution to
community conflict resolution that requires minimal involvement from city departments
and minimal impact on the budget. The ultimate goal is to resolve neighborhood
disputes with no outside intervention.
Project Background
Summary
Wheat Ridge historically partnered with a Jefferson County mediation service, which is
now defunct. Currently, City staff refer individuals to a third-party service, OvalOptions,
but the City does not track utilization and the company doesn’t provide record-keeping
or outcomes to the City.
ATTACHMENT 2
Identified Challenge
While it is difficult to quantify the need for mediation, our research with local mediation
services, City staff, and experiences from neighboring cities show that Wheat Ridge
could expect to see about 5 to 15 mediation cases in the first year.
Local stakeholders have identified a need for a conflict-resolution process that avoids
involvement with either the police or the courts when possible. Research shows that a
community mediation program can significantly reduce the number of 911 calls and the
frequency of disputes that escalate into violence. Other municipalities have responded
with either in-house programs relying heavily on trained volunteers or contracting
professional third-party mediation services.
In general, the types of issues that could best be addressed by mediation include, but
are not limited to, complaints regarding: noise, trash, snow removal, trees, barking
dogs, harassment, and privacy. A full list of community mediation issues can be found in
Appendix A.
We identified this project challenge in two parts: 1) the need to build community
relationships to avoid the need for mediation services at all, and 2) the need for a
solution to address issues in mediation before they escalate and require police
intervention.
Project Proposal
High level summary
1. Community Building
The goal of this program is ultimately for neighbors to be able to resolve concerns on
their own, without mediation or police intervention. The first step of this program will be
to promoting neighbor-to-neighbor engagement and techniques for handling difficult
conversations is a priority to help to reduce the need for mediation. Building
relationships can be done in coordination with City and Localworks-organized events
through city-wide information sharing.
2. Mediation Services
The team reviewed several options for mediation services, and research programs that
were both in-house and third-party solutions. Our findings showed that a neutral, third-
party mediation service can eliminate the perception of unfairness and bias. It can also
help to define budget expenditures and allow impartial record-keeping. Liability is rarely
an issue in mediation, as it’s voluntary and no solution is imposed, but a third-party
mediator can help avoid liability claims.
The nature of mediation often fosters strong connections with participants, leading to
high levels of trust and satisfaction. Liability for an unsuccessful mediation result should
be an infrequent complaint in community mediation because of how community
mediators operate: when done right, the mediator does not decide, advise, or pressure
a participant. Possible issues include: if the mediation for each situation takes longer
than the initially budgeted time, which could impact the program’s master schedule; and
using volunteer mediators, which could lead to burnout, as this type of work can be
stressful and may not result in issues being solved, leading to police involvement.
Research Completed
List/summary of peer cities researched, organizations reviewed, subject matter experts
that met with the group, etc.
● National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) https://www.nafcm.org/
● Mediation Association of Colorado (MAC) https://coloradomediation.org/
● National League of Cities https://www.nlc.org/resource/reimagining-public-safety-
a-toolkit-for-cities-and-towns/
● Colorado Bar Association https://www.cobar.org/Search-
Results?Search=mediation
● Resolutions Systems Institute https://www.aboutrsi.org/
● Center for American Progress
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/community-responder-model/
● Institute For Community Solutions
https://instituteforcommunitysolutions.org/community_mediation/
● Lakewood Mediation Services
https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Sustainability-and-
Community-Development/Neighborhood-Support/Mediation
● Boulder Community Mediation and Resolution Center
https://bouldercolorado.gov/community-mediation-and-resolution-center
● Trevor Wolfson, Lakewood Neighborhood Support Team
https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Sustainability-and-
Community-Development/Neighborhood-Support/Mediation
● Carin Armstrong, Mediation Association of Colorado
https://bouldercolorado.gov/community-mediation-and-resolution-center
● Brady Portersfield-Finn - City of Arvada Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator
https://www.arvadaco.gov/1003/Neighbor-Conflict-Resolution
● Pastor Libbie Reinking, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
https://www.holycrosswheatridge.org/
● Marianne Schilling, City of Wheat Ridge Interim Deputy City Manager
● City of Colorado Springs
● Alex Rose, PIO of WRPD
● Archway Communities, Pauline Larson, Services Coordinator for the Highland
West and Highland South senior communities.
