Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The State of Commerce City is Strong

Initial 2011 citizen survey results cite optimism, opportunities

COMMERCE CITY – With 55 percent of residents rating their quality of life in Commerce City as good or very good, Mayor Paul Natale noted the state of the city is strong during his fourth and final State of the City address. More than 120 community leaders, business owners, non-profits, government partners and employees attended this morning’s annual event held at the Commerce City Civic Center.

As the fourth fastest-growing city in Colorado, Commerce City is well-positioned to expand upon its reputation as a regional leader within the metro area. From the city’s success at attracting new businesses to its commitment to creating a healthy community and preserving environmental resources, the address reflected on recent successes and discussed upcoming challenges. Mayor Natale also provided initial results from the recently-completed Citizen’s Survey, details of which will be presented at upcoming City Council meeting.

“In my final address, I thought about the city moniker – Quality Community for a Lifetime – and how our collective accomplishments support that statement,” said Natale. “I’ve also thought about how the goals established by City Council will further cement our status as a regional and national leader. Clearly our success over the last 12 months demonstrates that Commerce City doesn’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk every day, creating a quality community for all generations.”

Highlights from the Mayor’s speech include:

· Local businesses are optimistic with the business climate. More than 60 percent will be hiring staff this year and over half will be implementing capital improvements.

· Consistent with the city’s first-ever economic development strategic plan, the city attracted numerous new businesses within key industry clusters.

· More than 119,000 people used the city’s recreation center in 2010. More than a thousand programs were offered last year, with nearly 9,700 program registrations in 2010.

· The city’s expanded recreation and park amenities include 4.5-miles of the Second Creek Greenway Regional Trail.

· The $6.8 million 96th Avenue/State Highway 2 intersection project, which will improve safety and implement quiet zones, will be completed this summer, while the next phase of the 104th Avenue improvements, the U.S. 85/104th Avenue intersection project, will begin.

· The city has seen a nearly 31 percent decrease in crime from 2006 to 2009, and burglaries are down 45 percent from 2005 and 11.9 percent from last year.

· Seventy-nine percent of residents are somewhat over very satisfied with the city’s public safety efforts and feel somewhat or very safe in their neighborhoods.

· The city has more than doubled its population in 10 years, with 47 percent of the population of Hispanic origin.

· Established medical marijuana zoning ordinances that set standard for other cities.

· Identified and implemented more than $2 million in “green” improvements that will net more than $160,000 in energy savings and eliminate more than 1,200 tons of CO2.

· New and additional communication tools to increase resident knowledge about city programs, services and activities.

The program also included welcoming remarks by Mayor Pro Tem Tracey Snyder, followed by the presentation of colors by the Adams City High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC. Students from Stuart Middle School performed the national anthem.

“Over the last four years, change has put Commerce City on a path that must continue for future growth to occur,” concluded Mayor Natale. “I hope many of the great leaders in our community will consider public service in November as a way to contribute even further. Future elected officials must continue to be engaged not only within our borders, but throughout the region, ensuring a voice and presence in metro area decision-making.”

Prepared remarks  are available on www.c3gov.com. The address is archived on www.c3gov.com/videocenter and will be rebroadcast on Comcast Channel 8 on 10 p.m. Thursday April 28, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1. Highlights of the speech can also be found on Twitter, #C3SOTC. Full Speech CLICK HERE

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