Issues
Implementation of the "City Plan"
Over the past two years, Wheat Ridge has actively engaged residents and stakeholders in a thorough comprehensive planning process, laying the groundwork for the city's evolution over the next 10 to 20 years. With the plan now in place, our focus shifts to effective implementation.
To ensure the successful realization of the City Plan's vision, we will prioritize the following actions:
1. Community Involvement: Continued engagement with residents will be vital. We will establish regular forums and feedback mechanisms to ensure that community voices are heard throughout the implementation process.
2. Clear Implementation Roadmap: We will develop a detailed roadmap outlining the steps, timelines, and responsible parties for each initiative within the plan. This roadmap will serve as a guide to keep progress on track.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies will enhance resource allocation and execution capabilities. These partnerships will play a critical role in leveraging expertise and funding opportunities.
4. Transparent Communication: We will maintain open lines of communication with the community, providing updates on progress, challenges, and successes. This transparency will foster trust and accountability.
5. Monitoring Progress: Establishing metrics and KPIs will allow us to monitor the impact of implementation efforts. Regular assessments will help us identify areas for improvement and ensure the plan stays aligned with community needs.
6. Adaptability: As we implement the plan, we remain committed to being flexible and responsive to changing circumstances. This adaptability will enable us to address unforeseen challenges and seize new opportunities that arise.
Through these focused actions, we will translate the City Plan into reality, ensuring Wheat Ridge continues to thrive and meet the evolving needs of its residents. Our commitment to a collaborative, transparent, and strategic approach will guide us toward sustained success for our community.
Keeping Wheat Ridge, Wheat Ridge!
Wheat Ridge is like no other place! We have a beautiful city that when polled over 73% of residents are happy living here. We need to manage growth and change to make sure that the character of our city and neighborhoods is protected while we still invest in our future.
Public Safety
As your Mayor, I will continue fighting for a safer, stronger Wheat Ridge by building on what’s working and having the courage to tackle what still needs to be fixed.
We’ve Made Real Progress and I’m Proud of That!
As a City Councilmember, I’ve worked hard to make smart changes that are making Wheat Ridge safer. Just look at what’s happening around I‑70 and Youngfield. After we passed the hotel licensing ordinance and cracked down on properties with high crime, we saw:
A 28.5% drop in crime in the immediate area
A 53% reduction in hotel-related police calls
Safer streets and fewer hotspots for dangerous activity
The recent closure and future demolition of the American Motel is a symbol of this progress. We’re replacing blight with housing, bringing new life to the corridor, and sending a clear message: Wheat Ridge is moving forward.
Crime is Down Across Our City
Wheat Ridge is safer today than it was just a few years ago:
Total crime is down 26% since 2021
Robberies are down 53%
Auto thefts have dropped 27%
Catalytic converter thefts have plummeted by 48%
We’ve worked closely with our police department and community partners to make this happen and the numbers prove it’s working.
But Safety Is About More Than Crime
True public safety means more than just fighting crime it means being able to walk, bike, or drive safely on every street in Wheat Ridge. As Mayor, I’ll continue to prioritize safer mobility by using the tools in our City Plan:
Better sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks
Protected bike lanes and traffic calming
Smart enforcement to curb DUIs and speeding
We’ve already seen results from increased traffic enforcement, and we can do even more with thoughtful design and strategic investment.
Safer Streets Start with Stronger Neighborhoods
We also need to keep addressing blight and vacancy, because vacant and neglected properties attract crime. That’s why I’ll keep working to:
Attract quality development that aligns with our values
Replace rundown properties with vibrant homes and businesses
Support mixed-use projects that keep more eyes on the street
By transforming problem areas into places where people live, work, and gather, we prevent crime before it happens.
My Promise to You
As Mayor, I will:
Stand up for our neighborhoods and push back on developments that invite crime or create unsafe conditions
Invest in public infrastructure to make our roads, sidewalks, and crossings safer for everyone
Support data-driven policing and programs that put community safety first
Continue getting results like we’ve seen at I‑70 and Kipling
We’ve proven that when we act boldly and lead with values, Wheat Ridge becomes a safer, more welcoming city for all.
Strengthening our Business Community
As a lifelong Wheat Ridge resident, small business owner, and current City Councilmember, I understand firsthand the value that local businesses bring to our community. From family-run shops and restaurants to growing healthcare providers and innovative startups, Wheat Ridge’s business community is the heart of our local economy and the key to our city’s future.
As your next Mayor, I will prioritize policies and partnerships that support, grow, and protect our local businesses so they can thrive for decades to come.
My Vision for a Stronger Local Economy:
-Championing Small and Independent Businesses
I will continue to be a strong advocate for our small businesses, the ones that make Wheat Ridge unique. That means cutting red tape, improving city processes, and making it easier to open, operate, and expand right here in our neighborhoods.