https://www.archwaycommunities.org
● Active Adult Center Michelle Richardson Recreation Supervisor
https://www.rootedinfun.com/158/Active-Adult-Center
A peer review found that Boulder has its own Community Mediation and Resolution
Center (https://bouldercolorado.gov/community-mediation-and-resolution-center) with
an annual cost of $180,000. Lakewood also has its own mediation services, though
after interviewing the leaders of that initial group, they recommended using a third-party
service rather than creating a mediation service internally.
Detailed Recommendation
1. Community Building
A significant first step that Localworks and Committees can help with is establishing
connections, which can take the form of block parties, neighbor-to-neighbor visits, or
conversations at the monthly meet-up events. Assisting with event scheduling will help
set a specific time for people to get together and build friendships or neighbor
relationships that open the way for respectful, supportive, and decision-making
conversations.
Localworks offers both Block Party Grants and Dumpster Grants for citizens to utilize.
These grants aim to assist with neighborhood cleanup, neighbor engagement, or both,
and align with the inherent need for our neighborhoods, schools, and the greater
community to build bonds and relationships first. We support the Localworks and other
committee events as a means to get to know others and learn about the diversity of our
neighbors, in hopes of preventing disagreements that cannot be resolved at a personal
level.
A volunteer Mediation Liaison Committee could be organized to work with Localworks at
its events, bringing trained staff from Community Services, etc., to give brief
presentations on de-escalation, help coordinate and inform about neighborhood
engagement, and promote the mediation service.
Options to present information and host conversations exist at already popular Wheat
Ridge events such as Ridgefest, the Carnation Festival, the Summer Music Concert, the
Library, the Recreation Center, the Active Adult Center, the Makerspace, and the
Farmers' 5000 event.
2. Mediation Services
Mediation Association of Colorado
We recommend that the City of Wheat Ridge retain 3rd-party mediation assistance
through Mediation Association of Colorado (MAC) and the Levelheaded Program. The
MAC is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting professional,
standardized mediation in Colorado since 1983. It evolved from the earlier organization,
the Colorado Council of Mediators and Mediation Organizations. MAC does not do
mediation but provides training, mentoring, and referrals for mediators.
MAC is creating a statewide mediation service for municipalities and counties in
collaboration with two organizations, Levelheaded and Find Solutions. With MAC as the
umbrella organization, Levelheaded is providing software for intake, scheduling,
contacting mediation parties, and statistics regarding mediation agreements and
outcomes. Find Solutions will be providing mediators that meet MAC standards. Find
Solutions has been providing mediation services in Colorado for 30 years. A full detail of
the pilot program can be found in Appendix B.
Other Colorado communities will likely be using this service, and it may prove valuable
to have consistent promotional materials, mediation approach, and record-keeping. The
project team analyzed various options and found that the MAC program is a good fit. It
is at the beginning of implementation and will allow our group the time and space to
mold the coordination and mediation process to fit our community.
These cities are participating (or interested in joining) the MAC:
● Arvada
● Edgewater
● Golden
● Littleton
● Boulder
● Fort Collins
● Estes Park
● Colorado Springs
Program Implementation
MAC is seeking Colorado cities interested in participating in its upcoming pilot program.
The program will be implemented in the spring of 2026 and reviewed in the fall of 2027.
Wheat Ridge could join the Mediation Association of Colorado’s (MAC) mediation
service as a Tier 2 member. For $1,000, this would allow 12 mediations per year, with
additional mediations costing $100 each. Each party involved in the mediation process
would pay only $35. The fee to MAC would include intake and scheduling, contacting
potential parties, promotional materials, explaining to staff how to use them, trained
mediators for sessions, and record keeping.
