Longest tenured city manager retires after 18 years City Manager Kathy Hodgson, the city’s longest tenured city manager of nearly 18 years, has retired, leaving a legacy of steady leadership, strong partnerships, and lasting community impact. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the City of Lakewood. There is nothing more rewarding than experiencing local government in action, and I will truly miss it. What makes this community so special is its people — our employees, elected officials, partners, and residents — who make it very hard to leave,” Hodgson said. “While this was a difficult decision, I’m confident it is the right one, and I know Lakewood is well positioned to thrive.” City Council selected Hodgson as city manager on July 1, 2009, but she began her career with Lakewood 46 years ago. She started as a lifeguard at the Morse Park pool, where she discovered her passion for public service. Through hard work and dedication, she advanced through the organization, serving as community resources director before becoming city manager. She called upon her lifeguarding experience in a touching email to employees announcing her retirement in March. “It’s hard to believe that my journey with Lakewood began standing watch as a Morse Park lifeguard all those years ago. Back then, my focus was keeping an eye on the deep end, making sure everyone stayed safe and confident in the water,” she told employees. “Over the decades, not much has changed; I’ve just moved from the pool to city hall, but the heart of the job has remained the same: protecting this community,
Kathy Hodgson, who has now retired as Lakewood city manager, spotlighted her beginnings with Lakewood as a Morse Park Pool lifeguard with this 2024 visit to the pool.
supporting our team, and helping Lakewood stay afloat and move forward.” When she became city manager, female city managers were very uncommon, and her leadership has helped pave the way for future generations of women in local government. “The true strength of Lakewood isn’t found in its buildings, parks, or programs, but in the incredible people who make it all happen. I’ve been fortunate to swim alongside some of the most talented, dedicated, passionate, and capable people you could ever hope to meet; nothing short of extraordinary,” she also told employees. “Together, we’ve navigated rough currents and calm waters alike, always keeping our eyes on what matters most: serving the people of Lakewood with integrity, creativity, and compassion.”
She worked under three mayors and numerous City Council members, an experience she described as “both invigorating and sometimes exhausting” and noted that “together we have accomplished a great deal.”
City manager finalists City Council is working to hire a new city manager and has narrowed the field to five candidates to complete the selection process. The selection process has included a national search that began shortly after current City Manager Kathy Hodgson announced her retirement in March. To learn about the finalists and the timeline for the selection process, please visit LakewoodCO.gov/CityManager.
Speed cushions: Slowing it down in neighborhoods
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One of the most common complaints the city receives involves speeding on larger streets in residential areas, so the city’s transportation staff is trying a new approach to reduce vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians. This summer, crews have been installing speed cushions along these larger streets in selected locations to assess their effectiveness. Speed cushions are a traffic calming device similar in shape to
speed humps that are designed to slow ordinary passenger vehicles while allowing emergency vehicles to pass without significantly slowing. This is accomplished by including cut-outs to fit the track of emergency vehicles such as fire engines. These gaps allow emergency vehicles, some buses and some trucks to pass through the cushions without driving over the humps. These cushions are preferred on primary emergencyresponse routes that include the larger “collector” streets where a traditional speed hump may not be feasible. Passenger vehicles, however, must still travel over the raised portion of the cushions with one set of wheels. Like a traditional speed hump, speed cushions are designed to be comfortable to drive over for passenger vehicles at around 20–25 mph. Installations of the cushions have been underway in the following locations, along with associated signs to alert drivers: • Simms Street: 3 speed cushions between West 26th and West 32nd avenues. • Alkire Street: 4 speed cushions
between West Dakota and West Ohio avenues. • Youngfield Street: 3 speed cushions between West Colfax and West 19th avenues. • Dartmouth Avenue: 1 speed cushion east of West Hoyt Way. (Two existing cushions on Dartmouth Way between Garrison and Estes streets were temporarily removed for pavement maintenance and were installed again in the same locations.)
West Metro Fire Rescue will assess these locations on a trial basis to determine whether there is any significant impact on its fire and emergency response times. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of this trafficcalming tool on collector streets while balancing the needs of emergency responders. This project grew from a City Council study session about ways See SPEED page 6
Cider Days: Timeless fun for all
Cider Days returns for its 50th season on Oct. 3-4, so visit page 5 to learn more.
