Public Meetings - Golden, Colorado

The Golden Economic Development Commission (EDComm) held its regular business meeting on July 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The commission approved a small grant for Connects Workspace, discussed the Makerspace Feasibility Study and formed a subcommittee to select a consultant, and learned that the Business Advisor Program would be delayed to 2028. Staff reported on Q1 2026 tax revenues, business retention activities, and updates from partner boards. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda and the June 11, 2026, meeting minutes unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Grant Application – Connects Workspace Backup Power Systems: Staff recommended approval of a $839 grant for portable battery backups at Connects Workspace’s two locations. Commissioners discussed jurisdictional questions (sites are in DDA/GURA areas) but concluded the request fits the EdComm Grant Program since DDA/GURA do not cover portable systems. The grant was approved unanimously. - Makerspace Feasibility Study RFP Udpate: Staff received three proposals; one firm withdrew due to capacity. Commissioners shared observations from a site visit to Clear Creek Makerspace, emphasizing the need for a demand analysis and gap analysis for Jefferson County. A three-member ad-hoc subcommittee (including Commissioner Edmond Toy and two others) was formed by motion to evaluate the remaining proposals and present a recommendation at the next meeting. - Business Advisor Program Update: Staff reported that the program partner, Traxion, cannot launch the Business Mentorship Program in 2027 due to new consulting commitments. The program is now targeted for 2028. Commissioners agreed to keep options open for alternative partnerships. Staff Reports - 2026 Budget: The budget is up-to-date; digital resources line exceeded due to D-to-EPS costs, and staff is negotiating cost-sharing with the General Fund.n- Business Retention & Economic Development: Staff engaged with 12+ businesses directly in the past month. The SBDC is exploring hosting its “Trout Tank” business competition in Golden. Staff submitted three census tracts for Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation. The Economic Contribution Study update is pending, with InPlan data pricing challenges. - Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Reports (Q1 2026): Sales tax grew3.45% year-over-year. Use tax declined11.07% (attrubuted to the record-high 2025). Lodging tax fell5.5% and is$20,512 below budget. Marijuana tax exceeded budget by$54,114. Overall city revenues are 1% above projections. - Communications/Other Boards: DDA is funding paver replacement and working on power line undergrounding. GURA is preparing for City Council adoption of the Nazarene Plan Area on July14. The Community Marketing Committee launched “Golden Hour Mashup,” a locals night out for Aug-Oct. Other Updatesn- Commissioner Atkins applauded staff for early budget advocacy.n- A discussion on the state‑led redevelopment of the Lookout Juvenile School site occurred; a developer team has been awarded a contract for 340 housing units with affordable components. Key Outcomes - Grant approved for Connects Workspace ($839) – unanimous. - Makerspace Feasibility Study subcomittee formed (3 members) to review proposals and recommend a consultant. - Business Advisor Program delayed to 2028; staff will continue dialogue with Traxion and explore alternatives. - The comission noted the Q1 tax report and received other staff updates without formal action. - Meeting adjournded at 7:27 PM.

The Golden Historic Preservation Board met on July 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The board approved the agenda and previous minutes, heard no public comment on non-agenda items, and conducted a regular agenda item regarding exterior changes at 412 18th Street. The board also received updates on the 612 10th Street demolition case (HPB 26-01) and the Past Forward project. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda (July 8, 2026): Moved by Cook, seconded by Kalbfell, passed 5-0. - Approval of Minutes (June 10, 2026): Moved by Kalbfell, seconded by Sniff, passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the designated period for non-agenda items. - During the regular agenda item, public comment was opened and closed with no speakers. Discussion Items - HPB 26-04 – Certificate of Appropriateness for 412 18th Street (Exterior Changes): Staff presented the case, noting the owner had made changes (painted brick, new porch, windows, doors) without prior COA approval. Owner Ann Lenane explained she was unaware the property (a 1968 non-contributing ranch) was in the East Street Historic District and apologized. She stated the porch was added for safety and the brick was painted for aesthetic reasons. The board discussed the irreversible nature of painting brick and the porch cover’s incompatibility with the ranch style. They noted that windows and doors were reversible and acceptable. - Other Matters – HPB 26-01 Update (612 10th Street, Schall Residence): Staff reported that the ad hoc committee is exploring relocation options. A demolition stay expires next month. An editorial is being placed in local media to seek a relocation partner. A consultant is assessing feasibility and historic significance. The board will receive further updates in August. - Other Matters – Past Forward Update: Staff is recruiting a focus group of former board members, planning commissioners, and historic property owners to discuss the board’s authority and zoning powers. The goal is to present options to city council in September. - Staff Updates: Reminder of new board member CIRSA training on August 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM (recording available). Note on Discrepancy: The agenda for HPB 26-04 correctly identifies the item as a review of exterior changes (porch, painted brick) at 412 18th Street. The minutes erroneously describe it as “a demolition and new accessory garage structure,” which is a copy-paste error from a previous meeting’s agenda (HPB 26-03). The transcript confirms the actual topic was the exterior changes as listed in the agenda. Key Outcomes - HPB 26-04 – Vote: Moved by Cook, seconded by Sniff, the board voted 5-0 to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following non-binding recommendations (the work had already been completed): 1. Remove the porch covering (the new stoop is acceptable). 2. Set back the planned front fence from the front façade. 3. Use black aluminum or a brick/wood fence material to match the house façade. 4. Note that painting the brick is not in keeping with the original façade and is not recommended. 5. The new windows and garage door are acceptable. 6. Do not remove the sidelight from the front door. - HPB 26-01: No vote; ongoing relocation efforts continue. - Past Forward: Focus group recruitment ongoing; study session with city council anticipated in early September.

