Looking at Lakewood-January 2026

Lakewood police, navigator assist family into permanent housing with heart of service

After nearly a decade of moving from motel to motel, a Lakewood family finally has a place to call home, thanks to the compassion, quick thinking and collaboration of Lakewood Police Department Agent Lisa Davis and the city’s Housing Navigator Jamie Twadell. It began as a routine traffic stop. Agent Davis pulled over Neil Housman for an expired vehicle registration during his work commute. During their conversation, it became clear that the family wasn’t avoiding renewal. They simply couldn’t afford it. Housman explained that they’d been living in motels for years, stretching every dollar just to keep a roof over their heads.

Relatively expensive weekly or extended-stay motels are often a last resort for people or families on the verge of homelessness, and hurdles such as low credit scores or eviction history can prevent people living in motels from seeking more permanent and stable housing. It can become a vicious cycle without intervention.

“Policing isn’t just about writing tickets,” Davis said. “I’m not out to punish people. If I can help somebody get ahead in life without putting them further behind, steer them on a good path — if I can do that — I am all about it.”

Recognizing that Housman and his family needed support, Davis contacted Twadell, the city’s housing navigator. Twadell immediately stepped in to help guide the family through the complex process of securing permanent housing. From application fees and deposits to navigating landlord conversations, she worked to ensure the family could finally have a place to call their own.

“I have access to resources within the City of Lakewood and outside that are able to help put people into housing,” Twadell said. “Sometimes it gets super confusing [for applicants], so having somebody knowledgeable in the field is beneficial.”

Within weeks, the Housmans were approved for an apartment

and moved in during November 2025. In a bit of serendipity, their new apartment is located just across the street from where the initial traffic stop took place.

The family shared that having their own home after nine years has been life-changing. Their daughters now have bedrooms of their own, the family finally has stability, and

Give me a sign: Discover

they are able to rebuild with a renewed sense of hope.

“The first day we woke up here it felt like a dream,” said daughter Laura Housman. “I basically grew up in motels. I finally have a door.”

Mom Ashley Housman later posted publicly on Facebook to thank Davis, Twadell and the city for the support her family received.

“Thank God she decided to serve instead of write a ticket,” she said.

The City of Lakewood extends its gratitude to Agent Davis and Housing Navigator Twadell for exemplifying Lakewood’s values of service, compassion and community support. Their actions highlight the profound impact that public service can have on the lives of residents. For information on housing navigation, please email HousingNavigator@ lakewood.org.

For more, watch a video highlighting this work that includes interviews with Davis, Twadell and the Housman family: lkwd.co/ HousingHelpVideo.

Lakewood’s

20th century history like never before

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the new interpretative signs at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park and their accompanying digital StoryMaps tell the stories of Lakewood’s 20th century history like never before.

Rather than imagining what it was like in the past, the signs and StoryMaps immerse visitors in local history. The updated signs include QR codes that link to the digital StoryMaps. By scanning these codes with a cellphone, visitors access free bonus material. This information includes in-depth accounts of the companies and people who built Heritage Lakewood’s historic buildings and never-before-seen photos of some of the buildings being moved to the museum and their preservation.

“This really is an exciting update for Heritage Lakewood,” said Heritage Lakewood Administrator Betsy Bowers. “History needs to come to life to make it meaningful for visitors, and these new signs and maps accomplish that.”

Over the past three years, Heritage Lakewood staff have collaborated with a crossdepartmental city working group and a contractor to design the new interpretive signs for the

museum’s Agricultural, Belmar and Colfax Hubs as well as its farmyard equipment and festival grounds. Refreshed text, images, colors and fonts enhance navigation through the history park for visitors, meet accessibility standards and present new information and photographs that more effectively tell the story of Lakewood's 20th century.

Located at 801 S. Yarrow St., Heritage Lakewood serves as a history park, museum and festival experience that celebrates the local community. It is home to 15 historic buildings, more than 40,000 artifacts, rotating and

permanent exhibits, a festival area and an outdoor amphitheater. The Visitor Center and Museum Store are open for free Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the grounds are open daily.

To view online, visit:

• Colfax Hub: lkwd.co/TheColfaxHub

Agricultural Hub: lkwd.co/TheAgriculturalHub

• Belmar Hub: lkwd.co/TheBelmarHub

Council Corner

As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we made together in 2025 and share enthusiasm for the work we have ahead of us in 2026. While 2025 was challenging in multiple ways, our city continues to thrive because of the dedication of our community, the leadership of our City Council, and the hard work of our employees who embody the spirit of service every day.