LakewoodCO.gov • Volume 42, Issue 4 • August 2026 • A COMMUNITY UPDATE PUBLISHED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD WITH PUBLIC DOLLARS
Council Corner
Find out which ward you live in at LakewoodCO.gov/MyNeighborhood.
MAYOR
Wendi Strom It is with both gratitude and admiration that I share that City Manager Kathy Hodgson has retired after more than four decades of service to the City of Lakewood. Kathy’s career is a remarkable example of dedication to community and public service. As a young adult, she began working for the city as a lifeguard at Morse Park Pool and went on to serve as a department director before becoming city manager. Few people have had a greater impact on Lakewood’s success, and even fewer can say they spent their
entire professional career helping one community grow and thrive. One of Kathy’s enduring priorities has been preserving open space and enhancing our parks system. Since 2018, Lakewood has secured 197 acres of parks and open space, including the acquisition of Peak View Park, nearly 60 acres of open space in the heart of our city. This investment will benefit Lakewood families and future generations for decades to come. Kathy also oversaw the largest infrastructure investment in Lakewood’s history. Through the West Colfax Transportation Safety Project and the North Dry Gulch Improvement Project, the city has made major improvements addressing safety, mobility, and flooding concerns along the West Colfax corridor. Kathy has also been a regional leader in tackling one of our most complex challenges: homelessness. Through her collaborative leadership, Jefferson County communities came together to establish the VOA Colorado Navigation Center, providing year-round shelter and services for residents experiencing homelessness. She also helped advance regional cold-weather
shelter agreements, homeless navigator programs, and mental health co-responders in the Lakewood Police Department. Her commitment to sustainability has positioned Lakewood as a leader in environmental stewardship. The city has added electric vehicles to its fleet, installed solar power at Whitlock Recreation Center, added EV charging stations at city facilities, and more recently launched a residential composting program. She championed the creation of Lakewood’s first sustainability team that launched the award-winning Sustainable Neighborhoods Program, and this program has become a model for communities across the country and inspired the broader Sustainable Neighborhood Network. Through Kathy’s vision, Lakewood has also earned national recognition. During her tenure, the city received the All-America City Award in 2011 and 2016 and was inducted into the National Civic League’s Hall of Fame in 2025. Knowing that supporting a community’s most vulnerable is critical, Kathy also conceived of the innovative partnership that is now transforming a closed school into what is soon to become the Action Center’s Daylight
Collective. Working with Jefferson County Public Schools and local nonprofit partners, this effort will create a hub of services and opportunities for families across our community. Just as important as these visible achievements is the culture Kathy built within our organization. Her leadership helped Lakewood earn recognition from the Denver Business Journal as a Best Place to Work among large organizations. On behalf of City Council and the entire Lakewood community, I want to thank Kathy for her extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication. Her legacy will endure in our parks, infrastructure, and community partnerships, as well as in the countless employees and residents whose lives she has touched along the way. As we celebrate Kathy’s remarkable career, City Council continues its work on selecting Lakewood’s next city manager (see information on the front page). Thank you for joining us in honoring Kathy Hodgson’s outstanding service and for helping shape the future of our city.
Summer always seems to fly by, and before long we’ll be heading into another busy fall. As we look ahead, we wanted to share important conversations happening at City Hall and what they could mean for Lakewood’s future. One of City Council’s most significant responsibilities is hiring Lakewood’s next city manager. While residents elect City Council to set the direction for our community, the city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. Because of the importance of this decision, we have consistently advocated for the full City Council to exercise its authority throughout the hiring process. We believe the strongest decisions are made when all elected representatives have a meaningful voice, and the public has confidence in the process. (See information on the front page.) Council is having discussions about potential updates to the City Charter, which serves as our city’s constitution. Some proposals will likely go before voters this November. These conversations are about more than legal language; they’re about how our local government operates, how residents participate, and how we continue strengthening transparency and accountability. These changes are very important, and we encourage you to pay close
attention. (See story on page 8.) Homelessness is another challenging issue the city continues to navigate. Like many communities across Colorado, Lakewood is working to respond to a complex issue that affects both people experiencing homelessness and the broader community. City Council has been discussing ways to give first responders and city staff additional tools to address unsafe situations while continuing to connect individuals with housing, treatment, and other supportive services. We know there are no easy answers, but we remain committed to practical, compassionate solutions. City Council will also consider whether to refer a sales tax question to voters. If that happens, the decision will ultimately belong to you. Before asking you to support additional revenue, we believe it’s important to have an honest conversation about what the funding would support. (See story on page 8.) As we enjoy the remainder of summer, we also encourage everyone to take care of themselves and our community. With higher temperatures and frequent air quality alerts, it’s important to stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is poor, especially for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions.