On Monday, July 6, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at 911 10th St., Golden, Colorado, the Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) held its monthly business meeting. Commissioners Rick Souders, Saoirse Charis-Graves, Kristie Brice, Len Matheo, Laura Tanner, Heather Mullins, and Pariss Hazelman were present; Tammy Ahmed was absent, and Cindy Jaye participated remotely after initially being absent. The commission approved routine items, heard public comment from the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, discussed the integrated Arts, Culture & Museums strategic plan, approved extra Lions Park public art funding, received staff and subcommittee reports, and heard a report on the Comfort and Comedy Festival. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the agenda as presented. - The June 1, 2026 meeting minutes were approved with a correction to the spelling of the Parks and Recreation guest presenter's name. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Representatives of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra offered public comment. They described the orchestra's upcoming 74th season, its all-volunteer roster of 75-plus musicians, five regular-season concerts at the Green Center in Golden, two chamber recitals, and a summer pop concert in Lakewood. They noted that the May concert included 100 musicians plus a choir. - Music Director Dr. Arturo Gonzalez said the orchestra sounds professional despite being volunteer, serves people from many walks of life, and is important and relevant to the community. He said money is very tight and the orchestra needs help. The orchestra provides free admission to Jefferson County schoolchildren and Colorado School of Mines students, faculty, and staff, and free summer admission for children under 11. - A staff/commission response informed the orchestra that the 2027 grant Notice of Funding Availability is expected around September 1, with applications due around October 1, and that draft applications could be reviewed by staff. Strategic Plan Update - Samuel Wallace of Peak Facilitation, with department staff, presented the integrated 2026-2029 strategic plan for the Arts, Culture & Museums Department. The plan keeps the original ACC goals with updated language, such as changing 'build Golden's art and culture identity and visibility' to 'elevate Golden's arts, culture and museums identity and visibility.' - Two goals were added from the museum planning process: building a unified Arts, Culture & Museums Department, and strengthening core services, education, and community programs, including Indigenous Connections programming. - Nathan Richie explained that the museum and ACC priorities overlap substantially and should be folded into one department-wide plan. The proposal would also make the ACC the Arts, Culture and Museums Commission (ACMC). Staff described plans for a unified website microsite, shared branding, and a department-wide development and grant narrative. - Several commissioners said the plan felt like the right direction, but some wanted time to compare it with the January ACC plan. One commissioner asked whether the ACC grant program was missing from the plan; multiple commissioners said the grants program should have a clear place, and staff agreed to incorporate that feedback. - A commissioner raised a perceived conflict of interest concern about Nathan Richie overseeing both museum operations and ACC staff work. Staff and other commissioners responded that there is no change in authority or budget control, that ACC funds remain in separate buckets, and that no ACC money is transferred to the museum. Alyssa Williams noted that the ACC has no administrative budget and that museum/Thrive resources currently subsidize staff time for the ACC. - Discussion also covered the Friends of the Museum. Staff explained that the Friends is a separate 501(c)(3) that can receive donations and Colorado Gives Day funds for which the city is not eligible, and that an MOU is being developed. Staff said the Friends would not be eligible for the city's ACC grant program if the funds were destined for a city department, but could apply for other grants. - Cindy Jaye, participating online, supported the direction but asked for time to review, and asked about the rules for changing the strategic plan and the department name. Staff answered that strategic plans can be revised by the commission, and the department name change would go through City Council; city leadership had already been supportive. Grants Subcommittee Report - The Grants Subcommittee reviewed its June 1 meeting work on the 2027 grant cycle. Topics included mid-year progress reports from funded organizations, collecting applicant feedback, improving the quality of applications, clarifying tier eligibility, expanding outreach beyond existing networks, accessibility expectations for grantees, and possible eligibility for non-Golden organizations providing programming in Golden. The report noted that detailed notes were included in the packet; no action was requested. Art in Public Places (AIPP) Subcommittee Report - The AIPP Subcommittee reported that the Framework Plan and AIPP Handbook will be combined into one two-part document; the final version will come back to the ACC for review and approval. - Mural policy was discussed, especially for non-permanent artworks on non-city buildings. Current policy calls for murals to be up for about four years. Some existing contracts, including murals at the King of Wings building and the floral wall on 19th, have expired. The subcommittee wants clear agreements with building owners, touch-up cost arrangements, and the ability to remove artwork if it is not maintained. - The subcommittee is using remaining Ulysses Park project funds for public art signage plaques, prioritizing the most recent installations, including New Loveland Mine Park, Triangle Park, and DeLong Park. Staff will bring signage samples. - For the Lions Park Playground project, the Parks and Recreation project provides $20,000 from the city's 1% public art allocation. The AIPP Subcommittee