Locally, 2025 was a year of collaboration and innovation. From

infrastructure improvements to community programs, we worked hard to ensure that Lakewood remains a vibrant, welcoming city for all. One of the most pressing issues we tackled was housing affordability, a challenge that continues to affect residents and families of all ages across our community.

Your voices matter, and the city’s 2025 Community Survey gave us invaluable insight into what you care about most (see survey at LakewoodCO.gov/ CommunitySurvey). Housing affordability was a top concern, along with public safety, sustainability, and maintaining the quality of life that makes Lakewood unique. We hear you, and we are committed to continuing to work on turning these priorities into action as we head into the City Council’s 2026 priority-setting conversations.

Moving forward into 2026, City Council is focused on continuing to find strategies to ease housing costs. These include exploring innovative solutions, expanding affordable housing programs, and partnering with local

organizations to create pathways for homeownership. We know that housing stability is foundational to a thriving community, and we will keep working to ensure Lakewood remains accessible to all who call it home.

Beyond housing, we are excited to advance initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods, improve public safety, and protect our natural environment. Sustainability remains a core value, and we will continue investing in green spaces, renewable energy projects, and programs that reduce our carbon footprint.

Public safety will also remain a priority. We are committed to supporting our first responders and creating solutions to help our residents, community partners, and businesses feel safe and supported. Through community engagement and proactive measures, we aim to continue to build trust and foster collaboration between residents and law enforcement.

None of this progress would be possible without you, the residents who make Lakewood such a dynamic and caring

community. Your needs and feedback drive everything we do.

As we move forward into 2026, let’s continue working together to find innovative solutions to the needs in our community. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to making Lakewood the best it can be.

In closing, with heartfelt gratitude, I’d like to recognize our city employees mentioned in our recent “Heart of Service –Housing Success” story (see story on page 1). Their dedication and compassion remind us that behind every policy and program, there are people committed to making a difference. The team members profiled here worked tirelessly to help residents navigate complex challenges and ultimately find stable housing. Their efforts exemplify what makes Lakewood special: a community that cares deeply for one another.

Here’s to a year of partnership, progress, and possibility.

Wendi Strom 303-987-7040 wstrom@lakewood.org

As we begin to doubt our newly hung calendars that depict images of January snow to shovel from our driveways, we still have the promise of the new year and the endless opportunities for our city.

We have a lot to be thankful for in Lakewood. The city’s 2025 Community Survey (Lakewood CO.gov/CommunitySurvey) tells us what most of us already know: We have an abundance of parks, easy access to the mountains, and an enviable quality of life. Yet, it also highlights that we share problems of homelessness and housing affordability that challenge so many other communities.

The challenge is significant, but it is also a call to action. We are listening.

We will not find simple answers scribbled on social media any more than we will find a magic wand. Our challenges are complex and interconnected. Housing costs don’t exist in isolation from homelessness, and infrastructure needs to connect us. When we treat these problems separately or simply hope that they will go away, we chase unintended consequences. However, when we recognize them as just some of the parts of a complex ecosystem with each part depending on the other, we can craft solutions that strengthen rather than undermine.

Take housing as an example.

The Community Survey identified that 61 percent of residents find housing costs concerning. Adding the missing middle housing offers a middle path because it provides housing options without the density of large apartment complexes, creates opportunities for multigenerational living, and potentially eases pressure on our most vulnerable neighbors at risk of becoming homeless. It can do so without sprawl while minimizing the need for new infrastructure and preserving our open space.

Here in Ward 4, we have embraced an integrative approach to Hayden Park, which has been loved to death with increased use. When asked about the park’s future, you, the residents, have sought a balance between recreation and preservation and between access and protection. You recognize that concerns about crowding and the love of the park’s wild character are not contradictory; they are complementary goals requiring thoughtful management. We want improvements, but not at the expense of what makes the park special.

We need more of that wisdom applied citywide. The 73 percent of you who rate Lakewood’s

quality of life as good or excellent on the Community Survey are not ignoring our challenges. Instead, you are telling us that we have something worth protecting and improving. But protecting and improving Lakewood will require honest conversations that acknowledge that addressing homelessness means creating pathways to stable housing; that managing growth means making choices about where and how we develop; and that maintaining our roads and sidewalks requires sustainable funding.

With your help, we are ready for the challenge. We need your engagement and ideas to discover those nuanced and integrative approaches to create a more vibrant, resilient, and equitable Lakewood for all of us.

