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Home My WebLink About08-10-2026 Speial Study Session Agenda PacketSPECIAL STUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Monday, August 10, 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 August 10, 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 must preregister before 5:00 p.m. on August 10, 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. Consensus on 2027 Outside Agency Budget Requests 2. Staff Report(s) 3. Elected Officials’ Report(s) Item No. 1 Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager DATE: August 10, 2026 SUBJECT: Consensus on 2027 Outside Agency Budget Requests ISSUE: At the August 3, 2026, Study Session, City Council received presentations from five outside organizations requesting financial support through the 2027 budget. The purpose of this Special Study Session is to obtain City Council consensus regarding these requests so staff can finalize the Proposed 2027 Budget for Council consideration. PRIOR ACTION: As part of the annual budget process, the City invites organizations requesting more than $12,000 in City funding to present their requests directly to City Council. On August 3, representatives from the Carnation Festival Committee, Localworks, the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Ralston House, and the Wheat Ridge Historical Society presented their funding requests and discussed the community benefits provided through their organizations. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The funding requests presented to City Council total approximately $707,000 and include both ongoing operational requests and one-time funding requests. Staff will incorporate Council's direction into the Proposed 2027 Budget while balancing these requests with the City's overall financial condition, available revenues, and other Council priorities. BACKGROUND: The City of Wheat Ridge has a long-standing commitment to partnering with nonprofit organizations, community partners, and business organizations that provide services benefiting Wheat Ridge residents and businesses. These investments support economic development, community events, public safety, human services, historic preservation, and other community priorities. In addition to the organizations that presented on August 3, the City provides annual financial support to numerous regional organizations and community partners through operating agreements, grants, sponsorships, memberships, and other funding programs. August 10, 2026 Page 2 The August 3 presentations provided Council with an opportunity to hear directly from each organization regarding accomplishments, community outcomes, and the justification for their 2027 funding requests. Staff is now seeking policy direction from City Council regarding the level of funding, if any, that should be included in the Proposed 2027 Budget. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommend City Council provide consensus on each of the outside agency funding requests discussed during the August 3 Study Session. This direction will enable staff to prepare the Proposed 2027 Budget consistent with Council's priorities and return with a balanced budget for formal consideration this fall. Carnation Festival Committee - $125,000 Localworks - $377,200 Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce - $60,000 Ralston House - $44,250 Wheat Ridge Historical Society - $100,780 For each request, Council may choose to: • Fund the request as presented; • Fund the request at a different amount; or • Decline to include funding in the Proposed 2027 Budget. If Council wishes to establish funding conditions, performance measures, or one-time versus ongoing funding expectations, staff requests that those directions also be provided during the discussion. MEMO PREPARED/REVIEWED BY: Patrick Goff, City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. Outside Agency Budget Requests August 10, 2026 Page 3 ϳͬϮϵͬϮϬϮϲ dŽ͗dŚĞtŚĞĂƚZŝĚŐĞŝƚǇŽƵŶĐŝů WĂƚƌŝĐŬ'ŽĨĨ͕ŝƚǇDĂŶĂŐĞƌ &ƌŽŵ͗dŚĞĂƌŶĂƚŝŽŶ&ĞƐƚŝǀĂůŽĂƌĚ ZĞ͗ϮϬϮϳ ĂƌŶĂƚŝŽŶ&ĞƐƚŝǀĂůƵĚŐĞƚƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚŝŽŶ The Carnation Festival has been a Wheat Ridge tradition for more than 50 years and continues to be a highly anticipated community event each August. This threeͲday festival brings the community together to celebrate what makes Wheat Ridge a great place to live, work, and play. The event features a parade, carnival, circus, games, three days of live entertainment, two nights of fireworks, and a wide variety of local food and retail vendors. It also highlights local businesses and service organizations whose impact extends well beyond the festival weekend. Each year, the festival hosts more than 50 local food and merchant vendors along with community service organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, and Optimists, who participate to raise funds supporting their charitable work. Attendance in recent years has averaged more than 33,000 over the 3-day event. While we continue working diligently to keep festival costs manageable and maintain affordability for participants, the cost of producing the festival rises annually. Despite our efforts, we are projecting further increases in expenses for 2027. Maintaining a reserve of $40,000 to $45,000 is essential for managing unexpected expenses and ensuring the longͲterm viability of the festival. For 2027, the festival respectfully requests a budget appropriation of $125,000. While this represents an increase from the 2026 appropriation of $100,000, it aligns with the funding level last approved for 2024. This amount will support our goal of operating at breakͲeven, preserving our limited reserve, and maintaining the quality and accessibility of the festival. We appreciate the City’s ongoing support and sponsorship. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerly, The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Board ATTACHMENT 1 dŚĞĂƌŶĂƚŝŽŶ&ĞƐƚŝǀĂů/ŶĐ͘ ϮϬϮϱWƌŽƉŽƐĞĚƵĚŐĞƚ ZĞǀĞŶƵĞƐ ϮϬϮϳWƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ŝƚǇ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐŚŝƉ ΨϭϮϱ͕ϬϬϬ ĞǀĞƌĂŐĞZĞǀĞŶƵĞΨϲϬ͕ϬϬϬ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐŚŝƉƐ ΨϮϱ͕ϬϬϬ sĞŶĚŽƌŽŽƚŚ&ĞĞƐ Ψϭϰ͕ϬϬϬ &ŽŽĚsĞŶĚŽƌ&ĞĞƐ ΨϮϬ͕ϬϬϬ Ăƌ^ŚŽǁ Ψϱ͕ϬϬϬ WĂƌĂĚĞΨϭ͕ϬϬϬ dŽƚĂůZĞǀĞŶƵĞ ΨϮϱϬ͕ϬϬϬ ǆƉĞŶƐĞƐ ϮϬϮϱWƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ &ĞƐƚŝǀĂůĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ ΨϮϯ͕ϬϬϬ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐŚŝƉŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ Ψϱ͕ϬϬϬ 'ĞŶĞƌĂůĚŵŝŶ͘ ΨϮ͕ϱϬϬ WƌŝŶƚŝŶŐͬĚǀĞƌƚŝƐĞŵĞŶƚ Ψϭ͕ϳϬϬ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ Ψϰ͕ϱϬϬ Ψϯϲ͕ϳϬϬ >ŝǀĞDƵƐŝĐ ĂŶĚƐ ΨϮϱ͕ϬϬϬ ĂŶĚĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ Ψϴ͕ϬϬϬ ĂŶĚ^ƚĂŐĞƐ ΨϮϱ͕ϬϬϬ Ψϱϴ͕ϬϬϬ WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ Ăƌ^ŚŽǁ Ψϱ͕ϬϬϬ WĂƌĂĚĞ Ψϲ͕ϬϬϬ &ŝƌĞǁŽƌŬƐ ΨϮϱ͕ϬϬϬ sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌWƌŽŐƌĂŵͬĞĐŽƌĂƚŝŽŶƐ ΨϮ͕ϬϬϬ Ψϯϴ͕ϬϬϬ &ĂĐŝůŝƚŝĞƐ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů;^ĞƚƵƉͬdĞĂƌĚŽǁŶ͕DŝƐĐ͘^ƵƉƉůŝĞƐͿ ΨϭϮ͕ϬϬϬ dĞŶƚƐ ΨϭϬ͕ϯϬϬ WŽǁĞƌ ΨϮϬ͕ϬϬϬ WŽƌƚĂďůĞWŽƚƚŝĞƐ ΨϭϬ͕ϬϬϬ ^ŚƵƚƚůĞƐ Ψϴ͕ϬϬϬ &ĞŶĐŝŶŐ Ψϭϱ͕ϬϬϬ tĂƐƚĞ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ Ψϱ͕ϬϬϬ ^ĞĐƵƌŝƚǇ ΨϭϬ͕ϬϬϬ 'ŽůĨĂƌƚƐ Ψϰ͕ϬϬϬ ZĂĚŝŽƐ Ψϭ͕ϬϬϬ Ψϵϱ͕ϯϬϬ ĞǀĞƌĂŐĞƐ ĞĞƌͬtŝŶĞͬ^ŽĨƚƌŝŶŬƐ Ψϭϴ͕ϬϬϬ /ĐĞ Ψϰ͕ϬϬϬ ΨϮϮ͕ϬϬϬ dŽƚĂů ΨϮϱϬ͕ϬϬϬ 'ĂŝŶͬ;>ŽƐƐͿ ΨͲ / R F D O Z R U N V % X G J H W $ G R S W H G + D U G & R V W V 4 ( V W L PD W H G + D U G & R V W V 3 U R S R V H G E X G J H W &L W \ * U D Q W / L Q H , W H P V :K H D W 5 L G J H & U H D W H V 5L G J H I H V W 0D N H U V S D F H :K