Mayor's Message

Citywide Trash Service Update 

At the January 5 City Council Study Session, City Council and I received an update on the City’s trash and recycling collection contract. Our current five-year contract with Waste Connections is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026. Staff is working on a future contract, which will commence in 2027. 

Our intention is to maintain the current service levels. However, we have been told the trash and recycling industry is moving away from unlimited collection toward “cart-content-only” service. This means all of our trash and recycling must fit inside the vendor-provided carts. 

While Greenwood Village has offered unlimited trash and recycling collection for many years, the industry shift may require changes to our program. After we hear back from our public bid process, City Council will evaluate the options, and I will keep you informed of the results. 

Caley Pond Improvements Project Nearing Completion 

You may have noticed the earthwork being done at the southeast corner of East Caley Avenue and South Yosemite Street. This is the Caley Pond Improvement Project, which was undertaken to enhance access to the pond and improve the efficiency of ongoing maintenance. This will help ensure the pond continues to serve the Village’s drainage needs for many years to come. 

The project is nearing completion, and the project team is currently finalizing a pipe connection at the north end of the pond and completing the final component of the improved maintenance access. Once this work is finished, the project will proceed to final inspections and closeout.

Drones as First Responders Program Launch 

At the 2026 City Council Budget Retreat this past September, Police Chief Dustin Varney proposed launching Greenwood Village Police Department’s “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) program in partnership with BRINC, a Seattle-based company that specializes in U.S.-manufactured drones for public safety applications. After careful consideration, the City Council adopted the program as part of the 2026 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget. 

While GVPD has used small, unmanned aerial systems —commonly known as “drones” — for public safety operations on various calls for service for several years, DFR drones are deployed remotely and can arrive within minutes—often faster than an officer. This technology will allow GVPD to see and understand what is happening at the scene before an officer arrives. This information will help identify risks and confirm details, helping keep our community members and officers safe in potentially high-risk situations. 

It is important to note that the Police Department’s average response time to Priority One calls for service is less than four minutes. Additionally, the DFR drone will only be used for specific calls for service, including missing persons, traffic crashes, in-progress crimes, and similar situations that require real-time awareness. I encourage you to learn more about GVPD’s new Drone as a First Responder program.

State Law Impacts on Municipal Court

The Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled against the cities of Westminster and Aurora that every municipality, including Home Rule municipalities like Greenwood Village, cannot impose penalties in municipal court that exceed the maximum penalty allowed under state statutes. 

This may seem reasonable, but you should know that in 2021, the Colorado State Legislators changed the threshold and substantially reduced penalties for misdemeanors and petty offenses in state courts. This legislation increased the dollar amount that may be stolen from $50 to $300 to qualify as a petty offence and limited jail sentences to a maximum of 10 days. Until this recent Supreme Court ruling, municipal courts were not impacted, as they are not part of the state judicial system, and municipal judges could impose more stringent penalties if warranted. Now, our court and other municipal courts must adhere to the state-mandated penalties. 

Since this legislation passed in 2021, petty crimes in Colorado have significantly increased, and shoplifting in Greenwood Village increased by 150%. The average amount stolen per shoplifting case in Greenwood Village in 2024 was $300. We and our retailers do not consider that amount to be petty. 

The state’s lax approach to theft has created an open opportunity for career criminals to prey on our local retailers. Now, it is not uncommon to see security guards at grocery stores and everyday items such as laundry detergent locked behind locked glass doors. These precautions and the expense of replacing stolen products have increased the cost of goods and services for all of us. 

The state also eliminated consequences for failing to appear in court by eliminating cash bail for many offenses. Increasingly, shoplifters do not appear for their court hearings. When shoplifters fail to appear, a warrant is issued. Upon police contact for other suspected criminal activity, they are arrested on the failure to appear warrant and released without having to post any money to secure their next court appearance. 

Under the current law, there is no incentive for career criminals to appear in court. Repeat offenders abound, and when they are arrested in Greenwood Village for stealing, these criminals are shocked that our law enforcement officers even bothered to arrest them. 

We want a safe community, and we want shoplifters to know that they cannot prey upon our retailers. To that end, The City of Greenwood Village will continue to charge everyone who is caught stealing and continue to oppose bills that only worsen crime in Colorado. 

We believe that no matter where you are in Colorado, stealing should be illegal, and there should be consequences for criminal behavior. 

—George

2026 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget  

The City Council formally adopted our 2026 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget at our November 3rd meeting. This is the culmination of months of work by staff and City Council starting in the spring. The budgeting process includes reviewing revenue projections, departmental initiatives, employee compensation and benefits, and capital projects.  We were pleased to have adopted a budget that maintains the high level of service our residents and businesses have come to expect without the addition of new taxes or issuance of any debt.  I invite you to learn more about our 2026 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget.

8081 East Orchard Road Development  

 A requested modification to the previously approved Site Development Plan (SDP) for 8081 East Orchard Avenue, formerly housing the Marilyn Hickey Ministries, was reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 18  and by the City Council on December 1. The developer requested an additional 22 parking spots for a proposed Whole Foods. Both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council approved the modification. When asked about the project timeline, the applicant indicated his intention is to rapidly demolish the existing building and parking lot. His next step is to obtain a demolition permit from the State. Like you, I am looking forward to this project getting underway. 

2026 Legislative Session 

The Colorado State Legislature 2026 session starts this month. We are currently monitoring a number of bills which may have an impact on our City. These bills are often significantly modified prior to being filed. As we learn more, we will keep you updated. 

The Village Way: Mayor’s Holiday Lighting   

I hope you were able to join us for the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting. It was wonderful seeing many of you enjoying Santa, Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, miniature train, crafts, and lights. I hope you take a moment to look at photos from the event on our Flickr page.

As a cap to our 75th anniversary celebration, Parks, Recreation, and Events Manager Dustin Huff wanted to add something special to mark the occasion. He and his team decided to bring back live reindeer, which had not been a part of the celebration for many years. Dustin began his quest months ago, reaching out to reindeer farms and connecting with Hilltop Reindeer Farm out of Peyton, Colorado. For those unaware, male reindeer have typically shed their iconic antlers earlier in the year after mating season. Fortunately, Hilltop Farms had a few males with antlers, and their handlers were able to bring two to our event and provide education about reindeer biology and behavior. Seeing one up close was a one-of-a-kind experience!   

To prepare for Saturday’s event, the Greenwood Village staff has less than 24 hours to convert City Hall into a magical winter wonderland.  Once our Municipal Court finishes, which is around noon on Friday, 25 members of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation staff transform City Hall into a magical fantasy land. To make it all work, planning and preparation begin months beforehand. Preparation for the event includes individually packaging 400 s'mores kits, adding lighting features throughout the entryway, installing five in-house-created carnival games, and managing 600 carefully planned crafts. This year, staff created some magical sets that I thought were quite impressive, including a snowy ice storyteller’s cave and a gigantic ice tunnel that led to Santa Claus.   

The event also requires internal coordination with other departments: Public Works helps clean the parking lot before and after the event; Community Development’s Facilities team ensures the building is well maintained throughout the event; and the Police Department assists with event security and traffic coordination, to name just a few.   

I certainly enjoyed the sense of wonder City staff helped create. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one these events, I encourage you to make plans to join us in 2026.  

I hope you have a safe and happy New Year!  

—George  

New City Council Sworn In  

The new Greenwood Village City Council was sworn in during the November 17 City Council Meeting. Your new Councilmembers are Jay Schneiderman and Bob Doyle, representing District 2, and Katrin Mezger, representing District 4. I appreciate their dedication and commitment to our community.  

I would also like to welcome back our returning Councilmembers and thank them for their continued service: Ann Nelson and Paul Wiesner from District 1, Donna Johnston and Libby Barnacle from District 3 and Tom Stahl from District 4. 

Mayor’s Holiday Lighting  

As we approach the holiday season, I would like to invite all of you to join us for the Mayor's Holiday Lighting on December 6 at City Hall from 3 to 5:30 p.m. You will enjoy family-friendly games, live entertainment, arts and crafts, holiday treats, warm beverages and have a special visit from Santa Claus. This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, share in festive cheer, and celebrate the spirit of the season. Please make sure to get your free resident tickets.

Celebrating 75 – Present and Future  

As we close out our seventy-fifth anniversary year, I would like to highlight some of the City Council’s accomplishments over the last six years that I have had the honor of serving as your Mayor. All of the Councilmembers who have served with me have done an outstanding job. Their individual and group accomplishments are vast.   

On November 18, 2019, a new City Council and I were sworn in. In March of 2020, the COVID pandemic shut down our country. Greenwood Village staff, City Council and I worked diligently to keep residents and businesses safe and operational through a worldwide pandemic. We maintained all the Village’s critical services without laying off or furloughing any of our staff. This was accomplished by the Council delaying some capital projects and continuing the historical practice of running a fiscally sound City. The federal funds the City received were distributed to Greenwood Village businesses to help them through this very difficult period.   

In 2020, the Council passed a resolution backing our police. The Council’s unanimous resolution highlighted our belief in a strong police department being necessary to maintain a safe community. This resolution has proven beneficial in recruiting and retaining the high-quality officers needed to keep our City safe.   

One of our major 2020 projects was the complete renovation of the Belleview Avenue medians between I-25 and University Boulevard. Greenwood Village staff designed the project in cooperation with Denver Botanic Gardens, utilizing their expertise to determine a soil composition and plant palette that would be beautiful, water-efficient, and withstand the challenging environment of a highway median. Most of the work was accomplished during the COVID pandemic, which made working on Belleview much less disruptive. The new medians now include low-maintenance plant material, trees, decorative concrete curbing, and a variety of rock mulches. These medians provide a vast improvement and set a new standard for the surrounding area. 

The Citywide Fiber-to-the-Premise Initiative was launched in 2023, with the goal of making fiber internet services available to all Greenwood Village households and businesses. The Village contracted with Ting, our fiber internet partner, on a four-year project to install the fiber citywide and offer the service at a set rate for five years. The City contributed to the project and offered incentives to keep it on track. Installation in many neighborhoods has already been completed, and the remaining areas are in line to be finished within the project timeline.  

