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WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL
Claire Carmelia MAYOR ccarmeli@ westminsterco.gov
Sarah Nurmela MAYOR PRO TEM snurmela@ westminsterco.gov
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westminsterco.gov
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@WestminsterParksandRecreation
@WestminsterFireDepartmentCO
@WestminsterPolice
@StandleyLakeRegionalPark
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Adam Barajas abarajas@ westminsterco.gov Obi Ezeadi oezeadi@ westminsterco.gov
@WestminsterPD
@WestyFire CALL
Amber Hott ahott@ westminsterco.gov
Kristine Ireland kireland@ westminsterco.gov
Jack Johnson jejohnso@ westminsterco.gov
WESTY.NEWS
Sweet Treat Tour
The Water Wi se Guide
WHAT RECORDLOW SNOWPACK MEANS FOR WESTMINSTER
The City of Westminster is taking proactive steps to safeguard our water supply. On April 15, the City enacted a Drought Watch, an early signal to conserve water due to our historically dry winter and record-low snowpack that feeds into our region’s water supply.
What is the Purpose of a Drought Watch?
A DROUGHT WATCH is designed to raise awareness and spur water conservation so we can avoid mandatory restrictions later this summer. While the Drought Watch does not trigger mandatory water restrictions, there are simple steps residents and businesses can take now to help protect our water supply and reduce the need for future restrictions. By reducing water consumption early, Westminster aims to stretch its available water supply through the high-demand summer months when lawns, parks, and outdoor spaces require the most water.
RESIDENTS CAN
HELP BY TAKING A FEW SIMPLE STEPS:
WATERING
Limit watering to no more than three days per week.
Water between 6 pm and 10 am to minimize evaporation.
IRRIGATION
Check irrigation systems for leaks or overspray.
STAY INFORMED
Follow the City for the latest drought information.
DROUGHT GARDENING TIPS FROM WESTMINSTER'S BRIGGS GREENHOUSE STAFF:
HAND WATERING
Best for trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and vegetable gardens.
IRRIGATION
For plant materials only, not hardscapes.
Use lower flow rates to avoid excess water runoff and waste.
Do not irrigate during rainfall or high wind.
PLANTING
Drought-tolerant plants are not drought tolerant until their roots are established in the soil.
What is the City Doing?
ACROSS WESTMINSTER, City facilities will follow Drought Watch protocols, reducing water use through smart landscaping, efficient irrigation systems, and innovative water reuse projects. Many parks will follow Tier 1 water restrictions to further reduce water consumption. These efforts are part of a long-term strategy to ensure that our parks, public spaces, and community facilities remain beautiful while using significantly less drinking water.
NOTABLE CITY PROJECTS
City Hall Conservation Garden
The City removed four acres of high-water-use turf at City Hall, saving an estimated 1.5 million gallons of water each year, and transforming the north lawn to improve pedestrian access and circulation. The project features 17,000 square feet of planting beds, 39 new trees, more than 90,000 square feet of native shortgrass prairie, and it will be watered entirely with reclaimed water. The project was supported by partnerships with Adams County –Colorado State University Extension (Master Gardeners), Plant Select, the Butterfly Pavilion, and Denver Botanic Gardens. Educational elements — including on-site and online plant identification — will help residents learn about water conservation and sustainable landscape practices.
Big Dry Creek Streambank Restoration at City Park
The City of Westminster partnered with the Mile High Flood District to improve Big Dry Creek’s water quality and flood management capabilities through City Park. The City worked
with a local landscape architect and the Butterfly Pavilion to create a fully native, drought-tolerant pollinator garden featuring pollinator flyways and regional grass seed mixes. Once established, the site will function as a resilient landscape of hardy vegetation well suited to the region’s fluctuating wet and dry conditions. The project will irrigate the plants in the evening to ensure successful establishment, but given the project’s acreage, the public may occasionally see large-scale watering during the day.
What about sprinklers at parks, golf courses, and other City facilities?
Opposite: Ice plants in City Hall's xeric garden are maintained using reclaimed water.