Lakewood also remains under drought restrictions, making water conservation more important than ever. Simple steps like taking shorter showers, watering efficiently, and fixing leaks can make a real difference. If you have trees on your property, please consider prioritizing them over lawns. Mature trees provide shade, improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and are difficult to replace once lost. We also appreciate many of you who have embraced xeriscaping. These water-wise landscapes conserve one of Colorado’s most precious resources while supporting pollinators and making our community more resilient. Thank you for the opportunity to represent Ward 5. Hearing directly from you is one of the best parts of serving on City Council. Whether you attend a council meeting, join a ward meeting, or simply email us, your ideas and perspectives help shape our decisions. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to keep Lakewood a vibrant, welcoming place to call home.
Wendi Strom 303-987-7040 Wendi.Strom@LakewoodCO.gov
WARD 5
Jacob LaBure
Paula Nystrom August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 2
Jacob LaBure 303-987-7776 Jacob.LaBure@LakewoodCO.gov Paula Nystrom 303-987-7767 Paula.Nystrom@LakewoodCO.gov
Economic Development
Celebrates local businesses and offers rewards. Shop local to keep your dollars here.
Carmine Lonardo's Specialty Meats & Deli
The Yellow Morning
The Furnace
Cira's Plant Boutique
Kolache House Bakery
Moose + Frankie
Old 121
Sunrise Sunset
A weekend guide to visiting Lakewood Have a friend visiting this summer? Here’s one itinerary on how to make the most of a Lakewood weekend. Friday afternoon: Arrive and explore The moment your visitor lands, take them straight to get a sandwich at one of Lakewood’s most beloved institutions: Carmine Lonardo’s Specialty Meats & Deli on West Florida Avenue. Family-owned and open since 1976, Carmine Lonardo’s makes some of the best sandwiches in the area — huge, loaded masterpieces on freshly baked rolls. After lunch, head to Belmar for an afternoon of shopping. Whether your visitor is staying at the Hyatt House or just passing through the district, there’s no shortage of unique spots to browse. Check out The Yellow Morning for vintage clothing, Style and Banter for a cute boutique, New Moon Refillery for sustainable goods, Lakewood Social House for an eclectic mix of vendor goods, and Cira’s Plant Boutique
if you’re looking to bring a little greenery home. Cap the afternoon with a sweet treat at Telluride Truffle; you won’t regret it.
Friday evening: Only in Lakewood Friday night belongs to Casa Bonita. The legendary Lakewood restaurant is a full-on experience: delicious dishes like sopaipillas and great entertainment including comedy shows, live music, and even cliff divers. It’s the kind of place you have to see to believe. If you still have energy after dinner, there are plenty of evening activity options. Stone Bear Studios offers hands-on ceramics, The Furnace hosts glassblowing workshops, and What If Theater and The Three Leaches Theater both offer live performances. If you’re lucky enough to have a visitor on the first Friday of the month, catch the First Friday Art Crawl through studios in the 40 West Arts District along West Colfax Avenue. For a nightcap, swing by Westfax Brewery for craft beer, Wolf + Wildflower on Union Boulevard for an exquisite wine flight, or Ballmer Peak Distillery on Sheridan Boulevard for creative cocktails, including the popular tiki drinks.