To encourage and grow the business community, the City Council developed and implemented the Greenwood Entertainment District, a new zoning overlay district. This initiative provided tax incentives to businesses to enhance their buildings and increase revenues. The program has been a big success in revitalizing the businesses along Arapahoe Road west of I-25. Many new businesses have made the area their home while existing buildings have been refurbished. We look forward to the area continuing to grow and prosper. 

In 2023, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain moved their headquarters to Greenwood Village. The non-profit organization’s beautiful new headquarters on Greenwood Plaza Boulevard offers programs to help young people develop financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship skills. Junior Achievement is a wonderful addition to our community.   

City Council has also been working to revitalize under-utilized parcels in the Village. One parcel is the former Marilyn Hickey Property located at the intersection of I-25 and Orchard Road. The City has approved a developer’s plan to add a high-end grocery store, additional retail, and 54 brownstone homes to the area. The developer has indicated that the project will move forward in the near term. Another location is the 13-acre vacant property just south of The Landmark. This property, which has been tied up in a legal dispute, has recently been approved for new high-quality townhomes. The developer has indicated a desire to move the project forward rapidly. 

City Council also accomplished several major milestones to preserve and enhance the natural environment.  

• In 2023, Greenwood Village acquired the water rights to 84-acre feet in the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve. This water will help us protect the future of the Nature Preserve’s three ponds fed by Greenwood Gulch and the valuable habitat they support. Additionally, the water rights will allow the City to provide water for the new trees the City continues to plant along the High Line Canal, helping keep the Canal a treasured amenity for our Village. As part of this project, a new well was completed this year, and the accompanying infrastructure is being developed to implement the plan. 
• Last year, we celebrated the completion of the Huntington-Caley multi-year park development project. This project turned what was once an empty lot — often referred to as the church property — at the northeast corner of East Caley Avenue and South Yosemite Street into a beautiful new park. The park was officially named Caley Gardens earlier this year. With Goldsmith Gulch flowing through the property, the park features natural play spaces, numerous walking paths, inclined steps, braided perennial gardens, and large swings that allow park visitors to sit back and enjoy the view.  
• The City, in partnership with the Greenwood Metropolitan District, rejuvenated the open space area near the northeast entrance to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater. This provides a peaceful, natural setting in the middle of the Arapahoe Station employment center.
• The City and the Denver Tech Center (DTC) are working together to update Orchard Station Park, located on the east side of I-25 in the DTC. This project will make the area more accessible and provide pleasant surroundings in the middle of the Tech Center. This project is planned to be completed next year. 

Thank you for following my Celebrating 75 Series. I hope it offered you a chance to learn something new about our special City and the leaders who have helped make it so great. Happy 75 years, Greenwood Village! 

I wish all of you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and happiness.  

Happy Holidays, George 

Municipal Election Results

I would like to congratulate the new and returning Greenwood Village City Councilmembers. I look forward to serving alongside each of you in our efforts to continue to build upon our already great city. I would also like to take the time to thank all of the City Council candidates for their willingness to serve our city. Learn more about the 2025 Greenwood Village Election Results.

Term-Limited City Council Members 

I would also like to thank our three term-limited City Council members, Judy Hilton, Anne Ingebretsen, and Dave Kerber. They have each served four consecutive two-year terms, distinguishing themselves with hard work and dedication to maintaining and improving Greenwood Village. Both Anne and Dave have now served two eight-year terms. They, along with Judy, stepped in to help the city through difficult times with a steady conscience approach to governance. I will be forever grateful for all of their efforts.

ArapAlert Upgraded: New Sign Up Required 

ArapAlert, Arapahoe County’s emergency alert system, has been upgraded, and even if you signed up previously, you must once again opt in to continue receiving alerts. ArapAlert allows residents to receive timely alerts about emergency situations like wildfires, evacuations, hazmat incidents, shelter-in-place orders, etc. from the Greenwood Village Police Department and other local agencies, including South Metro Fire and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. You may learn more about the new and improved system on page 12. Sign up for emergency alerts at Ace911.org/Arap-Alert. 

Sock Drive Update 

After 13 years, the Sock it to ’Em Sock Campaign closed in October, so Greenwood Village will no longer continue its annual sock drive. I would like to thank everyone who has donated socks to this special cause over the years. If you would like to share your ideas for future charitable initiatives, please email us your suggestions.

Celebrating 75 – 2010-2019 

Mayor Ron Rakowsky 

In January 2011, the City Council unanimously appointed Ron Rakowsky as Mayor to fill out the remainder of Nancy Sharpe’s second term. Nancy stepped down when she was sworn in as an Arapahoe County Commissioner. Ron was then elected in November 2011 and again in November 2015 for a total of eight years and ten months, making him the longest serving Mayor in Greenwood Village history. Ron is not only noted for his longevity but also for his many contributions to Greenwood Village and the region. 

Local Development Restarted 

Many projects that had been placed on hold during the 2009 economic downturn were now being started. The economic recovery led to $230 million in Greenwood Village construction projects that were either on the drawing board or coming out of the ground in 2014 and 2015, including the Landmark Medical office building, First Citizens Bank and AMG Bank. Shea Properties began construction on the second of three buildings in their Village Center Station development, located adjacent to I-25 at the Village Center light rail station. This building became the CoBank headquarters. 

Mayor Rakowsky also worked to bring an enclave of commercial property adjacent to the Village Center into the City. Using a provision of state law that applies to property substantially surrounded by a city, Greenwood Village annexed two commercial office buildings at the southeast corner of Greenwood Plaza Boulevard and Peakview Avenue. “The annexation actually benefitted the owners of the two office buildings,” Rakowsky noted, “because they were able to cut their tax bill while getting better service because our police department already serves the area.” The annexation added valuable property to the city’s tax base and fulfilled the comprehensive plan regarding commercial development in the Village Center. 

One development that experienced issues was the Westin Greenwood Village at Arapahoe Village Center Station. The hotel, as approved by City Council, was designed to be the f irst five-star hotel in the south Denver area. This six-story hotel included 203 hotel rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, meeting space, swimming pool, and underground parking. Unfortunately, after many years and promises, the developer was unable to complete the project. 

Open Space 

Several important actions in 2014 helped preserve open space in Greenwood Village. In February 2014, the Village and the Goldsmith Metropolitan District were awarded a $600,000 Arapahoe County Open Space Grant for the acquisition of 5.36 acres. The Terrace Tower parcel located between I-25 and DTC Parkway in the middle of the Denver Technological Center (DTC) was initially on the market for commercial development. The Goldsmith Metropolitan District purchased the property in December 2013 in an effort to ensure the property would remain as open space and maintain a vital trail connection from the DTC to the Orchard Light Rail Station. The three partners, Arapahoe County, Goldsmith and GV, each contributed $600,000 toward the purchase of the property. This open space was named Orchard Station Park. 

A second parcel, in the rural portion of Greenwood Village, contained 4.16 acres of undeveloped land at 6969 East Prentice Avenue in the Greenwood Hills neighborhood. This acquisition completed an open space-buffering corridor from Monaco Park on the northwest to Running Fox Park on the southeast and Westlands Park on the south. Greenwood Village obtained a $250,000 grant from Arapahoe County Open Space that required matching funds from the Village of $251,800. With this investment, the City was able to ensure this land would never be commercially developed. It also enhanced a passive area for neighbors and trail users. These two purchases brought the total amount of open space in Greenwood Village to more than 180 acres for current and future generations to enjoy.

Maintenance Facility Expansion 

In 2015, the City completed an $8M expansion of our Maintenance Center located on Costilla Avenue east of Interstate 25. The City purchased surplus land owned by U.S. West in 2013 and began construction in 2014. The expansion provided a new and improved home for the Public Works Department and allowed the remaining members of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Department to move out of City Hall. The existing maintenance facility was quite cramped with things “sitting on top of each other,” Mayor Rakowsky explained. Now, employees will not have to move trucks around to work on those needing maintenance.

Progress on Arapahoe Road and I-25 Interchange Project 

Improvements to the Arapahoe Road and I-25 interchange moved forward in 2014 with design and construction of the interchange. Led by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the project was completed in 2017 and consisted of design and replacement of the I-25 bridge over Arapahoe Road, implementation of the improved cloverleaf interchange, and other improvements to the interchange to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations and safety. The project was funded by CDOT’s Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships (RAMP) funding program as well as federal and local entities. Arapahoe County, Centennial, Greenwood Village and the Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District (SPIMD) provided local matching funds.

Proposed Orchard Station Development 

In 2016, a developer proposed a very dense mixed-use development near the Orchard Light Rail Station. The proposal included three towers of over 20 stories, high and low density residential, and retail space totaling over 2 million square feet. The development’s density would have been greater than the planned Belleview Station’s final build out. The City Council was split over approving this development. A referendum on changing the Comprehensive Plan to allow a dense development in the Orchard Station Subarea was held in June of 2017. The residents were presented the developer’s proposal in four public meetings with one meeting being conducted in each of the City’s four City Council districts. There were 6,099 Greenwood Village residents who voted in the referendum. This vote was the highest voter turnout in the City’s history. Residents rejected allowing dense development by a majority vote of 76% in favor to 24% opposed. Shortly thereafter, the Greenwood Village Comprehensive Plan was modified to more clearly define the density desired by Greenwood Village residents.

I would like to thank Ron Rakowsky for making the trip from Ohio to attend our 75th Anniversary Celebration. We all appreciate his efforts as well as everyone else who has helped make this city what it has become today. I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing everyone at Mayor’s Holiday Lighting on Saturday, December 6. — George

Centennial Airport Update 

In August, the City Council and I were surprised and disheartened to learn that the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority (APA) had recently approved a public charter operator with regularly scheduled flights to begin operating out of Centennial Airport. We continue to hear from residents that aircraft noise remains an ongoing issue, and we are concerned the Authority’s decision to allow scheduled passenger service for a private carrier will only make the situation worse. 

In response, I wrote a letter to the Authority expressing our disapproval, explaining that their unanimous approval of the 10-year contract with Jet Suite X, Inc. (JSX) allows the carrier to leverage a loophole in the law to operate scheduled passenger flights that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking to close. Essentially, JSX has pre-chartered planes that it uses to fly regularly scheduled passenger flights, offering individual seats to destination cities. Per the FAA’s Notice of Intent for Rulemaking, the FAA has already expressed concern over the growing number of “on-demand” operations like JSX, as these travel providers have become “essentially indistinguishable from flights conducted by air carriers.” 

