Golden Mayor's Message

Along with virtually every municipality in the United States, Lakewood looks forward to 2009 with both caution and pragmatism as economic uncertainty looms. Our principle mission is to deliver the core services our citizens have told us they want: public safety, public works, and parks & recreation. Our main revenue stream to provide these services is sales tax, and the mood of the American consumer can be unpredictable.

Lakewood is in a fairly strong financial position with healthy financial reserves. We are also in the enviable position of having two major projects moving forward during 2009. St. Anthony Hospital is under construction at the Federal Center. This ongoing effort provides a healthy stimulus during construction, as well as up to 2400 jobs when all ancillary buildings are completed.

Lakewood is also fortunate to be the site of the only FasTracks corridor currently underway. The West Corridor Light Rail line from downtown Denver to the Jefferson County Government Center is still scheduled for a January 2013 opening.

We have the privilege of living in a beautiful city, with diverse, historic neighborhoods, a strong environment for small businesses and an active and engaged citizenry. We look forward to working with all of our community
partners and neighbors throughout 2009.

Bob Murphy, Mayor
City of Lakewood