Left: Droughttolerant
Right: Planting beds at City Hall Conservation Garden have replaced high-water-use turf.
Learn more about the City’s conservation programs and watersaving tips at westminsterco. gov/drought.
One of the most important tools used at City Park, golf courses, and other parks is reclaimed water. The City uses approximately 475 million gallons of reclaimed water, which is wastewater that has been specially treated and disinfected so it can be safely reused for irrigation of parks, golf courses, and sports fields. Each gallon of reclaimed water used is another gallon that can be saved for homes and businesses.
Above
plants begin to take root along Big Dry Creek at City Park.
Neighborly Advice
For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant at 303-658-2400. Available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
With the summer season and Independence Day fast approaching, let's remember to celebrate safely, Westy! A dry winter and spring have led to drought conditions across the Front Range, making it especially important to know and understand the City's fireworks policy. Please note that current fire restrictions may also impact the policy. Check for updates at: westminsterco.gov/fireworks.
Permissible Fireworks
Permissible fireworks are non-explosive pyrotechnics that are not intended to leave the ground or create a loud noise.
Permissible fireworks are allowed between midnight July 3 and noon July 5, subject to current fire restrictions.
noise makers
Illegal Fireworks
Fireworks that explode, emit a loud bang, leave the ground due to an explosive charge, or fly through the air self-propelled are always illegal within the City of Westminster, and the state of Colorado.
Emergency services for fires or injuries
911 Fireworks questions and information
303-658-4500
Toy cannons
Toy cones
Toy pistols
Blank cartridges
Firecrackers
Torpedoes
Report active illegal fireworks use or possession of fireworks
303-658-4360
Paletería A Mexican-style ice cream and popsicle shop, named after the Spanish word paleta, meaning “popsicle.” These shops specialize in vibrant, fruit-forward ice pops, dairy and vegan ice creams, and often a whole menu of fun, inventive savory snacks. These are great places to check out if you are dairyor glutenfree, as many items are made with coconut milk or fruit juice.
Used to refer to ice cream primarily in Mexico. Neverías and paleterías are often used interchangeably, and many shops offer both traditional ice cream and the colorful paletas they’re famous for.
Nev�ría Meaning “ice cream shop” in Spanish (from nieve, which translates to “snow”).
Raspado Shaved
Helado
Niev�
Paleta Popsicle,
Celebrations in the Centennial State
2026
2026 IS THE YEAR OF MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS for our city, state, and country! With the United States honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and the state of Colorado recognizing 150 years as a state, there’s already several reasons to dust off the camp chairs and share warm summer nights with loved ones, sweet treats, and celebration.
Here in Westminster, we’re celebrating the 115th anniversary of becoming a city. It was back on April 4, 1911, that residents of Harris Village voted to incorporate under the new name of Westminster. To commemorate all three of these milestone anniversaries, the City has partnered with the Westminster Historic Landmark Board and Westminster Historical Society to showcase how Westminster has grown over the years.
Part of this combined effort includes the creation of a grant-funded educational coloring book and other celebratory swag items, which will be available at milestone celebration events. The free coloring book and materials highlight the City’s eighteen local historic landmarks, and five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Find swag at milestone celebration events marked with this symbol.
Many of these landmarks can be visited this summer during three unique history tours led by the Westminster Historic Landmark Board and Westminster Historical Society. Each tour will coincide with a country, state, or city milestone year (1776, 1876, and 1911) and illustrate a crucial phase of Westminster’s growth. By engaging with historic sites, local experts, and hands-on experiences, residents can discover how the area has evolved across centuries, shaped by land, livelihoods, and bold civic choices.
“Westminster's history is part of our heritage, forming a legacy we can pass on to others,” said Linda Graybeal, President of Westminster Historical Society. This summer, Graybeal will be a guide for some of the history tours that have grown in popularity over the years and sell out quickly. She urges interested residents to purchase tickets early. For more details on history tours and to purchase tickets, please visit: westminsterco.gov/specialevents.