recommended adding $14,000 from existing 1% project funds, bringing the total to $34,000, to support an interactive art element in the nature playscape. The commission discussed whether the amount was sufficient and then approved the additional $14,000. Staff Report - Staff reported that conservation work on bronze sculptures begins the following week, with other conservation work continuing. - A written staff update listed the Rev. Nancy Niero program, 'Witness at Sand Creek: The Life and Letters of Silas Soule,' for Tuesday, July 12; during the meeting staff corrected the date to July 21 at the Golden History Museum. - Two 250/150 anniversary designs were shown: Yazmin Atmore's mural on the museum building, highlighting jazz musician George Morrison, to be installed before Colorado Day; and Graham Carraway's mural on the water treatment plant, themed around Clear Creek, with painting expected to begin at the end of July. - Additional written staff updates noted the department's Team Award for the Indigenous Connections Summit, a June 20 Art in the Park event with 70 attendees, the 38-star flag event, the August 1 Colorado Day celebration, and a September 12 drone show at Ulysses Park. Board Interest Survey - Staff distributed a 'North Star Activity Sheet' asking commissioners about their inspiration for serving, talents, and desired legacy, and asked each commissioner to complete it and meet one-on-one with staff. New Business: Comfort and Comedy Festival - Commissioner Len Matheo presented the Comfort and Comedy Festival, organized with Miners Alley to support downtown Golden businesses during slow months. It received a $50,000 DDA grant, $5,000 in local donations, and support from hotels and local businesses. The festival reported 3,200 tickets sold, 745 first-time attendees from outside Golden, 54 comedians/performers paid, 29 performances, and three workshops. Reported total income was $77,871, total expenses were $68,361, and the net surplus was about $6,500. - Matheo said fees were given to the venues, with Gnarley's receiving the most because it was at risk of closing. Year-two plans include bigger headliners, more sponsorships, additional venues, and a target date in mid-to-late March. He said the festival needs city/DDA support and corporate sponsorships, and that without funding it would not continue. Commissioners suggested exploring city sponsorship funds, community marketing, and economic development channels, and scheduling a fuller future presentation. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and June 1, 2026 minutes, as amended. - Approved a motion to allow one week for commissioners to review the integrated strategic plan and send comments to staff, including an explicit 'no comments' response. Minor changes could be handled through an e-vote; major changes would return to the commission for further discussion. Staff also agreed to reincorporate the grants program into the plan. - Approved the AIPP Subcommittee recommendation to add $14,000 from existing 1% public art funds to the Lions Park Playground art budget, bringing the total to $34,000. - The AIPP Subcommittee will continue finalizing the combined Framework Plan/Handbook, mural maintenance/deaccession guidance, and signage plans, with final versions coming to the full ACC. - Staff will circulate the strategic plan documents, the North Star board interest survey, and information on upcoming museum and 250/150 events. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The Special Events Review Committee (SERC) met on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 15:30. The meeting focused on welcoming new Special Events Coordinator Karissa Burns and new SERC members, reviewing recent events (Farmers Market, Movies & Music in the Park, Flag Day, Artsweek, Bike to Work Day, Golden Bike Cruise), and planning for upcoming major events including the 4th of July celebration and Buffalo Bill Days. No grant applications were considered. Discussions emphasized safety, communication, parking, and shuttle services. New Coordinator & Member Introductions - Karissa Burns introduced herself as the new Special Events Coordinator for the City of Golden. She has a background in event management from Johnson & Wales University, experience at the Denver Convention Center and Visit Denver, and most recently worked for the City of Edgewater in Parks and Rec. - SERC Member Introductions: Each member introduced themselves, their role on the committee, and their favorite Golden event. Members included Tamara Sturdavant (DDA interim), Len Mattheo (Arts and Culture Commission), Amanda Stoecker (Events Ambassador), Terry Weber (downtown business owner), Beth Bidwell (downtown resident), Kasia Zak (resident outside downtown), Leah McDermott (non-downtown business owner), Ross Fraser (Planning Commission), Sandy Hazzard (Parks and Rec Advisory Board), Martha Gerdes (Community Sustainability Advisory Board), Terese Decker (Mobility Transportation Advisory Board, first meeting), and Mary Fritch (Director of Communications and Community Engagement). Discussion Items - Meeting Norms & Policies: Mary Fritch outlined the committee's responsibilities: evaluating events for safety, community benefit, and alignment with Golden Vision 2030 values. Members are expected to attend at least two events per year and submit evaluations. Voting on grant applications and new event recommendations is a key duty. - Event Reviews: - Farmers Market (Midweek): Members noted improved food focus and better parking/traffic flow. The new Wednesday market at Golden School was praised for being less crowded. - Movies & Music in the Park (June 12): A generator failure caused a 30-minute delay, but the show continued. Staff reported the issue is fixed. Plans to start the event an hour earlier next year were discussed, as the new LED screen works in daylight. - Flag Day (June 13): A ceremonial flag folding of a historic flag from the 1800s was held at the History Museum. Some members were unaware of the event; staff noted it was part of the 250/150 celebration. - Artsweek (June 20-21): Held at Parfet Park. Attendance numbers pending (geofencing data). One food truck present; discussion about needing more food options when alcohol is served. Staff noted that Foothills Art Center wants attendees to patronize downtown restaurants. - Bike to Work Day (June 24): Steady crowd from 6-9 a.m. at Vanover Park. Pancakes were served; Golden Mill provided breakfast burritos that received positive Reddit reviews. - Golden Bike Cruise (June 30): First-time attendee noted good organization, hidden band/food in Calvary parking lot, but low bike turnout possibly due to rain. Signage improved from prior years. Discussion about police and marshal positioning for returning riders and children turning around at New Loveland Line. - Upcoming Events: - 4th of July (July 4, Lions Park): Logistics detailed: Farmers Market vendor parking moved to library and 10th Street; road closures on 10th/Maple and 9th/Maple begin around 1 p.m.; shuttles run from Health & Human Services lot (off 6th Ave and Jeffco Pkwy) to 10th & Illinois from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the GCC community center lot will be open for event staff and early arrivals, with exit via A Street to Highway 58. Creek ambassadors will assist with directions. No alcohol allowed outside barricaded beer garden. Paid parking as usual; two free hours in garages via parkgoldenco.com. - Movies & Music in the Park (July 10): Movie is 'Balto'; generator tested and ready. - Buffalo Bill Days Festival (July 24-26) and Parade (July 25): 80th anniversary; includes 'Golden's Got Talent', line dancing, country music at Buffalo Rose. Volunteer slots still available. The Buffalo Bill Days Saddle Club will ride in the parade. - Golden Bike Cruise (July 28): Regular route continues. - Parking & Shuttle Communication: Members expressed that many residents and visitors are unaware of the shuttle service and parking app (parkgoldenco.com). Staff agreed to add this information to upcoming social media posts and the weekly Digest newsletter. - Grant Program Evaluation: Scheduled for next month's meeting to discuss making the $40,000 annual grant pool more equitable by changing from rolling applications. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were recorded. The meeting was informational and preparatory. - Staff will update social media to include shuttle and parking app information. - The committee will discuss the grant program's structure at the next meeting. - Members were reminded to attend at least two events and submit evaluations via the SignUpGenius link.

The Planning Commission of Golden, Colorado, held a regular meeting at 5:30 PM on July 1, 2026, followed by a study session to discuss the scope of the Housing Action Plan (HAP). The regular meeting was brief, with approvals of the agenda and minutes, and no public comment. The study session featured a detailed review of the HAP scope, including state-mandated components and proposed Golden-specific additions, as well as feedback from commissioners. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Moved by Webb, seconded by Hilliard, passed 6-0. - Approval of Minutes (May 20, 2026): Moved by Caldwell, seconded by Klein, passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the regular meeting (open and closed at 5:33 PM). - During the study session, two public comments were noted regarding the proposed addition of a narrative analysis of historic housing barriers: a formal letter from the REDI Task Force and a separate comment from Kathy Smith (also a REDI member), which provided background information considered helpful for the consultant. Discussion Items - Housing Action Plan Scope: Affordable Housing Policy Coordinator Lauren McKinney (on her last day) presented the draft scope of work for the HAP, required by Colorado Senate Bill 24-174 and due by January 1, 2028. The plan must include baseline components (e.g., addressing displacement risk, selecting strategies from a state menu). Staff proposed three additional Golden-specific analyses: 1. Narrative analysis of historic housing barriers faced by BIPOC communities, including redlining and exclusionary zoning. 2. Review of existing programmatic housing efforts (e.g., rental assistance, housing navigator) to identify gaps and effectiveness. 3. Analysis of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Economic Incentive Fund to assess funding sources and eligibility criteria. - Commissioner Feedback: - Commissioner St. Angelo questioned the need to revisit historic discrimination, arguing it was not current. Other commissioners and staff explained that understanding historic barriers informs displacement risk and universal policy design. - Commissioner Klein suggested adding an age analysis to track young people leaving Golden (e.g., high school graduates not returning) and whether affordability or housing types are causes. - Commissioner Caldwell raised the impact of student housing from the School of Mines, noting it is a large population that may be difficult to quantify. - Commissioner Webb suggested incorporating wildfire resiliency into housing development analysis. - Commissioner Hilliard emphasized the need for Golden-specific, actionable goals rather than vague additions. - Staff (Karl Onsager and Lauren McKinney) noted that the state covers 75% of consultant costs (estimated $50,000 total) and that the next grant cycle opens mid-July. They welcomed the feedback and will incorporate it into the final RFP scope. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken; the study session was for feedback and discussion. - Staff will incorporate commissioner suggestions into the Housing Action Plan scope, including age analysis, student housing impacts, wildfire resiliency, and a focus on Golden-specific needs. - The consultant RFP will be issued with the refined scope, and the city will apply for state grant funding. - Planning Commission expects to be engaged throughout the HAP process, with periodic updates and eventual adoption of the plan as an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan. - Lauren McKinney’s last day was July 2, 2026; interviews for her replacement are scheduled for the following week.