MAC and the Levelheaded program provide the contacts, case management, trained
mediators, and the reporting needed to meet Wheat Ridge’s needs. The Wheat Ridge
police department will be able to refer residents directly to MAC when calls come in, and
direct contact with MAC for mediation is also available. Promotional materials, contact
points, and record keeping will be provided to municipalities. Essentially, municipalities
will only have to refer people to the service.
The project proposal includes performance measures to track progress and ultimately
gauge success. The City of Wheat Ridge would work with the MAC to include tracking
specific performance measures throughout the pilot. We suggest that the city liaison ask
MAC for assistance with a client satisfaction survey for those who participated in a
mediation process. These could be made quantitative by using a scale of one through
five as a means to better gauge metrics at the end of the pilot.
The fee menu below is from the MAC presentation to potential participating cities. Our
team recommends starting with Level 2 for Wheat Ridge. We researched that the
average per-call cost to a city's Police Department is $500. The MAC tier we’re
recommending is $1,000 yearly for 12 mediations. If we estimate 12 total calls per year
sent to mediation rather than to the police, this saves the city $5,000.
Conclusion
Our team believes that a good starting place for our neighborhoods, schools, and the
greater community is to build bonds and relationships first. We would like to organize a
group to attend and present at committee events to help prevent disagreements that
cannot be resolved at a personal level.
Additionally, joining the Mediation Association of Colorado, or MAC, will leverage their
experience, support processes, offer brochures and advertising, and present metrics for
success upon completion of the pilot period. The MAC timeline will help deliver results
in a structured way.
For a community to become connected and stay that way, we encourage collaborative
approaches to building relationships, setting fair boundaries, and repairing harm that
may have already been done. All parties involved must be heard, seen, and feel that
their needs are valued and matter. Mediation serves this purpose and should be readily
available to Wheat Ridge residents. We are proud of the existing programs that educate
school-age citizens about respect, conversations, and asking for help, and hope to get
that same type of cooperation from adult citizens.
Appendices:
Appendix A: List of Mediation Issues
Appendix B: MAC Slides from community presentation
Appendix A: List of Mediation Issues
Residential
● Noise/loud music/lawnmowing equipment/loud arguments
● Trash/Messy residential property/snow removal/Trees/Landscaping: repairs and
maintenance (these are ordinance violations)
● Parking Vehicles, Bikes, Motorcycles, Scooters
● Blocked sidewalks
● Blocked driveways
● Smoke/odors
● Land Use
● Pets: barking dogs, pet waste, odors, types of pets, numbers of pets
● Children
● Neighborhood speeding
● Harassment
● Citizen Assist: looking for backup mediation…want to call to get help of third party: eg.
neighbors taking photos of others
● Snow removal (ordinance violation)
● Juvenile complaints
Commercial
● New Businesses
● Unkempt property
● Property Rights
● Snow removal
● Trees/Landscaping: repairs and maintenance
● Landlord/Tenant
● Consumer to business complaints
● Parking rights
● Right of way encroachment
Government
● Disputes with public agencies or public services
● Disputes over fees
● Use of public spaces: parks, trails, libraries, open spaces, and the recreation center
Educational Institutions
● Bullying
● Teacher/student
● School Rivalry
● Parent to Parent
● Parent to Teacher
● Sports
● Parkin
1
Community Mediation in Colorado
Appendix B: MAC Slides
2
Currently, programs only exist in:
Fort Collins
Loveland
Estes Park
Boulder
Denver
Jefferson County
Lakewood
Colorado Springs
Some other cities have contracts with individual mediators or with
Find Solutions - City and County of Denver, Lafayette, Thornton,
Aurora, Adams County, Englewood, Douglas County, Colorado
Springs,
The majority of Colorado has no access to
community mediation services.
Current Community Mediation Programs:
Company Name Quarter Month Year
3
Over the next year, the MAC hopes to develop a
statewide community mediation program to
address a range of community level issues
including:
●Neighbor/neighbor
●Landlord/tenant
●Civil Rights
●Internal workplace
●Small claims
●Zoning/land use
●Police/community member
●School cases
●HOA
Project overview
4
Partners
●Umbrella Organization
●Coordinates
stakeholders
●Manages funding
●Provide technology platform
for all administrative
responsibilities including
mediation intake, scheduling,
payment, mediator
assignment etc
●Day to Day Program
Oversight
●Mediator Supervision
●Case Management
●Point Person for each
Jurisdiction
5
What does each
Jurisdiction Receive?
