Broomfield mayor outlines 2025 priorities, cites bond upgrades and steady population growth

Mayor Gaylene Castriada presented the 2025 Broomfield State of the City and County at a community event, outlining economic and community priorities including population and demographic trends, recent bond‑rating upgrades, and programs to support housing, sustainability and public safety.

The mayor said Broomfield’s population is growing at just over 1% annually and the community is approaching about 78,000 residents. She highlighted a shift toward science and technology employers and noted Broomfield met a target of 1.3 jobs per household through recent business growth.

Castriada said Broomfield has strengthened its fiscal position over the past five years by increasing reserves, balancing commercial and residential development and reducing debt. “This is our third bond rating upgrade over the past year,” she said, adding the city’s bond finance adviser expects the rating to move to “a double A plus” for future sales and use tax revenue bonds. She said the improved rating will lower borrowing costs for planned capital projects, including a new police building.

The mayor reviewed community goals and programs: workforce and demographic planning for an aging population (the 65+ cohort is projected to double by 2040), housing supports that served more than 1,300 households in 2024, a partial property tax refund program that helped more than 850 households, and two newly approved income‑aligned housing developments that will add 193 affordable units. She also cited the recently launched down payment assistance program, which closed the year with two first‑time homeowners and four more expected in early 2025.

On sustainability, Castriada said the council approved a residential waste services program this fall with service set to begin in late March; she also highlighted a residential solar co‑op, a new landscape ordinance effective Jan. 1 and water conservation efforts that staff estimate save more than 6,000,000 gallons annually. “We are seeking initiatives and programs to reduce our carbon footprint,” she said.

The mayor closed by warning of fiscal uncertainty at higher levels of government: staff are monitoring a reported $1.3 billion state deficit and potential federal impacts, and she noted some school districts face declining enrollment with possible cuts; she cited a potential $13,000,000 cut for Adams 12 if reductions materialize. “We must move forward with determination, kindness, and resolve,” she said.

Ending: Castriada invited residents to participate in the 2025 community survey and thanked staff and council members for their work throughout the year.