WR2020 E-news December 31, 2009

In this issue:

WR2020 and City 38th Avenue market study update
Neighborhood Survey underway
Spring 2010 Planning Academy to begin in February
WR2020 Hires Staff
WR2020 video available via streaming
Social Media
Calendar of Events

WR2020 and City awarded grant for 38th Avenue market study

Wheat Ridge 2020 participated in the Community Revitalization Partnership Program December 2-3. Through a partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and Downtown Colorado, Inc, a team of experts came in to help conduct a market study for 38th Avenue, Sheridan to Wadsworth.

Business, property owners, and residents participated in focus groups on the evening of December 2, 6:30-8:00pm. On December 3rd, the DOLA and Downtown Colorado team presented preliminary findings in the City Council chambers. A final report will be shared in early 2010.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy and Comprehensive Plan call for a detailed look at 38th Avenue and this market study will help provide information to help guide our strategies and investments on the corridor. Thank you to Enterprise Wheat Ridge, Wheat Ridge Business District, City of Wheat Ridge, and LiveWell Wheat Ridge for their help in sponsoring this program.

Eastern Wheat Ridge Neighborhood Survey Underway

Wheat Ridge 2020, The City of Wheat Ridge Police Department, and LiveWell Wheat Ridge are partnering with residents, businesses, and the City to advance Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community. A Neighborhood Survey was mailed to current residents in Eastern Wheat Ridge soliciting input on a variety of topics including crime prevention, neighborhood information, neighborhood services, and general information on the residents in the survey area. Results of the survey will help determine how we can better serve the Wheat Ridge neighborhoods with tools and incentives to enhance the neighborhoods.

Winter 2010 Planning and Development Academy

WR2020 will be offering its fourth Planning and Development Academy starting in February. The academy is open to Wheat Ridge residents and business owners and strives to give students an overview of the city planning and development processes. There is no charge to participate, though donations are welcomed.

The academy consists of four classes and a field trip. Since the curriculum is progressive we ask that students commit to attending 4 of the 5 sessions to graduate. Graduation is held at a City Council meeting. Class dates are Tuesday evenings (2/2, 2/16, 3/2, 3/16, the field trip date
will be set by the class) and will be held at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center on Kipling. Dinner starts at 5:30 pm, classes run from 6-9 pm.

Topics covered include:

Inner Ring Suburbs
Residential and Retail Markets
City Planning Fundamentals
Legal Issues in City Planning
Urban Design/Sustainable Development
How Deals are Done: The Development Process from the Developer’s Perspective

Please direct any questions to Denise Balkas, dbalkaswheatridge2020 dot org or 720-259-1030. Deadline for class registration is January 15th.

Thanks to Jefferson County Association of Realtors (JCAR) for sponsoring. If you would like to join in sponsoring this academy please contact Denise or Britta.

Office Coordinator added to staff

Kim Snetzinger joined Wheat Ridge 2020 on December 1, 2009 as the Office Coordinator. Kim is experienced in housing revitalization, community outreach, economic development, and higher education. As the Office Coordinator, Kim is a first level of contact for many residents, business owners, developers, and other interested parties when they contact the office.

Kim spent the last three years with Northglenn Neighborhood Development Corporation where she worked to increase home values and a sense of community in Northglenn. Previously, Kim worked as an economic development professional with a metro municipality where she focused on business outreach and support. She is an active volunteer in her community and in the affordable housing industry. She serves as a volunteer on several Housing Colorado committees and has recently been elected to the Northglenn City Council.

Kim has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Eastern New Mexico University and is currently pursuing a real estate license. Over the years, Kim has taken several aviation business graduate level courses from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She plans on obtaining a Masters degree in business, non-profit management, or community development in the coming years.

WR2020 video available via streaming

At the Annual Meeting, Wheat Ridge 2020 showcased a new video about our organization done in partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge Channel 8. The 11 minute video was featured as a Top of the Hour program on Channel 8. You can view it and share it via online video streaming at the City of Wheat Ridge website http://wheatridge.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=72

Thanks to all the WR2020 clients who gave their time to be interviewed for this video.

Did you resolve to try social media?

Do you tweet? If so, please follow @WR2020 on Twitter.
There is no cost to join.

You can also join the Wheat Ridge 2020 group on LinkedIn.

Calendar

Wishing Wheat Ridge and everyone a prosperous and Happy New Year!

Please check out www.WheatRidge2020.org for all of the latest information and events.

January 29, 2010 7:30 –9:00 a.m.
Business Education Series Training (BEST) – Marketing Program Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. $15.00 (includes breakfast). To register visit www.jeffcobrc.org/BusinessEducation

For information on WR2020 committees, please contact the office at 720-259-1030 or via email to receptionwheatridge2020 dot org.

Posted: under E-news, Wheat Ridge Business, Wheat Ridge Community.
Tags: Wheat Ridge 2020