The Golden City Council met on June 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers for a regular business meeting. The meeting included public comments, a drought update, strategic plan update, adoption of two ordinances (GURA membership expansion and budget amendment), and approval of an economic incentive agreement for affordable housing. All votes were unanimous, with 7 council members present (Knecht, Cameron, Evans, Weinberg, Vitry, Pfau, Kurzinski). The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. after entering executive session. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes of June 9, 2026 – Unanimously approved. - Resolution No. 3322 – Authorized contract renewal with Kronos Sasshr, Inc. (UKG Company) for IT services. - Resolution No. 3331 – Approved update to Comprehensive Rules of Procedures for City Boards, Commissions, and Authorities. - Resolution No. 3332 – Amended Intergovernmental Agreement with Jefferson County Department of Public Health regarding the Love My Air Program. - Resolution No. 3333 – Approved a Master Services Agreement with South Paw Electrical Corporation for municipal electrical services. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Howe (homeless community member) spoke about being unable to shower before 8 a.m. at the community center and being trespassed from the premises. He alleged staff prejudice and requested the council reverse the decision. Councilor Vitry assured him leadership had heard his issues. - An email public comment was received in support of Resolution No. 3324, noting difficulty finding permanent housing for individuals at 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Councilor Cameron highlighted the link between affordable housing and homelessness. Discussion Items - Drought Update (Anne Beierle, Public Works Director): The city is under Stage 1 drought restrictions. Year-to-date precipitation is just over 50% of normal (compared to 115% last year). Clear Creek flows are at 20% of average and below the historic low for this date. Storage is at 97% in reservoirs. The city plans to tighten restrictions in early July, requiring all outdoor watering (including drip and hand watering) to occur on the same two days per week (currently unlimited for drip/hand). The golf course reduced irrigation by 16% year-over-year. Council emphasized the need for clear rules rather than guidelines. - Strategic Plan Q2 Update (Clare Nowalk, Management Analyst): Key progress included adoption of the comprehensive plan (May 6), Highway 93 North alternative design engagement, ongoing affordable housing funding, regional homelessness projects, and monitoring federal grant rule changes. Wildfire management: forestry canopy study under contract, 16 battery backup rebate applications ($40,000 still available), Beverly Heights emergency egress route planning (access permit submitted to CDOT), adoption of Golden Wildfire Resiliency Code (March 10), and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) launched with Ember Alliance (anticipated completion late 2027). Heart of Golden: police/municipal building on schedule for late spring 2027, East Amenity Zone concept plan approved, Lions Park design in progress (community preferred concept selected), Clear Creek South Trail final public meeting scheduled for August 13. - Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 2293 (GURA Membership Expansion): Rick Muriby presented an amendment to expand the Golden Urban Renewal Authority board from 7 to 13 members, per HB 1348, to include representatives from Jefferson County, Jeffco Schools, and a special taxing district. This is needed for a new urban renewal plan area (Church of the Nazarene property, to be reviewed July 14). Council discussed term staggering and quorum. The public hearing was opened and closed with no comment. The ordinance was adopted 6-0 (Councilor Kurzinski not voting? Minutes show 6 yes, none no). - Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 2296 (2026 Budget Amendment): Joseph Allaire presented a supplemental appropriation increasing expenditures by $1,800,844 in the general fund, $154,000 in the IT fund, and $43,768 in the capital programs fund. Funds cover low-income housing economic incentives, continuation of planned projects, and fiber infrastructure. Money is shifted from the affordable housing trust fund to the general fund to avoid required perpetual deed restrictions on the incentive. The public hearing was opened and closed with no comment. The ordinance was adopted 6-0. - Resolution No. 3324 (Economic Incentive for Golden Apartments): Lauren McKinney (Affordable Housing Policy Coordinator, in her last city council meeting) presented an agreement with the owner of 2401 East Street. The property owner already placed deed restrictions at 80–100% AMI and kept rents below 60% AMI. The city will provide a 13-year deed restriction at up to 100% AMI for all 26 units, plus two units at 60% AMI for two years, and referral rights for two units. Funding (from the lodging tax fund) is on a reimbursement basis for future renovations. This also counts toward the city’s Prop 123 affordable housing commitment. Council praised the creative, collaborative approach. The resolution was adopted 6-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously (7-0). - Proclamation – July 4, 2026, proclaimed as Independence Day in Golden. - Ordinance No. 2293 (GURA Membership) – Adopted 6-0; expands board to 13 members and opens new appointments. - Ordinance No. 2296 (Budget Amendment) – Adopted 6-0; authorizes $1,998,612 in additional appropriations. - Resolution No. 3324 (Economic Incentive) – Adopted 6-0; approves $1,800,844 from the economic incentives program for the Golden Apartments affordable housing project. - Executive Session – Motion passed (7-0) to enter executive session for evaluation of City Manager and City Attorney, followed by adjournment.