In the letter, we urged the Authority to reconsider their decision, additionally asking them to increase transparency and public outreach, as many in our community were unaware that this monumental decision was being made. For almost 30 years, APA has utilized a legal exception to not allow scheduled passenger service through the airport, and changing this decision now will greatly impact the surrounding community, which includes many Greenwood Village residents. 

In response, we were told by APA that JSX is “not a commercial airline,” and their operations will have “minimal impact on the airport’s total activity”—that it “may reduce noise exposure through consolidated jet use,” which is difficult for me to believe—and that denying JSX access would have placed APA in violation of federal grants.  

City Council and I believe that this approval will only encourage more of these public charter operators to leverage the existing loopholes in the law. Unfortunately, until the law is changed, there is nothing preventing more of these types of businesses from being approved to operate out of APA, which, according to its own website, is still a “general aviation airport, which includes all civil and military aviation operations except for commercial scheduled air services.” [emphasis mine].  

I urge residents who share our concerns to reach out to U.S. Representative Jason Crow, who represents our community.  His local office may be reached through his website at Crow.House.gov/Contact or by calling 720-748-7514. 

2026 Annual Operating & Capital Improvement Budget Update  

City Council and I met with staff for our annual budget workshop on September 29, and I am pleased to report that Greenwood Village will once again propose a fiscally responsible budget for 2026. A public hearing for the first reading of the budget is set for the October 20 City Council Meeting. I encourage you to review the proposed budget, which will be available to review in full on the Greenwood Village website in the Meetings & Agendas portal in advance of the October 20 meeting. To receive email or text notifications for City Council Meeting agendas and minutes as soon as they are posted, visit GreenwoodVillage.com/NotifyMe to manage your Notify Me subscriptions. 

Art on the Green 

I hope you were one of the approximately 6,000 people who were able to enjoy our art show on September 13 and 14 at Curtis Park. The show included more than 90 visual artists demonstrating their exceptional talent, food trucks and live music. I want to thank the Arts and Humanities Commission, Greenwood Village staff and all of the participating artists for the wonderful event. 

City of Greenwood Village Election 

I encourage residents to make their vote count this November 4. All Greenwood Village City Council seats are up for election, as they are every two years. The City Clerk’s Office has more information about City Council candidates, voter registration, and casting your ballot from the City Clerk's Election website page. They may be reached at City Hall during regular business hours, by emailing CityClerk@GreenwoodVillage.com or calling 303-804-4113. 

Celebrating 75 - 2003-2010 

Mayor Nancy Sharpe 

During her tenure as mayor, Nancy Sharpe oversaw numerous transportation and infrastructure developments that helped shape Greenwood Village. Arguably, the most impactful of these was Transportation Expansion (T-REX), which began in 2001 along the southeast I-25 corridor widening I-25 and bringing light rail to the area. 

A statewide vote was passed in November 1999 to fund transportation projects, including light rail and highway widening for I-25 in the southeast part of the metro area. Along with that vote came a $30 million pledge from the cities and counties along the corridor. Denver funded half of that amount, with the balance coming from Southeast Public Improvement Metro District (SPIMD), Greenwood Village, Centennial, Lone Tree, Arapahoe County and Douglas County.  

As soon as voters approved funding for the light rail extension along I-25, Greenwood Village leaders saw an opportunity for light rail to shape the future of the City. Mayor Sharpe knew development around the stations needed to be high-quality, pedestrian-friendly gathering places with employment, restaurants, and retail.  “We had to get it right because it would define the City for decades,” Mayor Sharpe said.  “Also, we had to determine what was physically and economically feasible and how, with some public funding, landowners might be willing to incorporate elements like public spaces and a plaza into their development plans.” 

The City and Urban Land Institute (ULI) sponsored a week-long visioning session to convene government and citizen stakeholders to determine how the community wanted development to occur at what would become the Arapahoe at Village Center Station.   

Reflecting back on the process, Sharpe said: “It took a long time to discuss and debate a variety of ideas. There were many people who brought their ideas to the process… In the end, market conditions largely determine what will happen and when it will happen. In my opinion, however, the Arapahoe light rail station will be the nicest one along the system. It makes a statement about Greenwood Village,” she noted. 

The next challenge was working with the Colorado Department of Transportation for the best use of the land east of I-25 at the Arapahoe Road light rail station. CDOT owned land next to the highway where they stored sand and trucks for plowing roads.  

“Greenwood Village offered to find new land for CDOT, but they were not interested in moving from their existing site, no matter what was offered by the City,” Sharpe related.  Ultimately the city paid $6.5 million to combine the RTD parking garage and the maintenance facility into one structure that was built back from the highway.  

Another of Mayor Sharpe's achievements was the preservation of land for the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve. The development plan for The Preserve neighborhood included building a bridge across the canal in order to access two home sites.  

“I thought it was huge mistake to build homes there,” Sharpe explained. “It would have encroached on the wetlands and destroyed the beautiful, natural environment that existed there. I proposed to Buz Koelbel that the city purchase the two home sites so that the land could remain open space. Unfortunately, the property was very expensive. The City did not have the funds to buy the land outright. We brought Arapahoe County Commissioner Susan Beckman and members of the Open Spaces Advisory Board to tour the property and ask for their support to make the purchase and preservation of this beautiful area possible.”  

In addition to Arapahoe County Open Space grant dollars, the City received Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) dollars, which, at the time, were very difficult to get for projects in the Denver metro area. The Trust For Public Land was instrumental in brokering the sale with Koelbel and Company and getting additional grant dollars.  

“This purchase and the preservation of this natural area was possible because a lot of people got behind it and wanted to make it happen,” Sharpe concluded. 

In 2006, Greenwood Village annexed the Museum of Outdoor Art and Fiddlers Green Amphitheater from Arapahoe County, allowing the city to better manage noise levels, concert hours and security thereby enhancing the quality of life for our community.  

Not every Village development has gone smoothly. One development that had problems was the twin residential tower and retail development known as The Landmark. This property had been owned by Allstate Insurance.  

“A developer from California bought the land and came to the City with a proposal,” Sharpe said. The developer had read the city’s comprehensive plan and proposed mixed-use development that met the tenets of that plan. The proposed development included two residential towers and retail and small businesses on the lower levels. City Council approved the project and demolition began on the site of an old two-story building.  

“I liked the proposal because it could attract those people who wanted a little more urban living in a suburban area,” Sharpe continued. “I said it was a ‘suburban-urban’ plan because the residential towers were similar to what are in an urban city environment but only 10 stories tall. The plan called for two high-end residential towers, retail, restaurants and businesses wrapping around a parking garage located in the center of the development.” 

Then in 2009, the economy went into a deep recession and residential sales dropped off dramatically, particularly in the second tower. The only good news was the exteriors of the residential towers and the retail stores were completed so the project did not look unfinished. Restaurants, a movie theater, and businesses opened successfully. However, most of the second residential tower remained unoccupied and soon the entire project went into bankruptcy.  

The developer also owned land south of The Landmark across Berry Avenue and intended to put in an additional residential development there including brownstone residences and courtyards but that project also went into foreclosure. These properties were part of a metropolitan district that was formed to pay for the development’s infrastructure. The developer misappropriated funds from the metropolitan district and was indicted.  

“The Landmark bankruptcy was probably one of the saddest things I experienced while on Council,” Sharpe said. 

When the economy rebounded several years later, the development began to get back on track. The residential units began to sell and retail and restaurants were busy again. After all was said and done, the development is beautiful and an asset to Greenwood Village.   

Mayor Sharpe stepped down in January of 2011 to accept her elected position as an Arapahoe County Commissioner, a position she successfully held for the next 12 years until she was term limited. 

Next issue, we will learn about Mayor Ron Rakowsky’s era from 2011 to 2019.  

I hope you are enjoying the fall! 

—George 

Protect Yourself from Scammers

I would like to address a concerning trend that has come to my attention: an increase in phone scams. These scams may cause significant distress and financial loss, and I want to ensure that everyone is informed and protected. 

In one recent instance, a criminal impersonated a Greenwood Village police officer, telling the resident that they failed to show up for jury duty. Fortunately, after about 45 minutes, the resident recognized the scam, contacted the GVPD, and was able to avoid any damage. However, the caller was very convincing and used the names of members of Greenwood Village and Arapahoe County law enforcement. 

A second instance involved a criminal impersonating a resident’s family member needing help. The criminal used artificial intelligence to accurately impersonate the resident’s family member’s voice while requesting money. 

The unfortunate reality is that GVPD continues to receive reports similar to these with increasing frequency. These fake calls can be difficult to trace, and often originate from outside the city or state, and some even come from other countries. 

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be informed and prepared. GVPD has provided a list of tips and more information to help you better recognize these scams. Additionally, I would like to emphasize that it is important to always be skeptical whenever you pick up the phone. 

If you receive a call from someone requesting personal information or money, take a moment to think critically. No police officer from Greenwood Village — or any other legitimate law enforcement agency — will ever ask you for money or any sensitive information over the phone. If you suspect the call is a scam, do not engage with the caller. Hang up immediately. Call GVPD at 303-773-2525 — not any other number provided by the caller — and verify if the police department is trying to contact you. If it turns out to be a scam call, proceed to file a police report to help us track these cases and protect our community. 

Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. 

Celebrating 75 - The 1990s/Early 2000s

Mayor David Hull

Soon after Mayor David Hull took office in November 1993, he set three primary goals: repairing Greenwood Village streets within 5 years, purchasing additional parkland, and addressing Centennial Airport noise. Most street repaving was completed within six years. The City purchased land for Westlands Park, purchased the land and developed Silo Park, and finished Carson Park. The City also secured water rights to irrigate its parks and initiated a beautification program, planting between 1,000 and 2,000 trees. Since that time, Greenwood Village has consistently earned the Tree City USA Award, celebrating our 36th year in a row in 2025. City trails were expanded through the purchase of land required to connect the trails to the Cherry Creek Reservoir Trail System. Cyclists, walkers, and joggers can now take the Cherry Creek Dam Trail (located at the base of the dam), which provides a safer alternative than traveling on the Dam Road. 

