So… a lot happened.
Today’s (Big) Agenda
Obi’s City Council Recap (July 27th and Aug 3rd)
Westminster Fire Updates (Jan through early July)
Westminster Volunteer Celebration
Westminster’s Homeowner Assistance Programs
My agenda for my final term remains to lower your cost of childcare, housing, groceries, and utilities. We have secured historic policy wins and I’ll be sharing a detailed affordability update in the coming weeks. I will also introduce to you a new opportunity to impact affordability for victims of domestic violence.
Take this Westminster childcare affordability survey before Friday August 7: bit.ly/childcare-needs.
Rest in peace to our friend Ron Montoya who passed away recently.
Obi’s City Council Recap (July 27th and August 3rd meetings)
Water rates: City Council praised a historic, first-ever reduction in water rates for essential indoor use, balancing affordability with the fiscal sustainability of operations and infrastructure. Since every resident flows through the lower tiers first, this new rate structure will ensure that everyone benefits from savings on essential indoor water use. During this significant drought, we must conserve to avoid mandatory restrictions, which requires that high irrigation users pay their fair share for excessive consumption. This recommendation resulted from the first-ever, community-led WATER Task Force, which provided diverse resident perspectives on rate design and affordability. Council voted to hold an additional study session to further evaluate rate modeling and explore whether our rate reduction extends affordability benefits to indoor use for larger families. However, we did vote to move forward with the establishment of a permanent affordability-focused Utility Advisory Board, a new 4-tier structure for residential water rates as well as a new multifamily rate structure that finally lowers costs for our multifamily residents.
New grocery store: City Council unanimously (7-0) advanced an economic development agreement to bring a 45,000-square-foot Mi Pueblo Market to 7170 Federal Boulevard. This is a critical step in addressing food deserts in Historic Westminster, providing a walkable, nutritionally abundant, and culturally relevant grocery option for our residents.
During Council Comments, I stated that I will start sharing positive stories that residents tell me about above and beyond positive interactions they have with Westminster staff. I gave praise to Paramedic Tanner Garner, commending him for his patient, sensitive care of a resident (Stephanie Pierce) and her baby during a medical emergency. I also shared how Stratford Lakes HOA residents praised city staff for timely, helpful responses to infrastructure issues like prairie dog fencing, storm sewer subsidence, and water/meter problems.
City Council unanimously (7-0) approved the comprehensive plan amendment and preliminary development plan for Northridge Senior Living. This project will provide 122 units of much-needed senior housing, utilizing a site that offers a harmonious transition between existing commercial and open space.
City Council voted 6-1 to modify the roadway improvement fee structure for non-residential users. This change ensures a more equitable distribution of costs, requiring high-traffic commercial users to pay their fair share for road maintenance rather than placing the burden on residential taxpayers.
I raised concerns regarding a property on West 73rd Avenue that has been a frequent site for police response and code enforcement issues (violence and potential drug trafficking). Staff is currently researching options to expedite a resolution for the community.
A proposed ordinance for automated enforcement cameras failed on a 2-5 vote on Second Reading. I voted NO, as I remain concerned about the expansion of surveillance infrastructure and the potential for “other law enforcement purposes” to create a slippery slope regarding resident privacy. Council approved my request for a future study session to discuss a citywide ban on specific functionalities related to Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, including cloud plate databases and cross-jurisdictional sharing, to protect resident privacy.
Council approved Councilor Johnson’s request for a future study session to discuss municipal court practices for juvenile referrals, specifically focusing on addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.
Data center ban: City Council unanimously (7-0) adopted a resolution affirming that data centers are not a permitted use in the City of Westminster. This action protects our limited water resources, as these facilities are water-intensive and do not align with our current sustainability goals.
OurWestminster Portal: The city has launched a new portal, our.westminsterco.gov, which provides maps of construction projects, background on major city initiatives, and a transparency portal for contract awards.
Westminster Fire Updates (Jan through early July)
Through the year, the Westminster Fire Department has provided City Council and the broader community with updates on emergency responses, firefighter recruitment, wildfire deployments, regional coordination, and resident recovery efforts. As a former EMT (not for Westminster) and longtime advocate for our firefighters, I understand the urgency and importance of the work that our firefighters do to keep us safe every day:
Record firefighter recruitment: Westminster received 1,441 applications in just one week, up 38% from 1,041 applications over 3 weeks in 2025, as Westminster works to fill vacancies and hire the first 12 firefighters and firefighter-paramedics funded through 3H Paramedics and Pavement by December.
Supporting Colorado’s wildfire response: Westminster deployed a Type III engine and 4 firefighters to the Ferris Fire on June 29, followed by a 4-person crew replacement for another 14-day assignment; deployment costs are fully reimbursed, and Westminster retains sufficient local emergency coverage.
IMT Apartments Fire: A fire struck in building 4 of the IMT Apartments at 4901 W. 93rd Ave. Fire units were on scene in 3 minutes and a second alarm was called due to it being a multi-unit structure. Following the apartment fire, 22 units remain uninhabitable, with displaced residents offered alternative apartments or hotels, voluntary lease termination, and deposit and prorated-rent refunds within 24–48 hours; the Red Cross also established a multi-agency recovery center.
