PRIORITIES
Broomfield ranks as one of the best places to live in Colorado for good reason – natural beauty, safe neighborhoods, good schools, extensive open spaces and trails, quality city services, plentiful shopping and a solid retail-to-corporate business community.
But we cannot be complacent. Let’s commit to moving forward. Let’s be vigilant and visionary to ensure Broomfield maintains its superior quality of living for decades to come. Let’s continue to build Broomfield together.
BUSINESS RECOVERY, RETENTION,
AND GROWTH
A diversified business base that provides good jobs close to home – and revenue so the tax burden does not fall unfairly on homeowners – is vital. I endorse efforts to support existing business owners, attract new quality developers and maintain existing business districts, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
One example is the investment in the Town Square project,
designed to make Broomfield a regional destination for locally
owned businesses and restaurants, like those in historic
downtown Louisville.
We also must embrace the new sustainability economy, from seeking to become a 100% renewable energy user to increasing mass
transit options.
ATTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING FOR ALL
Like many families, my wife and I could not purchase our current home at today’s prices. And while our kids have grown up, downsizing today would mean paying a lot more for less – or leaving Broomfield. Home values have risen dramatically due to market forces beyond the city’s control, and the result puts families at all ages in a squeeze.
We know that a healthy community must provide opportunities for young people and public servants like police officers, teachers, healthcare workers and firefighters to buy a home. It must also allow our neighbors to age comfortably, and with dignity, in homes that suit their health and activity levels.
Land prices and building costs can make it economically impossible for builders to construct affordable or attainable housing in Broomfield on their own. To address this, I support exploring public-private partnerships, incentives, city-assisted non-profit ownership and other innovative solutions.
PUBLIC SERVICES, HEALTH, AND SAFETY
Broomfield stands up for its citizens’ health and safety rights. The city helped effect statewide changes to oil and gas regulations that empower communities to protect their citizens, schools and outdoor recreation areas from air, water and noise pollution. More work remains. I proudly voted for the 2,000-foot reverse setbacks to further protect homes from future oil and gas development.
We must take a similar stand to ensure continued high-quality city services that support overall community health. These range from mental health programs and senior services to parks and public safety.
As the son-in-law of a retired police officer, I deeply appreciate the commitment of all law enforcement and other first responders and mental health professionals called to serve. We owe them all the necessary training to handle any emergency. And all our citizens and diverse communities deserve to feel safe and secure – and treated with equal respect and dignity.
OPEN SPACES AND CONNECTED TRAILS
Broomfield’s open spaces and trails enhance the quality of life here by providing room to breathe, natural land to support wildlife, inspiring views of the mountains and plentiful opportunities to walk, hike, bike and play outdoors.
With less than 20% of Broomfield remaining undeveloped, most of which is in Ward 5, we must commit to reaching the city’s 40% open lands goals. Open space is finite and should be within reach from every corner of our community. We also must ensure Broomfield’s trail system has safe routes, connections to recreational venues and access throughout the community.