The future isn’t something that happens to us; it is something we build together. We enter the year with hope, but we need to work together as we turn each page of the calendar to make hope a reality. Still, we might also hope for a little snow....

David Rein

303-987-7766

drein@lakewood.org

Bill Furman

303-987-7748

bfurman@lakewood.org

Economic Development

Legacy businesses that have shaped Lakewood

Lakewood’s identity has been built over decades by businesses that have not only endured but evolved alongside the community they serve. From brickmakers and builders to restaurants, printers, engineers, and family-owned shops, these legacy businesses represent the entrepreneurial spirit and enduring heritage that continue to define Lakewood’s local economy.

Summit Brick (est. 1902)/ Lakewood Brick (est. 1919)

Summit Brick has played a foundational role in shaping Lakewood’s early built environment. For more than a century, the business has supplied brick for homes, schools, and commercial buildings across the region. Today, the company continues its legacy by producing innovative, carbon-neutral bricks, reflecting both Lakewood’s past and its commitment to a more sustainable future.

Veldkamp’s Flowers (est. 1959)

Family-owned and operated for more than six decades, Veldkamp’s Flowers has helped Lakewood residents celebrate life’s milestones from weddings and anniversaries to holidays and remembrances. Its continued success is rooted in personalized service and deep community connections.

Raven Print & Marketing (est. 1974)

Raven Print & Marketing is a locally rooted business that has supported Lakewood organizations and entrepreneurs for decades by providing reliable printing, design, and marketing services. Through evolving

technology and changing communication needs, the company has remained a trusted partner for helping businesses connect with their audiences and grow.

Sunrise Sunset (est. 1984)

A familiar neighborhood business for decades, Sunrise Sunset has remained a community breakfast and brunch gathering place and local favorite, demonstrating how small businesses help foster connection and continuity within Lakewood.

Moose Hill Cantina & Catering (est. 1984)

This Mexican food restaurant has been a staple for casual dining and community gatherings. Its longevity reflects the value of consistency, approachability, and neighborhood loyalty. After years of working at the restaurant, a longtime employee stepped into ownership in 2012, preserving the cantina’s welcoming spirit while honoring the culture and community that have made it a local favorite for decades.

Front Range Lumber (est. 1965)

A longtime resource for builders, contractors, and homeowners, Front Range Lumber has supported construction and renovation projects throughout Lakewood for generations. Its longevity highlights the importance of locally rooted suppliers in supporting reinvestment.

Taco House (est. 1958)

Holiday Bowling & Billiards (est. 1950s)

For more than six decades, Holiday Bowling & Billiards, family-owned and operated, has provided recreation and entertainment. From league play to family outings, it has remained a place where residents come together across generations for some friendly competition.

Magill’s World of Ice Cream (est. 1981)

A Lakewood tradition for more than 44 years, Magill’s World of Ice Cream is synonymous with nostalgia and community. Families have made it a tradition for celebrations, summer evenings, and everyday treats. Per Magill’s website, its goal is to “craft exceptional, homemade ice cream of the highest quality, while delivering incredible customer service to serve our community and bring families together to create lasting memories.”

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

Designer Kim Ward LakewoodCO.gov

Taco House has been a part of the Lakewood community for generations, with roots dating back to a broader Colorado family tradition that began in 1958. From its original Lakewood location at West Colfax Avenue and Quail Street to later spots at Villa Italia Mall; West Florida Avenue and Kipling Street; West Sixth Avenue and Simms Street; and today’s home on Wadsworth Boulevard, Taco House has remained known for serving affordable, TexMex–style food that generations of residents have grown up with and continue to enjoy.

Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner (est. 1957)

Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner is a Lakewood landmark that has been serving classic American diner fare along West Colfax Avenue for nearly seven decades. Known for its iconic neon cowboy sign and no-frills, welcoming atmosphere, the diner has become a beloved gathering place for generations of residents and a lasting symbol of Lakewood’s roadside history.

Muller Engineering Company (incorporated in 1980)

Muller Engineering Co., always headquartered in Lakewood and now located in Belmar, has decades of experience delivering civil engineering, planning, and infrastructure solutions for communities across the region. The firm’s longevity reflects Lakewood’s growing role as a center for professional and technical services.

Together, these legacy businesses tell the story of Lakewood’s growth, resilience, and community spirit. Their ability to adapt while staying rooted locally has helped shape the city’s character and continues to strengthen Lakewood’s economy today.

Economic Development Team 303-987-7730

ED@lakewood.org

Lakewood launches first on-site solar installation

Lakewood cut the ribbon on its first on-site solar installation on a city facility in January, providing enough renewable energy to offset 100 percent of the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center’s electricity use.

