Invest in Wheat Ridge

Wheat Ridge moves forward on $75 million bond program with corridor redesigns, sidewalk fixes and stormwater repairs

Survey crews will soon appear on 38th Avenue. Sidewalk dead-ends near schools and parks are slated for repair. And after a string of sinkholes forced more than $2 million in emergency fixes, the city is getting serious about what's underground.

Two years after Wheat Ridge voters approved the $75 million "Next Chapter" bond program, 2026 marks the year the investment starts becoming visible.

The Wheat Ridge City Council recently approved a $636,100 design contract for the 38th Avenue Refresh project, which will overhaul the corridor from Wadsworth Boulevard to Sheridan Boulevard. Conceptual plans are expected in early 2027.

The project aims to improve sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and public gathering spaces while largely preserving the existing roadway configuration. Residents can expect to see survey crews and traffic analysis in the coming months, along with targeted outreach to nearby businesses and property owners.

Further west, design work on the stretch of 38th Avenue between Youngfield Street and Kipling Street is approximately 60% complete. That 1.75-mile corridor is planned for conversion to a two-lane street with dedicated bike lanes and improved pedestrian facilities. The design preserves mature trees, minimizes right-of-way acquisition and targets improvements to specific areas rather than applying changes uniformly across the full corridor.

The city has hired a consultant to design priority sidewalk connections, with construction anticipated in 2026 and 2027. Projects are being selected based on proximity to schools and parks, connectivity to the existing sidewalk network and the feasibility of working around utilities and right-of-way constraints.

Pipe failures have already cost the city more than $2 million in emergency repairs over the past two years, with sinkholes emerging at locations including Independence Street, Miller Street and Hoyt Street. City officials say aging underground infrastructure, much of it under-maintained for decades, is increasingly at risk as fewer opportunities remain for traditional stormwater detention.

Wheat Ridge adopted a Stormwater Master Plan in May 2025 to guide long-term system improvements. Repair work is ongoing, funded through 2J bond dollars.

Voters approved the 2J bond program in 2023. Bonds were issued in late 2024, and the city is now moving from planning into implementation across transportation, drainage and infrastructure projects.

Additional public input opportunities will be announced as projects advance from design into construction.

Wheat Ridge moves forward on $75 million bond program with corridor redesigns, sidewalk fixes and stormwater repairs

Two years after Wheat Ridge voters approved the $75 million "Next Chapter" bond program, 2026 marks the year the investment starts becoming visible.

Wheat Ridge adopted a Stormwater Master Plan in May 2025 to guide long-term system improvements. Repair work is ongoing, funded through 2J bond dollars.

Voters approved the 2J bond program in 2023. Bonds were issued in late 2024, and the city is now moving from planning into implementation across transportation, drainage and infrastructure projects.

Additional public input opportunities will be announced as projects advance from design into construction.

Maintaining Roads in Wheat Ridge: Why It Matters

Share Maintaining Roads in Wheat Ridge: Why It Matters on Facebook Share Maintaining Roads in Wheat Ridge: Why It Matters on Twitter Share Maintaining Roads in Wheat Ridge: Why It Matters on Linkedin Email Maintaining Roads in Wheat Ridge: Why It Matters link
The health of our roads is essential for community development, safety, and mobility. In Wheat Ridge, we take a systematic, data-driven approach to maintaining our streets, ensuring investments are targeted and cost-effective.
Have you ever wondered how we decide which roads to repair in Wheat Ridge?
The process starts with a comprehensive pavement analysis, guided by the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Originally developed by the Army Corps of Engineers, PCI is a standardized system that evaluates pavement health. Every street in Wheat Ridge is assessed for cracks, potholes, and other distresses, then rated on a scale from 0 to 100.Continue reading
The health of our roads is essential for community development, safety, and mobility. In Wheat Ridge, we take a systematic, data-driven approach to maintaining our streets, ensuring investments are targeted and cost-effective.
Have you ever wondered how we decide which roads to repair in Wheat Ridge?
The process starts with a comprehensive pavement analysis, guided by the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Originally developed by the Army Corps of Engineers, PCI is a standardized system that evaluates pavement health. Every street in Wheat Ridge is assessed for cracks, potholes, and other distresses, then rated on a scale from 0 to 100. Currently, the city’s streets have an average PCI of 66, which indicates an overall fair condition.
This assessment helps us prioritize repairs by identifying which streets need attention and which can benefit from preventative maintenance.
A key principle of our pavement management program is “the right repair on the right road at the right time.” Proactive maintenance not only extends pavement life but also saves money in the long term. Here are the three primary types of street maintenance:

