Priorities
Plan for Growth and Enhanced Quality of Life
In Arvada, we treasure our historical buildings and landmarks, our great neighborhoods and businesses, our amazing vistas of mountains and mesas, and the open spaces where we play and socialize. Even so, the Front Range is grappling with unprecedented growth and Arvada must have vision for how we manage that demand. Residents are already feeling the strain of more traffic, increased housing prices, and rapid change. If we do not plan with intention, we risk losing the things we love most about our city. This is why we must approach growth with transparency and expand community input. Developers must design projects that fit within our existing neighborhoods and make them even stronger. The community should have a say in our goals and expectations for what comes next, with the future of our community shaped by Arvada's values.
Reduce Traffic, Improve Transportation, and Increase Accessibility
We all hate traffic. How we develop our city impacts our ability and freedom to get around. We must be smart about approving commercial and residential developments that do not increase congestion. We need to improve the timing of our traffic lights for better flow. It is our responsibility to increase access and enhance all modes of transportation, including transit, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways. I am personally aware of challenges for those with disabilities. Every Arvadan must have safe, accessible, and alternative means to get to school, work, home, shops, restaurants, and parks.
Be Part of Climate Change Solutions
In 2020, wildfire smoke was the worst ever seen in Arvada. Wildfires also threatened homes within our city limits. Arvada’s water sources will be at greater risk from drought and pollution going forward. Increased heat will buckle our roads. Residents will experience heat-related illnesses and warmer temperatures will trap more ground-level ozone, having a greater impact on those with asthma or other pre-existing conditions. I believe it is our responsibility to be part of the solution. We will work with our neighboring communities and our state. We will invest in green energy and technology, electric vehicles, and recycling and composting. We will strengthen our resilience by preparing our adaptation and mitigation plans now.
Invest in Residents and Local Businesses
COVID-19 brought economic hardship to our businesses and families. We must come back stronger. We do that by smart investments in services and systems—increasing access to vaccines, helping schools reopen, and providing residents and businesses with the assistance they need to get back on their feet. I will help the city attract new businesses, like renewable and energy efficient businesses, that provide greater opportunities for our residents including higher wages and important services. I want to better utilize our community assets, such as our open spaces, shops, and local art and cultural centers. I will strive to connect economic development with Arvada’s unique character. This will keep jobs here and strengthen our resilience.
Provide Greater Options for Attainable Housing
Rising property values make it difficult for residents from young families to seniors to find housing options. We have to get creative. I will work with planners, developers, and residents to ensure our city has a range of housing options. We can reform building codes and find new funding opportunities. We want Arvada to be home for our kids when they grow up and for our parents when they retire.
Build a Safe and Inclusive Community
Every Arvadan deserves a safe and secure place to call home and the freedom to thrive. Expanding employment opportunities with livable wages will make our community safer. I want to ensure access for every Arvadan to city services and our community’s high quality of life, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and ability. I will create space to hear everyone’s voice and work together to improve equal access to opportunities and resources.
Empower Youth
Our youth are our future. They will become our leaders, teachers, medical professionals, trades workers, artists, and engineers. They will generate new ideas and discoveries that change our world for the better. I value the contributions each young person brings to our community. I want greater opportunities for them to voice opinions and participate in our community’s decisions and work.