Invest in Wheat Ridge

The City of Wheat Ridge is excited to share how we’re putting your tax dollars to work to improve our city’s infrastructure.

Thanks to your overwhelming support for the Next Chapter .5 cent sales tax extension voters approved in November 2023, at the May 19, 2025, study session, Wheat Ridge City Council was able to review the finalized project list for the “Next Chapter” of the 2J bond initiative, setting the stage for transformative infrastructure investments throughout the city. This list outlines how the city plans to spend $75 million in voter-approved bond funds, emphasizing multi-modal transportation improvements, critical corridor upgrades, sidewalk expansions, and emergency stormwater repairs.

Former Public Works Director Maria D’Andrea presented a list of projects that balance the “city’s infrastructure needs with community feedback and financial constraints”. Council reached the conclusion to move forward with the plan, while also carving out $500,000 specifically for school-focused pedestrian safety improvements, particularly around Stevens Elementary and other high-traffic student corridors.

In order to secure the best possible interest rate, we waited to issue these bonds until October 2024. This fiscally responsible approach means we can maximize every dollar and deliver the best outcomes for Wheat Ridge. Now, with funding in place, work on several major projects will begin this year (2025), including:

38th Ave Refresh (Upham to Harlan) – Initiating design for future streetscape improvements.
38th Ave West (Youngfield to Kipling) – Completing design for improved pedestrian mobility.
- A significant portion of 2J funds, approximately $50 million, will go toward corridor revitalization projects. The largest single investment will fund the full design and construction for improvements to West 38th Avenue from Youngfield to Kipling, including sidewalks, drainage, and on-street bike lanes. The 38th Avenue Refresh project, stretching from Wadsworth to Harlan, also remains a top priority, with planning set to begin this year. These projects will be complemented by smaller but impactful improvements such as contributions to a new roundabout at 26th and Pierce (in partnership with Edgewater), and traffic studies at 44th and Tabor and 44th and Eldridge, two intersections noted for pedestrian and vehicle safety concerns.
Traffic Study (44th/Tabor and 44th/Eldridge) – Evaluating critical traffic flow and safety needs.
Sidewalk & Concrete Maintenance in select neighborhoods between Kipling and Wadsworth and 32nd and 44th – Advancing construction to improve safety and walkability.
- The city is committing over $20 million to sidewalk improvements, filling 4.8 miles of critical gaps in the pedestrian network. The project list was refined to prioritize high-volume streets like Harlan, Pierce, and 26th Avenue, while also aligning with recommendations from the city’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Council also approved a new set-aside fund of $500,000 for pedestrian crossing improvements near schools. This flexible funding is designed to respond to community-identified needs, including unsafe crossings along 44th Avenue and near Stevens Elementary. Additional investments include a match for the West 35th Avenue multimodal corridor project and continued upgrades to ADA curb ramps and broken sidewalks on a rotating, citywide basis.
ADA Pedestrian Ramp Installation in select intersections and crossings between Kipling and Wadsworth and 32nd and 44th – Enhancing accessibility for all residents.
Pavement Management in select neighborhoods – Proactively investing in our infrastructure.
- While voters expressed strong support for sidewalk and biking investments, council reaffirmed the importance of preserving basic infrastructure. Around $4.5 million will be used for emergency stormwater repairs and drainage planning, especially as the city continues to face aging infrastructure. Pavement maintenance funding will help maintain roads in a rotating three-zone cycle through 2029.

The approved list covers both tranches of 2J bond funding, though specific expenditures will be phased as the city monitors market conditions and progresses through its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Staff will now begin more detailed planning and community engagement for each project area.

These are just the first steps in a multi-year plan to enhance our infrastructure. Over the next five to six years, we’ll continue working on major roadway, pedestrian, multi-modal improvements, and stormwater drainage across the city.

As Wheat Ridge enters this next chapter, council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, flexibility, and collaboration to ensure the 2J funds are used in a way that reflects community priorities, today and for the future.

Your voices played a key role in shaping these priorities. Through resident surveys, community engagement programs, and strategic planning efforts, you helped us identify the projects that matter most. And we’re not stopping here, we’re also seeking state and grant funding to stretch our resources even further.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us build a safer, more connected community.

The City of Wheat Ridge is excited to share how we’re putting your tax dollars to work to improve our city’s infrastructure.