Routine Maintenance: This addresses minor, everyday issues like crack sealing, pothole patching, and isolated low spots. While it doesn’t improve the PCI, it keeps streets functional and prevents further deterioration.

Preventative Maintenance: Preventative treatments, such as slurry seals and chip seals, protect streets in good to fair condition. These measures are cost-effective and delay the need for costly repairs.

Corrective Maintenance: For streets with significant deterioration, corrective maintenance involves structural repairs like resurfacing or full-depth reclamation. These treatments restore functionality and improve PCI.

Our goal as a city is to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable roadways for all residents. By leveraging data and targeted strategies, we ensure that every dollar is spent wisely to improve our street network.
Repairs are prioritized based on the PCI, available funding, and a six-year maintenance cycle. Streets in need of repair will also be evaluated for possible modifications to pavement striping and marking to allow for better bike and pedestrian connections to take place simultaneously. The city also uses a zone-based system (see map below) to focus work geographically, with dedicated plans for arterial streets. Maintaining streets to a target PCI of 65 costs about $3 million annually, with funding provided by the Next Chapter Bond Fund (2J).
Investing in our roads is about more than convenience. Well-maintained streets improve safety, support economic development, and enhance quality of life. Proactive infrastructure maintenance is also important to our residents. Through our residents’ survey, our Let’s Talk Resident Engagement program, and City Plan engagement, our community has told us that they value well-maintained streets and would like the city to be more proactive. By focusing our funds on preventative maintenance and efficient spending, Wheat Ridge is building a sustainable, reliable street network that meets the needs of its residents now and into the future.
Wheat Ridge’s strategic and data-driven pavement management program ensures the efficient use of public funds while maintaining the city’s streets in a reliable condition. By focusing on proactive maintenance and fostering collaboration, the city achieves its goal of providing safe, durable, and accessible roadways for its residents. In 2025, Wheat Ridge will be focusing on corrective maintenance in improvement zone 1 and preventative maintenance in zone 6.
How We Determine Which Sidewalk Segments to Repair

Share How We Determine Which Sidewalk Segments to Repair on Facebook Share How We Determine Which Sidewalk Segments to Repair on Twitter Share How We Determine Which Sidewalk Segments to Repair on Linkedin Email How We Determine Which Sidewalk Segments to Repair link