The celebrations continue even into this fall. Westminster has partnered with the Colorado 250/150 Commission to bring something special to Westy Fest on October 17 at City Park. Keep your eyes peeled on the night sky where a customized Stories in the Sky drone show will conclude our milestone celebrations!
Above: Rows of apple trees at Westminster's Madison Orchards, 1930. Photo courtesy of Westminster Historical Society.
Below: Hot air balloons light up the sky at Westy Fest, 2025.
Events
Explore our full events calendar at westminsterco.gov/events.
WESTMINSTER HISTORY TOURS
Tickets are required for Westminster History Tours. Visit westminsterco.gov/ specialevents to purchase.
(1776) Land Leads the Way West
Saturday, June 13
9 am to noon
Meet at City Hall 4800 W 92nd Ave
(1876) The Prairie Potluck
Saturday, August 8
9 am to noon
Meet at Westminster History Center
7200 Lowell Blvd
(1911) Becoming Westminster
Saturday, September 12
9 am to noon
Meet at Westminster History Center 7200 Lowell Blvd
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Presented by Intermountain Health, with support from Central Bank and Yogurt Brothers.
The SpongeBob Movie
Friday, June 26
7 pm
Westminster High School
6933 N Raleigh St
Bad Guys 2
Friday, July 17
7 pm
Amherst Park 13085 N Pecos St
GOAT
Friday, August 14 7 pm
Legacy Ridge Golf Course 10801 Legacy Ridge Pkwy
SPECIAL EVENTS
Adult Pride Night (18+)
Thursday, June 18
6 to 9 pm
Butterfly Pavilion 6252 W 104th Ave
Top Taco
Thursday, June 25
6 to 10 pm
Downtown Westminster 5750 W Central Ave
Uncle Sam Splash Bash
Saturday, July 4
1 to 3 pm
Countryside Outdoor Pool 10470 Oak St
Presented by Intermountain Health with support from LeafFilter, NMAA, and SCFD.
Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4
4 to 10 pm
Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd
Fireworks display, food, beer, and live music.
Craft Brew Fest (21+, Ticket Required)
Saturday, July 25
5 to 9 pm
Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd
Presented by GS Exterior Experts, sponsored by Tap and Burger Westminster and supported by Meritrust Credit Union and Total Beverage.
WESTMINSTER BEGINS FIRST
3H-Funded Neighborhood Improvements
WWESTMINSTER RESIDENTS are beginning to see the impact of their vote on Ballot Measure 3H, which raised sales tax in 2026 by a modest 0.4 percent to fund emergency services and repave neighborhood streets. The City launched its first neighborhood repaving project of the year this May, funded by the new Paramedics and Pavement initiative.
The repaving of the Appleblossom neighborhood off 80th Avenue and Lowell Boulevard in Historic Westminster officially kicked off the 2026 paving season and marked a significant milestone in the City’s commitment to investing directly in neighborhood infrastructure.
Supported by $2 million that is dedicated annually from the Paramedics and Pavement Fund, the Appleblossom roadway improvements focus on increasing safety, enhancing ADA accessibility, and addressing aging pavement conditions. This neighborhood is the first, but not the last, to benefit from the voter-approved funding designed to repave residential streets and strengthen emergency response across Westminster.
“Westminster voters asked for faster emergency response and better neighborhood streets — and we are delivering,” said Mayor Claire Carmelia. “By dedicating these funds exactly as promised and reporting on them transparently, we are honoring our commitment to open, responsive government. Residents in Appleblossom can now see and feel the benefits of the Paramedic and Pavement sales tax.”
See 3H Paramedics and Pavement funds in action.
PARAMEDICS AND PAVEMENT BY THE NUMBERS
$14 MILLION
In addition to improving roadways, the Paramedics and Pavement Fund is accelerating investments in emergency response. The City recently secured land near the Orchard Town Center for a northside fire station. In the coming years, the City will also build another fire station in central Westminster and hire more than 30 additional emergency personnel to staff both stations. Together, these steps aim to reduce response times and better serve a growing community.
