HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-2026 Study Session Agenda PacketSTUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Monday, April 6, 2026
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 April 6, 2026)
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 mustpreregister before 5:00 p.m. on April 6, 2026)
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
1.2025 Boards and Commission Annual Report
2.Public Opinion Research and Community Engagement Planning Regarding
Capital Project Funding
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, Deputy City Manager
DATE: April 6, 2026
SUBJECT: 2025 Boards and Commissions Annual Report
ISSUE:
Staff has completed the third Boards and Commissions Annual Report, highlighting the
achievements of each public body through the 2025 calendar year, outlining anticipated
activities for 2026, and providing information about current members. Staff liaisons and
commission members will attend the April 6, 2026, Study Session to present their updates.
PRIOR ACTION:
August 7, 2023: During the Study Session, City Council requested an annual report from
staff outlining the activities of the City’s boards and commissions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The third Boards and Commissions Annual Report was developed through a
collaborative, cross-departmental effort, with contributions from the staff liaisons of each
board, commission, and committee. Comprised of approximately 85 dedicated
volunteers, these public bodies reflect the community’s commitment to shaping Wheat Ridge’s future. The report highlights their accomplishments in 2025 and outlines the key
issues they anticipate addressing in 2026.
The report features descriptions of nine public bodies, each tackling distinct issues.
Some make quasi-judicial land-use and building decisions, others provide recommendations to staff or City Council, and some allocate grants to community
partners or organize events. Many engage in a combination of these activities. The
diversity of their roles, alongside the dedication of their volunteers and supporting staff,
makes them invaluable to the City’s success.
To better celebrate the contributions of these volunteers, staff has invited the chairs of
each public body to present directly to City Council. While not all public bodies will have
Study Session Memo – 2025 Boards and Commissions Annual Report
April 6, 2026
Page 2
chair presentations due to feasibility and varying activity levels, those that do will provide
an opportunity for Council members to engage directly with the individuals driving these
initiatives.
These presentations will complement the report by addressing questions and fostering dialogue between the City Council and members of these public bodies.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 Boards and Commissions Annual Report
2025 Boards and Commissions Annual Report
City staff is excited to present the third Boards and Commissions Annual Report. This project
was a collaborative, cross-department effort, involving the staff liaison to each board,
commission, and committee included within. A testament to the community’s willingness to
contribute toward the next chapter of Wheat Ridge, these public bodies are comprised of
approximately 85 volunteers from across the City. This report aims to acknowledge the
significance of their hard work by providing insight into the accomplishments of each public
body in 2025 and outlining some of the key issues and upcoming projects on which they plan
to focus in 2026.
Enclosed within is a description of 9 public bodies, each committed to addressing unique
issues. Some engage in quasi-judicial land-use and building decisions, while others provide
recommendations to staff or the City Council. Certain public bodies allocate grants to
community partners or organize community events. Some engage in a combination of each
of these activities. Enhanced by the diversity of their focus areas and roles within City
processes, the value of these bodies, their dedicated volunteers, and the staff that support
them are indispensable to the City’s success.
This report features all the City’s Boards and Commissions, Hybrid (Staff and Council-
Selected) and Council-Selected Committees. These bodies, and those that are similar will
be included in the annual report moving forward.
Beginning March 1, 2024, the City has implemented term limits for public bodies. Members
will become term limited after serving two consecutive three-year terms. The only exception
is the Election Commission. Due to its unique function, members will become term limited
after serving three consecutive two-year terms.
The pages for each public body include a table listing member names, member positions,
terms served, and the expiration date of their current term. Accompanying each member,
you will see a “0” for terms served beginning March 1, 2024. This is because the City has only
just begun tracking “terms served”. This column will be updated accordingly in the future.
If members of the public are interested in serving on one (or more) of these public bodies,
they should apply by visiting the City’s website.
ATTACHMENT 1
Table of Contents
Election Commission……………………………………………………………...1
Building Code Advisory Board………………………………..………………...2
Board of Adjustment ………………………..…………….……………………....3
Planning Commission ...……………………………………….…….…........….4
IDEA Committee…………………………………………….…………………...….6
Community Partners Grant Program Committee………….…..………….8
Sustainable Wheat Ridge...……………………………………………………….9
Parks and Recreation Commission ……………........………………...……11
Cultural Commission………………………………………….……………….....13
Election Commission
MISSION
The Election Commission’s mission is to develop procedures to
establish proof of residency when eligibility is in question, determine
the winner of a municipal election by lot in the event of a tie vote, and
provide guidance on general voting matters in accordance with the
City Charter and applicable state law.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Election Commission did not meet in 2025, as no matters requiring
Commission action or review arose during that period.
2026
UPCOMING
The Election Commission will convene as needed in advance of
municipal or coordinated elections to carry out its duties related to
candidate eligibility, election procedures, and other voting matters as
required by the City Charter.
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE*
Elisa White At-Large 0 12/11/2025
Wanda Sang At-Large 0 12/11/2025
Onorina Maloney Sr. Deputy City
Clerk N/A N/A
*Election Commission terms expire at the end of a calendar year to better align with election cycles.
TEAM WHEAT RIDGE AT 2023 CARNATION FESTIVAL VOTE PIN
1
Building Code Advisory Board
MISSION
The Building Code Advisory Board (BCAB) reviews and recommends updates
to the City’s building codes and hears appeals of decisions made by the Chief
Building Official (CBO). Appeals may involve code interpretations, contractor
license suspensions, and approval of alternate materials and construction
methods.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Board reviewed and recommended adoption of the updated building
codes, transitioning from the 2018 I-Codes to the 2024 I-Codes. As part of the
update process, BCAB met twice (August and September 2025) to review key
policy questions, new state laws, proposed local amendments, and the final
draft. No appeals were filed in 2025.
2026
UPCOMING
In 2026, BCAB will convene as needed to address follow-up matters related to
the building code update and to review any appeals of the Chief Building
Official’s decisions.
BOARD MEMBERS
COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Al Gallo I 0 3/2/2026
Jason McCullough II 0 3/2/2028
Ronald Abo III 0 3/2/2027
Justin Slocum IV 0 3/2/2027
Nathan Hoppe At-Large 0 3/2/2026
PRIMROSE DAYCARE
AT CLEAR CREEK CROSSING
CONSTRUCTED IN 2025
STS. PETER & PAUL SCHOOL
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
DECEMBER 2025
2
Board of Adjustment
MISSION
The Board of Adjustment's mission is to review and make quasi-judicial
decisions on requests for variances and waivers related to the City’s
Zoning Ordinance and Sign Code. The Board also makes official
interpretations of these regulations.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Board did not meet in 2025.
The Board typically reviews variances or waivers from the strict
application of measurable standards, such as building setbacks,
greater than 50%. Variances are meant for unique sites with steep
slopes or unusually shaped lots that cannot accommodate a traditional
building. Because of that, very few variances are heard by the Board.