Sidewalks are crucial for equity, accessibility, mobility, environmental sustainability, and public health. Well-maintained sidewalks enable individuals, including those with disabilities, seniors, and those without vehicles, to access essential services like schools and healthcare.
To address sidewalk issues, the city has implemented a Sidewalk Maintenance Program aimed at evaluating, prioritizing, and repairing damaged or unsafe sidewalks. The program will also install ADA pedestrian ramps to enhance accessibility for all residents.
Focusing on One Area at a Time
Wheat Ridge is split into six maintenance zones (see map below) for the purpose of this program, our Pavement Management Program, and our ConcreteContinue reading
Sidewalks are crucial for equity, accessibility, mobility, environmental sustainability, and public health. Well-maintained sidewalks enable individuals, including those with disabilities, seniors, and those without vehicles, to access essential services like schools and healthcare.
To address sidewalk issues, the city has implemented a Sidewalk Maintenance Program aimed at evaluating, prioritizing, and repairing damaged or unsafe sidewalks. The program will also install ADA pedestrian ramps to enhance accessibility for all residents.
Focusing on One Area at a Time
Wheat Ridge is split into six maintenance zones (see map below) for the purpose of this program, our Pavement Management Program, and our Concrete Preventative Maintenance Program. This will help us use resources more efficiently and make steady progress. In 2024, we focused on repairing sidewalks in zone 1. Now, we’ve moved on to zone 2 for 2025.
How We Evaluate Sidewalks
We’ll rate sidewalks based on their condition: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Unsatisfactory. The Unsatisfactory sidewalks will be fixed first. If there’s enough funds available, we may also repair sidewalks rated as Marginal.
Repairs will include removal and replacement of damaged sections, concrete grinding for minor hazards, and temporary asphalt patches for small issues. The city will also address ADA compliance by upgrading pedestrian ramps, working with adjacent property owners if necessary.
We’re committed to making sure everyone can safely enjoy their neighborhood, and we’ll keep working to improve sidewalks across the city!
Wheat Ridge Voters Approve Sales Tax Extension for Capital Improvement Projects

Share Wheat Ridge Voters Approve Sales Tax Extension for Capital Improvement Projects on Facebook Share Wheat Ridge Voters Approve Sales Tax Extension for Capital Improvement Projects on Twitter Share Wheat Ridge Voters Approve Sales Tax Extension for Capital Improvement Projects on Linkedin Email Wheat Ridge Voters Approve Sales Tax Extension for Capital Improvement Projects link

In a resounding victory for Wheat Ridge’s next chapter, residents voiced their overwhelming support by approving the extension of the .5 cent sales tax. This significant decision heralds a new era of investment in essential community improvements, including sidewalks, bike lanes, stormwater management, and road enhancements.
The results of the recent vote were nothing short of extraordinary, with an impressive 70% of voters casting their ballots in favor of extending the sales tax. This enthusiastic endorsement reflects the shared vision of a community committed to enhancing its livability, safety, and overall quality of life.
The extensionContinue reading
In a resounding victory for Wheat Ridge’s next chapter, residents voiced their overwhelming support by approving the extension of the .5 cent sales tax. This significant decision heralds a new era of investment in essential community improvements, including sidewalks, bike lanes, stormwater management, and road enhancements.
The results of the recent vote were nothing short of extraordinary, with an impressive 70% of voters casting their ballots in favor of extending the sales tax. This enthusiastic endorsement reflects the shared vision of a community committed to enhancing its livability, safety, and overall quality of life.
The extension of the .5 cent sales tax represents a proactive step toward transforming Wheat Ridge into a more walkable and resilient city. The funds generated by this initiative will be strategically allocated to create safer streets, improve connectivity through bike lanes and sidewalks, and bolster the stormwater and drainage systems to reduce flood risks.
Furthermore, the decision to extend the sales tax was driven by an inclusive and community-driven process. Wheat Ridge residents actively participated in shaping the project lists, ensuring that the most pressing needs and priorities were addressed. The campaign also involved extensive outreach efforts, such as Let's Talk and a resident survey, that encouraged meaningful input from all members of the community.
Mayor Bud Starker expressed profound gratitude for the support of the voters, stating, "This is a pivotal moment for Wheat Ridge. The overwhelming approval of the sales tax extension reflects our community's commitment to progress and its belief in the transformative power of our collective efforts. We are excited to embark on these important projects that will elevate Wheat Ridge to new heights."
The approved extension is expected to fund a series of capital improvement projects over the next five to eight years, with residents' feedback incorporated into every step of the process. Wheat Ridge is now poised to enter a new chapter of growth, resilience, and community engagement, thanks to the resounding support of its residents.
As the city eagerly awaits the commencement of these vital projects, it is evident that the future of Wheat Ridge shines brighter than ever. The extension of the .5 cent sales tax is not just a financial decision; it is a reflection of the shared commitment of a community determined to make Wheat Ridge an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
How Were the Projects on the Ballot Decided?