The Mobility and Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB) of Golden, Colorado, held a regular meeting on June 25, 2026, chaired by A. Zimmerman. The meeting began with routine approvals, followed by public comments and a study session that included preliminary discussions on South Golden Road redesign, a review of bike/pedestrian crash data, and updates on street specifications, personal transportation vehicle policy, and capital projects. Several agenda items were tabled pending additional reports, and no formal votes were taken on substantive items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by R. Grubin, second by A. Zimmerman, unanimously approved. (Note: The agenda listed approval of minutes from May 28, 2025, but the minutes packet indicates May 28, 2026. The board approved the minutes with corrections, including updating the upcoming meeting location.) - Approval of Minutes (5/28/2026): Motion by A. Zimmerman, second by R. Grubin, unanimously approved with corrections (noted that Pam Logan's name was misspelled and the upcoming meeting address corrected from 1445 to 911 10th Street). Public Comments & Testimony - Alex Philipson (North Ford area) inquired about the possibility of extending the RTD G line to Golden, citing an online discussion by RTD Director Chris Nicholson and Jeffco political interest in a 2028 ballot measure. He asked what citizens could do to support the measure. Board members encouraged contacting elected officials and noted the positive shift. - Peyton Gibson (Bike Walk Golden) provided updates on the organization's bike rack program (installed at two locations, grant-funded, seeking to expand to Jeffco trailheads) and the Golden bike map project (final round of engagement at July bike cruise, free printed maps, online version available). Gibson also advocated for a Vision Zero pilot program with temporary, incremental street changes (e.g., flex posts, paint) and proposed partnering with the city to test low-cost safety improvements. Several board members expressed openness to the idea and suggested staff work with Bike Walk Golden to refine a list of candidate projects. Discussion Items - Golden Roadway Safety Discussion: Staff reported that reports on two recent motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) that sparked community calls to action are not yet completed. The board tabled this discussion until reports are available. - South Golden Road (Preliminary Redesign): The board held an extended, informal study session to identify pain points and desired outcomes for a potential South Golden Road project. Key issues raised included: The existing bike lane ends abruptly and lacks adequate ramps; cyclists feel unsafe, especially between Johnson Road and Ulysses Street. Pedestrian experience is poor: exposed, hot, few crossing opportunities, and no mid-block crossings. The crossing near Golden High School and businesses was cited as particularly dangerous. High vehicle speeds (posted 35 mph) feel uncomfortably fast due to wide lanes; geometry encourages speeding. Ideas discussed: replacing left-turn lanes with Michigan-left style roundabouts or traffic circles (though concerns about longer travel for residents), creating a raised/separated multi-use path, improving access management by consolidating driveways, and adding Dutch-style raised bike lanes. Staff noted that any changes would require community engagement and funding, and that the county is studying adjacent land uses. No decisions were made; this was a preliminary brainstorming session. - Bike/Pedestrian Crash Data Map: Staff presented a map of all bike/pedestrian crashes (2018–2026). Central Golden, especially the 13th and Ford area (right-hook crashes), was identified as a hotspot. Board members discussed adding flexible posts to deter right-turn encroachment on bike lanes, and suggested color-coding the map by year to track trends. Staff agreed to bring vehicle crash data to the next meeting. The board also discussed permissive left turns and the potential benefit of prohibiting them in downtown, though concerns about congestion were noted. - Street and Bike Specification Update: Staff reviewed progress on updating the Street and Bike Specification Manual (last updated 2006) and the Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) policy (e-bikes, scooters, etc.). Links to draft documents will be shared with the board for comment. Staff noted the PTV policy is a response to city council’s request and will not address e-motos (considered an enforcement issue). - Project Updates: Staff provided updates on several ongoing capital projects: Central Golden protected bike lanes: driveway grades at two locations are steep (due to ADA constraints); staff will monitor. North Ford Street bike lane extension: design underway, board will be consulted early. Lena Gulch trail connection under Colfax: meeting with CDOT next week. Heritage Road roundabout: progressing toward bid later this year. Highway 93 corridor study (58th & 6th to north): in lull between public engagement and alternative development. US 6 (19th to Colfax): CDOT will resurface; utility trenching must precede paving. Gramps Park parking lot: completed. Noise walls along 58th: mostly done; south side residents may experience reflected noise, but no formal complaints yet. - New Business: Board member JJ Risch raised two items: 1. The stop sign at 12th and Jackson (southwest corner) is placed 20 feet ahead of the stop line, causing confusion. Staff will investigate. 2. A missing curb cut at the bike path that meets Johnson Road (near the post office) makes it impossible to dismount without lifting the bike. Staff acknowledged the issue and will consider a ramp at a future maintenance cycle. Key Outcomes - Golden Roadway Safety Discussion tabled until MVC reports are released. - South Golden Road discussion was preliminary; no votes or decisions. Staff will compile the board’s ideas for future consideration. - Crash data map improvements (color-coding, vehicle crash data) will be prepared for the next meeting. - Specification and PTV policy drafts will be circulated for board comment; no timeline provided. - New Business items (stop sign placement, curb cut) will be reviewed by staff; no firm commitments. - The next MTAB meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at 911 10th Street.