Promoting
Services
Quality
Mediation
Services
Accessible
Entry to
Mediation
Mediation
Outcome
Data
●Connect quickly to mediator
●Accessible interactive AI intake
Accessible Mediation Services
●Fee for parties $35/hr or sliding
scale
●2 Hour Mediation Services by
Zoom (or in Person if possible)
●Interpretation Services Available
●Co mediation Model
●Highly experienced lead
mediators
Quality Mediation Services
●Option to return to mediation if
agreement falls through
●Modeled from community
mediation programs with high
resolution rate
8
Process Flow
Mediation
Follow up
Parties receive a
copy of
agreement
Can return to
mediation if
needed
Lorem 2Ex. Police respond to a
neighbor conflict
Officer gives
parties mediation
contact info
Mediator
contacts parties
Mediator
explains process
Determines
suitability
Either party
initiates
Completes intake
by phone, QR code
or text
Mediation
takes place
By Zoom or in
person if possible
If agreement is
reached, parties
sign
●MAC will provide
Brochures and other
Referral Materials
●MAC can assist with
presentations to police,
code enforcement, city
manager’s and other
referring departments
Promoting Services
Mediation Outcome Data
11
FEE MENU
Level 1 1-50 mediations
50-75 mediations
Over 76 mediations
$2500
$3500
$4500
Level 2 12 mediations
$1000
+ $100 per additional
mediation session
Level 3 5 mediations $550
+ $100 per additional
mediation session
Proposed
Fee Structure
By comparison, the cost to run a stand-alone program in
Boulder the community Mediation Program is $180,000 for
2 staff members.
12
Project Timeline
Sept ‘25 | Oct ‘25 Nov ‘25 | Dec ‘25 Jan ‘26 | Feb ‘26 Mar ‘26 | Dec ‘26 Mar ‘27 | Apr ‘27
Gather input from
potential stakeholders
and those with
relevant expertise
Work with stakeholders
to finalize a program
structure and budget
Informational session
with jurisdictions
Decide on a
name/logo
Recruit
jurisdictions/mediators
in rural areas
Lead mediators
selected
Administrative
structure and
contracts in place
Roll out the program
involving a minimum of
5-10 jurisdictions
Promote the program
in these jurisdictions
Explore usage of
services and
outcomes.
Evaluate sustainability,
effectiveness and
program expansion
statewide
EXPLORATION DEFINE PROGRAM STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND RECRUITMENT IMPLEMENTATION EVALUATION
ITEM NO. 2
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager
DATE: December 1, 2025
SUBJECT: City Council District III Vacancy Interviews
ISSUE:
Councilmember Stites was elected as Mayor at the November 4, 2025, election. Mr.
Stites resigned from his District III City Council seat on November 10, 2025. Wheat Ridge Charter Section 4.5 states that “within thirty (30) days after a vacancy occurs on
the council, the remaining councilmembers shall choose by majority vote a duly
qualified person from the proper district to fill such vacancy”. After advertising for the
vacancy, six qualified applications were received from interested candidates for the
vacant seat. Interviews will be conducted by City Council at the December 1st study session and appointment will be made at the December 8th regular meeting.
PRIOR ACTION:
City Council was briefed on the vacancy and appointment process at the November 10th study session.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
The City Council shall consist of eight members. Two councilmembers shall be elected
from each of the four districts. Councilmember Stites was elected as Mayor at the November 4, 2025, election and therefore resigned from his District III council seat on
November 10th. A council position shall become vacant whenever any councilmember
resigns. Within thirty days after a vacancy, the remaining councilmembers shall choose
by majority vote a duly qualified person from the proper district to fill such vacancy. No
person shall be eligible to hold the office of councilmember unless such person is a registered elector and is a resident of the district from which said person in appointed
for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the
appointment.