“This is a city in action,” said City Manager Jody Andrews. “Westminster is turning long-delayed plans into real benefits for our community. Thanks to the support of voters, we are delivering safer streets, modern infrastructure, and measurable improvements residents can see happening in their neighborhoods.”
Looking ahead, Westminster has committed its 2027 paving investment to the Amherst neighborhood in north Westminster. This ongoing, neighborhood-byneighborhood approach reflects the voter-directed intent of Ballot Measure 3H: delivering improvements that residents can see and feel in their daily lives.
Learn more about how 3H Paramedics and Pavement funds are being invested by visiting westminsterco.gov/transparency.
Estimated annual funding approved by voters through Ballot Measure 3H
$2 MILLION PER YEAR
Dedicated to neighborhood street repaving
> 30
New emergency personnel
2 NEW FIRE STATIONS
For north and central Westminster to improve response times
Our Strategic Plan
AT A GLANCE
Dear Westminster Community,
On behalf of City Council, we are proud to introduce Westminster’s Strategic Plan — a shared vision for the future of our city rooted in transparency, accountability, and a commitment to serving every member of our community.
This plan reflects what we value most: safe and connected neighborhoods, reliable city services, a resilient environment, and a community where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive. The City recognizes the real challenges many families face today, and we are prioritizing efforts to improve affordability, housing stability, access to services, and economic opportunity.
As your elected leaders, we are committed to making decisions responsibly, listening to community voices, and investing in Westminster’s future without losing sight of the needs of today. From maintaining infrastructure and enhancing public safety to supporting local businesses and strengthening community connections, this plan will guide our work in the years ahead.
Most importantly, this Strategic Plan is a promise to continue building a Westminster that provides high quality services, responds to evolving community needs, and fosters resilience to promote a safe and thriving community.
We look forward to working alongside our residents, businesses, and community partners to bring this vision to life.
Sincerely,
Westminster City Council
MISSION
The City of Westminster provides high quality services, responds to evolving community needs, and fosters resilience to promote a safe and thriving community.
VISION
Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, wellmaintained, connected, and vibrant places, with a diverse economy, resilient environment, and an inclusive and affordable community.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP
Enhance and sustain our relationships with neighboring governments and community-based partners, leveraging our collective resources for maximum impact and benefit to Westminster.
STEWARDSHIP AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibly manage all of the resources entrusted to our care to support the City’s financial well-being, workforce stability, and meet the needs of today without sacrificing the ability to meet the needs of the future.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Engage meaningfully, transparently, and responsibly with the community to provide for all people to be heard and included in decision-making and thereby building trust and confidence with the community.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Achieve equitable outcomes for the people of Westminster by providing opportunity for all voices to be heard and drawing upon community diversity in decision-making.
INNOVATE AND INITIATE
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and approach opportunities and challenges with drive, inventive thinking, and resourcefulness, resulting in a resilient and sustainable future for our City.
PREVENTION AND PROACTIVITY
Solve problems at their source and focus the City’s policies, practices, and investments on prevention, community education, and addressing root causes, leading to a better quality of life and greater prosperity for all in our community.
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY
Act and operate in an environmentally responsible manner and lead by modeling best practices and incorporating sustainability in every aspect of our work.
ORGANIZATIONAL VITALITY
Develop and sustain an environment where employees and the organization are equipped and supported to deliver outstanding service to everyone in Westminster.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Opportunity to Thrive
Promote affordable living and stable housing, access to services, and connected neighborhoods that foster access to opportunity and prosperity.
Healthy and Safe
Invest in innovative and collaborative approaches to services that support physical and mental well-being, enhance public safety, protect the environment, and strengthen community beautification.
Resilient Infrastructure
Develop and maintain reliable infrastructure with proactive planning and investments to promote growth and deliver high-quality services.
Read the full strategic plan westminsterco.gov/ strategicplan.
Connected and Inclusive Community
Foster a sense of connection and engagement through clear communication and accessible opportunities for all Westminster community members.
Vibrant and Diverse Economy
Foster business expansion and economic variety to support and enhance amenities, destinations, and community spaces, reinforcing a strong and adaptable economy.
