Crisis at the Atrium Apartments, HB25-1208 update, and Hollywood comes to Westminster
And JDLI retreat!
If you missed it, see my previous newsletter:
Agenda
Important Announcements
Crisis at Atrium Apartments in Westminster
Announcements
Quick Update:
Chaos from Washington: from reckless policies wreaking havoc on our economy to a lack of real leadership countering divisive partisan agendas—forcing cities like ours to tackle rising costs, crime, and underfunded services on our own—people are rightfully anxious, and neither party is stepping up. I’m having serious conversations about the kind of leadership this moment demands—because we need leaders who put people over politics and fight for real solutions.
New candidates: I’m proud to announce that I endorse Lori Goldstein (HD29 State Rep candidate), Manny Rutinel (CD8 candidate), Brianna Titone (State Treasurer candidate), and Nicole Hensel (JeffCo Clerk candidate). Please support them!
HB25-1208: We won! This state bill was successfully amended to preserve local wage control, protecting both workers and restaurants. It now heads to the House floor then the Senate.
Hollywood comes to Westminster:
On March 10th, our city will be part of a major film production, with Hidden Lake Secondary School and the Ranum Innovation Campus serving as key filming locations.
The feature film, “The Man Who Changed the World” tells the true story of Bud Stoecker, a Colorado inventor who revolutionized the Christmas tree. Set in 1969, it follows his fight to bring his vision to life despite financial struggles, industry resistance, and personal challenges. Inspired by futurist Buckminster Fuller, Bud’s determination and creativity helped shape a lasting holiday tradition.
With a $14.5 million budget and a significant investment in Colorado, this production is a chance to showcase Westminster on the big screen while celebrating a story of resilience and innovation.
Jefferson County Latino Retreat: Had a great time organizing with the most important County Democratic party Initiative (JDLI), as we met over the weekend to define organizational strategy for the upcoming year.
Crisis at Atrium Apartments in Westminster
Last week, I toured Atrium Apartments, where residents have been raising alarms about unlivable conditions. Normally, I wouldn’t share such personal details about living conditions, but the residents want me to share and raise awareness. What I saw was devastating:
An 80-year-old Navy veteran had sewage leaking from his ceiling. It took two months to patch it—without even opening the wall.
A single mother, who survived assault before moving in, lives in unbearable heat with her newborn who has already undergone two heart surgeries. Despite months of complaints, her unit remains dangerously hot.
Hazardous floors, faulty heating, broken locks, fire risks, roach infestations—every resident I met was dealing with severe neglect.
Property managers called the police on my visit (WPD laughed with me and left once they recognized it was me and that we were simply taking a pre-organized tour). Moments after I left the complex, that same mother received a curiously-timed pay-or-vacate notice from property management.
We are taking action:
Strengthening enforcement: First, we are improving our Rental Housing Inspection Program (we’re one of the few municipalities that actually have one) - which is our enforcement mechanism for Westminster’s Rental Property Maintenance Code. We need to hold ourselves and landlords more accountable to enforcing the minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities, light, ventilation, heating, fire safety, space for human occupancy, and the safe and sanitary maintenance of residential rental properties.
New Leadership: Our Rental Housing Inspection Program has now been moved under the newly formed Community Services department, with a new Chief Building Official. Additionally, the previous inspection Program Manager has resigned.
More inspectors: Doubling the total number of inspectors (from 4 to 8), including more bilingual Spanish-speaking staff.
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC): Council will soon approve the new IPMC - a nationally recognized standard that sets minimum requirements for housing safety, sanitation, and structural integrity. This will strengthen enforcement, ensure faster corrective actions, and hold landlords accountable for maintaining safe, habitable homes.
All Atrium Apartment units are being inspected, and the results so far are alarming.
Residents deserve dignity. I'll keep fighting to make sure they get it.
About Obi Ezeadi
Obi Ezeadi is a first-generation American with a diverse background in entrepreneurship and business leadership across healthcare, housing, technology, transportation, and hospitality. As a City Councilor, he champions economic, democratic, and personal freedoms, ensuring prosperity and protection for families, seniors, and local small businesses. View some of his accomplishments below:
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Click: Important Westminster Events and Projects
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