The solar installation is a 494 kW system that includes rooftop and parking canopy panels. This system will lower the city’s operating costs, reduce environmental impacts and support the center’s patrons.

“Making our facilities sustainable and resilient has been a priority for the city, and this new solar project is an important step,” said Principal Sustainability Planner Jeff Wong. “The installation is also on a facility that serves an essential role in the quality of life for our residents.”

Community benefits:

More renewable energy: 700,000 kWh of solar electricity is generated each year,

equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 86 homes.

Lower operating costs: $2.5 million net savings over 25 years.

• Reduced environmental impact: Over 3 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions avoided during the system’s lifespan, which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 1,500 acres of forests in one year.

• Vehicle protection: Parking canopy structures provide increased shade and protection from hail and snow for patron’s vehicles.

In 2022, the city completed a solar feasibility study, which identified Whitlock as a priority location to install on-site solar power. The city’s Comprehensive Plan includes goals to increase renewable energy use at municipal facilities, and this project will increase the city’s existing

renewable energy portfolio, which includes 1,289 kW of off-site solar energy. It will also help the city reach the plan’s goal to attain net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The project was funded through a $931,700 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, a 30 percent federal tax credit and funds that the city designates for infrastructure improvements. The state grant and federal tax credit offset most of the project cost, making the installation a strong financial investment for Lakewood.

The project serves as one piece in a larger citywide effort to build a more sustainable community by modernizing buildings, improving energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources. It also serves as a model for other Front Range municipalities with similar building portfolios, population sizes and energy goals, particularly for communities within Xcel Energy territory seeking to reduce carbon emissions and expand renewable energy use.

A time-lapse video of the parking lot canopy panels’ installation is at lkwd.co/SolarInstallation

HIGHLIGHTS

800,000

impact.

Lakewood launches Zero Waste School Program

In a groundbreaking partnership with Jeffco Public Schools, Lakewood’s Sustainability, Climate & Zero Waste Division has launched the first Zero Waste School Program in the city with Rose Stein International Elementary School. The program teaches school staff and students how to separate their leftover lunch items into the proper receptables for recycling and composting as part of an all-out effort to send zero lunch waste to the landfill.

After months of planning and training, Rose Stein students and staff kicked off the program in September, and the results were immediate. In just one week, the school composted more than 1,000 pounds of food waste and slashed cafeteria trash from six bags a day to just one. With help from Colorado-based nonprofit Eco-Cycle, the school joined the ranks of 74 Green Star Schools across the Front Range. Even more importantly, every year going

forward, the waste reduction education will be part of the curriculum, breaking down composting and recycling for kids through the partnership with Eco-Cycle.

"Our vision is to bring this program to every major school in Lakewood and evolve it to include more community members along the way,” said Em J Jackson, Lakewood’s zero waste and circularity planner. "Integrating zero waste foundations into early education helps students form habits they take home with them, share with their families and bring to their next school, so the impact will be both immediate and long term."

The program will expand to one new school each academic year, with elementary schools prioritized followed by middle schools. The school will be selected to participate each year by Jeffco Public Schools leadership in conjunction with the City of Lakewood. Schools

can self-nominate to join the program and will be selected based on readiness and potential for success.

The program is funded by Colorado’s mandated bag fees, which are to be dedicated to waste diversion programs.

One school at a time, Lakewood is growing a greener future, starting with our youngest changemakers.

Lakewood launches Food Scrap Drop-Off Program

For $5 a month you can help rebuild the Earth with the launch of the city’s first-ever residential composting Food Scrap Drop-Off Program. Through a new partnership with Compost Colorado (CoCo), which uses economies of scale to attain the inexpensive price, Lakewood residents can now drop off food scraps at convenient sites across the city to create valuable and enriching compost.

To help residents get started, Lakewood is hosting a series of free community workshops in February where participants can learn how the program works, what items are accepted, and how to manage the free kitchen compost caddy they’ll receive to begin collecting food scraps at home.

How the program works

Residents sign up through CoCo to receive a personal access code that unlocks any CoCo food scrap drop-off cart. CoCo services and cleans the carts regularly, and the food scraps are composted locally. In the spring, subscribers can receive finished compost for their yards and gardens, completing the compost loop. This process treats food scraps as a valuable resource in a circular system rather than as waste.