Extreme-heat protection: After the National Weather Service classified recent temperatures as a “Major Risk,” Westminster activated free cooling access at City libraries and recreation centers for residents needing relief, particularly vulnerable community members.
88th and Dover fire: Crews responded at 3:21 p.m. on July 9, rapidly extinguished a working house fire and eliminated hot spots; the homeowner escaped safely, and no residents or firefighters were injured.
Northpark townhome fire: A May 28 accidental fire near 100th Avenue and Federal Boulevard left one townhome uninhabitable, sent 3 residents to the hospital for evaluation and killed one of 3 family pets; rapid suppression prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring homes.
77th and Depew fire: A May 3 fire began in an outdoor trash can before spreading into a home’s attic; no residents were injured, one firefighter sustained a minor injury, and the displaced homeowner received immediate assistance through the Westminster Fire Department Burn Fund.
Fire near 144th and Huron: June 30th house fire that evacuated a neighboring home but did not spread to any other structures. Likely caused by a thunderstorm with significant lightning. A large amount of water was needed to extinguish the fire.
Faster regional emergency response: Westminster and Arvada fire leadership are pursuing a direct dispatch and resource-sharing connection with JEFFCOM, similar to Westminster’s existing real-time system with Thornton, Broomfield and ADCOM911, because the current manual assistance process can add valuable time to emergency responses.
Our firefighters host recurring “Car Seat Clinics” twice a month where certified car seat technicians help install child care seats. The next round of clinics are set for July 18, August 1, and August 15. Call 303-658-4500 to schedule your spot!
2026 Volunteer Celebration
Westminster’s Homeowner Assistance Programs
Did you know that Westminster offers a variety of programs to support homeowners with home repairs? Email me to get my newsletters: obiezeadi@gmail.com.
These assistance programs range from resolving code violations to safety home rehabilitation assistance. The sub-contractors are non-profits that have been in existence for 50+ years, who have a successful track record in implementing and running similar programs for other jurisdictions, and have been through our procurement process. Most of the funds to run these programs come from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); only the Neighborhood Abatement program uses City funds.
They require applicants to qualify for assistance and residenrs must be at or below the 80% AMI. Residents must be either a senior resident, someone with disabilities, have a current health issue, or have a reason why they are unable to take care of the work themselves. Most of the residents served are elderly residents who are unable to keep up with home maintenance.
Our 3 Programs:
Emergency and Essential Home Repairs (In partnership with Brothers Redevelopment) in Adams County and Foothills Housing Authority in Jefferson County:
This program has been running successfully for 11 years in Jefferson County and 7 years in Adams County.
The program provides home repairs to income-qualified, owner-occupied households in Westminster.
Eligible repairs may include plumbing, electrical, furnace repair/replacement, water heater repair/replacement, or accessibility improvements (e.g., wheelchair ramps or hand railings).
This program is very important to assist our senior residents and/or residents with disabilities and allow them to age in place in their communities.
YTD, we have served 121 homes total through Foothills (11/year average) and 51 homes total through Brothers Redevelopment (7/year average).
Paint-a-thon (In partnership with Brothers Redevelopment):
This program has been running in Colorado for decades and in Westminster for many years; however, the City of Westminster partnered with Brothers in early 2025 to specifically dedicate funds to assist Westminster residents and have a larger impact in our community.
Per our agreement with Brothers, they are provided funding to ensure at least 4 households in Westminster can participate in the PAT program each year. YTD, we have not served any households yet, but we do have two requests currently for this summer.
The program provides home exterior paint and light home exterior repairs at no cost to qualifying homeowners and significantly impacts many residents ability to age in place.
Through this program, we aim to revitalize neighborhoods, enhance curb appeal, and improve the quality of life for homeowners who may be facing financial or physical challenges.
This program runs mostly during the summer months.
Neighborhood Abatement Program (In partnership with Brothers Redevelopment):
This program started in May 2026.
The goal of the program is to assist residents who have an active code violation from the Property Standards team and are unable to get the residence in compliance. The Property Standards team partners with the Economic Development team and Brothers Redevelopment to ensure residents are not solely being fined but rather working towards addressing the issue(s) and providing assistance if they qualify and need help.
We are in the process of assisting with the first homes under this program this summer.
About Obi Ezeadi
Obi Ezeadi is a first-generation American, City Councilor and former first responder (EMT) who champions economic, democratic, and personal freedoms for all of Westminster. He was recently re-elected to Westminster City Council with a record-breaking vote total and is prioritizing affordability in this final term. Obi came in as an outsider and delivered:
Led best-in-class Firefighter Collective Bargaining Resolution and Enhanced Firefighter Collective Bargaining Agreement
Expanded open space and parks
Led integration of Childcare as essential infrastructure in Westminster’s Strategic Plan
Established zoning by-right for Childcare providers in 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Led creation of Childcare provider property tax rebate program
Led sales tax exemption for infant formula, diapers, period products, and adult incontinence diapers
Expanded housing options (condos, townhomes, housing people can afford)
Made water more affordable and secured clean water for generations
Increased Mental health support
First-ever gun violence proclamation
First-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement for Police
Led the establishment of free transport service for seniors & disabled residents
Drove police vacancies down from a region-worst 13% to an area-leading 1%
Cut car thefts by 50%
Invested to solve unhoused crisis
Elevated transparency and accountability with our residents