Saturday morning: Coffee and pastries
City Manager Kathy Hodgson Looking@Lakewood is a newsletter published by the City of Lakewood, 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226. It is distributed to all households and businesses in the city. Alternative formats of this publication are available upon request. Editor Stacie Oulton, 303-987-7050 Designers Betsy Russell & Kim Ward
LakewoodCO.gov
Start Saturday right with a pastry. Taste of Denmark and Moore Bread Bakery in south Lakewood, or Kolache House Bakery and Mint & Serif Coffee House along West Colfax are all excellent morning stops. If you head to Mint & Serif, you’re also in walking distance to a handful of other fun shops like Moose + Frankie for handcrafted soap, Homestead in the Hood for honey products, and All Its Own for unique gifts.
Saturday midday: Get outside Enjoy some outdoor time. William Hayden Park on Green Mountain is a go-to for hiking and mountain biking, and Bear Creek Lake Park offers paddleboarding, beachside lounging, and additional trails. Lakewood also has two great golf courses if that’s more your speed!
Saturday afternoon and evening: Eat, drink and roll After your outdoor adventure, you’ve earned a beer. Green Mountain Beer Company and Old 121 Brewhouse are both great options. Check out the permanent Pizza Bandit food truck onsite at Old 121, so you can pair a pint with a slice without going anywhere. For dinner, Lakewood has plenty of standouts: try Piggin’ Out Smokehouse for barbecue, 240 Union, African Grill and Bar and Curry Kitchen for a fun night out. Before calling it a night, make a stop at Magill’s World of Ice Cream, a Lakewood ice cream institution with over 20 years in the community. Then head in a nostalgic direction: hit the lanes at Holiday Bowling & Billiards on West Colfax, a 30-lane family-owned bowling center, or lace up skates at Roller City on West Alameda Avenue, one of the largest roller skating rinks in the Denver metro area. If you’d rather catch some live music, TJ’s Sports Bar & Grill and The Rusty Bucket Bar & Grill are both worth checking out!
Sunday morning: Brunch and a stroll through history Close out the weekend with a proper sitdown breakfast. Try Hits the Spot Diner on West Colfax for that old-school diner feel or Sunrise Sunset, a local favorite for pancakes and breakfast classics. If you have time before your visitor heads out, take a walk through Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, where a collection of historic buildings and exhibits tell the story of Lakewood’s 20th century history. There are so many more wonderful local businesses to discover in Lakewood than any single weekend can cover, but here is just one potential itinerary. Enjoy!
Economic Development Team 303-987-7730 ED@LakewoodCO.gov
August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 3
Designing a pool is buckets of fun, and Morris the Dragon needs your help. Dive right in and join city staff and the aquatics consultant team on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate back-to-school with a party at Morse Park Pool! Share your feedback on pool concept designs, review survey results and enjoy refreshments and pool-themed giveaways. This design project gives the community an opportunity to help design a new pool for Morse Park and provides staff with detailed cost estimates to seek future funding.
l rk poo a P e s Mor house open
Can’t make it? Pool enthusiasts are also invited to share stories of how they currently enjoy Morse Park pool, sign up for project updates and provide online feedback at LakewoodTogether.org/MorseParkPool.
ARTS & HISTORY New theater season Tickets on sale Aug. 4
Lakewood Cultural Center is pleased to announce its 2026-2027 LCC Presents season. Whether you’re looking for something new, nostalgic, soul-stirring, family-friendly or simply entertaining, you’ll find it in this vibrant mix of music, dance and theater performances. Tickets are available from the LCC Box Office and online. LakewoodCO.gov/LCCP
Cider Days
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4 Join the 50th celebration of Lakewood’s Cider Days with food, family fun and farm history. Ticket sales begin Aug. 13. Advanced tickets are encouraged to save your timed entry slot. LakewoodCO.gov/CiderDays
PARKS Trail Running Series Wednesdays, Sept. 2-23
Sign up for the Trail Running Series at Bear Creek Lake Park and hit the trails on Wednesday nights. Hosted on four Wednesdays in September, this fun, community-focused race series features a different route each week so you can explore the park's diverse scenery. LakewoodCO.gov/TrailRunning
Saturday, Sept. 5
Come out and cheer as Heritage Lakewood and the Belmar Vintage Baseball Association present the Belmar Base Ball Bout— a historic baseball match featuring vintage rules, uniforms and snacks! Tickets to watch the game have vintage pricing: $5 adults, $3 kids (ages 3 and under are free!) Addenbrooke Park LakewoodCO.gov/Bout
Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Oct. 17 Bring your own apples and use our traditional, wooden presses to turn them into scrumptious cider! Two, five-gallon buckets of apples should take a group of six about 20 minutes to process. Make a reservation now as space fills quickly. LakewoodCO.gov/Register
Saturday, Oct. 10
Dive into a festive fall celebration during our after-hours (3-4:30 p.m.) family open swim party that transforms the pool into a floating pumpkin patch. Swimmers can splash around to find their favorite pumpkin, then decorate it before taking it home. All ages and swimming abilities are welcome; see the website for details and to register for just $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents per swimmer. LakewoodCO.gov/Register
Swim lessons Summer may be coming to a close, but it’s a great time for indoor swim lessons! See below for key registration dates then get more details and sign up quickly, as lessons fill up fast!