The District III vacancy was advertised on November 10th. Five applications were received by the due date at 5:00 p.m. on November 21st. The following individuals
submitted applications. All applicants were determined to be eligible to hold the office
of councilmember.
Study Session Memo – CC District III Vacancy Interviews
December 1, 2025
Page 2
1. Maki DeLaet
2. Rebecca Groth
3. Simon McGowan
4. Justin Slocum 5. Susan Wood
RECOMMENDATIONS:
All qualified candidates were asked to provide a 3-to-5-minute presentation during an interview process to City Council during the December 1st study session. Staff
recommends City Council hear the presentations and ask follow-up questions prompted
by the presentations as appropriate. City Council will select one final candidate to be
appointed at the December 8th regular meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Candidate Application Packet
ATTACHMENT 1
Maki DeLaet
11830 West 35th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033, U. S. A.
(303) 903-5005
Summary of Qualifications
Builder of Community, Advocate of local business, and connector of people. Passionate in building caring
community where people come together.
Work Experience
1998-present EduCyber, Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, U.S.A.
Chief Creative Officer since 2007
Project Manager, Customer Satisfaction Specialist, Quality Assurance
Champion, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Social Media Marketing
Coordinator, Digital Marketing Strategy Consultant
Education
1990-1995 Temple University Japan, Tokyo, Japan
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, concentrating in English Literature
and Linguistics
Community Engagement
2014-present Board Member, Wheat Ridge Business Association
2018-2013 Board President, Wheat Ridge Business Association
2015-2021 Board Member, Applewood Business Association
2018-present Supporting member of Localworks
August 2025 Graduated 2025 Wheat Ridge Citizens' Police Academy
2020-present Participant, Applewood Villages Sustainable Neighborhood Program
October 2025 Currently participating in Civic Spark program by Localworks and Jeffco
Community Network
2024-present President, Wheat Ridge Lutheran Women in Mission
Awards
2022 Grand Marshal, 53rd Annual Carnation Festival
2021 Member of the Year, Wheat Ridge Business Association
2021 Special Recognition Award, City of Wheat Ridge
Award description at city’s annual breakfast:
“Maki designed and developed the Eat-Ridge and Biz-Ridge programs and
websites to help local businesses during the pandemic. Maki also
developed a program to use our city bus shelters as a promotion to Shop
Wheat Ridge. She, along with the others being recognized used her authority
as the President of the Wheat Ridge Business Association to disseminate
information to its membership. She continues supporting local business
through her company and as president of the Wheat Ridge Business
Association.”
2017 Nominated Business of the Year, Applewood Business Association
2016 Nominated Business of the Year, City of Wheat Ridge
2013 Business of the Year, Applewood Business Association
2010 Business of the Year, City of Wheat Ridge
Languages Fluent in written and spoken Japanese
Fluent in written and spoken English
References Attached – Letter of Support from Mr. Bud Starker, Proprietor of West 29th
Restaurant - Bar
November 17, 2025
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Wheat Ridge City Council
The City of Wheat Ridge
7500 West 29th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Re: Maki DeLaet
Dear Mayor Stites and Wheat Ridge City Councilors,
I am pleased to write today this letter of support for Ms. Maki DeLaet to accompany her
application for a vacant city council position in District III. I have been acquainted with Ms. DeLaet for
well over a decade, having served with her on the Board of Directors of the Wheat Ridge Business
Association (WRBA), as well as its Executive Committee.
During that time, I have many opportunities to observe Ms. DeLaet closely to see that she has a
genuine love for our city, its residents, and its business community. She has worked tirelessly to support
Wheat Ridge businesses through activities of the WRBA and other business associations, as well as city-
sponsored events. She has rarely missed a ribbon cutting, grand opening or other civic opportunity to
welcome new residents and businesses into our community.
Ms. DeLaet is focused and organized with the tasks she undertakes. She reviews the material
and is well prepared to discuss and participate with others in collaborative decision making. She has
demonstrated leadership within her own company and throughout the community. She is friendly and
well-spoken, well-liked by her peers, and engaging in public situations.
I believe Ms. DeLaet is well qualified and a good candidate for the city council position she
seeks. Please feel free to contact me if I may offer any further observations.
