LAKEWOOD INFORMER

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Councilor Admits Zoning is a Developer Handout

"Yes, zoning is a developer handout" on top of City Council Member Sophia Mayott-Guerrero on the podium — Trickle down housing explained: Give developers a handout and hope that some taxpayer-subsidized units unfold

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Zoning Change Links to Information

Fact Sheet: Proposed new zoning code will: * Convert existing single-family zoning to multi-family and retail *Eliminate occupancy limits CITYWIDE so every home can be used as multi-family * Change height restrictions * Reduce mininmum lot size * Eliminate parking minimums * Sacrifice home rule

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Lakewood Still Dodging Hearing on Shelter Permit

January 21, 2026/

In another example of Lakewood manipulating the rules, there appears to be no intention to get a special use permit to operate the newly renovated Navigation Center. Under 2025 zoning rules, a homeless shelter requires a special use permit. Such permit requires a public hearing. The Navigation Center “extreme weather” shelter bypassed this requirement through the “emergency” ordinance, even though there was plenty of time to anticipate winter. Winter comes every year after all. In the 2026 zoning ordinance, Lakewood removed the requirement for a special use permit.

Aguilar: City reckons with ruling, faces $42M fiscal hole

January 20, 2026/

Repost from John Aguilar, Denver Post Lakewood is about face a costly reckoning with the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights — to the tune of more than $42 million. That’s the amount the state’s fifth-largest city has calculated it owes to dozens of cell phone carriers and telecommunications companies it wrongfully taxed for years. The bill is now coming due after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled last year that the city had violated TABOR, a state constitutional amendment, by levying a business and occupation tax without first obtaining voter approval.

2026 Resolution – Get Involved

January 20, 2026/

"Many hands make light work" is true for holding government accountability. And it's easier to get involved than you might think - there are a lot of new people getting involved in Lakewood politics now. In 2026, don't pound your fists in frustration; do one little thing to contribute to the solution. Make a friend - you would be surprised at how fast you can be plugged into a whole new community and will have friends to talk to about issues that matter

Resident Voices: Keep Lakewood Special

January 18, 2026/

Guest post from Joan Poston Hello Neighbors, on January 26 there will be a meeting of the city council of Lakewood. They are having a vote about the referendum petitions that were successfully presented to the city. Now the city is faced with a choice. They can repeal all of the ordinances about zoning that they passed this past August and September. Or they can hold a special election. I have been hearing rumors that they want the special election and I have been contemplating why? Why would you choose the more expensive route using taxpayer money when you can remedy the situation for free? This seems to be a kitchen table issue. Money is tight right now for both taxpayers and city government. Why would you want a special Election costing at least $300,000? I have a couple of theories. Maybe some of the city council will use this election to raise war chest money. It is always easier to raise money when you show that you’re fighting for an issue. The real question is who are they fighting for? I believe that some members of City Council are fighting for the developers. And developers have deep pockets.

Decision Appears Made – It’s Going to Ballot

January 18, 2026/

Even though Lakewood City Council hasn't made any official decisions, it appears Council has unofficially decided they will send the zoning referendum to the ballot. Issue committees have been made and official campaigns started. Former City Councilor Sophia Mayott-Guerrero is leading the campaign against the citizens' referendum and is already collecting donations. That committee has announced the referendum is on the ballot. A special election would be scheduled for March.

Navigation Center Emergency Deal Closes

January 14, 2026/

Lakewood passed another “emergency” ordinance, December 8, 2025, once again showing an inability – or purposeful unwillingness – to properly plan for the Navigation Center. The latest “emergency” was a lease that was months in the making. Lakewood used “emergency” and non-profit non-city meetings to skirt public input. The new lease and the property sale both rely on new zoning to keep the public in the dark and do spot zoning for favored projects. No one has addressed how the Center will be affected by the potential repeal of the new zoning nor has the declining neighborhood been addressed. During the January 8 meeting, a resident publicly complained about how the Navigation Center was negatively impacting his business.

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