Golden Downtown Development Authority Business Meeting

On July 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 911 Tenth Street in Golden, Colorado, the Golden Downtown Development Authority board considered a downtown trash and recycling pilot, heard an update on the Golden Hour Mashup and increased DDA funding for it, reviewed budget and project statuses, and began scheduling an August strategy session.

Consent Agenda

• The board unanimously approved the June 15, 2026 business meeting minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank B. IC, a Golden resident and founder of Go Good, a sustainable travel guide app piloting in Golden, described a digital kiosk being installed at the Golden Welcome Center and a voluntary stewardship scan rating businesses across 10 dimensions of environmental and community commitments. He expressed interest in collaborating with local businesses and the DDA. Board members thanked him; no formal action was taken.

Discussion Items

• Pilot Trash and Recycling Project Update: Staff reported that the Sustainability Department is scoping a downtown trash collection district with seven-day-a-week service, a quieter electric truck, and possible cost savings for businesses. The program is grant-funded through 2028, with a couple hundred thousand dollars set aside in 2027 and 2028 to help it remain solvent while the subscriber base grows. An RFP for haulers is expected after the service territory and pricing are identified. Board members asked about subscriber flexibility, existing hauler contracts, early termination fees, and whether grant funds could help businesses transition sooner; staff said those concerns will be part of stakeholder outreach. No vote was taken.
• Golden Hour Mashup Update: Staff reported strong early interest, with about 15 businesses on a Q&A call and the 12th application received. The series will run August 12, September 16, and October 14 with themed Wednesday evening events. Microgrants are structured to support activities across all three nights and are paid on a reimbursement basis. Commissioners discussed whether requiring participation in all three nights created a barrier, how to measure success, and how to track attendance beyond sales tax data. A board member moved to increase the DDA contribution from $10,000 to $20,000, assuming Visit Golden would also increase its match to maintain parity; the motion passed unanimously.
• DDA Strategic and Wild Ideas Special Meeting: Staff proposed a public special meeting in August to discuss and rank potential downtown investment opportunities without an outside facilitator. A tentative date of Wednesday, August 5, from noon to 2 p.m. was identified, with Tuesday, August 4 as backup, pending one commissioner's availability. Board members were asked to submit ideas in advance. No formal decision was recorded.

Commissioners' Comments

• A commissioner raised the 11th Street and Arapahoe intersection, noting missing crosswalks and uncomfortable crossings. Staff responded that it is on the city's striping list for mid- to late August after downtown paver repairs.
• A commissioner criticized the new public restroom sign next to the Astor House as too small and poorly designed, and noted that the building's multiple doors are not clearly marked.
• A commissioner noted Foothills Art Center's new landscaping; staff referenced a vertical light feature nearby and its possible relevance to the SH 58 gateway discussion.
• A commissioner questioned the missing overhead sign for the Washington Avenue-to-Highway 58 turn lane, saying the painted lane is confusing to drivers.

Subcommittee and Liaison Updates

• The Development Subcommittee and Grants Subcommittee have not met recently.
• The Special Events Review Committee liaison reported on the July 1 meeting, including parking and shuttle discussions, a more produce-centered farmers market, and ParkMobile features showing open garage spaces.
• The 12th Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee is continuing to plan an October 10 community engagement event with Foothills Art Center and Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, including DDA engagement and updated graphics.

Staff Report

• 2026 Budget: Property tax increment revenue is at 99% of budget, and the mill levy is at 98%. Second-quarter data is expected in August. Grants are just under $280,000 for the year, and the PSPS grant program ended June 30. Some TIF payments have not yet gone through the accounting system, and 1106 Washington received no payment this year because its assessed value had not increased.
• Project Updates: Staff corrected the written memo, saying the 14th and Ford pedestrian improvement is not nearly complete and work on Ford Street remains. Paver repairs are nearly done, Prospector Alley work is scheduled within the next month, and Washington Avenue crosswalk striping will follow. Xcel is preparing a cost estimate for Ford Street utility undergrounding. Clayworks Building 1 tenant finish work continues, with a coffee shop tenant secured and a restaurant tenant still being sought. The Prosper affordable housing project at 817 14th Street is underway with demolition, excavation, and foundation work.
• Police Update: A new police chief started July 13. Staff plan to invite a police representative to a future DDA meeting for an open discussion of downtown issues and trends.
• Committed DDA contributions to city projects currently total about $770,000, according to the contributions worksheet.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the June 15, 2026 minutes.
• Unanimously approved increasing DDA funding for the Golden Hour Mashup from $10,000 to $20,000, contingent on Visit Golden matching funds.
• Identified a tentative special DDA strategy and wild ideas meeting for August 5 from noon to 2 p.m., with August 4 as backup.
• Directed staff to continue outreach on the trash and recycling pilot and to report back as the RFP develops.
• Agreed to schedule a police department visit to a future DDA meeting.