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BOARD MEMBERS
COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Tom Zelenko I 0 3/2/2028
Amanda Rodriguez I 0 3/2/2027
Alistair Huber II 0 3/2/2028
Larry Richmond II 0 3/2/2026
Laura Sicard III 0 3/2/2026
Michael Griffeth III 0 3/2/2027
Paul Hovland IV 0 3/2/2026
Thomas Burney IV 0 3/2/2027
John Troisi At-Large 0 3/2/2028
Betty Jo Page At-Large 0 3/2/2027
Andy Sulak At-Large 0 3/2/2026
3
Planning Commission
MISSION
The Planning Commission's mission is to guide the physical, economic,
and social development of Wheat Ridge through the creation,
amendment, and implementation of a comprehensive land use master
plan. As a quasi-judicial body, the Commission
provides recommendations to the City Council on land use cases,
including rezonings and planned developments. Additionally, it advises
on amendments to Chapter 26 of the City's Municipal Code, which
governs zoning and development.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2025, the Commission heard a variety of cases including:
• Two Specific Development Plans
• One Outline Development Plan amendment
• Two zone changes
• Code ordinances including:
o Allowing freestanding emergency departments as a
conditional use in the MU-C district
o Residential occupancy limits
o Regulation of accessory dwelling units
o Removing minimum parking requirements for multi-unit
housing
o Procedural updates to landscaping requirements
In most cases, the Commission makes recommendations to the City
Council.
Legacy Campus Layout The Lookout at Clear Creek Crossing
4
Planning Commission
2026 UPCOMING
The City Plan was adopted in September 2025.
As state law continues to evolve, and recommendations from the City
Plan are implemented, the Commission will continue to be involved in
potential code changes to Chapter 26.
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Cody Hedges I 0 3/2/2028
Krista Holub I 0 3/2/2027
Daniel Graeve II 0 3/2/2028
Kristine Disney II 0 3/2/2026
Patrick Quinn III 0 3/2/2026
Susan Wood III 0 3/2/2028
Syrma Quinones IV 0 3/2/2027
Anna Sparks/
Michael Moore (I)
IV 0 3/2/2026
Focus Area from the City Plan Zoning Map
5
IDEA Committee
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The IDEA Committee's mission is to advise the City Council on policies
and practices to make Wheat Ridge a more diverse, equitable, and
inclusive community. The Committee acts as a liaison between the
community and the City Council, organizes events and activities that
promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), and fosters
mutual respect and understanding of all persons.
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Throughout 2025, the IDEA Committee participated in numerous
community events, including several Pride events, the annual Holiday
Celebration, and Truck or Treat, strengthening community awareness
and visibility of the group. The IDEA Committee engaged with several
staff members to learn about their divisions, discuss current challenges,
and identify opportunities for IDEA support. The Committee also
provided feedback on key Wheat Ridge initiatives, including Keep
Anderson Afloat and the City Plan.
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In 2026, the IDEA Committee will focus on branding, community
trainings, and tabling at community events. The IDEA Committee will
continue to support internal IDEA efforts including assisting with an
equity audit and recommending staff trainings.
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IDEA Committee
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COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Morgan Richards I 0 3/2/2027
Jae Kim II 0 3/2/2027
Cindy Chang III 0 3/2/2027
Lin Browning IV 0 3/2/2027
Gretchen Trefz At-Large 0 3/2/2026
Terra Greer At-Large 0 3/2/2026
Alexander Gouldsmith At-Large 0 3/2/2027
Edward Nepomuceno At-Large 0 3/2/2027
Vacant At-Large 0 3/2/2028
Vacant At-Large 0 3/2/2028
Jenny Snell City Council
Liaison 0 3/2/2026
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, & VOLUNTEERS EVENT
HOLIDAY EVENT
IDEA COMMITTEE MEETING HOLIDAY EVENT
7
Community Partners Grant Program Committee
MISSION
The Community Partners Grant Program (CPGP) is a City-sponsored grant
program that supports area non-profit agencies and programs that benefit
and improve the health and wellness of Wheat Ridge residents. The CPGP
Committee's mission is to review all applications to the program and
present its award recommendations to the City Council for approval.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
The CPGP Committee reviewed applications and presentations from 43
community organizations, representing $491,220 in funding requests, an
increase of $32,925 compared to the previous year. After evaluating each
request, the Committee recommended awarding $200,000 to community
partners in the 2026 City Budget. City Council directed staff to add
an additional awardee, bringing the 2026 total to $203,000.
2026
UPCOMING
The CPGP updated the program’s timeline to align more closely with the
City’s budget process. This adjustment ensures that applicants and the
review committee have a better understanding of the program’s available
funding. Applications for 2027 funding will open in June 2026.
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Jeffrey Richards I 0 3/2/27
Kelly Trace I 0 3/2/28
Lindsay Schwerman II 0 3/2/27
Alex Gouldsmith II 0 3/2/28
Allison Vitello III 0 3/2/27
Vacant III 0 3/2/28
Raven Newberry IV 0 3/2/27
Charles Hood IV 0 3/2/28
2023 BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, & VOLUNTEERS BBQ CPGP COMMITTEE ADVERTISEMENT
8
Sustainable Wheat Ridge
MISSION
Sustainable Wheat Ridge's mission is to advise the City of Wheat
Ridge on matters pertaining to environmental sustainability and promote
sustainability programs to residents and businesses within the City of
Wheat Ridge through engagement and outreach.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Proclamation.
• Onboarded four new Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee
members and elected a new Chair and Vice Chair.
• Presented a Climate Emergency Resolution to City Council.
• Hosted the first-ever Invasive Species Plant Walk at Prospect Park
to educate residents on common invasive plant species and how
to identify them.
• Created a green events guide.
• Hosted annual e-waste recycling, a paint recycling, and yard
waste compost events.
• Focused on outreach for the Green Business Program, resulting in
seven new businesses joining the program in 2025.
• Presented the 5th annual Green Business Award to Sustainabuilt.
• Engaged with the Lutheran development team to promote a
partnership and make sustainable development
recommendations.
• Members volunteered at the arbor day tree planting event, Green
at 38th grand opening, Ridgefest, and the annual holiday
celebration to assist with recycling, composting, and providing
information about the committee’s efforts.
RIBBON CUTTING WITH MAYOR STARKER
AT PANORAMA PARK GARDEN
PLANTING DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
AT PANORAMA PARK
9
Sustainable Wheat Ridge
2026
UPCOMING
• Continue to pursue grant funding and new programming.
• Recruit and onboard new members.
• Continue to support implementation of the Sustainability Action
Plan, focusing on Communications & Engagement, Green Building &
Energy Efficiency, and Water in 2026.
• Continue to support the Sustainable Neighborhoods program and
other ongoing programming including Mayor’s Monarch Pledge,
Fresh Food Connect, and Garden In A Box.