Sincerely yours,
Bud Starker
Proprietor
West 29th Restaurant & Bar
West 29th Restaurant & Bar · 5560 West 29th Ave. · Wheat Ridge · CO · 80214
Print
This application is to fill the upcoming District III vacancy. This appointment will complete the second term of office
which expires in November 2027. This position will be eligible for district-wide election in November 2027.
First Name*
Rebecca
Last Name*
Groth
Address1*
11551 W 39th Place
Address2
City*
Wheat Ridge
State*
CO
Zip*
80033
Email Address*
rebeccamarty@gmail.com
Phone Number*
858-205-4165
Occupation*
Sales
Employer*
JustPark
Council Member Requirements
Pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Wheat Ridge City Charter, all applicants must be a registered elector and resident of District
III for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding appointment.
City Council Member District III Application - Submission #92266
Date Submitted: 11/21/2025
Yes
No
Do you live in District
III?*
Yes
No
Are you registered to
vote at your address?
*
Yes
No
Have you lived at your
address for the past
12 consecutive
months?*
Yes
No
This role requires participation in weekly City Council meetings on Monday evenings. Attendance at additional City
and community engagements will be required as necessary. Are you willing and able to make this time commitment?
*
Community Involvement and Experience
Yes
No
1. Have you ever, or do you currently serve in any appointed position on a Board, Commission, or Committee?*
If yes, please describe:
Only on the private side, I work in the parking industry and have been on the board for women's groups
within that promote professional growth, networking and mentorship programs.
2. Please describe any other community involvement, experience, or interests:*
I have been more active in the last 5-10 years participating in community events, more attending with my
children. It has shown me what matters in a community and how contributing unites a community and
promotes cooperation. I volunteer time and resources to events and am looking to participate more and
help inform others.
3. Why would you like to serve on City Council?*
I would like to serve on the City Council to strengthen my connection with the community and contribute to
meaningful improvements that benefit both current residents and future generation. I believe in the
importance of collaboration and would value the opportunity to work alongside others to navigate the city's
process and turn community goals into tangible results. Additionally, I'm eager to continue growing and
learning from experienced council members and community leaders while helping to foster a city that
reflects our shared values and aspiration.
4. What qualities do you possess that will make you an effective Council Member?*
I believe I would be an effective City Council member because I bring both professional experience and a
genuine commitment to community connection. In my current role in software sales, I work closely with
universities and municipalities, which has given me a strong understanding of procurement processes and
how public institutions collaborate to achieve results. I'm also highly adaptable to technology and value
using innovative tools to improve communication and efficiency. Most importantly, I take pride in building
meaningful relationships and engage in open, thoughtful discussions to understand people's real goals and
concerns. This will help me work effectively with others to create practical, positive outcomes for our
community as a whole.
5. In your opinion, what are the top three priorities for the City of Wheat Ridge in the next five years?*
1. Smart mobility, infrastructure and sustainability. As we continue to grow the infrastructure needs to keep
pace. I have watch companies scale and fail and succeed based on their leadership and they way they
navigate change and the ability to garner effective support for the change. In the next 5 years I would like
to focus on:
- Expanding safe walking, biking, transit options so that it isn't so auto-centric.
- Updating infrastructure in a way that also builds resilience and supports green outcomes. Stormwater,
sidewalks, trails. I have seen too many houses repairing sewer lines that are blocked and left with a hefty
debt in doing so.
- Encouraging development and renovation with sustainability in mind.
2. Economic vitality, local business support and community identity. Our recent "Prosperity Plan"
emphasizes building upon its business assets, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening the local
economy. This should focus on supporting small and locally-owned businesses, especially in key corridors or
redevelopment zones. Redeveloping under-utilized areas that reflect our city's character and community
input. Like The Green at 38th. Also by encouraging community identity and sense of place. Integrating
business, public space, parks, cultural activities so residents feel connected and proud of the city.