H D W 5 L G J H & U H D W H V 0 D Q D J H P H Q W 6X E W R W D O %X V L Q H V V 3 U R P R W L R Q /L Y H / R F D O %X V L Q H V V & R U U L G R U V &R P P X Q L W \ 2 X W U H D F K % X V L Q H V V 3 U R P R W L R Q 6X E W R W D O 7R W D O & L W \ * U D Q W & R Q W U L E X W L R Q 1R Q & L W \ 5 H Y H Q X H ) X Q G U D L V L Q J * R D O V $ G R S W H G 5 H Y H Q X H R U HV W L P D W H ( V W L P D W H G 5 H Y H Q X H 3 U R S R V H G % X G J H W 5L G J H I H V W 7R X U 0 L G 0 R G 8 U E D Q ) D U P /L Y H / R F D O V S R Q V R U V K L S V &R O R U D G R * L Y H V /R F D O Z R U N V U H V H U Y H W U D Q V I H U 0D N H U V S D F H U H Y H Q X H *UD Q W V &R O R U D G R * L Y H V 6 & , J U D Q W /R F D O Z R U N V $ Q Q X D O ) X Q G U D L V H U ,Q Y H V W P H Q W U H Y H Q X H -H I I F R & R P P X Q L W \ 1 H W Z R U N I L V F D O V S R Q V R U V K L S I H H &R Q W U L E X W L R Q V 7R W D O 1 R Q & L W \ 5 H Y H Q X H ) X Q G U D L V L Q J * R D O V 7R W D O 5 H Y H Q X H Z L W K ) X Q G U D L V L Q J 7R W D O + , 3 % 8 % / / R D Q ( [ S H Q V H V &L W \ 5 H Y H Q X H ( [ S H Q V H V + D U G ( [ S H Q V H V 5L G J H I H V W 0D N H U V S D F H /LY H / R F D O &R P P X Q L W \ 2 X W U H D F K %X V L Q H V V & R U U L G R U 7R W D O & L W \ + D U G ( [ S H Q V H V 7R W D O U H Y H Q X H / ( 6 6 & L W \ + D U G ( [ S H Q V H V 2S H U D W L Q J ( [ S H Q V H V 7R W D O 6 D O D U L H V D Q G : D J H V 7R W D O 0 D N H U V S D F H ( T X L S P H Q W ( [ S H Q V H 7R W D O & U H D W L Y H & R P P R Q V ( [ S D Q V L R Q ( [ S H Q V H 7R W D O 5 H Q W 7R W D O 7 U D Y H O D Q G 0 H H W L Q J V 7R W D O 2 S H U D W L R Q V R I I L F H R S H U D W L R Q V 7R W D O , Q V X U D Q F H 7R W D O 3 U R I H V V L R Q D O 6 H U Y L F H V 7R W D O ( [ S H Q V H 2 U J D Q L ] D W L R Q D O R S H U D W L Q J H [ S H Q V H V 0 D N H U V S D F H 7R W D O 1 H W 5 H Y H Q X H ATT A C H M E N T 2 Dear Mayor Stites and Wheat Ridge City Council members, Localworks is honored to have the opportunity to submit our 2027 budget request. In this memo you will find information about the measured and forecasted impact of the 2026 funds that were allocated to Localworks, a narrative of what Localworks has and aims to accomplish in 2026, our 2027 budget request and the desired impact we wish to achieve through the use of funds if awarded to Localworks in 2027. Overview & narrative of 2026 funds: In 2023, Localworks Board of Directors and staff members created and passed a 2024-2027 strategic plan for the organization, Community, Business and Beyond (Attachment A). As Localworks’ mission is to make Wheat Ridge a more vibrant and sustainable place to live and work, Localworks has demonstrated success in reaching this by providing programs that support civic engagement, neighborhood revitalization, economic development and arts & culture. In other words, Localworks impacts the community, our businesses and beyond with our work that is made possible through the partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge. In 2026, The City of Wheat Ridge provided $325,200.00 to Localworks. In short, here is a summary of our anticipated and accomplished impact in 2026: Ɣ Clear Creek Makerspace, a 7500 sq ft. facility supporting entrepreneurship and innovation has seen 64,000 people (as of July 14th, 2026) and has served 4,200 people through free, public, classes, equipping them with a new skill. An average of 6 workshops are hosted a week with a weekly total attendance of 90 people. 75+ people have participated in business and entrepreneurship programming, 45 graduating from the program. 7 new businesses have been launched, 5 business licenses being filed in Wheat Ridge. Ɣ The Creative Commons expansion at Clear Creek Makerspace is officially underway. A prototype unit for the planned Q1 2027 expansion was installed in June 2026 and is currently occupied to three local entrepreneur tenants. Ɣ Clear Creek Makerspace hosts Math and Make, a six-week summer program that welcomed 17 high school students from across the Denver metro area in July 2026. Students build practical math skills through real-world projects, applying what they learn directly in the fabrication lab, woodshop, and metal shop while gaining exposure to skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. Ɣ Ridgefest at the Green on 38th welcomed more than 2,900 attendees, featured 30 local artists, 45 local business vendors, three local breweries, and one local winery. Businesses along the 38th Avenue corridor reported a 10% increase in foot traffic compared to their average over the previous 90 days. ouncil members, nit to submit our 2027 bud et request. In this Ɣ Live Local events continue, driving local customers into local shops, facilitating a “shop and live local” economy. 10 Live Local events, impacting 10 businesses and over 1,500 residents will be completed by December 2026. Ɣ TLC Clean Up Days continue, new offerings of specialty dumpsters such as tires, paint and more are to be available at every TLC Clean Up Day event for the first time in the program’s history. In September of 2026 Localworks will hold the second electronic recycling TLC Clean Up Day, offering free electronics recycling to Wheat Ridge residents. Ɣ Block Party and Dumpster Grants continue to grow through new and expanded partnerships that stretch City funding even further. Through a partnership facilitated by Localworks, Chick-fil-A will donate up to 100 chicken nuggets to neighborhood block parties, complete with a visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow. In addition, the Colorado Gives Foundation has committed $20,000 to expand grant availability for Wheat Ridge residents in response to the program's continued popularity. This investment is part of a broader 2026–2027 initiative recognizing Wheat Ridge and Localworks as a countywide leader in community engagement. Combined with the City's funding, this matching support will double the number of Block Party and Dumpster Grants available—from 15 of each grant annually to 30 of each in both 2026 and 2027. Ɣ Neighborhood Block Party library continues with equipment upgrades. Items available for check out include chairs, tables, tents, bubble machine, inflatable movie screen, cornhole, PA/sound system, art display panels, coolers and more. This resource is completely free for Wheat Ridge residents. 73 reservations have been made (as of July 14th, 2026). Over 800 unique item reservations have been made since opening the block party library in 2024. Ɣ A business block party, supporting the Gold’s Marketplace corridor, occurred Saturday, May 16th. Over 2,000 people attended the event, the largest business block party event since the series began in 2022. Success goes beyond attendance numbers, many businesses reported having great sales days. One of note, Esters at Gold’s Marketplace had its largest day in sales since opening in Wheat Ridge in November 2022. Ɣ The Quarterly Business Roundtable meeting has been rebranded as Resource Roundtable. This is now done on a request basis from businesses who are looking to get specific answers about operating and thriving in Wheat Ridge. Several businesses including DOPS and King of Wings have recently used the program as they open/expand in Wheat Ridge. Ɣ Explore44 Phase II of corridor implementation has been completed. Permanent lightpole banners featuring the corridor brand have been installed on the corridor (Kipling to Upham) and a permanent structure featuring the corridor brand and local businesses has been installed at Hopper Hollow Park. Ɣ Ridge at 38 rebrands to Ridgeat38.org. A new website, light pole signage, online