Winter/Spring Sports Thursday, Nov. 3 at noon
Fall events at Bear Creek Lake Park • National Wildlife Day will be recognized on Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. with park rangers sharing fun facts and safety tips about animals. • National Public Lands Day is Sept. 26. Help with service projects from 9 a.m. to noon on the largest national day of service dedicated to public lands. • Experience the spooky creatures along the path during the Haunted Trail event on Oct. 24. • Learn about wild turkeys at the Turkey Talk by park rangers on Nov. 23. • Each of these events is FREE with paid park admission.
LakewoodCO.gov/Register August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 4
Dunkin’ Pumpkins
• Aug. 26 for September lessons • Sept. 23 for October lessons • Oct. 28 for November lessons • Dec. 2 for December lessons LakewoodCO.gov/Register
Catch historic baseball
Cider Pressing
RECREATION
Hey middle school parents, did you know Lakewood Recreation coordinates sports! It's time to sign up for basketball, soccer and track programs for the winter and spring programs! Search MSSP, "Middle School Sports Program," and select the program hosted at your school. LakewoodCO.gov/Register
TIMED ENTRY - BUY ADVANCED TICKETS BEFORE SEPT. 18 AND SAVE!
OCT. 3-4
SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
SUNDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
50 years of fall fun Lakewood’s much loved Cider Days festival is back Oct. 3–4 at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, and this year marks a big milestone: the 50th celebration. The festival is rolling out a refreshed look and brand but keeping all the charm, fall vibes and hands on fun that make it a community favorite. Tickets go on sale Aug. 13, and buying early is highly recommended; peak times typically sell out quickly.
Know before you go
Celebrate
Cider Pressing
Across the festival grounds, you’ll find something for everyone. • New! Full-scale apple launching trebuchet • Cider pressing
If you plan to participate in cider pressing at the festival, bring your own apples and an empty jug so you can take your cider home with you! Groups cannot press more than one, 5-gallon bucket’s worth of apples. If you have more than that, register for the Cider Pressing event at LakewoodCO.gov/CiderPressing.
Parking
• Blacksmithing demonstrations
• Artisan booths
The lot at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow St., is reserved exclusively for those who need accessible parking and our free bike valet. Limited parking is available along South Yarrow Street | Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway | Lakewood Police Department, 445 S. Allison Parkway | Belmar Shopping Center, 465 S. Teller Street.
• Seasonal food and delicious cider
Bike to Cider Days — $1 off your first cider!
• Pie eating contest
Skip parking and ride your bike to Cider Days! Drop your bike at the FREE Bike Valet located in front of the Heritage Lakewood Visitor Center at 801 S. Yarrow St., and we’ll check it for you until 4 p.m. As a bonus, all bikers will receive $1 off their first cup of nonalcoholic cider.
• Tractor pulls • Live music
• Wagon rides, trick pigs and more kid-friendly fun.
Pick up a limited edition 50th anniversary Cider Days mug.
Shuttles Free shuttles: Belmar, Downtown Lakewood, 465 S. Teller St. | Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway | Lakewood Police Department, 445 S. Allison Parkway. Shuttles begin operating 30 minutes before the festival opens and will continue running until 30 minutes after it closes each day.
