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Committee reports: inclusionary zoning work continues; economic development hiring, Head Start transition, and regional planning updates
Summary
Committee reports covered continued work on inclusionary zoning at the Housing Policy Commission, regional economic development planning with DRCOG participation, a pending Head Start transfer to Jefferson County, and near‑final candidates for the economic development director.
Committee chairs and councilors gave brief reports on several ongoing items: the Housing Policy Commission’s inclusionary zoning work, regional economic development planning, Head Start transition, and local economic development staffing.
Housing Policy Commission: Chair Matt Guerrero said the HPC paused a meeting to give consultants more time to prepare example inclusionary zoning ordinances and that June recordings and materials are available online. The HPC is focusing on IZ options, percentages, and potential fee-in-lieu mechanisms and is preparing public engagement steps when proposals become concrete.
Regional planning and economic development: Mayor Pro Tem Sharad Bai reported that the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) will convene a committee on a comprehensive economic development strategy; Lakewood will play a leadership role. Council members also raised expanding urban renewal work (for example, Sheridan corridor) and working with regional partners such as the West Metro Chamber to collect data on BIPOC- and women-owned businesses.
Head Start and social programs: Councilor Sinks updated that Jefferson County Head Start has expressed interest in taking on certain local Head Start responsibilities and that the county is moving toward a decision; Lakewood has prepared to transfer operations if approved.
Economic development staffing and small-business support: Councilors discussed a protracted hiring process for the city’s economic development director and said candidates are in the final round; councilors asked staff to ensure the incoming director will address BIPOC and women‑owned business outreach and measurable goals. Councilors suggested partnering with the West Metro Chamber and improving data collection on certified and self-identified minority‑owned businesses.
Parks and capital projects: Councilors asked that Morris Park Pool and other north‑side park amenities be considered early in the budget process and flagged capital project needs and restroom access on Colfax as priorities for staff review.
Councilors and staff agreed to transmit committee meeting recordings and materials to the council and the public and to coordinate timing for policy items that require broader engagement or may need regional coordination.