directory and universal coupon that can be used on the avenue were completed. Ɣ Business welcome baskets continue, led by Localworks in partnership with Wheat Ridge Business Association, Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Wheat Ridge Business District and City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development department. An average of 10 business welcome baskets are personally delivered to new Wheat RIdge business license holders each month, 40% of those that receive a basket report getting involved in the Wheat Ridge community following the basket delivery. Ɣ Wheat Ridge 102 concludes with its second graduating class. A neighborhood mediation program and roadmap for greater youth engagement in the community were presented and accepted by Wheat Ridge City Council. The short narrative above provides the greatest highlights and programs that Localworks has continued and created in the 2026 year to accomplish our mission of making Wheat Ridge a more vibrant and sustainable place to live and work. Our work goes far beyond this narrative and the statistics provided. Many times, Localworks is the organization that keeps a business or resident in Wheat Ridge to thrive, grow and give back to our community in ways that we simply can’t measure. Below you will find detailed information on how the $325,200 was/is allocated to achieve our daily work. Budget Item Total spent (percentage of total budget) Important measurements, metrics & information Ɣ 2,900 people attended, 8% of attendance. Ɣ 6 events held thus far in 2026 Ɣ 10 total events anticipated to be held by the end of 2026. Ɣ Average attendance of 60 people per event. Ɣ 1,500 residents forecasted to be impacted annually. Ɣ Local businesses report increased sales and overall engagement with local customers following these events. Ɣ 16-18 dumpsters to be available at each event throughout the Ɣ Specialty dumpsters for paint, tires, mattresses and metal are offered at all events. Ɣ Electronics recycling to be exclusively offered at the September event. Ɣ Total of 76, 20-yard dumpsters to be filled through all TLC Clean Up Day events in 2026.. Ɣ 30 dumpster grants and 30 block party grants anticipated to be given.The City of Wheat Ridge budget contribution equates to offering 15 of each. Ɣ Partnerships continue, including Chik-Fil-A for block parties, donation of 100 nuggets available to each applicant to allow the Localworks grant monies to go farther. Ɣ 100 chairs, 10 6ft tables, 2 bluetooth speakers, 2 bubble machines, 2 giant connect four sets, 2 giant jenga sets, 2 bouncy castles, 2 inflatable projector screens, 2 projectors, 5 10x10 tents, 8 display/art panels, 2 PA/large sound for free. Ɣ 73 reservations have been made (July 2026) 800 unique items reservation since 2024 open date. Ɣ Business Block Party held for Gold’s Marketplace, 2,000 person attendance. . Ɣ Explore44 placemaking strategies, Phase II complete. Ɣ Rebranded Ridge at 38 to ridgeat38.org, new website, new online directory, new lightpole banners, universal coupon launched. Ɣ Legislative Lowdown held in February 2026, 20+ small business owners to attend to understand legislation that may affect their small business. Ɣ Resource Roundtable. Ɣ Wadsworth Recovery Grant– 19 unique businesses awarded funds. Ɣ Building Up Business Micro Funding and traditional funding loans available. Ɣ Business Welcome baskets, average of 10 delivered per month. Ɣ 60,000 + visitors since opening, an average of 1,250 people impacted per week. Business Grant operations Localworks in partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge facilitated two rounds of grant funding for businesses on Wadsworth, awarding $117,250 to 19 unique businesses. Localworks facilitated the funding through an approved, audited, transparent process. 2026 budget request Localworks respectfully requests a total City contribution of $377,200 for the 2027 fiscal year (January 1–December 31, 2027). As Localworks concludes the Community, Business and Beyond Strategic Plan, this request includes $327,200 to support general operations and core programming, including Clear Creek Makerspace, business corridor revitalization, business support services, Block Party and Dumpster Grants, the Neighborhood Block Party Library, TLC Clean Up Days, Live Local events, and Ridgefest. The request also includes $50,000 to launch a new business grant program available to all actively licensed, Wheat Ridge businesses in good standing. Since the summer of 2022, Localworks has undergone a significant organizational transformation—rebuilding, rebranding, and reintroducing ourselves to the Wheat Ridge community while rapidly expanding programs and services. In 2026, we successfully transitioned from a period of rapid growth to one of stabilization, refining our programs, strengthening operations, and focusing on delivering exceptional results. The outcomes highlighted throughout this proposal demonstrate that this approach is working. For 2027, Localworks seeks to build on that momentum with a general operations request that remains nearly unchanged from the previous three years. Outside of the additional $50,000 requested to establish a new business grant program for Wheat Ridge businesses, our general operations request reflects only modest growth while continuing to expand community impact. These funds are invested directly back into programs and services that benefit Wheat Ridge residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. Localworks has sustained this growth without significantly increasing its general operations request: Ɣ 2024: $329,900 Ɣ 2025: $326,200 Ɣ 2026: $327,200 The following narrative outlines how the requested $327,200 in general operations funding will be invested in 2027, along with the measurable goals and outcomes Localworks aims to achieve. Ɣ Continuation of Live Local events, working with 8-10 unique small businesses in Wheat Ridge with a forecasted impact to over 1,750 residents. Ɣ Continuation and growth of our business block party series, bringing it back to the West 29th Marketplace. As the marketplace sees new businesses come to our community, we believe we will find success in bringing it back to this neighborhood while supporting all business corridors in the community. Ɣ Improved TLC Clean Up Days with more diverse offerings for waste and larger quantity of dumpsters at each event to better serve our resident’s diverse waste needs. 18-20 dumpsters will be available at each event and electronic recycling will continue to be offered. Ɣ Summer event series, including Ridgefest, to bring focus to 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge’s main street. Goal to increase foot traffic on the Ridge at 38 corridor by 15% and bring continued attention to the Green for neighborhood revitalization and small business support. Ɣ Growth in topics and events Localworks holds to educate the Wheat Ridge community on important ballot measures, programs, planning efforts and initiatives in partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge, City Council and our Partners in Progress Committee. Ɣ Continuation of dumpster grants and block party grants for residents, 30 total grants to be available, 15 of each program, through City of Wheat Ridge funds. Localworks will continue to work with the sustainability department within the City of Wheat Ridge to partner on increasing the amount of these grants that are available to better meet demand. Ɣ Upgrades to the Neighborhood Block Party library, including new items, proper maintenance to existing equipment and purchase of a permanent unit that holds all block