• Expand participation in the Colorado Green Business Network
program.
• Host annual events including yard waste composting, paint
recycling, and e-waste.
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
COMMITTEE MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION
DATE
Corinne Anderson I 0 3/2/28
Alix Finnegan II 0 3/2/28
Sachi Adair III 0 3/2/27
John Derosier IV 0 3/2/28
Joy Opp At-Large 0 3/2/26
Michaela Butler At-Large 0 3/2/26
Amy DePierre At-Large 0 3/2/26
Sara Nepomuceno At-Large 0 3/2/26
Betsy Coppock At-Large 0 3/2/27
Conner Denton At-Large 0 3/2/27
Stew Stewart At-Large 0 3/2/27
Amanda Burch At-Large 0 3/2/28
Rachel Hultin City Council
Liaison 0 3/2/28
SUSTAINABLE APPLEWOOD VILLAGES E-WASTE EVENT YARD WASTE COMPOSTING
EVENTS WITH SCRAPS 10
Parks and Recreation Commission
MISSION
The Parks and Recreation Commission's mission is to regularly
consult with the Parks and Recreation Director, acts as a liaison between
the community and the Parks and Recreation Department, and makes
recommendations on related matters to staff and the City Council.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Participated in a visioning session for the Parks & Recreation
Pathway and received updates from the consultant as progress
was made.
• Drafted letters of support for various grant applications.
• Supported the Historical Society’s Post Office mural project,
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s 25th Anniversary, Performances
in the Park, the Grand Opening of the Green at 38th, the ribbon
cutting at the new Panorama Park tennis courts, and the annual
Holiday Celebration.
• Volunteered at the annual Goat Parade and the Earth Day/Arbor
Day event.
• Took part in an annual Wheat Ridge parks tour, specifically
visiting current and future project sites
• Participated in a site tour of the Green at 38th in May, while under
construction.
• Discussed capital projects funded in the 2026 budget.
• Provided feedback on the Keep Anderson Afloat campaign, the
annual Holiday Celebration, the 4150 Kipling land acquisition,
Legislative Committee updates, changes to the commission
bylaws, and more!
• Contributed content to Parks and Recreation Department video
related to CAPRA reaccreditation.
GOAT PARADE VOLUNTEERS AT LEWIS MEADOWS PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 11
Parks and Recreation Commission
2026
UPCOMING
• Review and discuss adopted Parks and Recreation Pathway
document.
• Participate in CAPRA reaccreditation process – week of April 13th.
• Preparing for April commission elections.
• Interested in observing numerous park projects come to fruition
(e.g., Tabor Lake Trail, various playgrounds, wayfinding signage,
etc.).
• Engage with the community on Fruitdale playground replacement.
• Committed to continue supporting various grant efforts.
• Looking toward participating in upcoming City events, ribbon
cuttings, volunteer opportunities, etc.
• Excited to create more community engagement opportunities!
COMMISSION
MEMBERS
COMMITTEE
MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM EXPIRATION
DATE
Ralph Habben I 0 3/2/2027
Ryan Hester I 0 3/2/2028
Christine Samaniuk II 0 3/2/2026
Kathy Weisbrodt II 0 3/2/2027
Kathy Koniz III 0 3/2/2026
Mark Doody III 0 3/2/2027
Pat Cervera IV 0 3/2/2026
Andrew Rasmussen IV 0 3/2/2027
GREEN AT 38TH SITE WALK BOOSTER THE ROOSTER AND
VIRTUAL MEETING ATTENDEES
12
Cultural Commission
MISSION
The Cultural Commission's mission is to promote artistic
endeavors within the City by encouraging an appreciation for arts and
culture, developing and recommending cultural programming to the City
Council, and seeking community input and advice on the management
of public art.
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
Connectivity Pillar Accomplishments:
• Legacy Lutheran Art Sale
o Legacy Lutheran Hospital gifted all art from the old
hospital to the Cultural Commission to be used in our
efforts.
o The Commission partnered with Wheat Ridge Center for
Music and Arts to host “pay-what-you-can” art sale event
to sell the art and raise funds for use in future
programming.
• City Event Support
o The Commission attended City Events to share more
about the Commission and pass out art supplies.
• Festival of Trees
o Supported efforts on the Festival of Trees event, including
providing funding.
o Commissioners delivered flyers to local businesses,
volunteered at the event.
Programming Pillar Accomplishments:
• Issued an expanded Call for Artists in January - Received 44
submissions from 30 different artists, selected 18 artists.
Programming Pillar Accomplishments:
• 2025 Programs included:
o Arts Drop - Offered once in 2025 in a revised format.
Partnered with multiple local businesses to serve as drop
locations during First Friday.
o Display Case Program - Launched a new Display Case
opportunity at the Recreation Center, featuring a different
local artist each month from May 2025 – June 2026.
Community Grant Funding Pillar Accomplishments:
• Hosted two calls for grant applications to enable organizations to
move forward with projects that otherwise would not have
occurred.
13
2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
Other Achievements:
•The 2025 Cultural Commission Business Award was presented to
Anteak Booteek. Local artist - Kathleen Martell - created awards
for all three nominees.
•Set up storage in the barn at the Recreation Center.
•Walked alongside the Parks and Recreation Team at the
Carnation Festival Parade.
2026 UPCOMING
•Increasing grant amounts.
•Display case continues through June 2026.
•Attending and participating in City events.
•Review of our programming and connectivity pillars to be most
effective with budget and volunteer time.
Cultural Commission
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COMMITTEE MEMBER DISTRICT TERMS
SERVED
TERM
EXPIRATION DATE
Kathleen Martell, Chair I 0 3/2/2026
Celia Daly, Vice Chair I 0 3/2/2027
Sheri Atland II 0 3/2/2026
Beth Kelley II 0 3/2/2027
Kathy Plummer III 0 3/2/2026
Bobbi Rubingh III 0 3/2/2027
Lindsay Burney IV 0 3/2/2026
Brendan Kelley IV 0 3/2/2027
Jeff Richards At-Large 0 3/2/2027
COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND COMMISSIONER AT ART SALE BUYERS AT THE ART SALE
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Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager
DATE: April 6, 2026
SUBJECT: Public Opinion Research and Community Engagement Planning
Regarding Capital Project Funding
ISSUE:
The City continues to face significant capital infrastructure needs, including but not limited to transportation improvements, parks and recreation facilities, public facilities,
and deferred maintenance across multiple asset categories. Current revenues are insufficient to fund the scale of investment required to address these needs within
existing timelines.
Given these funding challenges, Council will hold a Capital Improvement and Financial
Feasibility Planning Workshop on April 11th to evaluate the political and economic
viability of specific revenue tools. This staff memorandum summarizes the importance
of robust engagement processes and past efforts by the City to conduct scientific voter
polling and other community engagement strategies to measure residents' priorities, willingness to support a ballot measure, and preferences regarding project scope.