Convenient drop-off sites

Lakewood opened five new drop sites on

city property — one in each ward — and CoCo already operates four additional locations in Lakewood, bringing the total number of available drop-offs in Lakewood to nine. See map for locations.

Why compost

Composting is nature’s way of recycling organic material. Composting food scraps keeps organics out of landfills where they would otherwise generate methane — a powerful greenhouse gas. Compost also improves soil health, helps retain soil moisture and supports more drought-resilient landscapes. This dropoff program is for food scraps only. Yard waste such as grass clippings and branches are not accepted. Lakewood offers separate resources for composting yard waste.

What's accepted

• Food/meat

• Food soiled paper

• BPI/CMA certified compostable items

• Plants Who can participate

All Lakewood households are eligible to participate at the discounted $5 a month rate, including current Lakewood CoCo subscribers. Nonresidents may also subscribe through CoCo

for the standard $19 rate. Reduced-cost or free options are available for residents with financial or mobility challenges.

With this program, Lakewood is making it easier and more affordable for residents to reduce waste, support local soil health and take meaningful action on climate — one kitchen scrap at a time.

Learn more about the program and sign up for a free workshop at LakewoodCO.gov/compost

ARTS & HISTORY

Experience the LCCP spring season

Feb. 14 – April 25

Purchase tickets now for the Lakewood Cultural Center Presents spring season of extraordinary performances, featuring seven spectacular shows between February and April! Enjoy the genre-defying R&B of Kings Return or the multimedia sensation, The Langston Hughes Project, both in February.

LakewoodCO.gov/LCCPresents

Explore gallery exhibitions

Now through June 6

LCC galleries feature work by the Colorado Watercolor Society and “Words Matter,” an exhibition paired with The Langston Hughes Project. At the Heritage Lakewood Visitor Center, tour “Who Lives Here,” which explores the lives of past residents of Lakewood.

LakewoodCO.gov/Exhibitions

PARKS

Experience Bear Creek Lake Park

2026 Bear Creek Lake Park annual passes are available now and offer access to the park all year for just $80. Plus, campground reservations are open to book a campsite, cabin, yurt or group site for a staycation close to home! LakewoodCO.gov/BCLP

Book 2026 event reservations

Looking for a place to host your next event or party? Lakewood offers indoor and outdoor event spaces including park shelters, pools, wedding venues and more.

LakewoodCO.gov/Rentals

Buy a tree

To support the expansion of our tree canopy, Lakewood offers discounted trees for residents. Purchase your trees online for just $25 on March 2.

LakewoodCO.gov/TreeSale

Don’t forget to water your trees now

Trees most at risk from dry winter conditions: recently planted trees.

• evergreens like pines, spruce and white fir.

• shallow-rooted deciduous tree species.

RECREATION

Reset your routine

Try something new in 2026 to prevent workout burnout and find your fitness groove! Lakewood Recreation offers classes to make your journey fun, sustainable and effective. Try Cycle, Rebel Strength, WERQ, Yoga Stretch or Zumba classes!

LakewoodCO.gov/Register

Join the fitness challenge

Pick up a challenge card at any Lakewood recreation center and complete 12 classes for a chance to win a $50 recreation gift card valid toward future class registration fees and other prizes. Ask at any recreation center! LakewoodCO.gov/FitnessChallenge

Register for Summer Camps

Lakewood Summer Camp registration opens Feb. 17 for residents and Feb. 19 for nonresidents. Sign up to explore the outdoors, dream about art projects and discover new skills! Apply for financial assistance at LakewoodCO.gov/PossibilitiesFund LakewoodCO.gov/Camps

Apply for Youth Programs Grants

Lakewood's Youth Programs Grant applications will be accepted March 1 through April 1. Grants offer up to $50,000 for qualifying youth programs that make a positive impact on children in Lakewood.

LakewoodCO.gov/YouthGrants

Save the dates

Mark your calendars for the return of Lakewood’s signature events.

June 6 ........... FREE Rockin’ Block Party June 17 Sounds Exciting! Concerts begin July 3 ............... FREE Big Belmar Bash Oct. 3 & 4 Cider Days

1. A. The city has 27 snowplows for plowing 285 miles of city-owned roadways.

2. C. Snowplows crews operate on a 24-hour schedule during storms and often start work before storms begin to prep roadways with liquid anti-icing material under certain conditions.