LakewoodCO.gov/CiderDays Presented by Foothills Credit Union
FREE VALET
801 S. Yarrow St. | 303-987-7850 August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 5
Public Works Participate in important public works projects The city’s Public Works Department keeps the city moving in many ways by repaving city streets, plowing snow and managing the city’s stormwater drainage system. The department has two important projects that will be made better by your participation as a resident. Please learn about them and visit their project pages.
Storm drainage update
Managing floodplains
Lakewood’s Storm Drainage Criteria Manual is key to guiding how water drainage is managed throughout the city, and the manual needs updating. Your involvement in this update is important because water drainage across the city affects you and every resident by influencing neighborhood safety, roadway conditions and the long-term health of Lakewood’s waterways. The manual determines how city infrastructure improvements are built and how private development occurs. The manual has not undergone a substantial revision since 1982, and the science behind stormwater engineering, best practices, environmental considerations and other information have changed substantially since then. Updating the manual has a direct impact on you because stronger and more modern drainage criteria will help reduce flooding risks from increasingly intense storms. The changes will also improve local water quality by requiring better filtration and pollution reduction practices so that runoff entering local streams and lakes is cleaner and less harmful to wildlife and recreation areas. These changes also will save money by reducing long-term maintenance cost for streets, parks and community assets that everyone uses. Modernizing these requirements will build a foundation for a more sustainable future. A partnership between Lakewood and the Mile High Flood District is funding this work, enabling the city to modernize its storm drainage manual while collaborating with regional partners with technical expertise and long-term planning skills. Learn more about the project, follow its progress, ask questions and share feedback at LakewoodTogether.org/Drainage.
Lakewood’s floodplain regulations guide development and construction in areas at risk for flooding in the city, and those regulations need periodic updates based on new flood studies as well as Colorado and federal standards. Work to revise these requirements is now getting underway. Known as Lakewood’s Floodplain Management Ordinance, these requirements protect public safety, reduce property damage, preserve natural drainage systems and ensure the community remains eligible for important state and federal flood insurance and mitigation programs including the National Flood Insurance Program. This is important for you as a resident because Lakewood’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program allows you to buy discounted flood insurance for your home or belongings through your insurance agent. Your participation in this project is also important because these rules for building, permitting and land use ensure development occurs safely and without increasing flood risks for others. These updates incorporate floodplain map revisions with the most accurate data available, and they refine language, address common resident concerns and eliminate unnecessary requirements to improve clarity and ease of compliance. Overall, these regular revisions strengthen community resilience, support responsible development and help protect the safety and property of all Lakewood residents. Learn about this project, follow its progress, ask questions and share feedback at LakewoodTogether.org/Floodplain.
SPEED (Cont. from page 1)
Briefs Wildfire resiliency The city is working on an adjusted approach for wildfire resiliency. A new state law requires all local governments to adopt wildfire resiliency regulations that meet the state’s minimum requirements, and Lakewood’s adjusted code would create a new set of building and landscaping standards designed to reduce wildfire risks in areas identified on the state map. Zones on the state map indicate where homes and wildland vegetation meet, creating higher exposure to embers, radiant heat and direct flames. City Council is expected to consider the adjusted code in the coming weeks, so please visit LakewoodTogether.org/ WildfireCode.
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Color-coded permit guide The city has a new Permit Guide to help homeowners and contractors understand the steps, requirements and expectations involved in obtaining building permits. The color-coded guide is designed to provide user-friendly information on when permits are needed, how to apply, what inspections are required and how
6 to complete your project in compliance with city codes. Whether the work involves a small home improvement or a major construction project, this guide provides directions on how to navigate the process smoothly, avoid delays and ensure the work is done safely and legally. Find the guide under the “Permit Guide” tile at LakewoodCO.gov/Planningand-Building.
to calm traffic. With a few speed cushions in place already, staff recommended exploring their use at additional locations. As part of the city’s traffic calming efforts, City Council also voted in 2024 to reduce the speed limit on residential streets to 20 mph after consultation with city staff, research from the Lakewood Advisory Commission and public engagement. The 20 mph speed limit applies to local streets (without speed limit signs) within neighborhoods that directly serve homes and does not apply to larger collector or arterial streets (posted with speed limit signs) that serve or are adjacent to residential neighborhoods.