party library items. Ɣ Expand Clear Creek Makerspace through the addition of eight retrofitted shipping containers, creating the Creative Commons. The requested general operations funding supports Localworks staff in managing and implementing the project, while all capital costs associated with the shipping container expansion will be funded through Localworks reserves and private fundraising. Based on the current project budget and committed funding sources, this budget request does not include funding for construction or project capital expenses. Ɣ New evaluation of Ridge at 38 business corridor support, with enhanced events, business resources and digital universal coupon software. Ɣ Continued communication, event, programmatic and resource support for all business corridors in Wheat Ridge. (Gold’s Marketplace, West 29th Marketplace, Ridge at 38, Explore44). Ɣ Growth and new program elements for Wheat Ridge 101, including continued evaluation and understanding of implementing a version for youth in the community. Ɣ Through Partners in Progress, the largest, actively engaged committee for Localworks, continue conversations and define strategy for City’s priorities of change and growth. Ɣ Continued partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge for educational events around large community change, ballot initiatives, etc. Examples we have held include Housing Hour (affordable housing) Ballots and Beans (Lutheran Legacy Campus) and Calzones and Zones (Lutheran Legacy Campus). Outside of the $327,200 that is requested and outlined above for general operations, an additional $50,000 is requested for Localworks to independently manage a grant program for in good standing, actively licensed, Wheat Ridge businesses. Localworks has identified an opportunity and a need for a revitalized grant opportunity for Wheat Ridge businesses. $50,000 is requested for the following: Ɣ $45,000 in grant funds will be available for businesses to apply for. In order to be eligible, a business needs an active, good standing business license with the City of Wheat Ridge. Any project proposed by applicants will be reviewed and up for approval by an outside committee that will be nominated and formed through audited processes by the Localworks Board of Directors. Ɣ $5,000 is kept as a 10% administrative fee to run the grant program, including but not limited to application creation, grant submission operations and grant reporting from awarded local businesses. Localworks financial position: As Localworks is a partner to the City of Wheat Ridge, we believe it is important to provide information about our overall financial position. As a part of our 2024-2027 strategic plan, Community, Business and Beyond, Localworks continues to aim to achieve greater diversification in our revenue sources. The following shows our success, encapsulating a total of over $500,000 given to Localworks from private and public funders in the last 2 years. Ɣ 2022 ż City of Wheat Ridge– 99% of annual revenue ż Direct public support- 1% of annual revenue Ɣ 2023 ż City of Wheat Ridge– 77.3% of annual revenue ż Private grants- 15.7% ż Direct Public Support – 6.9% Ɣ 2024 ż City of Wheat Ridge– 61% of annual revenue ż Clear Creek Makerspace membership- 6% of annual revenue ż Private grants– 20% of annual revenue ż Direct Public Support– 13% of annual revenue Ɣ 2025 ż City of Wheat Ridge– 35% of annual revenue ż Clear Creek Makerspace membership- 13% of annual revenue ż Private grants– 43% of annual revenue ż Direct Public Support– 9% Ɣ 2026 (forecasted) ż City of Wheat Ridge– 39% of annual revenue ż Clear Creek makerspace membership- 22% of annual revenue ż Private grants– 29% of annual revenue ż Direct Public Support– 10% Localworks has invested more than 63% of its reserve funds back into programs and projects that strengthen the Wheat Ridge community, including the development of Clear Creek Makerspace. Looking ahead, Localworks will continue to diversify its revenue sources while maintaining a strong partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge. We anticipate City funding will continue to represent approximately 35–45% of Localworks' annual revenue, reflecting the diversification strategy encouraged by City Council in 2022. In accordance with best practice nonprofit accounting standards, Localworks completes an annual audit and files a 990. Our 990 is included in for your viewing. (Attachment B) Conclusion: Localworks is proud to have served the Wheat Ridge community for over 20 years, working tirelessly to make our City more vibrant and sustainable. The generous support from the City has been crucial to our efforts, and as we enter into 2027, we are excited to continue this journey. With a contribution of $377,200, we are confident that we can achieve the goals outlined in this memo and further enhance the quality of life for Wheat Ridge residents. Community, Business and Beyond Localworks 2024-2027 Strategic Plan Localworks mission is to make Wheat Ridge a more vibrant and sustainable place to live and work. Through programs that provide increased economic development, neighborhood revitalization and arts and culture growth in the Wheat Ridge Community, Localworks is a conduit and connector for the community, businesses. Moreover, our work goes beyond being just a conduit, as our organization remains nimble to continually address the community’s needs as they change. Localworks is proud to grow and provide new programming to fulfill our 2024-2027 strategic plan. The work we will attain is rooted in serving community, business and beyond. Executive Summary On December 14th, 2023 the Localworks Board of Directors and staff created a strategic plan that the organization is to follow from 2024-2027. This strategic plan exemplifies the growth and stability the organization attained in the 2021-2023 strategic plan, including but not limited to new revenue sources, revitalized programming and the initial launch and programming implementation of Clear Creek Makerspace. This strategic plan also takes into account market saturation that Localworks faces as a community nonprofit through an industry analysis and provides distinct programming to remain competitive in the programs and services we provide. The 2024-2027 strategic plan’s theme,Community, Business and Beyond,represents the organization's pillars of work while providing the ability to grow and remain nimble to continue to best serve the Wheat Ridge’s community needs. Localworks will achieve the following objectives through 2024-2027: Ɣ Grow in financial stability to increase our programming for the community. Ɣ Support the business community through more grant-making and micro-funding opportunities. Ɣ Open Clear Creek Makerspace Ɣ Develop, grow, manage and advocate on behalf of all business corridor identities in Wheat Ridge (38th, 44th, and 29th Ave.) $WWDFKPHQW$ Ɣ Increase neighborhood revitalization and civic engagement strategies by growing block party grants, clean up programs and civic engagement opportunities. These objectives will be reached through key metrics. The key metrics provide action items that Localworks is set to achieve between 2024-2027. To see more detail, please visit pg. 3-4 of the strategic planning document. 