The Community Sustainability Advisory Board (CSAB) of Golden, Colorado, held its rescheduled regular business meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at City Hall, 911 10th Street, Golden, CO. The meeting convened at 3:03 p.m. (the agenda listed a 3:00 p.m. start) and adjourned at 4:10 p.m., at which point the Board moved into its annual strategic meeting, scheduled from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Members present were Carrie Atiyeh, Claybourne Clarke, Todd Collins, Jill Engel-Cox, and Martha Gerdes; Jillian Matheson and Adrienne Watts were absent. Staff present were Theresa Worsham (Sustainability Manager) and Samantha Neumeyer (Sustainability Coordinator). The agenda included routine approvals, one public comment, and staff updates on the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) contract, the proposed Downtown Waste District, zero-waste services at special events, grants, and the draft 2024 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously: motion by Carrie Atiyeh, seconded by Jill Engel-Cox, approved at 3:05 p.m. - Minutes of the May 27, 2026 meeting approved unanimously: motion by Jill Engel-Cox, seconded by Carrie Atiyeh, approved at 3:05 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Frank Biasi, founder of the Go Good travel guide app, longtime Golden resident, and board member of Sustainable Golden, presented the “Go Good Golden” pilot. He described the app as a sustainable travel guide featuring locally owned, authentic, sustainable businesses and experiences, and explained that businesses can complete a voluntary “stewardship scan”—a qualitative self-assessment of sustainability and community impact across 10 ESG dimensions. He expressed interest in collaborating with the City and aligning the pilot with Golden’s sustainability goals, and noted plans to launch “Go Good Colorado” statewide by the end of 2026, with more than 400 listings already created across Colorado. He stated the model involves a $10 per month or $100 per year listing fee, or a 10% commission on bookings, which destination organizations could subsidize to make participation free. Board members responded positively; Jill Engel-Cox offered to connect offline, citing her background in tourism and her work with the Colorado Association of Destination Management Organizations. Public comment closed at 3:21 p.m. Discussion Items - Residential Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Contract: Staff reported that City Council awarded the next residential waste hauling contract to 5280 Waste Solutions, with service beginning September 1, 2026, and a cart transition period in August. Staff are finalizing the contract, coordinating cart exchange logistics, and syncing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reimbursements so residents receive a net monthly rate on their utility bills. Staff noted that Council appreciated the Board’s emphasis on recycling and composting education but prioritized the financial impact to residents over five years when deciding against electric collection vehicles. Staff added that 5280 remains interested in grants and electric vehicle opportunities. - Downtown Waste District: Staff provided an update on the proposed opt-in Downtown Waste District for multifamily and commercial customers, following the June 9 demonstration of a grant-funded electric trash truck. Program design must be completed before an RFP is issued to establish pricing. The proposed program would offer daily service, recycling for all participants, and additional services such as cardboard collection and oil/grease recovery. Staff reported grant funding of approximately $980,000–$990,000 over three years, including about $530,000 for the electric truck, with the remainder for carts and service subsidies. Downtown stakeholders, including Dean Valdez’s business group, have already asked when pricing will be available. - Zero-Waste Services at Special Events: Staff shared that the City contracted with Tectonic to provide zero-waste staffing at larger special events as budget allows. The sole RFP bid was $130,000 for 11 events; available funding is about $75,000 ($50,000 from grants and $25,000 from the general fund), and staff negotiated Tectonic’s scope down to approximately $75,000. Tectonic performed well at the Arts Week festival, including clean recycling and compost streams, and will staff the 4th of July and Buffalo Bill Days events. - 2024 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory: Staff reviewed the draft 2024 community-wide inventory prepared by ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability USA under a $10,000 contract. It is Golden’s third inventory; the previous inventories used 2019 and 2009 data per the minutes and transcript, although the report text describes the prior inventories as using 2007 and 2019 data. The 2024 inventory reports total gross emissions of 333,364 metric tons CO2e, a decline of 48,337 metric tons (about 13%) from 381,698 metric tons in 2019. Transportation & Mobile Sources is the largest sector at 48% of emissions, followed by Commercial Energy at about 36% and Residential Energy at about 12%. Board discussion raised several concerns: (1) Xcel Energy’s “15x15 Rule” excludes data for three commercial natural gas accounts that may represent roughly 45% of business consumption, and board members found the gross-up math on the excluded accounts to be incorrect—potentially meaning commercial emissions increased rather than decreased; (2) new 2024 categories