Deputy City Manager Brown opened a study-session review of Commerce City’s six strategic goals, telling councilors: “It’s not about formulating any kind of action. It's about having a conversation about that which surrounds these goals and understanding that times change.”

The council spent more than an hour reviewing each goal and suggesting refinements. Members broadly said the goals remain useful as a framework but need firmer language or separate entries for some priorities — notably public safety and environmental health — and clearer metrics for performance and timelines tied to budget decisions.

Why it matters: Council members said the way goals are written affects departmental priorities, budgeting and what the public will expect as the city shifts leadership after the election. Staff told councilors they will synthesize the discussion and return recommendations within two weeks for the incoming post‑election body to consider.

Infrastructure and transportation drew the most sustained comment. Council member Ford said the city’s large capital projects — new substations and recreation centers — align with the goal, but residents want to see ongoing maintenance. “I want to make sure that in all parts of the city, somebody sees one of our trucks fixing potholes,” Ford said, arguing visible maintenance promotes residents’ confidence in services.

Several councilors pressed for stronger partnerships with the county and the Colorado Department of Transportation, saying Commerce City cannot solve some congestion and safety problems alone. Council member Brigacone warned that the city “is that transportation city and it can't all fall to staff all the time,” and Council member Dukes and others urged clearer timelines so projects and deferred maintenance don't grow more expensive.

On economic development, councilors said the city should broaden emphasis beyond industrial land and attract retail, medical and higher‑education anchors, plus support for small businesses. Council member McKeown and Council member Kim stressed incentives and fee structures that help startups and existing businesses stay in Commerce City.

Housing comments focused on affordability and oversight. Council member Chacon said affordable development and protections for vulnerable residents should be explicit in the housing goal: “Housing is a human right as well,” she said. Councilors also raised metro‑district impacts, noting examples where new development and tax structures can shift costs to existing homeowners.

Council members argued that public health and environmental health should be separated or clarified. Council member Richard Cohen recommended wording that reflects “environmental health equity” and recalled the city's prior cumulative‑impacts work, calling for continued coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Adams County Health Department.

On city unity, wellness and high‑performing government, councilors praised recent outreach and events but asked for follow‑up: publish what programs achieved and tie engagement to measurable outcomes. Several councilors — including Dukes, Chacon and others — urged that “data and metrics” be made transparent and accessible to residents. One councilor asked that capital projects be briefed to council every six months and shown on an easy public dashboard.

Deputy City Manager Brown and staff closed the study session by promising to synthesize the council’s comments and return a summary within two weeks for a post‑election orientation and action on goal language and priorities.

Next steps: staff will compile the suggestions, propose revised goal language and recommend measurable outcomes and timelines for council review after the election.