Honoring Buffalo Bill and Retreating

It was great to be included in the celebration of Col. Al Huffman's 80th birthday at the annual Buffalo Bill birthday party last Saturday.  Al, who has portrayed Buffalo Bill around the world for more than 30 years, is Golden's best-known and best-loved Buffalo Bill.  Thank you, Al, for all the enjoyment you've given by leading so many Buffalo Bill Days parades. and participating in Golden's events.  Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns.

Buffalo Bill did not retreat, but Golden City Council and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) did.  Both groups held retreats to step back from day-to-day decisions and develop proactive policy guidance.  Neither of these two consecutive retreat weekends supplied great photo opportunities,  but they did give the organizations concentrated time for strategic planning.  

The role of DRCOG is to bring local elected officials together to make decisions affecting the entire region -- on transportation, land use, sustainability, age-friendly communities, and legislative policy.  DRCOG will be conducting a number of outreach workshops in 2012 to obtain a consensus on a new regional long-range plan:  Metrovision 2040.  It will be important for Golden's residents to have a voice in these talks, so I'll keep you informed of any relevant dates.  

Golden's retreat was focused on developing a two-year plan -- testing ideas to see if they contributed to city-wide vitality, communication, sustainability, and health.  We identified nine general areas of special focus:  (1) supporting our schools and libraries; (2) improving our public spaces; (3) setting the stage for a healthy community; (4) addressing transportation issues; (5) strengthening our neighborhoods; (6) fostering our relationship with the Colorado School of Mines; (7) encouraging economic development; (8) developing a   forward-looking capital-improvement plan informed by the findings of the Blue Ribbon Panel, and (9) working with Sustainability Advisory Board to meet the city's sustainability goals.  As usual, council will be looking to Golden residents for their thoughts on these issues.  Although more complete descriptions of these issues will be forthcoming and specified times for input will be set -- if you have some immediate ideas please let us know.  Golden city councilors and staff look forward to hearing from you.