PRIOR ACTION:
•City Council ratified the creation of the Drainage, Infrastructure, Roads and Trails
(DIRT) Task Force on January 22, 2007.
•City Council had discussions at the March 21, 2016, April 18, 2016, and May 2, 2016
study sessions to discuss new or increased revenue sources for City operations andcapital expenditures.
•City Council appointed the DIRT Task Force at a special meeting on May 2, 2016 toupdate and prioritize infrastructure needs in the City.
•City Council met in study session on July 11, 2016, July 25, 2016 and August 1, 2016
and discussed the DIRT Task Force recommendations and a consensus wasreached to consider a sales and use tax rate increase for the 2016 ballot to fund a
portion of the DIRT Task Force recommendations.
ITEM NO. 2
• On August 22, 2016, City Council approved Council Bill No. 17, an ordinance giving notice of and calling for a special municipal election to be held November 8, 2016
and submitting a ballot question concerning a temporary increase of one-half of one
cent (0.50%) in the City’s sales and use tax rate for Anderson Park Improvements,
Wadsworth Boulevard Reconstruction, Wheat Ridge-Ward Commuter Rail Station
Area and Clear Creek Crossing.
• On August 28, 2023, City Council approved Council Bill No. 21, an ordinance giving
notice of and calling for a special municipal election to be held November 7, 2023
and submitting a ballot question concerning an extension of the temporary increase
of one-half of one cent (0.50%) in the City’s sales and use tax rate for sidewalk, bike
lane and street improvements along primary street corridors, sidewalk gap construction and other sidewalk maintenance along major pedestrian corridors and
routes to schools and drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements at
priority locations in the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Costs are associated with contracting professional polling services and implementing
community engagement activities. A detailed cost breakdown will be provided once
Council authorizes proceeding. Estimated polling costs range from $15,000 to $25,000
depending on sample size and methodology. Other community engagement activities may require additional funding.
BACKGROUND:
Any consideration of a future ballot measure requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach to both polling and community engagement. A solid strategy will ensure that any potential
measure is grounded in a clear understanding of community priorities, reflects voter sentiment, and is developed through a transparent and inclusive process.
The first step in any effort would be to conduct scientific, statistically valid polling to establish a baseline understanding of voter awareness, priorities, and support for a
potential ballot question. This polling would allow the City to test different funding scenarios, potential uses of revenue, and variations in ballot language. It would also provide
insight into how perspectives may vary across different segments of the community. If
needed, a second round of polling could be conducted to refine the approach based on initial findings (see Attachment 1 and 2 for recent City poll).
Complementing this data-driven work, the City would also undertake a robust community
engagement process designed to reach a broad cross-section of residents and
stakeholders. This would include outreach to the business community, neighborhood groups, and civic organizations, as well as a variety of public-facing opportunities such as
open houses, town halls, online surveys, and participation at existing community events. Particular emphasis would be placed on ensuring inclusive engagement, with efforts to
reach underrepresented populations and reduce barriers to participation through a mix of
in-person and virtual options.
Throughout this process, the City’s communication team will remain focused on providing
clear, factual, and neutral information. Educational materials will help residents understand
how the City’s revenues and expenditures work, the City’s current and future financial
considerations, and the potential impacts of a ballot measure. Regular updates will be provided to both Council and the public to maintain transparency and build trust.
The overall timeline is expected to begin with Council direction, followed by polling and
community engagement efforts that may occur concurrently, and concluding with a review
of findings and Council study sessions to determine next steps. This approach is intentionally flexible, allowing the City to adapt based on what is learned along the way.
Ultimately, this strategy is designed to support informed decision-making by Council while
ensuring that the community has meaningful opportunities to shape the conversation.
Once City Council approves language for a ballot question, the City must transition to a strictly neutral role in accordance with state law. At that point, public resources, including
City funds, staff time, and facilities, cannot be used to advocate for or against the measure.
The City’s role is limited to providing factual, educational information to the community. If
there is interest in actively supporting or opposing the measure, that effort must be led by a
separate, independent citizen committee. These committees are typically formed by community members or stakeholders, and they are responsible for raising funds,
conducting outreach, and managing all campaign-related activities consistent with
applicable election laws.
Importance of Polling Accurate, statistically valid public opinion polling is a critical component of evaluating
whether to pursue a ballot measure for capital projects. A ballot question represents a
significant policy decision with long-term financial implications for residents and
businesses. Polling offers several important benefits that support responsible decision-
making:
1. Objective Measurement of Voter Support Polling provides a neutral, data-driven method to assess whether the community is
likely to support a ballot measure. Scientific sampling ensures results reflect the full
electorate, not only those who regularly engage with government or attend meetings.
This helps City Council avoid relying on anecdotal feedback when evaluating a major
financial proposal.
2. Identification of Community Priorities
Residents may support certain capital investments more strongly than others.
Polling can test a variety of possible projects, including transportation
improvements, parks and recreation facilities, stormwater or drainage needs, and public safety facilities. Understanding voters’ top priorities helps the City develop a
project package that is responsive to community needs and most likely to earn
support.
3. Testing Tax Rate Sensitivity Determining the appropriate tax rate is essential. Polling can explore different rate
scenarios , such as 0.25%, 0.5%, or 0.75%, to evaluate which level is both financially
meaningful and realistically feasible for voter approval. This prevents the City from
pursuing a rate that may be too high for the electorate to support.
4. Assessment of Public Understanding and Message Clarity
Voter support is often influenced by whether residents feel informed and understand
the purpose of a proposed tax measure. Polling can identify:
o which elements of the proposal are well-understood
o where residents may have concerns or misconceptions
o what information needs improvement for public education
This ensures that any City communications related to capital needs are
fact-based, accessible, and aligned with voter expectations.
5. Understanding Community Concerns and Trust Trust in government is a key factor influencing tax measure outcomes. Polling can
reveal concerns about accountability, project delivery, or the City’s ability to manage
new revenues effectively. This allows Council to consider safeguards such as
independent audits, public oversight committees, or reporting requirements to
address resident expectations.
6. Reducing Risk for the City
Placing a measure on the ballot without polling increases the risk of failure. A failed
ballot question can strain community trust and delay necessary capital
improvements. Polling reduces this risk by helping Council evaluate whether the timing, scope, and rate are appropriate for the upcoming election cycle.
7. Strategic Planning for Future Engagement
Polling results help shape subsequent community engagement by identifying which
areas of the proposal require additional explanation, which demographics need
targeted outreach, and how to communicate complex capital needs in a clear and
meaningful way.
Community Engagement Approach
In addition to polling, staff recommends a complementary engagement effort to ensure
diverse resident input. This may include:
• Public open houses or community meetings.
• Online engagement tools (e.g., Resident Survey, What’s Up Wheat Ridge, etc).
