Investing in Wheat Ridge’s Future with Next Chapter Bond Funds

I’m excited to share an update on 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, we’ve secured critical funding to invest in safer streets, better sidewalks, and improved stormwater drainage.  

As your mayor, I want to ensure you we’re making smart financial decisions. That’s why we waited to issue these bonds until October 2024, allowing us to secure the best possible interest rate. 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, including: 

38th Avenue Refresh 

This project will focus on designing future streetscape improvements along a key stretch of 38th Avenue, from Upham Street to Harlan Street. The goal is to Initiate designs for future streetscape improvements.

38th Avenue West 

Improving pedestrian mobility is a top priority for this project, which focuses on finalizing the design for a more walkable and bike-friendly 38th Avenue between Youngfield Street and Kipling Street. The design aims to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists while improving traffic flow.

Traffic Study 

Two key intersections along 44th Avenue at Tabor Street and Eldridge Street are undergoing a detailed traffic study to assess safety and traffic flow issues. This data-driven approach ensures that any future infrastructure changes are based on thorough analysis, ultimately improving safety and efficiency at these intersections.

Sidewalk and Concrete Maintenance 

In select neighborhoods between Kipling Street and Wadsworth Boulevard and from 32nd Avenue to 44th Avenue, sidewalk and concrete repairs are being prioritized to improve safety and walkability. This project will focus on replacing cracked or uneven sidewalks, repairing damaged curbs, and improving drainage where needed. 

ADA Pedestrian Ramp Installation 

As part of a broader effort to make Wheat Ridge more accessible, this project will install ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps at key intersections and crossings between Kipling Street and Wadsworth Boulevard and from 32nd Avenue to 44th Avenue. These ramps are essential for individuals with mobility impairments, parents with strollers, and anyone who relies on safe, sloped curb access when crossing the street. Each new ramp will meet ADA standards, ensuring a smoother, safer transition from sidewalks to crosswalks.

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. 

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. 

This is an exciting time for Wheat Ridge, and I look forward to seeing these improvements take shape. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us build a safer, more connected community. 

For project details and updates, visit https://whatsupwheatridge.com/invest-in-wheat-ridge. 

City Staff Highlight

Name: Iwona Dumin

Explain your job: I’m a civil engineer in the Community Development Department. My team of six provides technical support to our Public Works, Planning Division, and Building Department on all site-related concerns and aspects. We review all proposed Developments and some of the capital improvement projects within the city, ensuring the safety of the on-site structures and facilities, including sidewalks, retaining walls, water quality, and detention. We also review site permits and service requests related to traffic, roadway, or drainage issues.

I also fill another role in the city, leading the Floodplain Management Program. To better help the residents, I’m studying to become a Certified Floodplain Manager. Please wish me good luck, as at the end I need to pass an exam.

How long have you worked for the city? 2 years

Favorite pastime: Long hikes with my family and friends, skiing, and drawing or painting, especially plein-air.

Favorite sandwich: I typically do not eat sandwiches, but if I had to choose, then Philly Cheese Steak, maybe with the addition of salad.

Favorite superhero: Not a superhero person. Can Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins be considered? In the end, they saved the world.

If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest? Warren Buffett, Tony Robbins and Morgan Freeman.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you want to have with you? Stevie Wonder’s “The Women in Red”, Abba’s “Greatest hits”, Queen’s “Greatest Hits III”

 For the city, Why was Iwona nominated for this highlight? Iwona was nominated for her excellent work within the city. She writes creative articles on the floodplain for our annual Connections Newsletters. We value her work and are lucky to have her on our team.