3. Housing affordability and inclusive development. Man it is getting hard for new families to buy a home.
I'm lucky I got one in 2017 when we did, our value has more than doubled in less than 10 years. I would
also like to have a voice in ensuring new developments fits with neighborhood character while expanding
choices, multi-unit, townhomes, smaller single-family homes. Also, creating pathways for residents to stay
in the community as life stages change providing us long-term community stability.
6. What is your long-term vision for the City of Wheat Ridge?*
My long-term vision for the city of Wheat Ridge is to maintain the close-knit community character that
makes our city special, while thoughtfully managing growth and change. As more people discover and
move to Wheat Ridge, it's important that we plan carefully to preserve our unique identity - one defined by
neighborhood connections, local businesses and accessible outdoor spaces. I envision a city that welcomes
new residents and opportunities, but does so in a way that protects our existing neighborhood's, avoids
overdevelopement and ensures our infrastructues keeps pace with growth. By
Additional Information
Yes
No
Is there anything that would adversely affect your ability to serve as a member of City Council?*
If yes, please explain:
Please submit any other relevant information (resume,
references, etc.) as separate documents.
No file selected.
Additional Documents
Rebecca-Groth-Director of Sales and Project
Management.pdf
All qualified candidates will be confirmed by email and asked to provide a 3 to 5 minute presentation during an interview
process to City Council during the Study Session on Monday December 1, 2025, at 6:30p.m.
Applications are due by Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00p.m.
Professional summary Director of Sales and Project Manager with over 15 years of experience leading
transformative sales initiatives and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Adept at
driving revenue growth through strategic account management and innovative
solutions, with a proven track record in government procurement and CRM
optimization. Committed to delivering visionary leadership and strategic insights to
elevate sales performance and enhance client relationships.
Rebecca Groth
Director of Sales and Project Management
Denver /858.205.4165 /rebecca.grothco@gmail.com
Employment history
SEP 2024 - PRESENT National Sales Director, US, JustPark (Acquired OOBEO Aug 2025)
JUN 2023 - SEP 2024 Regional Director of Sales, ParkMobile, LLC
SEP 2018 - JUN 2023 VP of Enforcement Sales, FLASH (Acquired OmniPark in July 2021)
2017 - 2018 Director of Sales and Marketing, Canopy Airport Parking
2010 - 2017 Manager, Integrated Sponsorships, Kronke Sports Entertainment (OSG)
Guided revenue growth and product innovation, boosting sales and market reach.
Implemented strategic sales plans, improving team efficiency and closing rates.
Enhanced brand visibility at industry events, building partnerships and market presence.
Presented compelling product insights, boosting recognition and customer engagement.
Led a team of Account Executives to achieve sales targets, securing the region's largest account.
Managed $800K territory quota with 20% growth, closing 10 government contracts worth $250K
ARR.
Collaborated cross-functionally to enhance product delivery and boost renewal rates.
Spearheaded regional sales initiatives, driving substantial growth through strategic planning.
Fostered partnerships with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings, resulting in
improved customer retention and satisfaction metrics.
Led sales strategy, boosting revenue and market reach in digital parking solutions.
Mentored team, surpassing sales targets with innovative enforcement technology.
Partnered with diverse teams to enhance sales tools, ensuring cohesive client solutions.
Cultivated strong client relationships through attentive service, leading to noticeable results in
customer retention and satisfaction.
Generated marketing and sales objectives with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) adopted as the
national standard across the company.
Analyzed and summarized marketing campaigns and sales efforts monthly, providing actionable
insights used by executive leadership for strategic planning.
Evaluated potential marketing partnerships and managed the overall marketing budget to
enhance revenue growth.
Managed integrated marketing campaigns across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms
for three networks.
Developed and trained a team of over 20 professionals on ad sales sponsorship opportunities,
enhancing sales effectiveness.
Created and implemented streamlined processes to improve efficiencies between departments
and external clients.