• Outreach to business owners, neighborhood associations, and community partners.
• Informational materials explaining capital needs and potential funding methods.
Engagement will be informational and feedback-oriented, consistent with legal
requirements for public communication regarding ballot measures.
In 2007, City Council officially ratified the creation of the Drainage, Infrastructure, Roads
and Trails (DIRT) Task Force as a unique community engagement approach with the
mission of identifying and prioritizing projects that would protect and improve the quality of
life for citizens, complement the business community and make Wheat Ridge a city where citizens want to live, work, play and become stakeholders within the community.
The Task Force was made up of ten Wheat Ridge residents, the Wheat Ridge City Treasurer,
the WR2020 Executive Director, three council members, one rotating council member and
two youth representing Wheat Ridge High School. The Task Force met over several months to review over $143 million of unfunded infrastructure projects identified by City Council
and staff in the following categories:
1. Parks, Trails and Recreation
2. Roadway and Streetscape 3. Power Line Under Grounding
4. Storm Sewer/Drainage Improvements
5. Facility Improvements
6. Information Technology Infrastructure
7. Land Banking
Each project was first prioritized based on the following criteria which originated from the
City Council Goals at that time:
1. Creating a Sustainable City Government 2. City Prepared for Growth and Opportunities
3. Strong Partnership Between City, Community and Region
4. Better Quality Housing Stock
5. Redevelopment of Major Corridors
The top four projects in each infrastructure category were then ranked based on the
following criteria which originated from the City of Wheat Ridge Vision Statement and Core
Businesses:
1. Enhances Public Infrastructure and Facilities
2. Contributes to a Safer Community
3. Enhances Community Aesthetics 4. Enhances Accessibility
5. Facilitates Economic Expansion
6. Builds Neighborhoods and the Community
7. Provides New or Enhanced Leisure Services
8. Enriches Citizens’ Lives
A final list of 26 projects was ranked in priority order but no new funding sources were
identified at that time to fund these projects. On April 18, 2016, consensus was reached by
City Council to revisit the DIRT Task Force prioritization list and update or reprioritize based
on current circumstances. A new task force of eight community members was appointed by City Council on May 2, 2016. The task force presented their recommendations to City
Council on June 13, 2016, at which time City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance
for the November 2016 ballot for a temporary, one-half of one cent (0.50%) sales and use
tax increase and the authority to issue bonded debt.
Summary
The City faces significant and growing capital infrastructure needs that cannot be met with
existing revenue sources. As Council considers potential funding options, this memo
outlines a proposed approach centered on data-driven decision-making and inclusive
community input. Scientific polling will provide an objective assessment of voter support, priorities, and sensitivity to different funding scenarios, while a complementary community
engagement process will ensure broader public participation and transparency. Together,
these efforts are intended to reduce risk, build public trust, and help Council determine
whether, when, and how to proceed with a ballot measure.
The statutory deadline to refer a ballot question to the November election is in August. A
proposed timeline includes:
• April–May: Finalize polling questions and community engagement plan.
• May–June: Conduct polling; launch outreach and engagement.
• July: Present findings to City Council and request direction on ballot language.
• August: Council action on possible ballot referral.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2023 Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey
2. 2023 Sales Tax Extension Option Survey Presentation
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey
MAGELLAN ID: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 Interview Goal: 600n
Field Dates: TBD Online: 550n
Margin of Error +/- 3.95% Phone: 50n
Hello. The City of Wheat Ridge invites you to participate in an important survey regarding
a possible sales tax extension to fund City infrastructure projects. This survey is entirely
separate from the mailed invitation that you may receive from the City about the 2023
Resident Survey, and we encourage you to complete both surveys.
Your opinion matters and the City wants to know which projects you think should be a
top priority. The survey will take about 12 minutes to complete, and your answers will
remain confidential.
Learn more about this opinion survey at https://whatsupwheatridge.com. Let's get
started!
T1. Could you please verify that you are at least 18 years old and a resident of Wheat
Ridge, Colorado?
Yes;-1
No;-2 IF 2: Thank you for your interest, but this survey is for residents of Wheat
Ridge, Colorado, who are 18 or older. Have a good day.
T2. Do you think things in Wheat Ridge are heading in the right direction, or do you
feel things are off on the wrong track?
Right Direction;-1
Wrong Track;-2
No Opinion;-3
IF T2 = 1 ASK T3
IF T2 = 2 ASK T4
IF T2 = 3 SKIP TO T5
T3. Please explain the reasons why you think things in Wheat Ridge are headed in the
right direction.
TEXT BOX, SKIP TO T5
T4. Please explain the reasons why you feel things in Wheat Ridge are off on the
wrong track.
TEXT BOX
ATTACHMENT 1
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey Page 2 of 7
Interview Goal 600n, MoE +/- 3.95% Field Dates: TBD
Magellan Strategies | 1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300 | Louisville, CO 80027
www.MagellanStrategies.com | 303-861-8585
T5. Do you approve or disapprove of the job the City of Wheat Ridge is doing
providing services to city residents?
Strongly Approve;-1
Somewhat Approve;-2
Somewhat Disapprove;-3
Strongly Disapprove;-4
No Opinion;-5
T6. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “The City of Wheat Ridge
is fiscally responsible and spends taxpayer money wisely.”
Strongly Agree;-1
Somewhat Agree;-2
Somewhat Disagree;-3
Strongly Disagree;-4
No Opinion;-5
T7. How would you rate the condition of the major streets in Wheat Ridge? Do you
consider them to be in excellent, good, fair, or poor condition?
Excellent;-1
Good;-2
Fair;-3
Poor;-4
No Opinion;-5
T8. How important to you, if at all, are continued improvements to sidewalks and bike
lanes to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist mobility in Wheat Ridge?
Essential;-1
Very Important;-2
Somewhat Important;-3
Not at all Important;-4
No Opinion;-5
T9. Following are four categories of infrastructure projects that need to be addressed
by the City. Please rank them in order of priority to be completed. Ranking a
category #1 indicates that it is your top priority, and you want it to be addressed
first. Ranking a category #4 indicates that it is your least priority and should be
completed last. [RANDOMIZE OPTIONS]
Sidewalk and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 38th
Ave., 44th Ave, and Youngfield St.;-1
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey Page 3 of 7
Interview Goal 600n, MoE +/- 3.95% Field Dates: TBD
Magellan Strategies | 1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300 | Louisville, CO 80027
www.MagellanStrategies.com | 303-861-8585
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an emphasis on major pedestrian
corridors;-2
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center for additional gymnasium and
fitness activity space;-3
Drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements throughout the City;-4
Before we continue, it is important to understand that the City has made no decisions to
put a ballot measure before Wheat Ridge voters this November asking them to approve
or reject a sales tax extension. Your responses to the following questions will help the City
make that decision. Let’s continue the survey now.
