Councilor Obi Ezeadi Announces his Westminster 2024 Budget Priorities

August 28, 2023

As we approach the important task of shaping our city's 2024 budget, I've compiled a list of budget priorities that aim to address various facets of community life in Westminster and are grounded in the shared values we hold dear. I humbly submit these 22 items for your review and consideration. Looking forward to discussing at the appropriate future meeting (I assume on 9/18):

(Not in any order of importance)

Establish a Food Security Fund in Westminster: all residents deserve access to affordable, healthy food options. Allocate funds to create a Food Security Fund that will provide grants and subsidies to local initiatives aimed at improving food accessibility and affordability. This will help in our ongoing partnership with nonprofits to expand their reach and capabilities; and provide us the opportunity to offer grants to local food producers to set up stands in identified food deserts (for more accessible fresh produce); and our ability to subsidize community garden projects and “mobile markets” that bring fresh produce to areas with limited access to stores.

Discounts for Veterans and people with disabilities: Identify opportunities to increase funding for recreational center discounts to provide for our veterans and residents with disabilities.

Expand Childcare: we only provide child care at City Park Fitness Center and West View Recreation Center. I'd like to increase funding to expand the provision of child care to all six of our rec centers.

Strengthen Water Conservation Efforts in Westminster: Allocate funds to implement a multi-pronged water conservation strategy aimed at reducing water usage and promoting sustainable practices among residents and businesses. For example, we can establish a Water Conservation Fund to support/expand initiatives like rebate programs for water-efficient appliances, lawn replacement and fixtures - these should incl. full-cost coverage for residents on fixed incomes and low income; develop educational campaigns to raise awareness about water conservation techniques; and partner with local environmental organizations to offer workshops and resources on water-saving landscaping and irrigation methods.

Implement Best Value Contracting Practices: Allocate funds to transition to a Best Value Contracting model for city projects, which prioritizes quality and long-term value over just the initial cost. While there may be upfront costs associated with transitioning to this model, the investment aims to pay off in the form of higher-quality outcomes and potential long-term savings.

Incentivize Tiny Home developments in Westminster: Allocate dollars to create financial incentives for developers and homeowners interested in tiny home construction. This could include tax breaks, streamlined permitting processes, or grants. The goal is to diversify housing options in Westminster, making it more accessible and affordable for a broader range of residents.

Leverage "Housing Needs Assessment" for targeted affordable housing solutions: Allocate funds to act on the findings of the ongoing "housing needs assessment", ensuring that the city's affordable housing strategy is data-driven and community-specific. For example, setting aside a portion of the budget to implement immediate recommendations from the assessment, such as creating more affordable units or offering rent subsidies.

Address speeding and safety concerns on Independence Drive (b/w 88th and Wadsworth): Speeding on Independence Drive is out of control and extremely dangerous (almost killing my own child and wife multiple times crossing the street). Allocate dollars to implement effective traffic-calming measures such as installing stop signs, speed bumps, or radar speed signs. Increase police presence during peak traffic hours to enforce speed limits and improve overall road safety. The objective is to create a safer environment for both drivers and residents, mitigating the risks associated with speeding.

Expand programming for Seniors: determine opportunities to expand catalog of rec center programs geared towards seniors (e.g. arts, crafts, gaming)

Promote diversity and inclusion in Westminster: Allocate funds to develop and implement a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program aimed at fostering a more inclusive community and local government. Establish community outreach programs to engage underrepresented groups in civic processes. Create grants or scholarships aimed at supporting minority-owned businesses and students from marginalized communities.

Create a black box theater in Westminster: launch a feasibility study (i.e. market research, location, etc) and allocate necessary funding to bring a theater to the city that can offer a versatile space for various performances and events.