2024-2027 Strategic Plan Objectives Matrix pg. 1 OBJECTIVE #1 KEY METRICS COMMUNITY, BUSINESS AND BEYOND GROW LOCALWORKS FINANCIAL STABILITY TO INCREASE PROGRAMMING IN THE COMMUNITY INCREASE PRIVATE GRANTS & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS. CREATE NEW REVENUE SOURCES THROUGH CLEAR CREEK MAKERSPACE. EVALUATE REGIONAL IMPACT FOR CLEAR CREEK MAKERSPACE OBJECTIVE #2 SUPPORT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THROUGH MORE GRANT-MAKING AND MICRO- FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES KEY METRICS CREATE GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR WHEAT RIDGE BUSINESSES TO ASSIST IN EMPLOYEE RETENTION EFFORTS, EDUCATION, TRAINING AND GROWING WHEAT RIDGE ECONOMIC STABILITY. OBJECTIVE #3 OPEN AND SUSTAIN CLEAR CREEK MAKERSPACE KEY METRICS CREATE A WELCOMING AND CREATIVE CULTURE FOR MAKER COMMUNITY PROVIDE RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING TO DEVELOP SKILLED WORKFORCE EMPLOYEES PROVIDE RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING TO ENTEREPRENUERS AND SOLEPRENUERS 2024-2027 Strategic Plan Objectives Matrix pg.2 OBJECTIVE #4 KEY METRICS COMMUNITY, BUSINESS AND BEYOND DEVELOP, GROW, MANAGE AND ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF ALL BUSINESS CORRIDORS IN WHEAT RIDGE IMPLEMENT CORRIDOR IDENTITY FOR 44TH AVE. INCREASE CORRIDOR EVENTS IN DIVERSE LOCATIONS. INCREASE BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT. OBJECTIVE #5 INCREASE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITILIZATION AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES. KEY METRICS INCREASE BLOCK PARTY PROGRAMMING THROUGH MORE GRANTS AND A BLOCK PARTY LIBRARY DIVERSIFY AND INCREASE AVAILABLE TLC CLEAN UP DAY DUMPSTERS. (EXAMPLE ELECTRONIC RECYCLING) INCREASE PARTNERS IN PROGRESS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT. HOLD SPRING EVENT THAT FEATURES NEIGHBORHOODS SIMILAR TO THE MID CENTURY AND MODERN HOME TOUR. Conclusion & Next Steps Localworks is excited to attain the objectives and key metrics that will continue our work of community, business and beyond in the Wheat Ridge community. Localworks strives to provide programming that meets the the pillars of economic development, neighborhood revitalization and arts and culture. As Localworks understands what beyond may be, the organization is committed to remaining nimble to address the community’s changing needs. 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By allocating the requested funds 838,)$,)%8 -(+),%1&)63*311)6')8,)-8=;-00&)6)-2*36'-2+-87'311-81)2883'6)%8-2+ %63&978&97-2)77)'37=78)1%2()2,%2'-2+8,)46374)6-8=3*03'%071%00&97-2)77)7 $);390(&),%44=8346)7)283966)59)78%2(396463437)(&9(+)8-24)6732%2(%((6)77%2= 59)78-3278,%8-8=392'-01%=,%:)$)%446)'-%8)=396'327-()6%8-323*%2(7944368*368,-7 &9(+)86)59)78 !-2')6)0= $,)%8 -(+),%1&)63*311)6') 0-'-%%67-'3:)8)6) 3%6("6)%796)6 ''3%6( $U Y D G D (G J H Z D W H U *R O G H Q /D N H Z R R G :H V W P L Q V W H U :K H D W 5 L G J H 8Q L Q F R U S R U D W H G - H I I H U V R Q & R X Q W \ 7R W D O Ra l s t o n H o u s e B u d g e t R e q u e s t ATT A C H M E N T 4 1 Ralston House Remodeling Capital Project to Serve Jefferson and Gilpin Counties Ralston House Program Overview Ralston House provides the following services to children and families in Jefferson, Gilpin, Adams and Broomfield Counties: Ɣ Forensic Interviews of children and some adults referred due to allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect, or because they have witnessed a crime, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or homicide. Ɣ Victim Advocacy to children and their non-offending caregivers, including crisis counseling, victims’ rights information, assistance with victim compensation application, education about child abuse and trauma, referral to highly-vetted trauma-informed mental health services, and referral to other community resources. Ɣ Pediatric forensic medical examinations for children who have disclosed sexual abuse. Ɣ Multidisciplinary Team monthly case reviews and ongoing trainings. Ɣ Community sexual abuse prevention trainings. Ɣ All services are offered FREE to families and investigators. Ralston House Impact on Wheat Ridge Police Department and Wheat Ridge Community In the summer of 2023, John* who was a victim of a stabbing in Wheat Ridge. John was 29 years old at the time of the interview. Patrol responded to a stabbing at the park in Wheat Ridge when a family was having a celebration of life party and noticed a man bleeding out near the bathrooms. Patrol saved John’s life by applying pressure to his wound until paramedics arrived. Patrol was able to gather from the bystanders at the park the individual who stabbed John was a transient male who was still in the bathrooms at the park. Patrol apprehended the suspect but was still unsure of what transpired. The case was assigned to Detectives Eversole and Stovall. Detective Stovall called Ralston House to set up a forensic interview for John after he was released from the hospital and well enough to attend a forensic post injuries. John is considered an IDD adult. As a young adult, John was in an accident that left him with a TBI (traumatic brain injury). After his accident, he was put on life support and in a medically induced coma. And after some time, his parents decided to take him off life support because the doctors believed that John wouldn't survive the damage. John ended up living once he was removed from life support but had several seizures which caused aphasia and very limited verbal communication. He also has very limited movement on the right side 2 of his body because of the multiple seizures he suffered from. John can speak in 1–3- word sentences to communicate and often can't "find the words" to describe his experiences. Detective Stovall believed that a forensic interview would be the best environment for John to be able to share what he could about his experience of the stabbing. The Ralston House forensic interviewer that interviewed John is trained in a specific protocol to interview non-speaking individuals and individuals with IDD and/or cognitive delays. Through the forensic interview, John was able to disclose that he went to the park to walk around and get out of the house. While at the park, a transient man approached him and asked to borrow his cell phone. John agreed to let him use his phone, and afterwards the male asked John if he wanted to hang out. They ended up going into the bathroom at the park where John described the man smoking meth while John drank a beer that he purchased from the gas station. John then said that the man wanted to do sexual things with John. When John refused, the transient male became angry and ended up beating John up. He punched, kicked, and slammed John's head into the cinderblock wall. John left the bathroom and was bleeding and injured when a man from the celebration of life party approached John and told him that he was scaring the children because of the blood on his face and asked if he could clean himself up. John then went back into the restroom to clean up with the same man in the bathroom. While John was at the sink trying to wash up, the man came up behind John and pulled a knife from the back of John's pants that he kept on himself for protection, and the transient man used John's knife to stab him through his left forearm (which was his only working arm after his TBI, that he raised in front of his face for self-defense). Through this forensic interview, John was able to share his experience of a horrible attack in a way that helped him to feel heard and supported. In turn, he was also able to receive justice for the crime that was committed against him. John is known for his charismatic and kindhearted attitude. He loves to play chess and went to the paraplegic Olympics for fencing. Without the amazing response from patrol, the detectives who worked on the case, and the forensic interview from Ralston House to determine what happened that day, John wouldn't have survived. 