In the early 1990s, noise concerns grew due to commercial airline flights at Centennial Airport. The city budgeted $250,000 “to defend the city against commercial flights at Centennial Airport,” Hull said. The city’s lobbying efforts led to a new law being passed by the U.S. Congress that gave Centennial Airport the ability to refuse to accept commercial flights. The Federal Aviation Administration later halted airport funding, leading to ongoing disputes. 

Hull also focused on Greenwood Village services by hiring a new city manager and public works director, greatly improving the City’s operations. Greenwood Village built the original maintenance facility located south of Arapahoe Road to house staff and equipment. Communication with residents was enhanced by increasing the frequency of the newsletter from quarterly to monthly. Community events like Greenwood Village Day were expanded. Mayor Hull’s administration made major strides toward enhancing the quality of life in Greenwood Village. 

Mayor David Phifer

Transportation concerns in Greenwood Village have fluctuated over the years, particularly due to increased traffic on Interstate 25. One major effort to address transportation in the south metropolitan area was the negotiation of the Four Corners Agreement, which commits four organizations—Greenwood Village, the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, and the Joint Southeast Public Improvement Association (an organization of south metro businesses)—to resolve traffic issues within four major interchanges: 

• Interstate 225 and Interstate 25
• Arapahoe Road and Interstate 25
• Arapahoe Road and Parker Road 
• Parker Road and Interstate 225 

In 1997, Mayor David Phifer signed a Mediated Transportation Agreement. The agreement committed the four organizations to $500 million in transportation improvements in the Four Corners area. Projects included construction of the Serpentine Road to relieve traffic off of Arapahoe Road by providing direct access into DTC. Also, two parallel roads were planned for the north and south sides of Arapahoe Road west of Parker Road, allowing drivers to take parallel roads at 40 miles per hour. Other “road-calming” improvements were intended to keep cut through traffic from going through residential areas, Phifer continued. “The City is funding a slip ramp off of Interstate 225 at DTC Boulevard that allows ingress and egress onto arterial streets. Now, cars have to exit at Yosemite Street to enter the Tech Center.” 

Mayor Phifer devoted his time to involving young people with civic efforts. “I want children to feel a part of the city – to feel important,” Phifer said. “The best way is to get them involved when they’re young.” He recruited several young people to help design the Carson Park Skate Park Facility, established a regular city newsletter for children, and hosted a Greenwood Village Maintenance Day to introduce school children to the essential services the city provides. 

New services like weekly trash collection for single-family homes and large-item pickup were launched during Phifer’s term, and in 2000, Westlands Park was completed, with its 32-foot arch representing the four seasons, still welcomes park users year-round and for special events like the annual Egg Hunt. 

Next issue, we’ll learn about Mayor Nancy Sharpe’s era from 2003 to 2010. I hope you are having a wonderful beginning of fall!

Home Rule Lawsuit

I want to update you on our lawsuit. As you are aware, Greenwood Village and five other metro cities filed a lawsuit against the State and Governor Polis in May to protect Home Rule which is enshrined in the Colorado Constitution. As of this writing, we have not heard back from the State. Recently, I joined the mayors of our partner cities, Arvada, Aurora, Glendale, Lafayette and Westminster in authoring an open letter outlining the need to protect Home Rule. The letter was published on July 14. I encourage you to read the letter in full.

Development Update

People have asked me about the redevelopment project at 8081 E Orchard Road, also known as the Marilyn Hickey property. Last year, the City Council approved redevelopment of the 10-acre site to include a Whole Foods grocery store, two freestanding retail pads, and 54 high-quality brownstone residential homes. 

As part of the approval process, the developer must also complete a Final Plat and Subdivision Improvement Agreement to document all required public improvements associated with the development. The developer is anticipating submittal of those two items in the coming weeks, both which require City Council approval and are expected to be presented at a public hearing in the coming months. Once the Final Plat and Agreement are approved the developer can commence demolition of the existing building. I will continue to keep you updated as this project progresses.

Greenwood Village Day

 I hope you were able to join us to celebrate our 75th anniversary at Greenwood Village Day. It was wonderful to see residents of all ages celebrating summer and all that has been accomplished over the last 75 years. I have received many compliments on the rides, zoo animals, police exhibit, concert, and fireworks. You may see a selection of photos from the event on pages 16-17, and make sure to visit our Flickr page to view all the photos from the event. 

Celebrating 75 - DTC Settlement & Arapahoe Road Annexations

Mayor Freda Poundstone

When Freda Poundstone became mayor, her top priority was resolving a lawsuit with the Denver Tech Center over who controlled zoning in the Tech Center. Despite the City’s legal team believing they would win; the City lost the lawsuit. 

After negotiations, the Village and DTC reached an agreement in September 1986. The City agreed to honor all the provisions of the 1975 annexation agreement for the period from 1986 to 1990, after which the city would have the right to rezone the Tech Center under applicable law. During that 5-year period the Tech Center could continue using their Master Development Plan. A plan that prescribed a maximum gross floor area of 22 million square feet and height limits between DTC Boulevard and Yosemite Street. In return, DTC dropped a lawsuit challenging the city’s sales tax on building materials and agreed to install a trail system according to the Village’s Master Plan. The DTC also agreed to support the Village’s position opposing building roads across Cherry Creek State Park that would align with either Belleview Avenue or Orchard Road. This is often referred to as the Cherry Creek Crossing

Another significant achievement during Poundstone’s term was the 1987 annexation of a portion of Arapahoe Road. Aurora was pursuing the businesses along Arapahoe Road, so Mayor Poundstone enlisted a committee to encourage local merchants to choose Greenwood Village over Aurora. Fortunately, the committee’s efforts were successful and the City completed the Arapahoe Road annexation which helped bolster the city’s tax base. 

Mayor Poundstone also worked on zoning the area known as The Preserve. The land was owned by the Koebel family, who wanted to develop the land. “A group in District 2, determined to keep the area rural, wanted a measure on the ballot to bar development of the land between Holly Street and Colorado Boulevard north of Orchard Road,” Poundstone stated. “We would have had a lawsuit, bar none,” she continued. “The Koebel’s had owned that land for 30 years.” The City Council placed a counter-proposal on the ballot to develop The Preserve. “It has become a centerpiece of good development. I worked with Ferol Jenkins and walked the whole city to get that item passed.” 

Mayor Poundstone continued, “We’re such a close-knit community. We are “pro” our citizens. We have money to build fabulous parks – Silo Park at Dayton and Orchard is incredible. It has flowers, corn, and vegetables.” She concluded, “I hope I’ve played a small part in all of that. I wouldn’t trade it for any city I know.” 

Mayor Rollin Barnard 

The Rollin Barnard era followed the tumultuous Poundstone era. Barnard, who served as an interim council member in 1975 and chaired the Planning and Zoning Commission in the late 1960’s, was asked by citizens in 1989 to run for mayor to foster better understanding and reduce public conflicts within the City Council. 

A key change during Barnard’s administration was a retreat with the City Council at Keystone Resort, which resulted in agreeing to a code of ethics. The code of ethics “disallowed loud and unpleasant criticism of each other,” Barnard explained. “We felt it was time for an end to public confrontations.” During the retreat, the City Council also decided to revise the City Charter. The new City Charter shifted the city’s government from a strong mayor system to a council-manager structure, clarifying roles and improving day-to-day operations. Once the Charter changed, it was clear that City Council’s role was to set overall policy, while the city manager was responsible for the day-to-day decisions of running the city. “This change has made a big difference in the success of day-to-day operations,” Barnard said. 

Both Mayor Poundstone and Mayor Barnard tried to get the U.S. Post Office to give Greenwood Village its own Post Office during their terms. Each brought considerable clout to the task, as Poundstone had served in Washington during the Reagan administration and Barnard was assistant postmaster general during the Eisenhower Administration. 

“There was a major tax audit that found a tremendous percentage of our sales taxes were not being sent to Greenwood Village,” Barnard explained, due to confusion of businesses about which jurisdiction was owed the tax. Barnard was also unsuccessful in getting an actual Greenwood Village Post Office, but those homes with Littleton zip codes in Greenwood Village could now use the Greenwood Village designation. “I encourage everyone who lives or has a business here to proudly say they’re in Greenwood Village,” Barnard added. 

During Barnard’s administration, an ordinance was passed requiring voter approval for the annexation of commercial properties. This ensured commercial property would be paired with residential areas for any annexation. “We would not continue the reputation of annexing only income-producing property. This was a good checkpoint on future annexations,” Barnard explained. “A great deal of land was annexed before my administration that was largely commercial property, not matched with residential. They need to be paired,” he said. Our council felt strongly we wanted to have better control of the annexation process. The public does not vote specifically on commercial annexations. But they have a way to kill such annexations by not voting in favor of residential annexations.” 

In the final hours of his administration, the council surprised Barnard by naming Horseman’s Park at Orchard Road and Big Dry Creek as Rollin D. Barnard Equestrian Park, a meaningful tribute given his family’s love for horses. He also received the Citizen of the West Award in 1994 from the National Western Stock Show. 

Next issue, we will explore how leaders protected The Village’s quality of life in the 1990’s through noise mitigation efforts and enhanced city services. I hope you are enjoying our beautiful summer season! — George

Home Rule Lawsuit 

Greenwood Village, along with five other cities (Arvada, Aurora, Glendale, Lafayette and Westminster) filed a lawsuit on May 19 to protect Article 20, Section 6 of the Colorado State Constitution from the state legislature and the Governor.  Article 20 enshrines Home Rule authority, which gives cities and towns the right to establish their own rules on matters of local concern.  Nothing is more local than how a community develops, with input and planning being left to residents and locally elected officials, rather than the state. I will update you on the progress of our lawsuit as the case moves through the judicial system.   

Greenwood Representatives' Voting Record 

Since early this year, we have let you and our representatives know our position on the most critical bills that will affect life in Greenwood Village.  I want to update you on those bills and let you know how our Representatives voted: 

HB 25-1169: A bill requiring cities to approve housing development on any property owned by a church, school or university without any public hearing. Greenwood Village opposed this bill. The bill was not voted on by the Senate.