38th Ave Refresh (Upham to Harlan) – Initiating design for future streetscape improvements.
38th Ave West (Youngfield to Kipling) – Completing design for improved pedestrian mobility.
- A significant portion of 2J funds, approximately $50 million, will go toward corridor revitalization projects. The largest single investment will fund the full design and construction for improvements to West 38th Avenue from Youngfield to Kipling, including sidewalks, drainage, and on-street bike lanes. The 38th Avenue Refresh project, stretching from Wadsworth to Harlan, also remains a top priority, with planning set to begin this year. These projects will be complemented by smaller but impactful improvements such as contributions to a new roundabout at 26th and Pierce (in partnership with Edgewater), and traffic studies at 44th and Tabor and 44th and Eldridge, two intersections noted for pedestrian and vehicle safety concerns.
Traffic Study (44th/Tabor and 44th/Eldridge) – Evaluating critical traffic flow and safety needs.
Sidewalk & Concrete Maintenance in select neighborhoods between Kipling and Wadsworth and 32nd and 44th – Advancing construction to improve safety and walkability.
- The city is committing over $20 million to sidewalk improvements, filling 4.8 miles of critical gaps in the pedestrian network. The project list was refined to prioritize high-volume streets like Harlan, Pierce, and 26th Avenue, while also aligning with recommendations from the city’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Council also approved a new set-aside fund of $500,000 for pedestrian crossing improvements near schools. This flexible funding is designed to respond to community-identified needs, including unsafe crossings along 44th Avenue and near Stevens Elementary. Additional investments include a match for the West 35th Avenue multimodal corridor project and continued upgrades to ADA curb ramps and broken sidewalks on a rotating, citywide basis.
ADA Pedestrian Ramp Installation in select intersections and crossings between Kipling and Wadsworth and 32nd and 44th – Enhancing accessibility for all residents.
Pavement Management in select neighborhoods – Proactively investing in our infrastructure.
- While voters expressed strong support for sidewalk and biking investments, council reaffirmed the importance of preserving basic infrastructure. Around $4.5 million will be used for emergency stormwater repairs and drainage planning, especially as the city continues to face aging infrastructure. Pavement maintenance funding will help maintain roads in a rotating three-zone cycle through 2029.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us build a safer, more connected community.

Ask a question publicly and we'll answer, let's keep the conversation going!

Share Why wasn't it wheelchair accessible on Wadsworth between 38th and 44th also will town center park every be open on Facebook Share Why wasn't it wheelchair accessible on Wadsworth between 38th and 44th also will town center park every be open on Twitter Share Why wasn't it wheelchair accessible on Wadsworth between 38th and 44th also will town center park every be open on Linkedin Email Why wasn't it wheelchair accessible on Wadsworth between 38th and 44th also will town center park every be open link

Why wasn't it wheelchair accessible on Wadsworth between 38th and 44th also will town center park every be open

Kelly jj asked almost 2 years ago

Thank you for your question. The Wadsworth Improvement Project is in the process of improving mobility for all modes. ADA-compliant routes were not present prior to the project. Upgrades are under construction on northbound Wadsworth between 41st Avenue and I-70 as part of the project. More information on multimodal improvements that will benefit all users can be found under the Frequently Asked Questions section at whatsupwheatridge.com/improve-wadsworth. Alternative routes for bicyclists and pedestrians have been established on nearby streets, adjacent to Wadsworth, until the project is complete. Signage is in place to direct walkers & cyclists to these routes.
Share I don’t want anybody displaced, but what about the decrepit and hideous house on the west side of Wads as you go south right past I 70. It looks like it should be condemned and it’s such an eyesore as you enter Wheat Ridge. on Facebook Share I don’t want anybody displaced, but what about the decrepit and hideous house on the west side of Wads as you go south right past I 70. It looks like it should be condemned and it’s such an eyesore as you enter Wheat Ridge. on Twitter Share I don’t want anybody displaced, but what about the decrepit and hideous house on the west side of Wads as you go south right past I 70. It looks like it should be condemned and it’s such an eyesore as you enter Wheat Ridge. on Linkedin Email I don’t want anybody displaced, but what about the decrepit and hideous house on the west side of Wads as you go south right past I 70. It looks like it should be condemned and it’s such an eyesore as you enter Wheat Ridge. link

I don’t want anybody displaced, but what about the decrepit and hideous house on the west side of Wads as you go south right past I 70. It looks like it should be condemned and it’s such an eyesore as you enter Wheat Ridge.

Pam1113 asked almost 2 years ago

Thank you for your question. All buildings acquired as part of the Wadsworth Improvement Project that required demolition have been removed. Additional removals are not planned as part of the project.
Share Why did the City approve low-income housing? The crime rate in Wheat Ridge skyrocketed! This once quiet and wonderful place to live is now like living in the slums!! The homeless is out of control, shoplifting and robberies are running rampid, and the laws do little to protect the innocent! FIX THIS BEFORE IT GETS WORSE!!!! on Facebook Share Why did the City approve low-income housing? The crime rate in Wheat Ridge skyrocketed! This once quiet and wonderful place to live is now like living in the slums!! The homeless is out of control, shoplifting and robberies are running rampid, and the laws do little to protect the innocent! FIX THIS BEFORE IT GETS WORSE!!!! on Twitter Share Why did the City approve low-income housing? The crime rate in Wheat Ridge skyrocketed! This once quiet and wonderful place to live is now like living in the slums!! The homeless is out of control, shoplifting and robberies are running rampid, and the laws do little to protect the innocent! FIX THIS BEFORE IT GETS WORSE!!!! on Linkedin Email Why did the City approve low-income housing? The crime rate in Wheat Ridge skyrocketed! This once quiet and wonderful place to live is now like living in the slums!! The homeless is out of control, shoplifting and robberies are running rampid, and the laws do little to protect the innocent! FIX THIS BEFORE IT GETS WORSE!!!! link