3 The Total Project Cost and the Request of Jefferson and Gilpin County Municipalities: Ɣ Estimated total remodeling costs: $1,300,000-$1,450,000 Ɣ Profit from the sale of the Lakewood site: $456,051.02 Ɣ Remaining cost requested to be covered by municipalities in Jefferson and Gilpin Counties: $850,000-$1,000,000 (these are early estimates, we have not received a finalized construction bid and these numbers could change). The estimated total cost to remodel the new Arvada site is between $1,300,000-$1,450,000 depending on final construction costs. Ralston House is grateful for the financial support that we have received since our inception in 2006 from 1st Judicial District cities and counties. We are asking for a one-time generous gift from the cities, counties, district attorney’s office, and human service agencies that we serve in the 1st Judicial District to support the remaining cost of construction for the new Arvada site opening in 2026. Ralston House recently sold our Lakewood site for $456,051.02. We are asking for the Jefferson and Gilpin County municipalities to join together to cover the remaining $850,000-$1,000,000 in estimated costs. This gift will ensure that we are able to meet the needs of all of the residents of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties. The City of Arvada has generously offered to continue our lease of $10/year for this new space, and will also provide continued in-kind services including Human Resources, IT, and facility maintenance. In 2014, Ralston House expanded services to the 17th Judicial District, and in 2017 a new building was constructed in Northglenn to serve the 17th Judicial District clients. The jurisdictions served in Adams and Broomfield Counties agreed to financially support this build by providing $1.7-million between them. This agreement is attached for your review. 4 Construction Plan: Ɣ Architectural plans will be finalized and a construction contractor will be selected before December 2025. Ɣ Construction will begin in January 2026, with estimated completion between April and July 2026. Ɣ Eidos Architects was selected as the architect by the City of Arvada and they will be sending out bids for construction contractors. An initial design plan was developed by Eidos Architects and is attached to this document. Plans are for construction to begin in January of 2026 and be completed by July of 2026, if not sooner. 5 The Need for a New Space Ɣ Ralston House currently has two sites in the 1st Judicial District, one in Arvada and one in Lakewood Ɣ Due to concerns with ongoing maintenance issues and safety concerns, Ralston House is in the process of selling the Lakewood site. Ɣ The Arvada site is not large enough to house all of the 1st Judicial District cases. Ɣ While the Arvada site is ADA compliant, it is not convenient for those with disabilities. Ɣ There is not enough space for staff offices or a meeting space at the Lakewood and Arvada sites. Ɣ There is limited parking at the Arvada site, which requires staff, MDT members and sometimes clients to utilize street parking, causing safety concerns. Ralston House currently serves 1st Judicial District residents/cases (Jefferson and Gilpin Counties) out of two sites - one in Lakewood, CO and one in Arvada, CO. There is a combined square footage of less than 5,000 sq ft between the two sites. The Lakewood facility is an older farm home that requires a lot of upkeep and can no longer be easily maintained, and it is not ADA accessible. The Lakewood facility is isolated from other businesses and the community, making it a safety concern as people cannot see or hear staff or clients if there is a distressing incident or occurrence. The current Arvada site is not large enough to serve all of the 1st Judicial District cases. It is ADA compliant, but not easily accessible for those with disabilities, and requires updates to become fully compliant with new ADA laws. For example, a person using a wheelchair needs to enter through a back, side door to access the interview rooms. To access the playroom, they would need to return outside and use the ramp to enter through the main door, since it is a split-level building without an elevator. It does not have a medical examination room, and 1st Judicial District clients currently go to the Lakewood site for medical examinations. Ralston House recently closed the Lakewood site and is in the process of selling the property. After discussing the above limitations with the City of Arvada, who leases Ralston House its site in Arvada, the City of Arvada generously offered to lease Ralston House a 10,000 sq ft building that was being used by the Arvada Food Bank, but is now vacant. The City of Arvada will honor the $10/year lease Ralston House currently has and the building will be maintained inside and out by the City of Arvada as an in-kind service, including cleaning, utilities, building maintenance and landscaping. The building is structurally sound and only interior renovations will be needed, at an estimated cost of approximately $1,300,000 to Ralston House. 6 What the New Location Will Offer: Ɣ 10,000 sq ft of space Ɣ All services located on one level and fully ADA accessible Ɣ 4 forensic interviewing ‘pods’ that will each have a play room, a parent meeting room, a forensic interviewing room, and an observation room for investigators to observe the interview. These pods allow full privacy for families using our services. Ɣ 1 medical exam room to conduct pediatric forensic medical exams. Ɣ 7 staff offices that will accommodate up to fourteen staff members Ɣ 1 staff meeting room Ɣ 1 large conference room where Ralston House can host Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) trainings and monthly 1st Judicial District case reviews. Ɣ A large parking lot that will accommodate all clients, staff and MDT members. The new space is double the size of the current two sites combined and will be able to accommodate all cases from the 1st Judicial District, as well as improve ADA accessibility, parking, spaces for staff and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners including law enforcement, District Attorneys offices, schools, therapists, and child protective services; as well as training and meeting space for these partners. An initial design has been developed by an architectural firm and will include four interview pods, each that include an interview room and an observation room for the MDT investigative partners (law enforcement including district attorneys offices and child protective services) to observe forensic interviews, conducted by Ralston House’s highly-trained forensic interviewers, of children who have been sexually or physically abused or have witnessed a crime, such as domestic violence or homicide. Each pod also includes a waiting room for parents to meet with a victim advocate to learn about resources and next steps and a playroom that gives a space that allows the children to feel comfortable and regulate their nervous system before and after their interview. Additionally, there will be a medical exam room in which the Child Abuse Pediatrician can conduct pediatric forensic medical exams. These separate pods allow for four forensic interviews to occur concurrently and for each of the families to have full privacy during the interview process. The pods will be sound-proofed, giving victims privacy while they are given the chance to tell their story. The new site will also include 7 offices and a meeting room for staff. Currently, there are not enough office spaces between the two sites for staff and there is not a meeting room large enough to accommodate all staff at any of our sites. There will also be a large conference room/training facility with space for up to 100 people. This will also double as an event space. Ralston House hosts 6 trainings per year for MDT members. Case Reviews will be hosted at the new facility and are offered once per month in the 1st Judicial District and once per month in the 17th Judicial District. There is also an opportunity to rent out the meeting space to community partners as well. Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Karen O’Donnell, Parks and Recreation Director FROM: Brandon Altenburg, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation DATE: August 3, 2026 SUBJECT: Wheat Ridge Historical Society Full-Time Position and 2027 Budget Request ISSUE: The Wheat Ridge Historical Society is respectfully requesting that the City consider funding a paid professional with training in museum science to oversee and manage the City’s historical buildings in the Historical Park and the Baugh property and the collections housed within them. Parks and Recreation staff recommend that, should this position request be considered, the position includes oversight of cultural programs and events and the public art program in addition to overseeing historical properties and programs. Additionally, the Historical Society has typically submitted, and been approved for, an annual allocation/reimbursement amount from the Parks and Recreation Department budget to support their operating expenses. PRIOR ACTION: City Council has taken no prior action on this issue beyond approving the annual city budget that has included funds for the Historical Society. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Human Resources worked with Graves Consulting to estimate the cost of the position request (including benefits and payroll taxes) at $89,780 in the first year and likely increasing annually. The Historical Society’s operating budget allocation request for 2027 is $11,000. The Society’s 2026 approved budget from the City is $10,800. BACKGROUND: The Wheat Ridge Historical Society was founded in 1975 and partners with the City to ATTACHMENT 5 Study Session Memo – Historical Society Position and Budget Request August 3, 2026 Page 2 manage the historic buildings at the Historical Park and Baugh House, house, manage, and display both the Society’s and City’s historical collections, and provide programming and events for the public. The current agreement between the City and the Society is from 2017, and formal agreements exist at least back to 1987. Over the past 1-2 decades, the Parks and Recreation Department has provided funding for part-time staff to serve as Museum Hosts and Tour Guides, funds for the Society’s operating budget, and a liaison from amongst department full-time staff to work with the Society. In recent years, the Society has inquired about the possibility of a dedicated, full-time city employee whose role would be to manage the historic buildings and collections, historical programming, and collaborate with the Society. The Society has prepared the enclosed “Proposal to City Council” providing more details, comparisons, and rationale for this proposal. Parks and Recreation staff are supportive of this proposal, but believe a position that is primarily, but not solely, dedicated to historic buildings and programs would be a more efficient use of public resources. Staff recommend that, should this position be considered, the position also manage cultural events and programs along with the public art program for the City. Separately, the Society has requested, and generally been approved for, annual operating funds from the City. For 2027, the Society is requesting $11,000 in operating funds to assist with managing their collection and promoting and running public events. AC C AC C O U N T N A M E / D E T A I L E D D E S C 20 2 6 W R H S R e q u e s t 20 2 6 A p p r o v e d B u d g e t Sp e n t F u n d s 20 2 6 E s t i m a t e 20 2 7 R e q u e s t 65 1 O f f i c e S u p p l i e Pr e s e r v a t i o n M a t e r i a l 1, 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 6 . 6 5 $ 9 7 3 . 3 5 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ In k , P a p e r 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 9 8 . 6 3 $ 1 0 1 . 3 7 $ 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ Mi s c e l l a n e o u s o f f i c e U p k e e 10 0 . 0 0 $ 1 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 6 . 0 0 $ 8 4 . 0 0 $ 3 0 0 . 0 0 $ 65 4 P h o t o c o p y i n g , P r i n t i n So c i e t y M e m b e r s h i p b o o 1, 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ - $ - $ Up d a t e d B r o c h u r e s / B o o k 1, 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 5 0 . 0 0 $ 8 5 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ Ad v e r t i s i n 4, 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 , 3 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 65 5 P o s t a g e Re n t a l , g e n e r a l p o s t a g e 3 0 0 . 0 0 $ 3 0 0 . 0 0 $ 4 6 . 8 0 $ 2 5 3 . 2 0 $ 3 0 0 . 0 0 $ 66 0 O p e r a t i n g S u p p l i e Ev e n t S u p p l i e 1, 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 3 5 0 . 0 0 $ 6 5 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ Ed . & P r o g r a m D e v e l o p m e n 1, 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 7 5 0 . 0 0 $ 7 5 0 . 0 0 $ 7 5 0 . 0 0 $ Ex h i b i t D e v e l o p m e n 50 0 . 0 0 $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 8 6 . 8 0 $ 4 1 3 . 2 0 $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 70 4 C o n t r a c t S e r v i c e Co l l e c t i o n s P r e s e r v a t i o n 3 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 4 2 7 . 5 0 $ 4 7 2 . 5 0 $ 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ We b S i t e U p g r a d e s , M a i n t e n a n c e 1 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ - $ Zo o m P r o L i c e n s e 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 72 8 T r a i n i n g Ou t r e a c h v i s i t s a n d e v e n t s 1 0 0 . 0 0 $ - $ - $ Cl a s s e s f o r p r o f e s s i o n a l t r a i n i n g 4 0 0 . 0 0 $ - $ - $ Me m b s t o p r o f o r g s 2 5 0 . 0 0 $ 2 5 0 . 0 0 $ 2 5 0 . 0 0 $ 2 5 0 . 0 0 $ 75 0 P r o f e s s i o n a l S e r v i c e s Ac c o u n t i n g , T a x R e p o r t i n g 1 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 1 , 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 6 0 5 . 0 0 $ 5 9 5 . 0 0 $ 1 , 2 0 0 . 0 0 $ 75 5 C o m p u t e r S o f t w a r e Pa s t P e r f e c t l i c e n s e 8 0 0 . 0 0 $ 8 0 0 . 0 0 $ 8 0 0 . 0 0 $ 8 0 0 . 0 0 $ 77 6 O t h e r E q u i p m e n t / M a i n t e n a n c e To t a l 1 8 , 3 5 0 . 0 0 $ $ 1 0 , 8 0 0 $ 4 , 1 0 7 6 , 5 9 2 . 