Senator Bridges: The bill was pulled before voting. 

Representative Clifford: Yes 

HB 25-1113: A bill requiring Greenwood Village to prohibit planting any turf grass for any new or rebuilt single-family home or multi-family development. Greenwood Village opposed this bill. The bill was approved. 

Senator Bridges: Yes 

Representative Clifford: Yes 

SB 25-002: This bill allows the state to set building codes for factory-built structures. The state will now establish regulations for factory-built structures, including nonresidential buildings, residential buildings, and tiny homes, to supersede local electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression rules that apply to all other buildings in the city. Greenwood Village opposed this bill. The bill was approved. 

Senator Bridges: Yes 

Representative Clifford: Yes 

HB 25-1147: This bill is aimed at lowering municipal court penalties to match the weakened criminal penalties imposed at the state level for misdemeanors and petty offenses. Many cities have established penalties, within their legal authority, to deter ongoing criminal behavior such as shoplifting, which negatively affects every business and resident. Greenwood Village opposed this bill. The Governor vetoed this bill. 

Senator Bridges: Yes 

Representative Clifford: No 

HB 25-1276: This bill would hold people accountable who failed to appear in court. The current rules limit a judge’s ability to hold people accountable who do not show up multiple times for court dates. Greenwood Village, like other cities, experiences a nearly 60% no-show rate with no consequences. Greenwood Village supported this bill. The bill did not have enough support, so the bill was pulled and no vote was taken.   

I encourage you to reach out to Representative Clifford and Senator Bridges to share your thoughts.  

Representative Chad Clifford: chad.clifford.house@coleg.gov or 303-866-5510  

Senator Jeff Bridges: jeff.bridges.senate@coleg.gov or 303-866-4846 

Greenwood Village Day 

On Saturday, July 26, we will celebrate Greenwood Village’s 75th anniversary from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Village Greens Park.    

The event will have fun rides for the kids, food trucks, live entertainment, and a fireworks display. The Police Department will also be on hand to provide vehicle tours, K-9 and drone demonstrations. 

This event is for Greenwood Village residents, and tickets are required. If you haven’t done so, please register for your free tickets at GreenwoodVillage.com/SpecialEvents. 

Celebrating 75 – Enhancing Our Environment 

Parks & Open Space 

Mrs. Ferol Jenkins recalled her husband Mayor Sam Jenkins saying what defined Greenwood Village was “the greenbelt and the parks. The basis for open space,” a vision which was supported in the Greenwood Village Master Plan of the late 1960s. During that time, City Clerk June Gunderson said the city had limited funds and asked developers to set aside money or land for parks and floodplains for greenbelts. In January 1969, the Planning Committee proposed an ordinance requiring developers to set aside funds or land for this purpose. That same year, the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District partnered with the Denver Water Department to manage bike paths along the High Line Canal for recreational purposes, with the city agreeing to provide policing. 

The early 1970s were good years. Development was booming and the city formed its own Parks, Trails, and Recreation Department and acquired undeveloped land at Holly Street and Orchard Road for its first “pocket park.” Up until 1972, recreation services were provided by South Suburban Parks and Recreation District. The city withdrew from the district that year because South Suburban collected four mills in taxes and had “no plans” to build amenities in Greenwood Village, Harold Patton said. “As hatchets were buried,” he continued, “Village residents could pay a fee for services through South Suburban and were reimbursed by the city, a practice that continues today.” 

In 1972, after withdrawing from the recreation district, Greenwood Village residents approved a $500,000 bond issue for the purchase of open space.   The city established a greenbelt master plan that called for a spine trail to accommodate walkers, joggers, bicyclists and horseback riders. 

New City Hall, Harlequin Plaza and Carson Park 

By 1978, the Greenwood Village city government had grown to 35 employees and was leasing 5,000 sq ft of space in the Denver Tech Center. The City Council proposed a $900,000 bond issue to build a two-structure complex at 6060 South Quebec Street. One building would provide facilities for administration, courts, police, council chambers, and meeting rooms. A second building would be a Public Works and Maintenance Facility. Mayor Jenkins advocated for the bond as a sound investment, and voters approved the proposal 316 to 121. The City Hall Complex was dedicated on November 30, 1979.  A community celebration featuring art and music from local schools was held on May 3, 1980.  

The City Hall Complex, Harlequin Plaza, and William McKinley Carson Park were all part of the original Carson Farm. John Madden recalled how he was persuaded to buy the land from Gladys Carson. 

“Gladys Carson is a dear woman,” Madden said warmly. “She enticed me with a cherry pie to pay her asking price for the land. There was no broker, no real estate person. Gladys paid $339 for all of their land. I paid Gladys $3 million. My lenders in New York thought I should name the Harlequin Building the 339 building.” 

Madden went on to develop Harlequin Plaza in the 1980s, which featured a distinctive courtyard designed by renowned landscape architect George Hargraves, who drew inspiration from Picasso’s diamond pattern. The plaza included seven sculptures by Harry Marinsky themed around “Comedia del Arte.”  

Madden lamented that when he sold the complex, the new owners removed the iconic plaza due to construction flaws. “To me, it was like someone had taken the Gettysburg Address and thrown it out the window,” he said. 

After some of the land was developed, Gladys Carson continued to live in her house. The land that had not been sold contained the wetlands and a piece not in the floodplain. Gladys suggested Madden buy the land and give it to the City for a park, which is now Carson Park.  “She was a hell of a businesswoman,” Madden said. 

A section of Village Greens Park became part of Greenwood Village because a proposed shopping center was never built. Developer Bill Walters was in discussion with the Cherry Creek School District over land for a large shopping center near Interstate 225. “We told Walters he had to buy 20 to 30 acres from Cherry Creek School District for a city park,” said Mayor Fred Fisher. “Walters defaulted on the land north of Interstate 225. We (Greenwood Village) got something for nothing… the park from a development that was not completed.” 

Traffic & Noise Walls  

By the early 1980s, traffic became a major issue in Greenwood Village. Mayor Fred Fisher, who served from 1981 to 1985, worked on plans to widen Belleview Avenue and Yosemite Street and secure funding.  The increased traffic and resulting noise led to the construction of noise walls. Residents agreed to tax themselves to cover half of the wall’s expense, ultimately increasing their property values.  

Next issue, we will discuss the DTC settlement and more accomplishments from Mayor Poundstone’s term, the development of The Preserve and more. 

I hope you enjoyed our Mobile Concert Series and look forward to seeing you at Greenwood Village Day! 

— George 

Cities Sue State and Gov. Polis to Preserve Home Rule

On May 19, Greenwood Village and five other Home Rule cities — Arvada, Aurora, Glendale, Lafayette and Westminster — filed a lawsuit against the State of Colorado and Governor Jared Polis in response to the State’s efforts to preempt Article 20 in the Colorado Constitution. Article 20 enshrined Home Rule in Colorado and gives cities the authority to make local land use decisions. 

Our lawsuit specifically challenges two land use laws passed by the Colorado General Assembly in 2024. Those bills are HB24-1304 (“Minimum Parking Requirements”) and HB24-1313 (“Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities”). 

Just three days prior to filing our lawsuit, Gov. Polis signed an executive order mandating that cities comply with these and other new zoning-related laws or risk losing access to state funding. City Council and I oppose these one-size-fitsall mandates and will fight to enable you to have a say in the character and composition of our community. 

On the same day as our filing, Colorado Municipal League — a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1923 that represents the interests of 270 Colorado cities and towns — showed its support of our lawsuit in a press release by highlighting Polis’ previously unequivocal support for Home Rule: 

“On the heels of the governor’s attempt to punish municipalities via executive order by withholding funds for those he doesn’t think are complying with state mandates, it is important to highlight that the governor has previously championed home rule authority,” said Bommer, pointing to a 2015 amicus curiae brief to the Colorado Supreme Court, in which Polis is quoted saying: 

“Not only is local governments’ robust land use authority supported legally, it also makes sense from a policy perspective. A local government is elected to represent its community members and is ultimately responsible for preserving the character of the community. Local governments are best suited to meet the unique land use needs of their community through transparent public processes. Local planning involves widespread citizen input and broad stakeholder involvement. When addressing contentious issues, local governments have more opportunities for public participation than a state or federal government. As such, land use tools allow local governments to act consistently with their constituents’ expectations.” Amicus Curiae Brief of Congressman Jared Polis in The City of Fort Collins v. Colorado Oil and Gas Association, No. 15SC668, Colorado Supreme Court (Aug. 17, 2015). (Emphasis added by CML) — Kevin Bommer, Executive Director of Colorado Municipal League.

I will continue to keep you updated in my monthly message, but please know this is just the beginning of a potentially long legal process that will now work its way through the courts. 

City staff has created a page on our website with a link to the official complaint, our position paper, and other helpful resources at GreenwoodVillage.com/HomeRule. 

Celebrating 75 - Re-Annexation

1975 Vote to Re-Annex

On September 22, 1975, the Colorado Supreme Court declared the city’s 1967 and 1970 annexations were in error and nullified. This decision meant Greenwood Village lost half of its land mass, including significant commercial areas east of Holly Street. The ruling substantially reduced the city’s revenue. It also resulted in more than half of the council members not living within the new city limits. Mayor Harold Patton assembled an interim city council and gathered volunteers to circulate petitions for a reannexation election. Working with a 90-day timeline, City Clerk June Gunderson meticulously coordinated the schedule to collect petitions and file the necessary forms to meet the deadline. 

The court’s decision meant a large section of the Village’s commercial area was returned to Arapahoe County. Denver then annexed the remaining land, including an area southeast of Belleview Avenue and Yosemite Street. The area northeast of that intersection (immediately south of Cherry Creek High School) was already part of the Village. Denver’s annexation prompted local volunteers to gather signatures for re-annexation. Volunteer Ferol Jenkins said there were teams of mothers who wanted their children to remain in Cherry Creek Schools, canvassing for signatures. Ultimately, 700 out of an estimated 800-1,000 landowners voted “yes” to re-annex. Key support came from landowners like John Madden, who quickly consented to the reannexation. While most property owners voted to re-join Greenwood Village, some owners, those encompassing 120 acres north of Belleview Avenue, sought annexation by Denver. On December 26, 1975, Greenwood Village successfully re-annexed 1,580 of the 1,700 acres lost through the Supreme Court decision. 

