Review City Council Goals

City Council will begin a review of the City Charter, Lakewood’s foundational governing document, to ensure it continues to reflect the needs of the community.

This effort may include:

• Evaluating sections of the Charter for potential updates
• Engaging the community in the review process
• Placing any proposed changes before voters for consideration

This work represents an important step in ensuring Lakewood’s governing framework continues to serve the community effectively and transparently.

Q1 Update

In March 2026, City Council took the first step in advancing this priority by establishing an ad hoc Charter Review Committee made up of City Council members.

The committee is responsible for reviewing the City’s Charter—Lakewood’s foundational governing document—and identifying potential updates to ensure it remains current, compliant with state law and reflective of the community’s needs. The Charter has not been updated since 2004.

What’s happening now

The committee will begin meeting publicly to:

• Review sections of the Charter
• Identify areas that may need updates or clarification
• Discuss potential improvements based on current practices and future needs

What’s next

• The committee will provide an initial report to City Council with recommendations by June 15, 2026.
• It will also explore the creation of a permanent Charter Review Committee for ongoing review.
• Any proposed Charter amendments would ultimately be brought forward to voters for consideration.

City Council is prioritizing a balanced approach to addressing homelessness that focuses on both immediate community needs and long-term housing solutions.

This work includes:

• Supporting services that address urgent needs such as hygiene, safety and outreach
• Advancing transitional and permanent housing solutions
• Collaborating with regional partners to address root causes

This approach reflects the complexity of homelessness and the need for coordinated, sustainable solutions.

Q1 Update

On March 10, the City of Lakewood, in partnership with Volunteers of America Colorado, marked a major milestone with the opening of the VOA Colorado Navigation Center, a key component of the City’s strategy to address homelessness.

The newly renovated facility provides a comprehensive, housing-focused approach to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Operating 24/7, the center can serve up to 100 residents at a time and focuses on stabilization, connection to services and helping individuals transition into stable housing.

What’s happening now

• Opened the Navigation Center in partnership with Volunteers of America Colorado, providing a 24/7, housing-focused facility that can serve up to 100 individuals at a time
• The center focuses on stabilization, connection to services and helping individuals transition into stable housing
• Expanded access to coordinated services that support both immediate needs and long-term self-sufficiency

What’s next

• Continued operation and evaluation of the Navigation Center’s impact
• Ongoing collaboration with regional partners and service providers
• Continued focus on both immediate needs and long-term housing solutions

A strong local economy is essential to Lakewood’s long-term success. City Council is focused on supporting small businesses and strengthening key commercial areas.

This priority includes:

• Supporting and retaining local businesses
• Expanding opportunities for investment in corridors such as West Colfax
• Strengthening partnerships with the business community
• Identifying ways to enhance economic vitality across the city

These efforts aim to support a resilient and diverse local economy.

Q1 Update

The City of Lakewood continues to invest in programs and partnerships that support local businesses and strengthen the local economy.

What’s happening now:

• The City launched a new Shop Lakewood pilot program powered by Open Rewards, a free app that allows customers to earn 5 percent cash back when shopping at participating Lakewood businesses. The program focuses on supporting businesses along the West Colfax corridor, particularly those affected by major infrastructure projects.
• The Economic Development team hosted a Minorities in Business Lunch & Chat on March 10, part of a broader series of workshops designed to provide resources, training and networking opportunities. The City is on track to host five Lunch & Chat sessions, supporting local businesses with tools for success.
• The Business Safety & Security Program, which launched Feb. 2 and closed March 31, provided funding opportunities for businesses citywide to establish or enhance safety and security features.

What’s next

• Work is underway to launch a Legacy Business Program, which will recognize long-standing businesses that contribute to Lakewood’s identity and community character. A new Legacy Business feature will also be added to the #ShopLakewood map, helping residents discover and support these businesses.
• The City continues its Business Feature Friday series, spotlighting local businesses through monthly video features shared on social media. Click here to see the latest feature.
• Economic Development is working on additional Lunch & Chat workshops to support business growth and connection.

To maintain high-quality services and infrastructure, City Council is exploring options to support long-term financial sustainability.

This may include:

• Evaluating potential revenue options
• Aligning funding with community priorities
• Ensuring transparency and public input in any future decisions

This work supports the City’s ability to provide reliable services both now and in the future.

Q1 Update

The City of Lakewood continues to evaluate long-term financial sustainability and explore options to help maintain the services, infrastructure and programs the community relies on.

What’s happening now

• Several City Council members attended the Budget and Audit Board meeting on March 3, where the board reviewed the City’s financial challenges and discussed a range of potential tools for addressing long-term revenue needs.
• Topics discussed included economic uncertainty, rising costs, aging infrastructure, flat or declining revenue growth, and a range of options.
• The City is also preparing for community engagement to better understand resident priorities as these discussions continue. A project timeline reviewed by the board outlines survey development in spring, survey collection in May and a joint study session later this summer.

What’s next

• City Council, the Budget and Audit Board and staff will continue reviewing financial information and exploring potential options to address the City’s revenue challenges.
• Community input will be an important part of this process, including engagement related to a planned survey this spring.
• There is currently one open position for a Lakewood resident to serve a three-year term on the Budget and Audit Board, which serves as a financial oversight committee, reviews financial statements and budget forecasts, and provides feedback on budgetary compliance with City policies. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m.

City Council is exploring opportunities to improve waste and recycling systems while advancing Lakewood’s sustainability goals.

This work may include:

• Evaluating updates to waste collection and licensing systems
• Aligning with new state requirements
• Identifying opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency

These efforts support environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.

Q1 Update

The City of Lakewood is exploring updates to its waste and recycling systems to align with new state requirements and support long-term sustainability goals.

What’s happening now

On February 27, 2026, the City Council Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee began discussions on waste hauler licensing and potential updates to support sustainability and improve consistency across the system.

• Staff provided an overview of Colorado’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which will expand recycling services and create new funding opportunities for local programs.
• On March 27, 2026, the committee continued the conversation with a presentation on Lakewood’s enhanced hauler licensing code and its alignment with the EPR law, along with discussion of potential code updates.
• Initial discussions are focused on balancing stronger service and sustainability standards with affordability and maintaining competition among haulers.

What’s next

• Continued evaluation of potential updates to the City’s waste hauler licensing system
• Ongoing discussion of possible code amendments to align with state requirements and sustainability goals
• Exploration of policy options to improve service consistency, environmental outcomes and cost predictability for residents