6 2 $ 1 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ *1 M a r k e t i n g p l a n i n c l u d e s r a d i o a d s , K L V Z c o n t r a c t e s t 1 8 2 m e s s a g e s = $ 2 4 0 0 ; C P R c o n t r a c t e s t 2 0 m e s s a g e s = $ 2 2 0 0 , D e n v e r P o st p u r c h a s e d a d s 3 x p e r 2 0 2 6 e s t i m a t e $ 2 0 0 0 = $ 6 6 0 0 *2 C l i m a t e C o n t r o l l e d S t o r a g e c o n t r a c t w i t h P u b l i c S t o r a g e e s t $ 1 3 0 p e r m o o r p e r y e a r $ 1 5 6 0 : c o s t o f a r c h i v i s t $ 3 0 0 0 = $ 4 56 0 *3 W e b s i t e c o n t r a c t h e l p t o i n c l u d e c o s t o f t u t o r i a l s e s s i o n s $ 1 4 0 0 M e d i a W o r k s W h e a t R i d g e *4 C o l o r a d o H i s t o r y : $ 4 5 , C O Q u i l t C o u n c i l $ 3 0 , A N F R M $ 5 0 , M P M A $ 5 0 , C W A M $ 9 0 , J e f f c o H i s t . S o c i e t y $ 2 5 , A A S L H $ 9 8 = $ 3 8 8 *5 T r a v e l i n g T r u n k a n d O u t r e a c h H i s t o r y t a l k s f o r 2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4 i n c l u d e d t r i p s t o s c h o o l s x 2 M a r t a H e d d e s u b m i t t e d n o r e c i e p t s . W e w o u l d l i k e t o e x p a n d t h i s b u t n e e d t o g e t m o r e p e o p l e i n v o l v e d . P R E S E R V I N G W H E A T R I D G E ' S H I S T O R Y A C a s e f o r P r o f e s s i o n a l M u s e u m L e a d e r s h i p A p r o p o s a l t o C i t y C o u n c i l f r o m t h e W h e a t R i d g e H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y Au g u s t 3 , 2 0 2 6 P R E S E R V I N G W H E A T R I D G E ' S H I S T A L e g a c y C a r e d f o r b y F e w e r a n d F e w e r H a n d s 17 ac t i v e v o l u n t e e r s , mo s t i n t h e i r 7 0 s - 8 0 s 5% of t h e c o l l e c t i o n s ca t a l o g u e d to d a t e 7 hi s t o r i c b u i l d i n g s & t h o u s a n d s of a r t i f a c t s Wh e a t R i d g e ' s h i s t o r y i s b e i n g p r e s e r v e d b y a d e d i c a t e d b u t a g i n g , s h r i n k i n g , a n d u n t r a i n e d v o l u n t e e r c o r p s . Wi t h o u t i n t e r v e n t i o n , t h e c o l l e c t i o n s , t h e b u i l d i n g s , a n d d e c a d e s o f i n s t i t u t i o n a l k n o w l e d g e a r e a t r i s k . st Pr o f e s s i o n a l S t a f f M a k e V o l u n t e e r P r o g r a m s W o r k Pe e r F r o n t R a n g e c i t i e s r e p o r t t h e s a m e p a t t e r n LA F A Y E T T E Wi t h a n a d d i t i o n a l p a i d s t a f f m e m b e r n o w o v e r s e e i n g t h e vo l u n t e e r b a s e , t h e m u s e u m r e s p o n d s t o p u b l i c i n q u i r i e s fa s t e r a n d m o r e r e l i a b l y t h a n b e f o r e . Wi t h o u t p r o f e s s i o n a l o v e r s i gh t , p e e r c i t i e s r e p o r t e d in c o n s i s t e n t p r o g r a m m i n g , r e c r u i t i n g d i f f i c u l t y , a n d li m i t e d c a p a c i t y to t r a i n v o l u n t e e r s i n s p e c i a l i z e d m u s e u m p r a c t i c e s . Wh e a t R i d g e ' s 1 7 v o l u n t e e r s c o n t r i b u t e ~ 2 9 2 h o u r s / m o n t h — b u t w i t h n o p r o f e s s i o n a l c o o r d i n a t i o n b e h i n d t h e m . LI T T L E T O N Ha v i n g t r a i n e d s t a f f i n c h a r g e o f o p e r a t i o n s h a s e n a b l e d u s t o re t a i n m a n y m o r e v o l u n t e e r s, r e s u l t i n g i n i n c r e a s e d pr o g r a m m i n g a n d h o u r s – a n d g r e a t e r a p p r e c i a t i o n f r o m r e s i d e n t s . ai d a t r a in e d s t a n c Be f o r e a n d A f t e r P r o f e s s i o n a l S t a f f i n g In p e e r c i t i e s ' o w n w o r d s BE F O R E P A I D S T A F F • L A F A Y E T T E : I n c o n s i s t e n t h o u r s , u n r e l i a b l e c o l l e c t i o n s ca r e , l i m i t e d p r o g r a m c a p a c i t y . • B R O O M F I E L D : B R O O M F I E L D : D i f f i c u l t y m a i n t a i n i n g bu i l d i n g s ; i m p o s s i b l e t o k e e p u p w i t h c u r a t i o n . • L I T T L E T O N : V o l u n t e e r w o r k l o a d u n b a l a n c e d ; l i t t l e ro o m t o e x p a n d o u t r e a c h . • G O L D E N : D i s o r g a n i z a t i o n , l i m i t e d p u b l i c a c c e s s ho u r s . WI T H P A I D S T A F F • L A F A Y E T T E : M o r e o p e n h o u r s , o n l i n e c o l l e c t i o n s , be t t e r - o r g a n i z e d r e c o r d s . • B R O O M F I E L D : S t r o n g e r c o m m u n i t y a n d s c h o o l co n n e c t i o n s ; e l e v a t e d v a l u e o f c i t y h i s t o r y . • L O U I S V I L L E : E x t e n d e d h o u r s e n a b l e m o r e p r o g r a m s an d v i s i b i l i t y . • G O L D E N : B e s t p r a c t i c e s f o l l o w e d a c r o s s c u r a t i o n , vo l u n t e e r s , a n d f a c i l i t i e s . Ne w P o s s i b i l i t i e s : W h a t M u s e u m P r o f e s s i o n a l s M a k e P o s s i b l e “H i s t o r y d e e p e n s a n d e n h a n c e s t h e w o r k o f a c i ty a n d p r o v i d e s i t w i t h a u n i q u e i d e n t i t y . Ha v i n g p a i d s t a f f d e d i c a t e d t o t h a t p u r p o s e m u l t i p l i e s t h e e f f e c t . ” — L a f a y e t t e M u s e u m R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Gr a n t F u n d i n g Tr a i n e d s t a f f i d e n t i f y , a p p l y f o r , a n d m a n a g e gr a n t o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h a t W h e a t R i d g e cu r r e n t l y c a n n o t p u r s u e . Re v e n u e P r o g r a m s Wh e a t R i d g e ' s t w o p a i d e v e n t s e a r n a f e w hu n d r e d d o l l a r s — p e e r c i t i e s h a v e b u i l t su s t a i n e d r e v e n u e s t r e a m s . Pu b l i c A c c e s s Ci t i e s w i t h p a i d s t a f f c o n s i s t e n t l y e x t e n d e d op e n h o u r s a n d b r o a d e n e d c o m m u n i t y en g a g e m e n t . Rev enu e Pro r s in f i d e n t i f y , a p p l y f o r , a n d m a n a g e tun i t i e s t at W ea t R i d e Pi e c e s L e f t B e h i n d : T h e W o r k I s F a l l i n g B e h i n d Wh e a t R i d g e p r o j e c t s a r e c u r r e n t l y s t a l l e d w i t h o u t p r o f e s s i o n a l o v e r s i g h t Co l l e c t i o n s D a t a b a s e 5 y e a r s i n , o n l y ~ 5 % o f a r t i f a c t s c a t a l o g u e d ; t h e o r i g i n a l t r a i n e d t e a m o f t h r e e i s n o l o n g e r a b l e t o m e e t r e g u l a r l y . Po s t O f f i c e A r c h i v e Th o u s a n d s o f d o c u m e n t s a n d p h o t o s s i t u n p r o c e s s e d ; v o l u n t e e r s h a v e n o s o f t w a r e t r a i n i n g . Do n a t i o n M o r a t o r i u m Th e S o c i e t y h a s s t o p p e d a c c e p t i n g n e w d o n a t i o n s — t h e r e ' s n o c a p a c i t y t o p r o c e s s t h e m a n d n o p l a c e t o s t o r e t h e m . Re c o r d - k e e p i n g g a p s m e a n W R H S d o e s n ' t c u r r e n t l y q u a l i f y f o r S C F D f u n d i n g o r m a n y g r a n t s . T H E R E Q U E S T Fu n d O n e F u l l - T i m e M u s e u m P r o f e s s i o n a l • A c c e l e r a t e c o l l e c t i o n s c a t a l o g u i n g i n P a s t P e r f e c t • S t a b i l i z e c o l l e c t i o n s p r e s e r v a t i o n t e c h n i q u e s • B u i l d a s u s t a i n a b l e v o l u n t e e r r e cr u i t m e n t a n d t r a i n i n g p i p e l i n e • P u r s u e g r a n t s a n d r e v e n u e p r o g r a m s W h e a t R i d g e c u r r e n t l y c a n n o t a c c e s s • C r e a t e m o r e a c t i v i t i e s a n d e v e n t s a p p r o p r i a t e t o d i v e r s e W h e a t R i d g e r e s i d e n t s • B r o a d e n e x h i b i t s a n d d i s p l a y s t o i n c l u d e m o re r e c e n t h i s t o r y , b e y o n d C e n t u r y - l o n g S t o r y • B r i n g W h e a t R i d g e i n l i n e w i t h pe e r - c i t y m u s e u m b e s t p r a c t i c e s A s i n g l e t r a i n e d p o s i ti o n w i l l c l o s e t h e g a p b e t w ee n d e d i c a t e d v o l u n t e e r s a n d mo d e r n m u s e u m s t a n d a r d s . He l p U s P i e c e T o g e t h e r t h e F u t u r e an d C a r r y W h e a t R i d g e ' s H i s t o r y F o r w a r d Th a n k y o u f o r y o u r t i m e a n d c o n s i d e r a t i o n . Wh e a t R i d g e H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y | W e w e l c o m e y o u r q u e s t i o n s Tha n k ou or ou r t i m e a n d c o n s i d e r a t i o n WhWhWh eaeaeaea tttt t RRRiRiRi dgdgdggeee HiHi stst oor ic al S o c i e ty | W e wewe lclc omom ee yoyo urur qqueue stst ioio nsns hh RRiRidd Hi i