Wheat Ridge voters approved a temporary one-half of one-cent (0.5%) sales tax rate
increase in 2016 for improvements to Anderson Park, Wadsworth Boulevard, Wheat
Ridge-Ward commuter rail station area and the Clear Creek Crossing development.
City Council is considering a ballot measure for the November 2023 election that would
ask voters to approve an extension of this temporary tax for additional projects across
the city that are currently unfunded.
Following are descriptions of each infrastructure project and its approximate cost. After
reading about each project, please indicate if you are more likely or less likely to vote yes
and approve or vote no and reject a 0.5% sales tax extension for 10-20 years if that project
was included in the list of projects that would be completed.
[RANDOMIZE T10 TO T18, SAME RESPONSE OPTIONS]
T10. 32nd Ave street improvements to include sidewalks and bike lanes from Kipling to
Wadsworth. The project cost is approximatley $12 million.
If this project was included in a ballot measure to extend the 0.5% sales tax for 10-
20 years, would you be more likely to vote yes and approve it or more likely to
vote no and reject it?
Much more likely to vote yes, approve;-1
Somewhat more likely to vote yes, approve;-2
Somewhat more likely to vote no, reject;-3
Much more likely to vote no, reject;-4
Undecided;-5
T11. 38th Ave sidewalks and street improvements from Youngfield to Kipling. The
project cost is approximately $17 million.
T12. 44th Avenue, wider sidewalks from Ward to Kipling. The project cost is
approximately $10 million.
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey Page 4 of 7
Interview Goal 600n, MoE +/- 3.95% Field Dates: TBD
Magellan Strategies | 1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300 | Louisville, CO 80027
www.MagellanStrategies.com | 303-861-8585
T13. Recreation Center expansion to expand space for additional sports and fitness
activities. The project cost is approximately $15 million.
T14. Sidewalk gap improvements throughout the city with an emphasis on areas near
transit lines and schools. The project cost is approximately $5 million.
T15. Youngfield sidewalk/trail & pedestrian bridge (east side) 38th Ave to 44th Ave. The
project cost is approximately $6 million.
T16. 38th Ave sidewalks and street improvements from Wadsworth to Harlan. The
project cost is approximately $11 million.
T17. Drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements throughout the city. The
project cost is approximately $4 million.
T18. Improvements on 44th Avenue, including new signals and pedestrian crossing
between Kipling and Ward. The project cost is approximately $2.5 million.
T19. The total cost for all city infrastructure projects described above to be completed
is approximately $82.5 million.
If all city projects were included in a ballot measure to extend the 0.5% sales tax
for 10-20 years, yielding approximately $45 million-$75 million, would you vote
yes and approve it or would you vote no and reject it?
Definitely vote yes and approve;-1
Probably vote yes and approve;-2
Probably vote no and reject;-3
Definitely vote no and reject;-4
Undecided;-5
T20. How long, if at all, would you feel comfortable extending the current temporary
one-half of one-cent sales tax rate to fund priority projects throughout the city?
10 Years, yielding approximately $45 million;-1
15 Years, yielding approximately $60 million;-2
20 years, yielding approximately $75 million;-3
I do not want to extend the sales tax rate;-4
Unsure;-5
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey Page 5 of 7
Interview Goal 600n, MoE +/- 3.95% Field Dates: TBD
Magellan Strategies | 1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300 | Louisville, CO 80027
www.MagellanStrategies.com | 303-861-8585
T21. Do you have any final thoughts or opinions regarding the potential 0.5% sales tax
extension that you would like to share with the City of Wheat Ridge?
TEXT BOX
And now, we have a few questions for statistical purposes only…
T22. Are you registered to vote in the City of Wheat Ridge as an Unaffiliated voter, a
Democrat, a Republican, are you registered with another party, or are you not
registered to vote?
Unaffiliated;-1
Democrat;-2
Republican;-3
Other party;-4
Not registered to vote;-5
T23. How likely are you to vote in a local ballot measure election this November
regarding a 0.5% sales tax extension to fund city infrastructure projects? Are you:
Extremely likely to vote;-1
Very likely to vote;-2
Somewhat likely to vote;-3
Unlikely to vote;-4
T24. Which gender do you most identify with?
Male;-1
Female;-2
I prefer to self-identify as (____________);-3
T25. Are you between the ages of:
18 to 34;-1
35 to 44;-2
45 to 54;-3
55 to 64;-4
65 or older-5
T26. Which race or ethnicity do you most identify with?
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey Page 6 of 7
Interview Goal 600n, MoE +/- 3.95% Field Dates: TBD
Magellan Strategies | 1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300 | Louisville, CO 80027
www.MagellanStrategies.com | 303-861-8585
White;-1
Hispanic or Latino;-2
Asian;-3
Black or African-American;-4
American Indian or Alaska Native;-5
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander;-6
Two or more races;-7
Other (please describe: _____________);-8
I prefer not to say;-9
T27. Do you rent or own your home?
Rent;-1
Own;-2
Other-3
I prefer not to say;-4
T28. How would you describe your annual household income?
Less than $35,999;-1
$35,000 to $49,999;-2
$50,000 to $74,999;-3
$75,999 to $99,999;-4
$100,000 to $124,999;-5
$125,000 to $149,999;-6
$150,000 or More;-7
I prefer not to say;-8
T29. How long have you lived in Wheat Ridge?
Less than a year-1
1 to 5 years-2
5 to 10 years-3
10 to 15 years-4
15 to 20 years-5
More than 20 years-6
Prefer Not to Say-7
T30. Where do you live?
List of HOAs, neighborhoods, or City Council District map
Magellan ID#: COWHEATRIDGE-021023 City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Opinion Survey Page 7 of 7
Interview Goal 600n, MoE +/- 3.95% Field Dates: TBD
Magellan Strategies | 1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300 | Louisville, CO 80027
www.MagellanStrategies.com | 303-861-8585
The City of Wheat Ridge sincerely appreciates you taking the time to share your
thoughts and opinions regarding these important city matters. Have a great day.
City of Wheat
Ridge Sales Tax
Extension Survey
March 9th –23rd, 2023
ATTACHMENT 2
Methodology
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Magellan Strategies are pleased to present
the results of an online survey of 1,236
residents of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The
interviews were conducted from March 9th –
23rd, 2023.
The overall survey responses have a margin of
error of +/-2.72% at the 95% confidence
interval. Population subgroups will have a
higher margin of error than the overall
sample.
The survey results were weighted to be
representative of odd-year voting
demographics in the City of Wheat Ridge.