Education
BA, Political Science / Public Law, University of California, San Diego
Skills Revenue growth Experienced Team leadership Experienced
Strategic account management Experienced Government procurement Experienced
Enterprise sales cycles Experienced P&L management Experienced
Solution selling Expert Contract negotiation Experienced
CRM (Salesforce) Experienced Cross-functional collaboration Expert
Customer retention Expert Sales forecasting Expert
Brand development Expert Mentoring Expert
Data-driven decision making Experienced Process optimization Experienced
Market analysis Experienced
Links LinkedIn
Simon McGowan
3415 Quail St. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 | 303-588-1997
smcgowan20@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/simonmcgowan0320
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Business Plan Development ● Professional Presenter ● Collaborative Team Player ● Relationship Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSURANCE NETWORK, Littleton, CO October 2020–Present
Vice President, October 2020–Present
Operate all aspects of sales, operations and marketing of life insurance, retirement and related products as third
party distribution of insurance company products to insurance producers and financial services professionals.
Prospected new clients utilizing various marketing efforts including B2B networking, email, social media,
and tele-sales in the IBD, RIA, P&C and health markets.
Provided sales insights and solutions to producers to help target applicable clients for various product lines
including life, annuity, long term care and disability insurance.
Created original blog pieces for distribution via email and social media while helping improve RMIN’s SEO
performance.
Instituted marketing email campaigns for purposes of follow up sales calls.
Implemented cloud based contract and licensing system. Helped onboard new advisors and process new
business.
Reviewed and instituted appropriate cost savings of all aspects of business operations.
Interviewed and instituted new vendor relationships for sales and operations.
TRANSAMERICA, Denver, CO March 2017–October 2020
Regional Vice President, Brokerage Sales, November 2018–October 2020
Promoted to drive sales of target products with the goal of increasing company's share of insurance marketplace
as well as visibility of Transamerica's products. Managed and developed a team of 4 RVP’s as team lead.
At time of October 2020 departmental layoffs, had already achieved 257% of monthly goal for September
and 134% of annual goal (had surpassed entire yearly goal by the middle of September).
Developed territory rotation and managed territory, holding 15 -20 meetings per week.
Prospected for new clients within assigned territory and achieved sales goals. Traveled to meet with
prospects, producers, and other key intermediaries in the territory.
Provided sales insights and solutions that supported life, health and supplemental products using a
customer focused approach.
Focused support activities on key accounts to grow profitable sales.
Developed a strong network of strategically important relationships through direct and indirect meetings
with key contacts.
Internal Wholesaler, Brokerage Sales, March 2017–November 2018
Drove sales collaboratively with Regional Vice President to achieve a common goal of increasing company's share
of insurance marketplace as well as visibility of Transamerica's products.
Proactively made 50-60 outbound calls per day to financial advisors, exceeding metrics and contributing to
$15 million in brokerage sales in assigned territory.
Increased sales of focused product in assigned territory by 300% in 2018.
Exceeded monthly activity metrics (number of dials, sales conversations, virtual meetings, and opened
opportunities), regularly reaching 120% of goals.
COUNTRY FINANCIAL, Broomfield, CO February 2016–March 2017
Financial Representative
Equipped businesses and individuals to succeed with their financial goals by providing guidance in protecting and
growing their assets through insurance and a multitude of financial products.
Produced at 250% of quota on financial accounts and 144% of quota on life insurance sales over 12 months.
Performed daily B2B sales calls. Made a minimum of 40 outbound sales calls daily before targeting
professional offices in the field.
Organized a variety of different events 3-4 times per month for the purposes of client appreciation, COI
nurturing and development and prospecting.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics – University of Colorado, Denver, CO
Minor: General Business
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND AFFILIATIONS
CLU Professional Designation (2 courses from CHFC and one from CFP)
FINRA Series 6 and 63
Life/Health Insurance Licensed
Board President – Applewood Knowles Swim and Tennis
Current Board Treasurer – Women in Insurance and Financial Services – Denver Chapter (WIFS)
Management Development Training Certificate Program, 11/2018
Leadership Development Training, 11/2018
Member – Denver Estate Planning Council
Member – National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
AWARDS
Top of the Pyramid President's Council, 2017 and 2018
Internal Wholesaler of the Year, 2017
Selected for exceeding sales and activity goals, leadership, training and collaboration
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
SalesForce, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Concur, SureLC, Ensight, iPipeline, and WorkDay