New neighborhood bikeways A new type of bike facility is coming to Lakewood this summer: user-friendly neighborhood bikeways. Unlike a traditional bike lane, a neighborhood bikeway requires minimal, if any, changes to the existing roadway. Instead, neighborhood bikeways use existing quiet local streets, allowing a wider range of potential cyclists to find comfortable routes to get to where they want to go. Neighborhood bikeways use wayfinding signage to direct bicyclists to destinations and alert motorists that the street is an official bike route. Three routes will become Lakewood’s first official neighborhood bikeways as
August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 6
wayfinding signage is installed: West Fourth and Fifth avenues east of Garrison Street; South Carr Street north of Belmar Park; and Depew Street south of West First Avenue. The installation of these routes comes just a year after the city’s Bicycle Plan was updated with the help of residents and approved by City Council last summer. Find more information on these neighborhood bikeways and other upcoming bicycle projects under the Bicycle Plan tile at LakewoodCO.gov/Bicycling.
Neighborhood program expands
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Lakewood’s award-winning Sustainable Neighborhoods Program has grown this summer! Union Square, Westgate, and Linda Vista are the newest neighborhoods to join the city’s other 10 Sustainable Neighborhoods: Applewood, Belmar, Eiber, Green Mountain, Lake Lochwood Village, Morse Park, O’Kane Park, South of 6th, Southern Gables, and Weir Gulch Gardens. This program gives residents the opportunity to become active partners in making Lakewood an even more vibrant and sustainable community. Volunteers in each neighborhood plan and provide activities, projects, and events in their neighborhoods such as bike care and bike rides, low-water landscaping workshops, gardening seminars, building bee houses, social gatherings, litter cleanups, and much more. The city provides support, training, and recognition to help, but all of the ideas and the power to get them done comes directly from neighborhood volunteers. All of the neighborhood volunteer groups are busy planning activities for the fall and winter, and you’re invited to get involved and bring your passions and interests to make a difference in Lakewood. If you live in or near one of the Sustainable Neighborhoods, please email Sustainability@LakewoodCO.gov to get connected to volunteer leaders in your neighborhood.
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Free curbside recycling available through new state law Lakewood residents will soon have access to free curbside recycling through a new statewide program designed to make recycling more accessible, uniform and affordable. Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility Program shifts the cost of recycling from residents and local governments to the companies that produce single-use packaging and paper products while encouraging manufacturers to create products that are easier to recycle and reuse. To help ensure that the greatest number of Lakewood residents can receive early and ongoing access to free recycling services, the city is updating its waste hauler licensing regulations to require the small group of haulers that offer residential recycling services in Lakewood to participate in the statewide program and provide the covered recycling services at no charge to residents. Under the city’s update, haulers that do not wish to conduct residential recycling will not be required to start, and residents will not be required to enroll.
When can you expect to see these benefits?
As implementation of the statewide program moves forward and participating waste haulers enroll, Lakewood households can expect
to receive notice directly from their trash companies that curbside recycling services are available at no additional cost. Lakewood expects most haulers to start offering free residential recycling services by winter 2026 through spring 2027. The timeline will vary depending on companies’ preparation for this state program and when they execute their contract for reimbursements through the state. Residents should continue watching for updates from their waste hauler about enrollment and service availability.
receive the latest information by signing up for the Sustainability, Climate and Zero Waste Division’s monthly electronic newsletters at LakewoodCO.gov/Sustainability and following the division’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ PlanLakewood.
COPS THAT COOK! PANCAKE BREAKFAST
What about Quail Street Recycling Center?
Curbside recycling is not the only activity reimbursable through the statewide program. Lakewood is also seeking reimbursement through the state program to support ongoing operations at the city’s Quail Street Recycling Center, which will remain open regardless of curbside recycling participation, and the city expects to use any additional funds to expand waste and recycling education and outreach in public schools in the city.
Where can you learn more? Learn more at LakewoodCO.gov/ FreeRecycling. Interested residents can
Friday, Sept. 18, 7–10 a.m. Clements Community Center, 1580 Yarrow St.