Denver Tech Center 

According to the Denver Tech Center’s (DTC) Ray Bullock, after the de-annexation, George Wallace had a “handshake agreement” to annex the entire DTC into Denver. However, Wallace met with Mayor Patton and the head of the Cherry Creek School District, who warned of putting the school district in peril if the District was split in half. Ultimately, Wallace annexed the DTC land north of Belleview into Denver and the land south of Belleview into Greenwood Village. 

The re-annexation agreement allowed a maximum density of up to 22 million square feet. Mayor Sam Jenkins worked with the DTC on an agreement for up to 19 million square feet of development rights, despite pushback from residents who wanted a development limit of 11 million square feet. The City Council turned down Mayor Jenkins’ proposal. After the Council’s vote, Fred Fisher, then mayor pro-tem, decided to run for mayor in opposition to the proposal. This prompted a write-in campaign, which he won. According to Mayor Fisher, “The re-annexation agreement was less than perfect, both in legal and conceptual terms.” It established a Tech Center master plan with a suggested 12 million square feet, but the Tech Center interpreted the agreement as flexible, leading to conflicts between the City Council and DTC. 

Following Fisher’s election as Mayor, the city faced litigation from the Tech Center. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court after Freda Poundstone became mayor. Despite the conflict, relations between DTC and the city improved over time, evolving into a collaborative partnership that still exists. 

Next issue we will explore our commitment to parks and open space, a new city hall, Carson Park, Harlequin Plaza, and more historic events during the tenures of Mayor Poundstone and Mayor Barnard. 

Time Capsule Opening

At our June 2 City Council Meeting, City Council and I opened a time capsule that was sealed in May 1997, following a major City Hall remodel. I enjoyed discovering the historic photos and documents held within. Events like this remind me of how far we have come and of our bright future.

 To view all of the photos from the event, please visit the City’s Flickr page. (You should know this site is a great resource for downloading photos taken at many community events and happenings.) 

Greenwood Village Day

I hope you make plans to join us at Greenwood Village Day on Saturday, July 26, at Village Greens Park. In honor of our 75th anniversary, this year’s event will include large-scale historical displays and photos dating back to our incorporation and a few special surprises for the Village’s diamond anniversary. 

Plus, our Police Department will be present to provide vehicle tours, K-9 and drone demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities for community engagement. Tickets are required for this event. To receive your free resident ticket, visit GreenwoodVillage.com/SpecialEvents. I hope to see you this month at our Mobile Concert Series!  — George

Legislative Update

Last month, I highlighted the state’s prior and current intrusions into local matters. As of the date of this writing, HB 25-1169, the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill, which allows housing developments without public hearing on any religious or educational property, is awaiting a vote in the state senate. Please contact our Senator Jeff Bridges (303-358-5551) and let him know he should vote NO. Unfortunately, our Representative Chad Clifford voted yes and helped the bill pass out of the House. 

Still in play is HB 25-1147, the bill that would require us to lower our municipal court penalties. It has passed both the House and Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. We, along with many other cities, the Colorado Municipal League, retailers, and domestic violence victims, have asked the Governor for a veto. 

Another bill, HB 25-1113, requiring that we pass an ordinance prohibiting any turf grass in any new or rebuilt single-family home or multi-family development, has also passed. Both Rep. Clifford and Sen. Bridges voted yes on that bill. 

Regarding last year’s housing bills. In these bills, the Governor and State Legislature told local governments to disallow parking, upzone residential areas, and allow administrative approval of high-density housing developments in commercial areas. We have engaged litigation counsel to challenge those bills and have asked several other cities to join us in that effort. 

Over 100 years ago, Colorado voters gave cities and towns the right to establish their own rules on local matters by enacting Article 20, Section 6, of the Colorado State Constitution. Article 20 gives local governments the right to determine “matters of local concern,” and is what allows diverse cities and towns to listen to their residents and adopt their own “Home Rules” free from state interference. This right to Home Rule allows us to have public hearings before adopting traffic and criminal ordinances, and before determining complex local matters regarding land use, zoning and elections. Last year’s state laws eliminated parking requirements, required significantly increased residential density, and eliminated your voice in important development decisions.

Colorado’s local government rights have been under continuous attack from the Governor and members of the State Legislature. They have shown increasing disregard for the rights guaranteed to us by the Colorado State Constitution. These centralized state mandates regarding zoning and land use and constant overreaching and erosion of Home Rule authority are precisely the reason that we feel it is time to take a stand. We know that the best government is that which is closest to the people. There is nothing more personal and local than land development and zoning codes. Codes crafted over the years with the opportunity for local citizens to participate and determine what type of city you want to live in. We are going to fight to protect that right. 

CIRSA Review

I want to update you on a recent survey by Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA). CIRSA provides Greenwood Village and many other cities with insurance coverage. I am very proud to share with you that our survey scored, with some bonus points, 107 out of 100. This is meaningful because our staff’s efforts will save the City money on our insurance now and in future years. Savings like this help keep our community in good financial shape. 

Celebrating 75 - The Early 1970s

The Poundstone Amendment

To address concerns caused by Denver’s annexations in the late ’60s and early ’70s, future Greenwood Village Mayor Freda Poundstone drafted an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that was approved by voters in 1974. The Poundstone Amendment requires that annexations by one county of land in another county must be voted on by all citizens in the county giving up the land.

“The Legislature referred a proposal for a Boundary Commission to the ballot the same time as Poundstone to soften it,” Freda Poundstone explained. “An appointed commission would determine whether annexations could take place. The Poundstone Amendment was passed by a larger majority, so it took precedence over the Boundary Commission.” Denver halted their attempts to annex additional land after the amendment passed. 

Greenwood Plaza

The 1970 annexations brought commercial sites on both sides of Interstate 25 into Greenwood Village, making their development, subject to Greenwood’s master plan, and stricter zoning than was the norm in Arapahoe County and many other areas. 

John Madden, who developed much of the commercial area west of Interstate 25, came to Denver from Omaha, where he learned to be a contractor while in business with his uncle. In Colorado, he first bought land near Orchard Road and Quebec Street for a Mr. Steak Restaurant. The land eventually became part of the Triad Buildings, Greenwood Plaza North, South, and West. 

Madden’s initial proposals “were not acceptable in terms of density, parking, or landscaping,” said Harold Patton, Greenwood Village Mayor from 1969-1977. “I told him: ‘It’s going to take some time. You’ll end up with something you’ll be proud of. We’re going to end up friends.’” 

Madden agreed. “I got the property zoned after a rather stiff battle. The tech center didn’t want the competition. If it hadn’t been for Harold Patton, we may not have won that zoning fight. No question – if it hadn’t been for Harold – there wouldn’t have been a Greenwood Plaza.” 

Trademarks of the Madden buildings are the outdoor art and use of distinctive building materials, such as travertine marble. His touch can be seen in the stone lions on East Orchard Road and Greenwood Plaza Boulevard and the striking marble at Carrara Place, an office building at South Syracuse and East Caley Avenue. Madden created the Museum of Outdoor Arts, an organization now run by his daughter Cynthia Madden Leitner, which displays sculptures at the Triad, Harlequin Plaza, and Carrara Place, among others. 

Madden learned to love art growing up in Omaha, where he worked summers at the Joslin Memorial Museum, first as a guard, then as a docent, and in construction. “From seventh grade, by osmosis, I became acquainted with art. Then Marjorie, my wife, and I discovered Florence.” 

“Marjorie would go with a marble broker to buy tiles for the buildings,” he explained. “We had a lot of fun buying art for the buildings. Every time we did a building, we embellished it. Through the years we learned there is no relationship between art appreciation and money, and that figurative art is more meaningful to general public than abstract art.” 

Next issue, we’ll explore the impacts of the Colorado Supreme Court nullifying the annexations of 1967 and 1970, building development guidelines, enhancing the environment and building the new City Hall. I hope you have a wonderful Spring! — George

Time Capsule Opening 

Mayor George Lantz and City Council will be opening a time capsule at the Monday, June 2, Council Meeting, held at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. The capsule, which is currently on display in the City Hall lobby, was sealed May 31, 1997, with engraved instructions to be opened in 2025 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the incorporation of Greenwood Village. We encourage residents to join us to discover what’s inside!

Legislative Update

I want to update you on some of the bills currently working their way through the 2025 Colorado State Legislature. Before doing that, I would like to remind you of the many legislative concerns the City Council and I have voiced over the last three years. The Governor and State Legislature have ignored and are continuing to ignore Article 20 (Home Rule) of the Colorado State Constitution. Article 20 provides cities and their residents a voice in and control over their communities free from state intrusion. 

Some bills that were signed into law in 2024: 

HB24-1313: This new law requires Greenwood Village to dramatically upzone property to allow a minimum of 40 dwelling units per acre in a significant portion of our city. This zoning change could increase the number of GV housing units by over 26,000 units, and the resulting city population by over four times. This growth would put an enormous strain on our infrastructure and city services. 

HB24-1152: This law requires communities to allow multiple residences on every lot currently zoned single-family residential. This is in conflict with our Comprehensive Plan, current zoning and even private HOA covenants. Once again, this law could radically increase the number of homes and population of our Village well beyond our capacity to provide services. 

HB24-1007: This law prohibits cities from placing restrictions on the number of unrelated people who can live in a home. Some people have referred to this bill as the “Boarding House Bill.” Probably not what you envisioned for your neighborhood. HB24-1304: This law prohibits cities from requiring any parking associated with multi-family housing. This bill works in conjunction with other bills aimed at increasing ridership on RTD. That is right... no parking requirements, another method to clutter your neighborhood and devalue your residence. The Governor and Legislature’s vision is to more than quadruple the number of homes and people living in Greenwood Village but with no additional parking. Neither the City nor you, the residents, would have any input in or control over that growth. The City Council and I believe that, as a home-rule municipality, our citizens, through our elected City Council, have the sole authority to regulate land use within Greenwood Village. 

