An ever-improving Golden

Generations of Golden city councilors have held fast to the principle that their first job is to maintain necessary infrastructure and support core municipal services. Without question, present council embraces this responsibility. It ensures a balanced budget that safeguards the elements of our town that the entire community expects and values.

Council also recognizes a responsibility to make our small hometown a better place to live and work –; now and in the future. For 2014 and 2015, council committed to working on four targeted areas of community health. With specific, measurable initiatives, its intention is to encourage (1) a vibrant economy, (2) healthy residents, (3) sustainable choices, and (4) a connected community.

The first of these, a vibrant economy, is critical to a fiscally sound municipality. In 2014, Golden did well on this front. Sales-tax revenue set records and exceeded projections. The Downtown Development Authority stepped up to maintain the Golden vision for downtown, while the Golden Urban Renewal Authority shifted its focus to other areas of our city. In 2015, council will explore additional possibilities to continue an upward spiral. For instance, it has directed a staff study to identify and minimize administrative barriers to the attraction or expansion of local businesses. It may also examine potential ways to shift a fair portion of the cost of our many amenities to visitors attracted to them.

The health of residents is the second targeted area. A generally health-oriented population makes a productive, happy community –; and one attractive to commercial investment. In the fall, councilors put energy into “Go Golden,” a month-long program of active living events on our trails and in our parks and Community Center. In more lasting – and remarkable –; efforts, the city established a Bell Middle School sports program, loaded its vending machines with healthy options, added an attractive plaza to the trail near the library, achieved silver status from the League of American Bicyclists, and snared the final-stage start in the 2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. In health-related legislation, council opted out of recreational marijuana sales and further restricted smoking in our public spaces. Looking ahead, the city will continue to foster community health.

For a third area, council re-emphasizes its support of sustainable choices and the environment. One identified initiative, the expansion of recycling opportunities and programs, is scheduled to take place in summer 2015. At that time, residents in homeowners’ associations and multi-family housing will be folded into the pay-as-you-throw concept. With regard to public transit, Golden’s RTD service improved greatly with the coming of light rail and call-and-ride service. Continued progress, however, is needed, particularly in shortening bus-wait times and the extending service to underserved neighborhoods such as Golden Hills/Golden Heights.

Finally, a connected community, with a tradition of physical accessibility and personal interaction, means a strong community. Closing walkability gaps between neighborhoods and city features can be key. Last year, the city secured a grant for a 44th Avenue bicycle trail connecting downtown and Tony Grampsas Park; opened the 6th Avenue pedestrian bridge linking much of south Golden to light rail and the County Center; and constructed sidewalks along Colfax Avenue. A future showcase of physical connectivity will be the new 6th/19th intersection, with a park-like, grade-level lid over U.S. 6. For person-to-person connectivity, potential ideas include the development of local events to bring neighbors together and a network for neighborhood self-help and assistance.

As demonstrated in 2014, council is committed to bedrock goals: maintaining Golden’s existing infrastructure and services while also making our community better. Be assured council will hold steady as it faces the challenges of 2015.