Golden Downtown Development Authority Business Meeting - October 23, 2026

Note: The meeting was originally scheduled for October 19, 2026, per the agenda, but the provided information indicates it took place on October 23, 2026. All board members were present except Tim Gerhold. The DDA board discussed community marketing, an emergency grant, a block party recap, Ford Street undergrounding, and the 2027–2028 budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the September 21, 2026, business meeting by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received via email or in-person.

Discussion Items

1. Community Marketing (Visit Golden) Update — Derek Schimmel (Community Marketing Field Manager) and Meredith DePrich (Director of Communications and Community Engagement) presented. They outlined the shift from destination marketing to destination management, the new strategic plan (published in October 2026), and a winter campaign to boost holiday visitation. The program is funded by a 2.5% vendor fee (about $750 per $1,000,000 in retail sales) rather than a lodging tax. Board members asked about wayfinding, a digital downtown map, and A-frame signs for small businesses. The wayfinding project is moving forward: six vendors were interviewed, proposals due by October 21, with a vendor selection expected by late October and concept designs by February 2027.
2. 807 13th Street Grant for Emergency Repairs — The board approved a $15,884 grant (50% of the $31,768 total) for emergency sewer mainline replacement at the historic 807–809 13th Street building. The work was completed on September 21, 2026, to address a total blockage. Board member Terry Weber (a tenant in the building) recused himself. Richard Gardner (site manager and historic preservation specialist) confirmed the repairs were minimally invasive and did not affect the building's historic integrity. The Grants Subcommittee recommended approval.
3. DDA Block Party Community Engagement Event Recap — The October 10 block party on 12th Street had modest attendance but generated over 120 survey responses (later reported as 150). Respondents were split on a potential public plaza: the top response was "Yes, install on 12th Street," with "I do not support a public plaza" as the second most common. Board members discussed improvements for future events, including switching to a Friday evening, integrating nonprofits, and better physical layout to draw attendees. A second block party is tentatively planned for spring 2027.
4. Ford Street Undergrounding Update — Staff received a verbal estimate on October 19: the DDA share for undergrounding utilities south of 10th Street is approximately $142,000 for Xcel Energy and $25,000 for Comcast, totaling about $167,000. No formal vote was taken because written documentation was not yet available. Board members expressed support, noting benefits for aesthetics and wildfire resiliency. A formal proposal and vote are expected in November or later.
5. DDA 2027/2028 Budget Continued Review — Staff presented an updated draft budget. Key changes include lower property tax increment revenue due to state legislation, a reduction in projected 2026 legal fees, and adjustments to outreach and communications and holiday lights line items. The budget includes $200,000 annually for grants, $2,250,000 over two years for joint city projects, and $200,000 annual contingency. Board discussed reserve targets (currently ~$1.09 million by end of 2028) and power washing frequency (currently twice a year plus spot cleaning). No final action taken; public hearing and adoption scheduled for the November meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the $15,884 emergency grant for 807 13th Street (unanimous, with Weber recused).
• No formal action on Ford Street undergrounding; board indicated support for moving forward.
• Budget discussion ongoing; final adoption set for November 2026.
• Block party survey analysis to continue; staff to present full results at next meeting.
• Wayfinding process underway; vendor selection imminent.
• Commissioner comments included interest in improving tree lawn (hell strip) aesthetics and increasing power washing frequency.

Subcommittee and Liaison Updates

• Development Subcommittee: Plans to meet with key developers by year-end.
• Grants Subcommittee: No new proposals beyond the approved grant.
• Special Events Review Committee Liaison: Trick-or-Treat Street is scheduled for October 30, 2026, 3–5 p.m.
• 12th Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee: Covered under the block party recap; next meeting will delve into survey results.

Staff Report

• 2026 Budget Tracker: Not attached; projected 2026 expenditures are reflected in the draft budget.
• Project Updates:
  • Replica Santa and reindeer arch display nearly complete (original to be offered to the Golden History Museum).
  • Street trees planted on Arapahoe Street between 12th and 13th streets (October 13–14).
  • Design work beginning for 11th Street improvements (from alley to Jackson Street).
  • Ford Street undergrounding cost estimate received.
  • Staff planning to re-engage with RTD regarding Gold Line future plans.
• Capital, Redevelopment, and City Updates: Foundation construction underway for the Prosper affordable housing project (817 14th Street), and the Clayworks retail tenant Sweet Bloom is opening.

Items that May Affect Another Board or Commission

• Strong partnership with the Community Marketing Board (Visit Golden) was highlighted. Board discussed potential future coordination on parking studies with the Golden Downtown General Improvement District and city council.