Now, let’s look at what our State Legislators are proposing in 2025: 

HB 25-1147: A bill misleadingly named “Fairness and Transparency in Municipal Court.” Colorado continues to have severe issues with criminal behavior like shoplifting that increases the cost of goods and has resulted in merchandise being locked up and even stores closing. Cities like Greenwood Village are working to deter crime by stiffening our criminal penalties and holding criminals accountable. This legislation would limit that ability. For example, imposing a $1,000 maximum fine for stealing up to $2,000 worth of merchandise – making theft a moneymaking proposition, and limiting jail time for stealing up to $300 in goods to only 10 days, no matter how bad the defendant’s criminal history. I believe lowering penalties for crime is a step in the wrong direction.

HB 25-1169: Housing Developments of Faith and Educational Land; Referred to as “Yes in God’s Backyard.” This bill is another example of the state’s disregard for the Colorado Constitution’s Article 20 (Home Rule) by requiring cities to approve housing developments on any property owned by a church, school or university without a public hearing. Coupled with last year’s bills, this could mean every property owned by a church or school could be filled with apartment complexes without parking and without a single public hearing or city council approval. HB 25-1113: Limit Turf in new Residential Development; This bill requires cities to pass ordinances eliminating your choice of residential landscaping materials. This bill has the potential to eliminate your ability to choose real grass for kids and dogs in every new or rebuilt single-family home or apartment complex. 

HB 25-1056: Local Government Permitting Wireless Telecommunications Facilities; This bill would limit a city’s ability to work with residents and determine where cell towers are located and evaluate their impact on the community by automatically approving a cell tower and associated facilities if a municipality doesn’t respond within 60 days of receiving an application, even an incomplete application. SB 25-002: Regional Building Codes for Factory-Built Structures; This bill allows the state to supersede local land use provisions in addition to local plumbing, electrical, and f ire codes in favor of state rules placing buildings where they may not belong or even meet Greenwood Village’s construction standards. 

These bills are working their way through the State Legislature. They are a further erosion of Greenwood Village resident’s ability to determine the type of city in which they reside. 

If you would like to let our state legislators know your thoughts, they may be reached at: 

Senator Jeff Bridges: 303-358-5551 or jeff.bridges.senate@coleg.gov 

Representative Chad Clifford: 303-886-5510 or chad.clifford.house@coleg.gov

Celebrating 75 Years - Controlling Our Destiny 

Merging with Cherry Hills

During the 1960s, Greenwood Village operated on a tight budget, with residential and rural areas generating no income beyond modest property taxes. Neighboring Cherry Hills Village, was also a residential community with no commercial tax base. A proposal to merge was made, and a vote was held on August 23, 1967. Cherry Hills voters approved the proposed merger, 368 to 276 and Greenwood Villagers voted the proposal down, 306 to 264. 

1970s – Good Government 

The 1967 merger vote was followed in November by an election for a new mayor and trustees. A group of citizens formed an organization called the Good Government League and proposed a slate of individuals to run for the town’s government. “People felt a change was needed,” said Harold Patton, who moved to the area in 1964. “We needed contemporary planning and additional guidance to fulfill the city’s promise.” The citizens’ group asked Patton to run for the Board of Trustees and approached McNeil Fiske to run for Mayor. Fiske had bought his home in the rural part of the village in 1961 and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1965. 

Master Plan & Home Rule 

One of the first projects of the new government was to develop a master plan to guide future Greenwood Village growth. The new plan outlined residential, commercial and rural areas, set height limits and density restrictions and preserved open space. Another significant change was the decision to seek Home Rule status for Greenwood Village. The annexation of the Greenwood Hills neighborhood brought the city’s population to 2,500 which was the threshold for a statutory city, a precursor to home rule. 

The first step was for citizens to approve the creation of a Home Rule city. Voters approved the proposal 135 to 66 on December 19, 1967. Next, Mayor Fiske appointed John Jameson to chair a charter commission, which called for voters to elect City Council members, rather than Trustees. The city was divided into four wards, now known as Council Districts.

Next issue, we will explore how a Colorado Supreme Court decision and Greenwood Village Mayor Freda Poundstone would greatly impact annexations, how the City set an early precedent for its commitment to parks and built a new City Hall. 

I hope you are enjoying Spring! — George

Property Taxes

Many of you recently received your Arapahoe County Property Tax bill. Some residents have asked me why their property taxes increased. These residents were under the impression that action taken by the Colorado Legislature would decrease their property taxes this year.  The Legislature did take some steps to help. However, last November several ballot measures were approved by voters giving certain governmental agencies the ability to raise or keep additional tax, the ballot measures approved a process called “debrucing.” (Debrucing - eliminating the governmental agency’s spending limit allowing said agency to spend all the money it collects). Cherry Creek School District and Arapahoe County are two of those government entities that received voter approval allowing them to increase or keep additional tax dollars. This is one reason you are seeing an increase on your property tax bill.  

Greenwood Village did not change our tax rate. The Village receives approximately 3% of your total property tax dollars. That amounts to less than $100 per year in property tax on a home valued at $500,000. A typical property tax breakdown in Greenwood Village is: 

Cherry Creek School District: 60% 

Arapahoe County:18% 

South Metro Fire: 10% 

Arapahoe Library District: 6% 

Greenwood Village: 3% 

The majority of the Greenwood Village’s revenue comes from sales tax. Residential property tax accounts for about 2% of the Village’s revenue. To learn more, visit Property Tax Information.    

Legislative Update 

The City Council and I are very concerned about the Colorado Legislature continuing to ignore the Colorado Constitution’s Home Rule provisions. Some of the bills that ignore this provision and have the potential to harm our city include. 

HB 25-1147: Ensuring that Municipal Court Defendants are Subject to Similar Conditions as State Court Defendants. In 2021, the State Legislator lowered the penalties for theft.  Since then, Greenwood Village has seen a sharp increase in theft and shoplifting, and has worked hard to address the increase by imposing jail time where warranted in order to hold criminals accountable.  This legislation would force us, despite being home rule, to lower our penalties to those of the state. This would, for example, force us to consider theft up to $300 as “petty” and make the maximum fine for stealing up $2,000 worth of merchandise only $1,000, making theft a money-making proposition.  I believe lowering penalties for theft is the wrong message to send to criminals, our retailers, and our community.  The bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee February 26, but we are grateful to Representative Chad Clifford for voting against it.   

HB 25-1169: Housing Developments of Faith and Educational Land; referred to a “Yes in God’s Backyard.”  This bill would require cities to approve housing developments on any property owned by a church, school or university without a public hearing.  This could mean every property owned by a church or school could be filled with apartment complexes without a public hearing. 

HB 25-1113: Limit Turf in new Residential Development. This bill requires cities to pass ordinances eliminating your choice of residential landscaping materials. This bill has the potential to eliminate your ability to choose real grass for kids and dogs in every new or rebuilt single family home or apartment complex.   

HB 25-1056: Local Government Permitting Wireless Telecommunications Facilities. This bill would limit a city’s ability to work with residents and determine where cell towers are located and evaluate their impact on the community by automatically approving a cell tower and associated facilities if a municipality doesn’t respond within a set time. 

SB 25-002: Regional Building Codes for Factory-Built Structures. This bill allows the state to supersede local land use provisions in addition to local plumbing, electrical, and fire codes in favor of state rules placing buildings where they may not belong or even meet GV construction standards. 

Celebrating 75 Years – The Community Grows in the 1960s

In the 1960s, Greenwood Village was a farming community and our city was just getting started.   Families continued moving south from Denver for the rural lifestyle. The City completed several key annexations, saw construction start of what would become the nation’s premier suburban office park, and the foundations being created of Greenwood Village being the worldwide hub for the telecommunications industry. 

First Office Park 

Trained as a mechanical engineer, George Wallace started his career with Babcocks & Wilcox, which made large boilers in Ohio. Wallace came to Denver as their western regional manager. In the 1950s, when the company wanted to transfer him, Wallace decided to establish his own mechanical and electrical engineering consulting firm in downtown Denver.  

“He was expanding and finally got enough money to buy a Lincoln,” said Ray Bullock, vice president of operations of the Denver Tech Center (DTC). “Somebody parked next to him and dented the side of his car. It made him so angry, he got a real estate broker and asked him to find some land in Arapahoe County,” Bullock continued. The broker found a 40-acre tract. George wanted one acre, but the seller said, ‘you must buy all of the land or nothing.’ He hired a planning firm and the idea of an office park was the genesis of the DTC. George ultimately got so interested in the land development company, he quit doing engineering work.” 

The original 40 acres was bounded by Interstate 25 on the west, Valentia Street on the east, and south of Prentice Avenue. Over about a five-year period, from 1961-65, he acquired up to 1,000 acres.  

“It was George’s vision to create a place where people could work, live, and recreate in harmony,” Bullock said. “George was considered an innovator. The tech center was the premier suburban office park in the nation. Landscaping was an amenity. One of the hallmarks of the tech center was that every developer had to set aside at least 30% of their land for open space and provide landscaping along the streets.” 

Today, DTC is home to both Fortune 500 giants and innovative startups, a thriving center of business, retail and dining that is a pillar of the local business community.  

Annexations 

As farming and ranching characterized the area in the early part of the century, annexations have defined Greenwood Village from the mid-1960s through the present. Beginning with the tenure of Mayor John Wood, M.D. in 1965-67, Greenwood Village embarked on a period of annexations that generated a significant tax base to underwrite city services. Three large annexations – in 1967, 1970, and 1987 – brought the major commercial areas into Greenwood Village that exist today. Included in these annexations were the Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Plaza, and the retail businesses along Arapahoe Road. 

Prior to 1967, Greenwood Village was predominately a residential area, with homes and open space. Homes generate a small amount of tax revenue, compared to the dollars needed to provide residents with road maintenance, police protection, and other services. By contrast, commercial businesses generate tax revenues greater than the dollars needed to serve those areas. Annexations also gave Greenwood Village the ability to control zoning in areas near existing neighborhoods. 

