Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado
Resident generated news about Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood officials often describe the negative impacts of their policies as unintended consequences. But recent examples show something far more troubling: the deliberate use of government processes to build support for residents and businesses to accept favored policy outcomes.
From Save Belmar Park, Inc and People Before Profits On Monday January 26, Lakewood City Council will again vote on a controversial new zoning scheme enacted by a council majority that was led by dark-money, developer-funded Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. This vote—triggered by four historic citizen referendum petitions—will determine whether the Council repeals its radical zoning rewrite or sends it to Lakewood voters for a citywide vote.
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.
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.
"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
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.
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