Share How Were the Projects on the Ballot Decided? on Facebook Share How Were the Projects on the Ballot Decided? on Twitter Share How Were the Projects on the Ballot Decided? on Linkedin Email How Were the Projects on the Ballot Decided? link

The unfunded capital improvement projects being approved by voters in the extension of the .5 cent sales tax were developed as a direct result from resident feedback and deliberate planning.
Planning and outreach efforts included the following:
NRS Update (2019)
The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) began in the early 2000s with the goal of facilitating a healthy housing market, attracting commercial investment, and supporting a vibrant community. The 2019 NRS was a report card or checkup on that progress. The city looked at the data and took the temperature of residents.
The NRS raised the bar in terms of publicContinue reading
The unfunded capital improvement projects being approved by voters in the extension of the .5 cent sales tax were developed as a direct result from resident feedback and deliberate planning.
Planning and outreach efforts included the following:
NRS Update (2019)
The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) began in the early 2000s with the goal of facilitating a healthy housing market, attracting commercial investment, and supporting a vibrant community. The 2019 NRS was a report card or checkup on that progress. The city looked at the data and took the temperature of residents.
The NRS raised the bar in terms of public engagement. Led by the steering committee, feedback relied on small group meeting, one-on-one conversations, open houses, and 1000 survey responses.
More details here: https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/276/NRS-Update
Resident Survey (2021)
Currently, the city is soliciting feedback from randomly selected residents for the 2023 Resident Survey. The 2021 survey, assessed resident satisfaction with community characteristics and amenities, evaluated Wheat Ridge local government and employees, and helped the city further understand resident’s priorities regarding city government services.
Learn more here: https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/258/Resident-Survey
Let’s Talk (2021-2023)
This program documents neighborhood-specific issues and opportunities by collecting resident feedback through community meetings, neighborhood pop-ups, and surveys. The process asks open-ended questions and builds trust with residents. So far over 1,500 residents have engaged.
Goals established at the onset:
• Develop a thorough, well documented understanding of the issues and opportunities at the neighborhood level
• Build trust between city staff and neighborhoods through demonstration that the city is listening and being responsive;
• Better empower neighborhoods to take initiative and work effectively with the city for positive outcomes that respond to neighborhood changes;
• Ensure that all neighborhoods in the city have an opportunity for focused listening and responsive actions from the city within approximately two year cycles; and
• Ensure that the feedback received during the engagement "blitz" is robust and represents a diversity of opinions in each neighborhood.
Learn more about the Let's Talk Program here: https://whatsupwheatridge.com/lets-talk
Lutheran Subarea Plan (2022)
The Lutheran Legacy Campus master plan document reflects the vision of the community and was created using a market study to ensure that the plan is realistic and has the best possible chance of coming to pass. The document outlines a framework for future development. It is not a site plan, it does not prescribe specific uses, nor is it a zoning document. It describes what the community likes and dislikes, it articulates goals and desires, and it creates guardrails for future development. Ultimately, it communicates to future owners the community’s expectations, without which the property could be developed in a way that runs counter to community wishes. To review the plan please visit: https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1788/Lutheran-Campus
Affordable Housing Strategy (2023)
The Wheat Ridge City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan on January 9, 2023, as a guiding document to address housing affordability in Wheat Ridge. The process started in early 2022 and included opportunities for public input, discussions with over 20 housing developers, and four City Council discussions in 2022. The plan can be viewed here: https://whatsupwheatridge.com/housing
44th Avenue Subarea Plan (2023)
This plan includes land use recommendations and identifies areas appropriate for commercial, mixed use, and residential development. Through public input it was identified there is a clear desire to protect the character of the existing lower density neighborhoods, a willingness for townhome and newer development on the corridor, and an understanding that attracting retail and dining options will require more rooftops.