George Wallace approached Dr. John Wood about annexing the tech center to Greenwood Village. At the time, the city’s boundaries extended only as far east as Holly Street. Annexing the Tech Center on the east side of Interstate 25 required that Greenwood Village have land adjacent or “contiguous” to the area to be annexed. To help make Tech Center property adjacent, the city annexed property southwest of Belleview Avenue and Holly Street that had not previously been part of Greenwood Village. This permitted Greenwood Village to make subsequent annexations in 1967 of the area from Holly Street east to Dayton Street, including the Denver Tech Center. Unfortunately, key property owners north of Belleview Avenue objected to the annexation. A lawsuit was filed that again went to the Colorado Supreme Court. Unlike the 1950 lawsuit, this decision went against Greenwood Village with nearly disastrous results. But that chapter comes later our story. 

Next issue, we will explore more history about the proposal to merge with Cherry Hills Village and the City’s efforts to control our destiny as a Home Rule municipality by establishing sound government with a master plan for the future growth of Greenwood Village. 

I hope you enjoy our longer days as Spring returns. 

—George 

Legislative Priorities 

The 2025 Colorado State Legislative Session has begun. The City Council and I are closely following the legislators’ actions. Only 178 bills have been introduced as of this writing, compared to over 500 bills introduced during last year’s session, though it is still early in the session. 

As bills are introduced, we will keep you informed. You may find links to more information and regular updates about these bills on our Legislation page. 

Some bills we are currently following: 

• A bill that would require cities to lower their penalties for theft. In 2021, the Colorado State Legislature lowered penalties for many crimes, including auto and property theft. This resulted in a dramatic increase in crime, making Denver one of the top cities in the country for auto theft. Last year, the Legislature increased the penalty for auto thefts, which helped reduce these types of crimes. However, theft of up to $2,000, which they reduced to a misdemeanor, and theft of up to $300, which they reduced to a petty offense, still remain. To address the growing retail theft problem, Greenwood Village and many other municipalities imposed stricter penalties for these criminal activities. This bill, which has yet to be introduced, would restrict the ability of municipalities to impose penalties to help curb this problem. The City Council and I strongly believe there should be consequences for crime, and that lowering penalties has proven to be a step in the wrong direction. 
• A bill to re-institute cash bail for minor offenses. In 2019, the state made it impossible for judges to require defendants to post any cash bail for municipal criminal charges, including for failure to appear (FTA) in court. Offenders have since learned there are little or no consequences for failure to appear, and Greenwood Village’s FTAs have increased 116% from 2022 to 2024. Many individuals charged with theft never come to court, and when arrested or contacted for another crime, are arrested on a bench warrant from our court for failure to appear. But instead of answering to our theft charges, they are simply released on a personal recognizance bond and given a new appearance date. This bill, which is still in draft stage, would re-institute cash bail for chronic FTAs. We are in favor of allowing courts to incentivize court appearances through cash bail. Compelling appearance is a cornerstone tenant of our judicial system and must be respected. 
• A bill that would require cities to approve housing developments on property owned by a church, school, or university without any public hearing. This bill has not yet been introduced. However, we have been apprised this bill will allow any church, school, or university to build residential housing up to three stories on any property they own, and without a public hearing. 
• A bill to create regional building codes for factory-built structures. This legislation was introduced by Greenwood Village resident Senator Jeff Bridges (Senate Bill 25-002). The bill would supersede local plumbing, electrical, fire, and land use codes in favor of state rules for factory-made buildings such as tiny houses and modular homes. 

We will continue to follow these bills and work alongside our neighboring cities and our partners at Colorado Municipal League (CML) to keep our citizens informed. 

Celebrating 75 Years — Honoring Our Heritage 

Each month this year, I would like to highlight a piece of Greenwood Village’s history building up to our 75th anniversary celebration. Last month to kick off this series, I wrote a little bit about the history of how our city came to exist. 

This month, I would like to share some additional information about how Greenwood Village first incorporated. During the 1930s and 1940s, the area contained a mixture of farmers, suburbanites, and people who lived in Denver, who would come south to their “country homes” for the summer. By 1950, residents began to worry about development creeping south that would threaten their pastoral lifestyle. First, they defeated a plan to construct a drive-in movie theater on the site of the old Brookridge Dairy, which was located south of Belleview Avenue and west of South Clarkson Street. They also battled the Colorado Power Company over a proposal to put a large power line over Long Road near University Boulevard. But the final straw was a plan by Englewood to condemn land owned by Mrs. Thomas Savage on Belleview Avenue near Logan Drive to construct a reservoir for their own water supply. 

A group led by Mrs. Savage took their concerns to their neighbor, Charles “Rollie” Enos, who agreed to chair a meeting at Curtis School. According to former Greenwood Mayor Rollin Barnard, Enos had quietly been researching the legalities of incorporation in his Denver law office. Enos suggested incorporating a new municipality three miles long and one mile wide, bounded by Belleview Avenue, Holly Street, Orchard Road, and South Clarkson Street. 

At the Curtis School meeting, Enos proposed a new town and suggested it be called “Greenwood Village” after the historic Greenwood Ranch that had been part of the area to be incorporated. Residents responded enthusiastically to the idea. Other participants suggested that Cherry Hills Village should annex the area. The mayor of Cherry Hills Village was present, and he declined, not wanting to antagonize Englewood. A petition with 80 signatures favoring incorporation was submitted to Arapahoe County Judge Henry Teller, who ordered an incorporation vote be held on September 8, 1950, at Curtis School. Nearly the entire voting population, turned out to vote and incorporation passed by a close margin, 74-64. 

Voters felt strongly on both sides. Those in favor wanted to control zoning, while farmers opposed incorporation for several reasons. “All the farmers voted against incorporation,” said Tom Linzy. “My dad told them, ‘you’re going to run a lot of the farmers away.’” One retired farmer, Clarence Johnson, who had lived in the area for 31 years, objected to others putting development restrictions on his land. After the election, Johnson and others filed suit, challenging the election on the grounds that there were not enough signatures on the petitions. The suit went all the way to the Supreme Court. On November 13, 1951, the court ruled that Greenwood Village was in fact legally incorporated. 

For the previous 70 years, life in Arapahoe County had been shaped by struggles with nature, including dust storms, plagues of grasshoppers, lack of water and floods. For the next 50 years, life in the Village would be characterized by growth and legal battles over zoning and annexations of which the Johnson case was only the first. If you have Greenwood Village stories you would like to share, please email us at TheVillage@GreenwoodVillage.com. I hope you are having a wonderful winter season. — George

Celebrating Our 75th Anniversary 

This year will mark the 75th anniversary of The City of Greenwood Village’s incorporation. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of you throughout the year and with a special celebration this summer at Greenwood Village Day. To help get the celebration started, I would like to share with you some of the Village’s history. 

Long before the streets bustled with modern life, Greenwood Village was home to pioneers and Native American tribes. In the 1860s, settlers arrived with hopes of striking gold but discovered the fertile plains were the true treasure. By the early 1900s, Greenwood Village had blossomed with orchards of cherry, apple, plum, and apricot trees, creating a picturesque landscape that reflected the community’s enduring relationship with the land. 

But soon came rapid expansion, which threatened to envelop the peaceful countryside. In response, a group of concerned residents rallied around Charles “Rollie” Enos, who led a pivotal meeting at Curtis School in 1950. Together, they envisioned a new town, one that would preserve the area’s rural charm and ensure local control over the Village’s future. 

On September 8, 1950, the residents cast their votes in a historic election. With 138 ballots counted, the motion to incorporate Greenwood Village passed by a count of 74 to 64. That day, a small rural community officially became a town, with Charles Enos as its first mayor. 

From those humble beginnings, Greenwood Village has grown into a thriving city known for its picturesque neighborhoods, flourishing businesses, and dedication to preserving open spaces. Its orchards may have given way to homes and parks, but the spirit of the land—the drive to cultivate, protect, and flourish — remains steadfast. 

As we commemorate 75 years, Greenwood Village is a testament to the vision of those who came before us. The Village’s rich history, rooted in hard work and community spirit, continues to inspire our future, ensuring that the next chapter is as bright as its beginnings. 

To highlight Greenwood Village’s rich and fascinating history, we will feature a selection of stories and historical information in each issue of the Greenwood Village Newsletter throughout the year. If you have any stories you’d like to share or some piece of our history you would like to have included in one of these upcoming issues, please email us at TheVillage@ GreenwoodVillage.com. Stay tuned to this Newsletter for more information about how we will commemorate the occasion at Greenwood Village Day. 

Happy 75th anniversary, Greenwood Village! 

Annual Operating & Capital Improvement Budget

In the print version of the Newsletter, we provided a graphic overview of Greenwood Village's 2025 Annual Operating & Capital Improvement Budget.  This year’s budget, adopted by City Council at the November 4 meeting, focuses on maintaining existing levels of service, reinvesting in our community’s infrastructure, and ensuring the financial health of the City without the addition of new taxes or issuance of debt. The Village’s expenditures are divided into Infrastructure & Assets, Services, and Administration & Support Services. I invite you to review this information and learn more about where the City plans to spend our money in 2025.

Upcoming Legislative Session 

The City Council and I continue to follow the Colorado State Legislature and how proposed legislation may impact our community. Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kerber, who was reelected to Colorado Municipal League’s Executive Board and serves as Chair of their Policy Committee, is actively working within CML to advocate for Greenwood Village. 

Colorado Municipal League (CML) is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of 271 cities and towns throughout Colorado. Greenwood Village’s membership has proven invaluable throughout the years as the City joins with other communities to protect and promote our priorities and goals. 

I will continue to keep you updated on proposed legislation both during and after this year’s legislative session. 

Dog Leashes

A number of residents have contacted me expressing concern about off-leash dogs. I want to remind you that in Greenwood Village, leashes are required for dogs in parks and all public areas to ensure the safety of people, other animals, and dogs. Any dog owner not complying with the leash law may be issued a fine. Thank you for your help. 

Recreation Reimbursement Deadline

And finally, do not forget the last day to submit your 2024 recreation activity receipts for reimbursement is Wednesday, January 15. All 2024 reimbursement requests must be received or postmarked by that date, and no exceptions are made for late submittals. Please note that new this year, you may submit your receipts online at GreenwoodVillage.com/RecReimbursement. 

Happy New Year, Villagers! — George