Free photos with police agents
Exciting police vehicles
Tickets on sale now: $6 for adults, $4 for kids ages 12 and under (All proceeds will benefit the LPD Spouses Group.) Visit LakewoodCO.gov/CopsThatCook or call 303-987-4820 for more information.
Newest Zero Waste School announced Thank You Rose Stein Elementary is part of the city’s sustainability efforts, and a new school is selected each year. Foothills became the second Elementary! to enter this city program because and Welcome Foothills of its readiness, high level of student and staff
Foothills Elementary School has been selected as the next Zero Waste School Program participant, which means students and staff will receive on-site training from EcoCycle to launch
Rose Stein International Elementary School led the way as the first Zero Waste School.
cafeteria composting and recycling. This program
motivation and successful history with studentled recycling efforts. Last year, Rose Stein International Elementary School was the first school selected for this program. A planet earth-sized “thank you” to students and staff for a truly off-the-charts pilot year for the program. In addition to serving as a pioneer for the program, the school deployed zero waste kits through Lakewood’s Kid’s Climate Grant to reduce the school’s single-use plastics and competed in EcoCycle’s annual waste reduction contest. To learn more about this program, visit LakewoodCO.gov/ZWSchool.
LakewoodCo.gov/ZWSchool
Thursday, Sept. 24 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Elks Lakewood Lodge #1777 1455 Newland St., Lakewood
For more information, visit LakewoodCO.gov/VeteransFair August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 7
Know Your City Council Members
Wendi Strom
Jeslin Shahrezaei
Glenda Sinks
Liz Black
Isabel Cruz
Mayor 303-987-7040 Wendi.Strom@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 1 303-987-7728 Jeslin.Shahrezaei@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 1 303-987-7729 Glenda.Sinks@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 2 303-987-7738 Liz.Black@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 2 303-987-7739 Isabel.Cruz@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ken Cruz
Roger Low
Ward 3 303-987-7740 Ken.Cruz@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 3 303-987-7743 Roger.Low@ LakewoodCO.gov
Bill Furman
David Rein
Jacob LaBure
Paula Nystrom
Ward 4 303-987-7748 Bill.Furman@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 4 303-987-7766 David.Rein@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 5 303-987-7776 Jacob.LaBure@ LakewoodCO.gov
Ward 5 303-987-7767 Paula.Nystrom@ LakewoodCO.gov
To learn more about City Council, visit LakewoodCO.gov/CityCouncil
Participate in Council Conversations City services discussion Would you like to see Lakewood spend more on public safety items such as crime prevention, traffic enforcement for speeding, roadway improvements and similar items? City Council would like that as well, and that’s why the council’s Budget and Audit Board has been discussing ways to better support these kinds of services. The board consists of three Lakewood residents and three City Council members, and to guide this discussion the board conducted a survey of more than 1,000 Lakewood residents this spring. Using a survey is one of the best ways to gather in-depth information from a random selection of Lakewood residents. The survey results show that residents are interested in having more public safety items such as sidewalks, traffic safety improvements and better lighting in public spaces as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements. Residents also expressed support for providing homelessness and mental health crisis support to those who need it and supporting youth programs. Scan the QR code to see the survey results and other information about this discussion. The board is working on a question for the November ballot to ask Lakewood voters for a ½ cent sales tax increase for the city’s 3 percent sales tax. The board is determining what services this sales tax would fund, and the board will present a proposed ballot question for City Council’s review in August. Lakewood’s sales tax is among the lowest in the metro area, with most cities having a sales exceeding 3.5 percent. It’s also been more than 20 years since Lakewood voters changed the city’s sales tax rate from 2 percent to 3 percent. It’s important to also know that any change in the sales tax would not apply to groceries because groceries are not taxed in Lakewood. If Lakewood voters were to approve the addition of a half-a-penny to the city’s sales tax, it would provide an estimated $17.6 million to pay for city services. These funds could allow the city to address public safety items, and it would also help the city take better care of roads and facilities the city already has. Join the discussion by visiting the webpage for this discussion.
Learn more and participate in this topic by scanning the QR code or visiting LakewoodCO.gov/Charter.
LakewoodCO.gov/Charter August 2026 • Looking@Lakewood • 8