The Westminster City Council meeting on June 25, 2025, spotlighted the urgent need for innovative revenue strategies as council members grappled with the city's financial challenges. A significant discussion emerged around the potential for development agreements, particularly in the cannabis sector, as a viable alternative to raising taxes.

Council members expressed concerns about the city's current tax structure, noting that Westminster often ranks lower in tax rates compared to neighboring cities. One council member highlighted the city's reliance on its general fund for fire services, contrasting it with other municipalities that fund these services through property taxes. This disparity raises questions about the city's ability to generate sufficient revenue.

While there was a clear reluctance among council members to pursue new tax measures, the conversation shifted towards exploring development agreements with interested developers. The city attorney confirmed ongoing discussions with potential developers, indicating that this avenue remains open for generating revenue without imposing additional taxes on residents.

The council acknowledged the pressing need to enhance revenue streams, with one member stating, "We need to face reality... we need to generate more revenue." The sentiment was clear: while the appetite for tax increases is low, alternative strategies like development agreements could provide a less burdensome solution to the city's financial woes.

As the council continues to explore these options, the focus remains on balancing the need for revenue generation with the concerns of residents, ensuring that any measures taken are both effective and considerate of the community's needs.