3. B. The city first plows arterials and collector streets such as Union and Bear Creek boulevards and West Alameda and West Jewell avenues, which are known as Priority 1 routes. This allows higher traffic volumes to flow and provides access to emergency vehicles. When crews complete Priority 1 routes, they begin plowing Priority 2 and 3 routes. To see a map of the snowplowing priority routes, visit LakewoodCO.gov/ SnowPlan

4. D. The Colorado Department of Transportation is responsible for plowing West Sixth Avenue, West Colfax Avenue, Morrison Road, U.S. Highway 285/Hampden Avenue, Kipling Parkway, Wadsworth and Sheridan boulevards, Interstate 70 and C-470. To report unsafe driving conditions or unplowed state highways, please use CDOT’s website, Codot.gov/topcontent/contact-cdot

5. B. Lakewood has about 204 miles of residential streets that are not part of the priority routes, and these streets are plowed only when snow depths are seriously impeding vehicle mobility and melting is not expected to occur quickly. Plowing residential streets costs the city an additional minimum of $80,000 for each snowstorm, and the city considers the conditions and weather

forecast before deciding whether to plow residential streets.

6. A. There are 160 miles of Priority 1 streets, and plows will remain on Priority 1 routes until snow accumulation has slowed, streets have been cleared as much as possible and deicing material has been applied where necessary.

7. C. Priority 2 and 3 streets are minor collector streets, hilly areas and school and shopping areas. Plows don’t begin plowing these streets until the Priority 1 routes are finished and remain in drivable conditions. In some severe storms, snowplows have to leave plowing Priority 2 and 3 streets to return to plow, sand and keep Priority 1 routes passable.

8. B. Lakewood requires sidewalks and business driveways to be cleared within 24 hours after the end of a storm.

2025 COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

A majority say they are getting their money's worth from local taxes they pay.

88% rate the overall sense of community favorably in Lakewood.

73% visit local restaurants for entertainment.

73% rate Lakewood’s quality of life as excellent or good. Parks and open space are the most valued and appreciated service.

6 in 10 are concerned about finding an affordable place to live in Lakewood for themselves or a family member.

8 in 10 said the city delivers services to its residents in an equitable way.

Addressing homelessness and crime prevention are the most important issues.

Know Your City Council Members

Wendi Strom Mayor

303-987-7040 wstrom@lakewood.org

Roger Low Ward 3

303-987-7743 rlow@lakewood.org

Jeslin Shahrezaei Ward 1

303-987-7728 jshahrezaei@lakewood.org

Ken Cruz

303-987-7740 kcruz@lakewood.org

Lakewood has officially launched its newly redesigned website at LakewoodCO.gov, delivering a more secure, modern and userfriendly digital experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

Serving as the city’s digital front door, Lakewood’s website receives more than 10 million touchpoints each year and is one of the primary ways the community accesses city information, services and resources. The redesigned site reflects the city’s commitment to making that experience easier, clearer and more trustworthy.

The new website features a refreshed look, improved navigation and clearer pathways to city services and information. Whether users are paying a utility bill, finding city news, registering for a program or learning about city services, the updated site makes it easier to get where they need to go.

As part of the launch, the city is transitioning to a .gov domain, which is reserved exclusively for verified government entities. Anyone attempting to access Lakewood.org, the city’s previous web address, will be automatically redirected to the new website at LakewoodCO.gov

Strengthening security and trust with a .gov domain

Moving to a .gov domain enhances cybersecurity, helps protect the public from phishing and impersonation attempts, and clearly signals that residents are accessing official City of Lakewood information.

“This change reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of security for our digital services and providing resources that best serve the needs of our community,” said Lakewood’s Chief Information Officer Alina Walters.

Glenda Sinks Ward 1

303-987-7729 gsinks@lakewood.org

Isabel

303-987-7739 icruz@lakewood.org Liz

Informed by data, research and resident input

The redesigned website was informed by a comprehensive information architecture study, website analytics and direct feedback from residents and city employees. Throughout 2025, the city conducted a user survey to better understand how people navigate the website, what information they are looking for and where they encounter challenges.

Those insights guided a more searchforward design, recognizing that many visitors begin their experience by searching for specific services or answers rather than browsing menus. The new site prioritizes search functionality and clearer content organization, making it faster and more intuitive to find information.

The result is a website that is more intuitive, visually consistent and better aligned with how the community actually uses Lakewood’s online services.

Improving access, transparency and usability

The new website reflects Lakewood’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency and effective communication. Best practices to serve accessibility needs for those with visual or other challenges were incorporated throughout the redesign to ensure the site is usable for residents of all abilities and compliant with digital accessibility standards.

Residents are encouraged to explore the new website at LakewoodCO.gov and share feedback as the city continues to enhance the community’s digital experience.