-Investing in Our Business Corridors
Corridors like 38th Avenue, Kipling, and Wadsworth deserve thoughtful investment. I will support infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and beautification efforts that attract customers, encourage development, and create a sense of pride for business owners and residents alike.
- Building Strong Partnerships
Our local economy works best when the city collaborates with business leaders, property owners, and community organizations. I will foster stronger public-private partnerships to bring smart development, job growth, and long-term investment into Wheat Ridge.
-Supporting Economic Growth and Innovation
We must prepare Wheat Ridge for the future. I’ll champion efforts to attract new industries, support homegrown entrepreneurs, and strengthen sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and tech, all while maintaining the character of our community.
-Creating a Business-Friendly City Hall
City Hall should be a partner, not a barrier. As Mayor, I’ll ensure city services are responsive, efficient, and business-minded, so entrepreneurs spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time building their dreams.
Wheat Ridge deserves a Mayor who understands our values, shares our entrepreneurial spirit, and has the experience to get things done. I’ve spent my life here, and I know what makes this city great, and I’m ready to lead with purpose and partnership.
Invest in Wheat Ridge, Lead with Results
As Mayor, Korey Stites will continue delivering on the promise of better mobility, effective drainage, and getting the absolute best return on every dime of Wheat Ridge’s 2J tax dollars.
🚶♂️ Mobility: Safer, More Connected Streets
As the District 3 City Councilor, Korey delivered on the promise of improvements to West 38th Avenue, securing long-needed upgrades between Youngfield and Kipling. This stretch will now include enhanced sidewalks, bike lanes, and modern drainage systems, turning a once neglected corridor into a safer, more accessible roadway for residents, students, and businesses.
Korey remains committed to further investments along 38th, including the 38th Avenue Refresh Project from Wadsworth to Harlan, which has moved into the design phase to improve streetscapes and enhance walkability.
Key intersections like 44th & Tabor and 44th & Eldridge are slated for traffic studies and safety improvements to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Over 4.8 miles of sidewalk gaps are being addressed with over $20 million in funding for ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps, and neighborhood connectivity between 32nd and 44th from Kipling to Wadsworth.
💧 Drainage: Proactive Stormwater Solutions
Korey supports investments of $4.5 million for critical drainage improvements, including stormwater repairs and long-range flood mitigation planning.
Projects like the Clearvale neighborhood floodplain improvements help lower flood risk, reduce insurance costs, and unlock new possibilities for residential and commercial development.
💰 Best Bang for 2J Tax Dollars: Fiscal Responsibility + Local Impact
Voter-approved in November 2023, the Next Chapter program renewed the 2J .5-cent sales tax, generating $75 million to fund Wheat Ridge’s most urgent infrastructure needs.
Korey helped ensure those dollars are spent wisely, with more than 80% allocated directly to community priorities like mobility, sidewalks, and drainage.
He backed issuing bonds in October 2024 to lock in favorable rates and stretch every tax dollar as far as possible.
With Korey’s support, $500,000 was earmarked for pedestrian safety projects around schools, including Stevens Elementary, because safe routes for kids are non-negotiable.
A Vision Rooted in Accountability and Community Priorities
Korey Stites will ensure:
Investment in walkable neighborhoods and safe streets, where people can walk, bike, and drive confidently.
Necessary drainage upgrades to keep neighborhoods safe and support sustainable property investment.
Integrity in how 2J tax dollars are spent maximized through strategic timing, strong oversight, and alignment with resident feedback.
As a City Councilor, Korey delivered real results for West 38th Avenue. As Mayor, he’ll build on that momentum and ensure every neighborhood gets the investment it deserves.
Improved Communication
As a City Councilor, I’ve made it a priority to improve the way Wheat Ridge communicates with its residents. I’ve held more district meetings than any other councilor because I believe direct, two-way communication is essential to good governance. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to provide more timely, transparent updates and to use a variety of platforms to keep our community informed and engaged.
I’m also committed to continuing the popular “Coffee with the Mayor” gatherings each month. I’ve had the privilege of guest-hosting a few of these events, and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite ways to connect with residents. I love hearing directly from the people of Wheat Ridge, listening to their concerns, answering questions, and sharing ideas.
Moving forward, I will continue to champion more accessible, inclusive, and responsive communication. That means better notification systems for changes happening in neighborhoods and more opportunities for residents to provide feedback on the issues that matter most to them.
Implementation of the 2019 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Update
Updated and adopted in 2019 the NRS gives Neighborhoods more capacity to organize and manage change. Creates more connection in our community by investing in primary cooridors, and facilitates investment through a customer service approach. NRS Website
https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/276/Repositioning-Wheat-Ridge