Why did the City approve low-income housing? The crime rate in Wheat Ridge skyrocketed! This once quiet and wonderful place to live is now like living in the slums!! The homeless is out of control, shoplifting and robberies are running rampid, and the laws do little to protect the innocent! FIX THIS BEFORE IT GETS WORSE!!!!

Dave N asked almost 2 years ago

Thank you for your perspective. The City recently adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan that calls for the addition of housing to support workers in our community that earn 50-80% of the area median income. We are actively working to implement that plan so that we can maintain housing for those who want to live and work in Wheat Ridge. The City is actively working on helping residents experience homelessness find permanent and supportive housing and is taking a multifaceted approach to reducing crime in the hotel area near I-70 and Kipling. In fact, that area has seen a decrease in criminal actively of approximately 20% in the last year. This is a complex problem to solve.
Share Why is it people taking shopping cart off store property isn't illegal? I have been homeless in the past and never stole a shopping cart. I stayed at the auction centers shelter for 2 months, and found a job a saved money and found a apartment. I didn't steal or trespass for litter. I have TBI and a lot of health issues yeah I never did what these other people do. There should be a law behind it and they should be arrested being when I go shopping and can't find a cart being they all got stolen is wrong. I have had to leave the store and go somewhere else so I could find a cart to buy my groceries and that's wrong for the grocery store and it's customers. I figure if we could have a vote in on the law it would go through and it would be an advantage for us honest hard-working people. Thank you and I hope something gets done about this and maybe other towns will follow. on Facebook Share Why is it people taking shopping cart off store property isn't illegal? I have been homeless in the past and never stole a shopping cart. I stayed at the auction centers shelter for 2 months, and found a job a saved money and found a apartment. I didn't steal or trespass for litter. I have TBI and a lot of health issues yeah I never did what these other people do. There should be a law behind it and they should be arrested being when I go shopping and can't find a cart being they all got stolen is wrong. I have had to leave the store and go somewhere else so I could find a cart to buy my groceries and that's wrong for the grocery store and it's customers. I figure if we could have a vote in on the law it would go through and it would be an advantage for us honest hard-working people. Thank you and I hope something gets done about this and maybe other towns will follow. on Twitter Share Why is it people taking shopping cart off store property isn't illegal? I have been homeless in the past and never stole a shopping cart. I stayed at the auction centers shelter for 2 months, and found a job a saved money and found a apartment. I didn't steal or trespass for litter. I have TBI and a lot of health issues yeah I never did what these other people do. There should be a law behind it and they should be arrested being when I go shopping and can't find a cart being they all got stolen is wrong. I have had to leave the store and go somewhere else so I could find a cart to buy my groceries and that's wrong for the grocery store and it's customers. I figure if we could have a vote in on the law it would go through and it would be an advantage for us honest hard-working people. Thank you and I hope something gets done about this and maybe other towns will follow. on Linkedin Email Why is it people taking shopping cart off store property isn't illegal? I have been homeless in the past and never stole a shopping cart. I stayed at the auction centers shelter for 2 months, and found a job a saved money and found a apartment. I didn't steal or trespass for litter. I have TBI and a lot of health issues yeah I never did what these other people do. There should be a law behind it and they should be arrested being when I go shopping and can't find a cart being they all got stolen is wrong. I have had to leave the store and go somewhere else so I could find a cart to buy my groceries and that's wrong for the grocery store and it's customers. I figure if we could have a vote in on the law it would go through and it would be an advantage for us honest hard-working people. Thank you and I hope something gets done about this and maybe other towns will follow. link

Why is it people taking shopping cart off store property isn't illegal? I have been homeless in the past and never stole a shopping cart. I stayed at the auction centers shelter for 2 months, and found a job a saved money and found a apartment. I didn't steal or trespass for litter. I have TBI and a lot of health issues yeah I never did what these other people do. There should be a law behind it and they should be arrested being when I go shopping and can't find a cart being they all got stolen is wrong. I have had to leave the store and go somewhere else so I could find a cart to buy my groceries and that's wrong for the grocery store and it's customers. I figure if we could have a vote in on the law it would go through and it would be an advantage for us honest hard-working people. Thank you and I hope something gets done about this and maybe other towns will follow.

Honest worker asked almost 2 years ago

Thank you for sharing your story and for your perspective on this challenging topic.