Golden Briefs

The August 9 council meeting will be both a regular meeting and study session. We'll make appointments to the GURA board at this important time of transition from Tax Increment Financing for the renewal of downtown to the reinforcement of downtown's success and improvement of other commercial areas. We will also hold a conversation with present board members about a potential urban renewal project in the area around 24th and Ford, Miners Alley improvements, downtown banners, and the creation of a downtown development task force.

Another important item on the agenda is a discussion and vote on a resolution in support of Jefferson County School District's bond issue and mill levy override issue. Council's top priority for 2012-13 is the support of our school system because strong schools make strong communities. After council votes, I'll provide more information on these issues, which will be on the ballot as 3A and 3B.

A highlight of the study session will be a report by the Blue Ribbon Panel on Golden's Economic Future. Eleven appointed Goldenites have been hard at work since March, generating ideas to bridge  the likely gap between future revenues and expenses. Their impressive final product can be found at http://goldenco.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=21.  The report will be useful in budget-planning this year and in years to come.

The Denver Metro Association of Realtors has shared some good news about Golden property values. Its local market update shows Golden up 73.1.% in sold listings from last June and down 44.6% in total days on the market.

It has been fun watching the athleticism displayed at the Olympics. It will be even more fun cheering on Golden youngsters as they compete in our Second Annual Kid's Triathlon on August 18th, from 8 to 10 am at Splash.

I'd like to encourage all readers of this message to participate in online discussions at i-neighbors (type in your zipcode and choose your neighborhood) and at the Golden Vision electronic forum (right now there are discussions about summer congestion on Clear Creek, the draft South Neighborhoods Plan, and proposed Vanover Park improvements.)  Golden residents are really busy -- maybe too busy to attend meetings -- so online participation is really valuable.  Emails, of course, are always appreciated as are e-comments on council agenda items.