2
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
City of
Wheat Ridge
City Council
Districts
3
Registration
and Past
Turnout
Demographics
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE 4
54%
23%
23%
Right Direction Wrong Track No Opinion
5
51%
52%
53%
62%
51%
59%
44%
61%
53%
51%
54%
59%
52%
57%
23%
24%
25%
17%
29%
15%
32%
16%
25%
24%
24%
19%
23%
21%
26%
24%
22%
21%
20%
26%
24%
23%
22%
25%
22%
22%
25%
22%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Right Direction Wrong Track No Opinion
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Do you think things in Wheat
Ridge are heading in the right direction, or do you feel
things are off on the wrong track?
Prominent Themes
Infrastructure Improvements (32%) –Appreciate the work that has already been done on streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, etc…
“City always seems engaged with the community with events and we appreciate the road improvement and all the bike lanes.”
“The city is improving its infrastructure and asking its citizens how the city can do better.”
“Roads are getting fixed, parks are clean, schools are good, been living in WR for 30 years, raised 3 kids here.”
New Businesses/Development (23%) –Support the increase in new businesses and development in Wheat Ridge
“New businesses are opening. Younger families are moving to Wheat Ridge.”
“Development seems to be increasing. I wish city would do more to encourage both residential and retail development.”
“It has been good to see an increase in fun businesses joining the Wheat Ridge Community. Would love to continue to see
more restaurants and breweries and shopping.”
6
Why Things are Headed in the Right Direction
Please explain the reasons why you think things in Wheat Ridge
are headed in the right direction.
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Prominent Themes
Growth/Development (38%) –Too much, or not the right kind of growth and development
“Too much high-density growth. Infrastructure can't handle. Makes living in WR less desirable.”
“Too much density -too much development -too many homeless -high crime –traffic.”
“Some of the development seems to be ruining what made Wheat Ridge sweet and homey.”
Streets/Infrastructure (34%) –Upset with the condition of streets and infrastructure
“Infrastructure is crumbling around us. Efforts have been made to provide funds to some businesses while you just need to drive on
many streets to see many areas that you could describe as blighted.Infrastructure needs to be improved more than every 60
years!”
“The infrastructure needs lots of work, multiple potholes have popped my tires and the roads need lots of maintenance."
Crime and Public Safety (32%) –Increased crime, growth in the homeless population
“Homelessness, drug problems causing increase in crime, basic infrastructure is declining.”
“Money being spent on ‘improvements’ but bus shelters are occupied by homeless and there is crime everywhere and it's dirty.”
7
Why Things are Off on the Wrong Track
Please explain the reasons why you think things in Wheat Ridge
are off on the wrong track.
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
19%
56%10%
4%11%
Strongly Approve
Somewhat Approve
Somewhat Disapprove
Strongly Disapprove
No Opinion
8
16%
19%
17%
21%
21%
16%
19%
21%
15%
21%
19%
14%
20%
17%
54%
57%
55%
57%
55%
59%
53%
58%
57%
56%
57%
56%
56%
57%
8%
10%
12%
11%
12%
8%
8%
9%
13%
10%
10%
11%
11%
10%
6%
3%
6%
1%
5%
2%
7%
1%
5%
6%
3%
2%
4%
4%
16%
11%
10%
10%
7%
15%
13%
11%
10%
7%
11%
17%
9%
12%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Strongly Approve Somewhat Approve
Somewhat Disapprove Strongly Disapprove
No OpinionCity of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Total Approve 75%
Total Disapprove 14%
Do you approve or disapprove of
the job the City of Wheat Ridge is doing providing services to city
residents?
17%
46%
12%
7%
18%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
No Opinion
9
14%
18%
18%
19%
17%
18%
15%
20%
15%
20%
18%
12%
17%
17%
47%
47%
43%
47%
48%
43%
40%
47%
48%
48%
46%
42%
46%
46%
10%
13%
15%
9%
16%
8%
16%
10%
13%
11%
14%
11%
11%
13%
7%
6%
8%
6%
9%
4%
11%
3%
9%
8%
6%
7%
9%
5%
22%
16%
16%
19%
10%
27%
18%
20%
15%
13%
16%
28%
17%
19%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree No OpinionCity of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Total Agree 63%
Total Disagree 19%
Do you approve or disagree with the
following statement? “The City of Wheat Ridge is fiscally
responsible and spends taxpayer
money wisely?”
How would you rate the condition of the
major streets in Wheat Ridge? Do you consider them to be in excellent, good,
fair, or poor condition?
24%
36%
30%
43%
33%
35%
29%
39%
31%
36%
31%
34%
35%
34%
48%
43%
45%
40%
43%
45%
43%
43%
44%
41%
47%
43%
41%
45%
25%
20%
24%
13%
22%
18%
24%
15%
23%
20%
21%
20%
22%
18%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opinion
2%34%
43%
20%
1%
Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opinion
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE 10
How important to you, if at all, are
continued improvements to sidewalks and bike lanes to enhance pedestrian
and bicyclist mobility in Wheat Ridge?
37%
35%
36%
42%
26%
50%
14%
49%
36%
23%
36%
58%
36%
38%
33%
34%
29%
30%
32%
32%
33%
33%
30%
37%
31%
25%
30%
33%
14%
20%
22%
17%
25%
11%
29%
13%
21%
25%
20%
9%
18%
20%
15%
10%
12%
10%
16%
6%
23%
4%
12%
14%
12%
7%
15%
8%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Essential Very Important Somewhat Important
Not at all Important No Opinion
37%
32%19%
11%
1%
Essential
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Not at all Important
No Opinion
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE 11
12
Priority of Infrastructure Projects
Following are four categories of infrastructure projects that need to be addressed by the City. Please rank
them in order of priority to be completed. Ranking a category #1 indicates that it is your top priority, and you want it to be addressed first. Ranking a category #4 indicates that it is your least priority and should be completed last. (Ranked by percentage ranked #1)
Category #1 #2 #3 #4
Sidewalk and street improvements on
primary street corridors such as 38th Ave.,
44th Ave., and Youngfield St.
46%32%16%6%
Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city
with an emphasis on major pedestrian
corridors
23%35%28%14%
Drainage and floodplain infrastructure
improvements throughout the City 23%17%33%27%
Expansion of the Wheat Ridge
Recreation Center for additional
gymnasium and fitness activity space
8%16%23%53%
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Before we continue,it is important to understand that
the City has made no decisions to put a ballot measure
before Wheat Ridge voters this November asking them
to approve or reject a sales tax extension.Your
responses to the following questions will help the City
make that decision.Let’s continue the survey now.
Wheat Ridge voters approved a temporary one-half of
one-cent (0.5%)sales tax rate increase in 2016 for
improvements to Anderson Park,Wadsworth Boulevard,
Wheat Ridge-Ward commuter rail station area and the
Clear Creek Crossing development.
City Council is considering a ballot measure for the
November 2023 election that would ask voters to
approve an extension of this temporary tax for
additional projects across the city that are currently
unfunded.
13
14
Infrastructure Projects
Following are descriptions of each infrastructure project and its approximate cost. After reading about each project, please indicate if you are more likely or less likely to vote yes and approve or vote no and reject a 0.5% sales tax extension for 10-20 years if
that project was included in the list of projects that would be completed.