such as aviation, wastewater treatment, and electric vehicle data are not comparable to 2019 and should be reported separately while still being memorialized; (3) diesel emissions appeared to double from 2019 to 2024 even though diesel vehicle miles declined, requiring clarification; and (4) the appropriate cadence for future inventories. Board members agreed the next inventory should use 2028 data, in advance of updating the City’s 2030 goals around 2029. Staff noted the inventory is near completion and that ICLEI is willing to make corrections this week before the report goes through ADA accessibility review. - Grants: Staff reported that grants are moving into implementation, with two of four grants signed, and that additional contractors will support education and outreach. The Board agreed to discuss grants in the context of 2027 planning at a future session. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the agenda and the May 27, 2026 minutes. - Board directed staff to work with ICLEI to correct data errors, particularly the 15x15 Rule commercial energy estimates, and to separate non-comparable new categories (e.g., aviation, wastewater) from the 2019–2024 comparison while keeping the data included in the report. - Jill Engel-Cox agreed to meet with staff offline to review the commercial energy math and to draft a two-page summary for City Council once the final numbers are confirmed. - Board agreed that the next GHG inventory should use 2028 data in advance of the City’s 2029 goal-update process. - The regular business meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m., and the Board proceeded to its annual strategic meeting (scheduled 4:00–9:00 p.m.).

The Community Marketing Board met on June 23, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Due to lack of quorum, no formal votes were taken. The meeting focused on board leadership elections, agency of record selection, data review, budget and sales tax report, and discussion of a new resident-centered evening program, Golden After Hours. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Nolton from the Golden Welcome Center reported that the center is averaging 163 visitors per day in June. She expressed urgent need for printed downtown and trails maps, as current supplies are exhausted. She noted that visitors prefer tangible pocket maps over digital options, and the center's budget does not cover reprinting. She also announced the Welcome Center's acceptance into the Colorado Tourism Office Welcome Center partnership program starting July 1, 2026. Discussion Items - Board Chair and Co-Chair Elections: The board could not vote due to lack of quorum. It was agreed to conduct elections via email to formalize the current leadership (Nola and Aaron) through the next election cycle in late spring 2027. - Agency of Record Selection: The board reviewed scoring results from four firms: DVA (top score 17), Bonfire (15), Madden, and Residents. Members expressed mixed opinions: some favored DVA for its Sedona case study and professionalism, while others preferred Bonfire to ensure focus on community marketing rather than destination marketing. The board agreed to finalize the selection via vote at the July meeting. - Data Review: Staff presented visitor trends. Key findings: local drive market (80-86% of visitors) is spending less per trip in 2026; out-of-state visitors are spending more. Repeat visitation is steady. Top out-of-state origins: Texas, Florida, California. The board discussed the need to overlay data from Fossil Trace and Mines visitation. - Budget and Sales Tax Report: Staff reviewed first-quarter 2026 sales tax, use tax, lodging tax, and marijuana tax, referencing the council memorandum. Sales tax is up 3.45% YTD, ahead of budget by $28,888. Use tax is down 11.07% from 2025's record year but close to budget. Lodging tax trails budget by $20,512; marijuana tax is $54,114 above budget. The Community Marketing Fund budget through May is on track, with some expenses not yet booked. Staff noted that advertising spending was cut in late February due to unseasonably warm weather. The board discussed the map printing issue and the need for a temporary solution (e.g., printing a limited run of the old downtown map) while long-term large-format maps are developed. - Golden After Hours Discussion: The board discussed a proposed resident-centric evening activation program, Golden After Hours, to run August–October 2026 on one Wednesday evening per month, 5:00–8:00 PM. The program would offer small grants ($250–$500 per business) to businesses for activations such as live music, family entertainment, and art. The Downtown Development Authority and Visit Golden would partner to fund grants. No road closures or common consumption areas are planned. The concept received positive feedback, with suggestions to focus on a single location each month, encourage business partnerships, and make it family-friendly. Staff will develop a framework and reach out to businesses. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken due to lack of quorum. - Board chair/co-chair elections will be conducted via email. - Agency of record selection will be voted on at the July meeting; DVA is the leading candidate. - Staff will explore temporary printing of downtown maps and continue development of large-format maps. - Golden After Hours program will be further developed; staff will present a detailed plan at the next meeting. - The board will invite Adam from Fossil Trace to present visitor data at a future meeting.