Westminster councilors seek clearer direction on 2026 homelessness funding, ask staff for partnership report

Westminster City Council members said they want a clearer, shared strategy before committing new 2026 budget dollars to homelessness-related programs or partnerships.

Councilors said discussions during previous budget work left the council without a single, unified direction on how to prioritize limited funds. A council member argued the council needs “more consolidated direction” and asked staff to lay out options so members could pick shared priorities for the 2026 budget rather than making isolated decisions on individual ordinance or program requests.

Why it matters: Councilors noted the city previously used one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for homelessness efforts and that the loss of those one-time funds creates a budget gap for ongoing programs. Several councilors said that, before deciding whether to dedicate recurring funds in 2026, they need information on what neighboring jurisdictions and potential partners — including Arvada and the counties — are planning and whether Westminster should align its spending with those plans.

City Manager J. Andrews and staff told the council that staff will provide updates and background for that conversation. Acting Director Atselberger and Police Chief Haubert were in the room and available to respond during upcoming briefings, and staff noted a Westminster budget town hall is scheduled for April 3 and a May budget workshop is on the calendar. Those sessions will inform the council’s decision-making, staff said.

Discussion highlights and context: Councilors repeatedly asked staff to report whether the surrounding counties have operational plans or funding commitments the city should consider when deciding whether to invest its own dollars or seek partnership arrangements. One councilor referenced Arvada’s approach as an example of a city acting independently when counties are not engaged.

Several councilors pressed that any proposal that would direct recurring 2026 dollars should be accompanied by a clear explanation of tradeoffs, noting that prior ARPA allocations had been one-time and the city still faces shortfalls for other services (for example, public safety staffing and fire department needs were mentioned as competing priorities).

Next steps: Councilors asked staff to compile information on county and municipal plans, likely partnership options and funding scenarios, and to return with options the council could discuss at the April town hall and the May budget workshop. Staff also confirmed follow-up meetings and briefings will be scheduled as needed.

Taper: The council did not take a formal vote on funding at the March 24 session. Instead members directed staff to assemble information and present options so the body can weigh priorities before adopting any 2026 budget decisions.