During a recent city council meeting in Littleton, residents voiced significant concerns regarding local voting methods, housing issues, and environmental impacts of proposed developments.

Frank Atwood, a district four resident, advocated for the adoption of approval voting, a system allowing voters to express support for multiple candidates rather than choosing just one. Atwood highlighted that nearly half of registered voters in Colorado are unaffiliated, with 70% of that group seeking more viable alternatives in elections. He urged the council to propose a resolution to the state legislature to enable municipalities to implement approval voting, emphasizing that this method could better reflect a candidate's true level of support and allow voters to express preferences without feeling their votes are wasted.

Corey Ritz, executive director of South Metro Housing Options, acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Littleton Housing Task Force, which has been active since 2015 in addressing affordable housing challenges. Ritz expressed pride in the task force's accomplishments and supported a shift in its operational approach to better meet the city's housing goals. He also thanked the council for appointing two new board members who are passionate about affordable housing.

Greg Sullivan, a resident and community forester, raised concerns about the environmental implications of a proposed Costco warehouse. He urged the council to reconsider plans to clear-cut trees and replace a natural swale with concrete, arguing that the swale provides essential wildlife habitat and contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. Sullivan emphasized the ecological benefits of preserving the area and called for collaboration with Costco to align development plans with sustainability goals.

The discussions reflect a community actively engaging with local governance on pressing issues, from electoral reform to housing and environmental conservation.