Project
Total More
Likely Vote
Yes
Total More
Likely
Vote No
Much More
Likely Vote
Yes
Somewhat
More Likely
Vote Yes
Somewhat
More Likely
Vote No
Much More
Likely Vote
No Unsure
Sidewalk gap improvements throughout the
city with an emphasis on areas near transit
lines and schools. The project cost is
approximately $5 million.
76%19%41%35%7%12%5%
Drainage and floodplain infrastructure
improvements throughout the city.The project
cost is approximately $4 million.
75%19%38%37%10%9%6%
38th Ave sidewalks and street improvements
from Wadsworth to Harlan.The project cost is
approximately $11 million.
68%27%38%30%12%15%5%
32nd Ave street improvements to include
sidewalks and bike lanes from Kipling to
Wadsworth. The project cost is approximately
$12 million.
67%28%35%32%12%16%5%
Improvements on 44th Avenue,including new
signals and pedestrian crossing between
Kipling and Ward.The project cost is
approximately $2.5 million.
65%28%27%38%14%14%7%
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
15
Infrastructure Projects
Following are descriptions of each infrastructure project and its approximate cost. After reading about each project, please indicate if you are more likely or less likely to vote yes and approve or vote no and reject a 0.5% sales tax extension for 10-20 years if
that project was included in the list of projects that would be completed.
Project
Total More
Likely Vote
Yes
Total More
Likely
Vote No
Much More
Likely Vote
Yes
Somewhat
More Likely
Vote Yes
Somewhat
More Likely
Vote No
Much More
Likely Vote
No Undecided
Youngfield sidewalk/trail &pedestrian bridge
(east side)38th Ave to 44th Ave.The project
cost is approximately $6 million.
64%28%30%34%13%15%8%
38th Ave sidewalks and street improvements
from Youngfield to Kipling. The project cost is
approximately $17 million.
64%30%32%32%16%14%6%
44th Avenue, wider sidewalks from Ward to Kipling. The project project cost is
approximately $10 million.
52%40%20%32%20%20%8%
Recreation Center expansion to expand
space for additional sports and fitness
activities. The project cost is approximately $15
million.
52%41%23%29%18%23%7%
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
32%
36%14%
13%
5%
Definitely Yes, Approve
Probably Yes, Approve
Probably No, Reject
Definitely No, Reject
Undecided
16
27%
34%
30%
37%
27%
39%
16%
43%
30%
27%
30%
42%
31%
34%
40%
36%
35%
34%
33%
39%
33%
37%
35%
37%
37%
33%
36%
36%
16%
14%
14%
12%
16%
11%
21%
9%
16%
15%
14%
11%
13%
14%
12%
11%
16%
11%
17%
7%
24%
5%
14%
15%
14%
8%
15%
10%
5%
5%
5%
6%
7%
4%
6%
6%
5%
6%
5%
6%
5%
6%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No
Definitely No UndecidedCity of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
Total Yes, Approve 68%
Total No, Reject 27%
The total cost for all city infrastructure projects described above to be completed is approximately $82.5 million.
If all city projects were included in a ballot measure to extend the 0.5% sales tax for 10-20 years, yielding
approximately $45 million-$75 million, would you vote yes and approve it or would you vote no and reject it?
How long, if at all, would you feel
comfortable extending the current temporary one-half of one-cent sales tax rate to fund
priority projects throughout the city?
33%
27%
28%
20%
26%
28%
33%
24%
26%
29%
26%
24%
25%
29%
10%
12%
13%
16%
13%
13%
8%
13%
16%
15%
13%
11%
12%
14%
32%
33%
30%
37%
28%
39%
19%
43%
29%
25%
34%
41%
33%
32%
18%
19%
20%
20%
23%
13%
34%
9%
22%
22%
19%
15%
22%
16%
7%
9%
9%
7%
10%
7%
6%
11%
7%
9%
8%
9%
8%
9%
District 4
District 3
District 2
District 1
10+ Years
Less 10 Years
Republican
Democrat
Unaffiliated
65+
45-64
18-44
Men
Women
10 Years 15 Years
20 Years Do Not Want to Extend
Unsure
27%
13%
32%
19%
9%
10 Years, Yield Approx. $45 million
15 Years, Yielding Approx. $60 million
20 Years, Yielding Approx. $75 million
I Do Not Want to Extend the Sales Tax
Unsure
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE 17
Prominent Themes
Support (22%) –Support the extension, believe it is a small amount and is important for the city
“I’m willing to help chip in additional taxes to improve the community -I think most of these ideas are good ways to improve the
city and hope to see some or all come to fruition!”
“We will support all taxation efforts to improve Wheat Ridge. We believe in supporting our community to keep improving. We plan
to be here for many years to come.”
Do Not Support (16%) –Do not support the extension, believe it is not the right time, or do not support projects
“We are already taxed too much on the money we make and can't afford to live.”
“Most of these projects don’t benefit me and my family.”
Specific Project Requested (14%) –Took the opportunity to request a specific project that is important to them“Ballot question should include the undergrounding of utilities on major streets.”
“Please consider sidewalk gaps on Pierce St., especially between 20th and 38th.”
18
Final Thoughts or Opinions
Do you have any final thoughts or opinions regarding the potential 0.5% sales tax extension
that you would like to share with the City of Wheat Ridge?
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
53%46%
Female
Male
Identify Differently
18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
13%15%13%19%
40%
19
Survey Demographics
Gender
75%16%
7%
Extremely Likely Very Likely
Somewhat Likely Unlikely to Vote
Age Range
Likelihood to Vote
White Hisp/Latino Asian Bl ack/AA Amer.Indian/Alaskan Na tive Haw./PI 2+ Races Other Prefer Not toSay
84%
7%1%1%1%1%3%3%2%
Race or Ethnicity
15%
82%
Rent
Own
Other
Prefer Not to Say
Rent or Own
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
20
Survey Demographics
Party Affiliation
Democrat Unaf.Republican Other/Not
Registered
41%36%
21%2%
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Prefer not to
say
25%25%
33%
17%
2%
Council District
Less $35K $35-$50K $50-$75K $75-$100K $100-$125K $125-$150K More$150K Prefer notto say
7%9%
12%13%13%
8%
24%
14%
Income
Less 1 Year 1-5 Years 5-10 Years 10-15 Years 16-20 Years More 20
Years
Prefer not
to say
4%
22%18%
11%8%
36%
1%
Tenure in Wheat Ridge
City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Extension Survey, Mar. 2023, 1,236n, +/-2.72% MoE
MAGELLAN STRATEGIES1685 Boxelder St. Suite 300
Louisville, CO 80027
www. MagellanStrategies.com
(303) 861-8585
David Flaherty
Ryan Winger
Courtney Sievers