Establish Warming and Cooling centers for the unhoused: On 8/14/23, Council gave direction to move forward to build out a multi-use recreation facility at the MAC that will serve as a future emergency shelter. I would like us to identify the most vulnerable areas and populations in Westminster and allocate funding for the creation and operation of strategically located warming and cooling centers. One of them may be at the new facility at the MAC, but we will need more locations. These centers will provide essential climate-controlled spaces, basic amenities, and resources to support the unhoused community, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

Fund a robust community engagement program for Wards system design: If we have not already done so yet, in anticipation of a successful ballot question, allocate resources for a comprehensive community engagement program. This program will facilitate public forums, surveys, and workshops to involve residents in the design and implementation of a Wards system for Westminster. The aim is to ensure that the system is equitable, transparent, and reflective of community needs and demographics.

Allocate Funding for a full-time Archivist Staff Position: Increase the current budget allocation to hire a full-time, dedicated archivist for the city. The existing part-time role within the library is insufficient to manage, preserve, and make accessible Westminster's historical and civic records. A full-time archivist will ensure that the city's history is well-documented and available for educational and community-building purposes.

Enhance mosquito control measures in Westminster: Allocate additional funding to supplement the efforts of the City's contracted mosquito control specialist, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), especially in high-risk areas like the Farmer's Highline Canal Trail.

Establish a Safe Parking lot for the unhoused: Allocate funding to identify, develop, and maintain a secure parking area specifically designed to provide a safe overnight space for the homeless community living in vehicles. This initiative will include necessary amenities such as restrooms, security, and access to social services, aiming to offer a transitional solution while more permanent housing options are explored.

Establish a Quiet Zone at W. 80th Avenue Railroad Crossing: Allocate funding to create a Quiet Zone at the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad crossing at W. 80th Avenue to address long-standing community complaints about noise. This will mean implementing additional railroad improvements and physical barriers, such as raised medians, as required for Quiet Zone designation by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). And we'll need to take into account the current cost estimates of around $1,000,000 per crossing, as seen in the ongoing Quiet Zone projects at W. 72nd Avenue, Bradburn Boulevard, and Lowell Boulevard. Also, we need to develop a program to educate the public on federal laws regarding train horn sound levels and the conditions under which they are required, to set appropriate community expectations.

Advocate for additional Federal infrastructure funds: Allocate resources for a dedicated advocacy campaign aimed at securing additional federal infrastructure funding for Westminster. For example, we can enhance staffing for our grants and federal relations to identify potential funding sources and prepare compelling grant applications. And we can use resources to engage the community to gather testimonials and data that highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, making the case more compelling at the federal level.

Enhance existing Economic Development program to create a Small Business Workforce Fund: this will establish a comprehensive workforce development program specifically designed to help small businesses in Westminster attract and retain talent by providing grants or subsidies to small businesses for training programs, internships, or hiring incentives. Perhaps we can even launch a city-wide job portal exclusively for small businesses, making it easier for them to connect with potential employees. Or we can offer tax incentives or rebates to small businesses that hire locally or provide upskilling opportunities to their employees.

Continue to Expand Investment in Roads: After making a record investment in road infrastructure in 2023, allocate additional funds to further enhance the quality and safety of Westminster's roadways. 

Expand Homeless Navigator Program: Building on last year's successful addition of a homeless navigator, allocate funds to hire another expert in this crucial role. This will further strengthen our outreach and support for Westminster's unhoused community, connecting more individuals with essential services like housing.

Expand Police Co-Responder Program: Following the positive impact of last year's addition, allocate funds to hire an additional police co-responder. This role enhances our public safety efforts by pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals, ensuring a more nuanced and effective response to crisis situations. 

Partner with 3rd party provider to expand mobility service: Continue our successful collaboration with the existing third-party provider (called Via Mobility Service) that provides free transport for seniors and disabled residents, by allocating funds to introduce a fleet of small shuttles. These would specifically serve seniors and disabled residents, helping them age in place by providing localized transport options within neighborhoods. The aim is to complement the existing free transport service, enhancing accessibility and independence for these key groups in our community.

And finally, of course, we need to prioritize our existing capital projects to ensure we catch up on deferred maintenance and improvement projects. 

Yours in service and hope,

Obi Ezeadi
Councillor, Westminster City Council
Cell: 720-447-5606
voteobi.com
IG/Twitter/TikTok: @voteobi