Hello readers. Welcome to a new edition of Westminster Window Reflections, a weekly rundown of the policies and happenings shaping the city this week.

This edition focuses on the triumphs and challenges facing a rebuilding downtown, which is still shaking off the stagnation brought on by the COVID crisis. The looming drought is also becoming a huge factor in decision-making in the city.

One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: How much the City of Westminster is counting on residents responding with enthusiasm to the city’s first-ever restaurant week, April 17-26.

Organizers say this is a chance for the city to emerge from the shadow of Boulder and Denver as a dining hotspot. Restaurants will create special meals at affordable price points for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and will feature new, creative dishes as well as customer favorites.

“Our restaurants are vital to the growth, energy, and success of our community,” said Mayor Claire Carmelia.

😅 Why it matters: Since the demise of the old Westminster Mall in 2011 and COVID restrictions, the city has struggled to turn the mall area into a place that is a “regional and community wide” destination.

What’s happening: The City Council - acting as the Westminster Economic Development Authority - recently gave the Westminster Chamber of Commerce $300,000 in “activation funding” for the downtown. The first $300,000 helped bring in 39 events into downtown last year, ushered in a summer concert series and a “Bite Into Downtown Restaurant Week.”

Why it matters: Westminster is proud of its environmental policies, including one that created a pollinator-friendly management practice that led the city to be named the first Colorado community as a “Bee City USA” in 2014.

What’s happening: The city is bringing in a consulting firm to develop a new Open Space Ecosystem Management Plan, which will replace the city’s old prairie dog plan and its Natural Resource Management Plan, which covered pollinators. The new plan will be careful to bring in plenty of city stakeholders.

What to know: Cavendar’s Boot City is arriving in Westminster to cater to folks who like their boots handcrafted. Westminster is the third city in Colorado that has a Cavendar’s, which is out of Texas.  You can also get men’s and women’s clothing and other western fineries.

Next step: The store will open at 9250 W. Sheridan Boulevard on April 17.

🛠 Adams 12 School District recently approved $1.7 million more for repairs to Thunder Vista: Read the story here

Bambu opened its new location at the Walmart at 200 West 136th Avenue this month. Bambu’s specializes in real fruit smoothies, boba teas and Vietnamese teas. The store is one of the new Bambu restaurants that emphasizes new designs to bring in new customers and appeal to long-time patrons.

The issue: Water management in an expected dry summer will be tackled by a Water Affordability to Every Resident (WATER) task force, a new advisory group focused on water affordability, transparency and long-term sustainability

Context: Westminster is expected to unveil its drought plan in April to head off what is expected to be a historic drought.  

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