The most well supported recommendations relate to mobility improvements including, wider, safer, shaded, continuous sidewalk, improved access within and into the corridor, improved tabor bridge, and improved access to the creek.
The full plan can be viewed here: https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1821/44th-Avenue
Open Space Management Plan (2023)
The purpose of the Open Space Management Plan is to create a bold vision for the future of the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, Clear Creek Trail, and open space assets. It balances recreation use with resource protection, while incorporating strategies for long-term sustainability and stewardship.
The plan incorporated community engagement, an evaluation of existing conditions and future opportunities, and the identification of alternatives and solutions to existing challenges.
For more information visit: https://whatsupwheatridge.com/open-space-management-plan-2022-update
Facilities Master Plan (2023)
(I'm not able to find this) Results from this internal document have found that city own facility needs have exceeded available space, many components are at or beyond expected service life, improvements will require significant financial investment, and there is opportunity to reimagine spaces.
Major Themes Developed As a Result of the Above
Corridors
The City of Wheat Ridge has repeatedly heard that corridors are an issue requiring attention. Specifically, there’s interest in giving attention to local streets—not state highways—to 44th and 38th and Youngfield, 32nd and 29th.
It’s interesting because in the NRS survey in early 2019 among these corridors, 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth received the highest marks among other primary corridor segments, but the neighborhoods east of Wadsworth certainly expressed through Let’s Talk a sense that the Main Street vision on 38th Avenue still feels incomplete.
The segment west of Wadsworth has long been a priority across a few of these efforts. The 38 West or 38 Walk project will come to Council for contract award and budget supplemental to kick off a conceptual design process.
The NRS survey ranked 44th Avenue as second to worst among the corridors. There are a range of improvements that have come up, both linear and targeted including, conditions east to west on 44th and even on the frontage road, improved crosswalks on 44th, improved crossing of i-70—the tabor street bridge as long been mentioned as a barrier with a lack of bike/ped facilities, and targeted medians near the truck stop.
Youngfield – not only aesthetic improvements for which design is underway, but sidewalk improvements along Yougnfield – a sense that it connects or could connect the neighborhood to Applewood Village, CCC, and the creek in a better way.
Mobility
We’re seeing interest city wide and through Let’s Talk feedback in pedestrian mobility access for localized projects. While there is certainly some disagreement at the local street or block level as to whether there should be sidewalks, we see significantly more consensus in public feedback when we take a broader view.
There is a common theme in a desire for improved sidewalk connections city wide --- particularly on collectors and arterials. This has been expressed through the bike ped master plan and in Let’s Talk.
During the Lutheran plan, that was a key conversation related to surrounding streets, including Dudley and 32nd Avenue – part of the recommendation for Transportation Demand Management in the Lutheran area is to invest in multimodal infrastructure.
Floodplain & Drainage
One of the highest priority areas for floodplain mitigation is near the Clearvale neighborhood. This area has many homes within the floodway and the 100-year floodplain which not only raises insurance rates, but also inhibits investment in properties.
With the current mapping, a project could remove 48 houses from the floodway and an additional 55 houses and seven multifamily buildings from the floodplain.
During the Anderson Park Let’s Talk Blitz the highest ranked action item was to Improve Clear Creek North of 44th Avenue to Reduce Flood Impacts on Property. The same project was raised as part of 44th planning.
Parks & Open Space
Results from parks and open space studies and resident impacts concluded that general access to Clear Creek Greenbelt be increased. This includes formalizing some social trails and installing a trail head at Otis St. A need for a crosswalk at Kipling to the Clear Creek Trail was identified. Resident feedback also stressed the need to balance amenities with access, habitat restoration.
Public Facilities
Identified projects include a Parks and Recreation Center expansion to support new fitness/gym facilities and a additional space for camps. This plan does not include an additional pool. It also identified a need for a reimagined City Hall, a cultural center, and a public works building to support materials and vehicle storage.