2012 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

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The City of Louisville is located in the Denver metropolitan region, approximately 6 miles east of the City of Boulder and 25 miles northwest of Denver. Louisville has an incorporated area of approximately 7.9 square miles and a population of approximately 19,000. The City's residential growth peaked in 1992 and has since slowed significantly as the City nears the target population of about 23,000 that is reflected in the City's Comprehensive Plan. There is significant activity on the commercial land available in Louisville as the City is strongly influenced by the U.S. Highway 36 corridor from Denver to Boulder, proximity to nearby national laboratories and universities, easy access to Denver International Airport, and numerous world-class recreational and cultural opportunities. MAJOR INITIATIVES IN 2012 The City of Louisville Home Rule Charter suggests that the City's mission is to provide basic municipal services in an efficient and cost-effective manner and maintain the qualities that make Louisville unique by protecting and enhancing the City's natural, cultural, and recreational resources, and preserving the City's scenic, historic, and aesthetic features through open and ethical government in which every member of the community has an opportunity to participate. Consistent with this mission, City leaders and staff accomplished the following during 2012: • Economic Development. Continued working with the current owners of and parties interested in acquiring the former Sam's Club and Safeway properties to ensure that desirable retail uses are located in those facilities. Approved a preliminary redevelopment plan for the Safeway property that will bring a new Alfalfa's natural grocery store to that location. Provided status reports monthly to Business Retention and Development Committee (BRaD) and bi-monthly to City Council. • Business Retention. Coordinated business retention and recruitment activities. Conducted numerous business retention visits. Reviewed and provided recommendations on Business Assistance Packages (BAP's), and made regular visits with local business leaders taking into account the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program. • 2012 Citizen Survey. Conducted 2012 citizen survey. The results showed that Louisville citizens rank the City's services as the highest of any Front Range City and significantly higher than comparable cities nationwide. • 2012 Ballot Issue. Coordinated consideration by Louisville voters of a 10-year extension of the City's Open Space and Parks 3/8% sales tax. Voters approved the measure with 67% voting in favor of the measure. • City Council Strategic Planning and Development. Conducted orientation for new Council Members. Conducted Council retreat(s) to discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, reviewed Vision and Mission, developed Values statement and prioritized top goals. Identified and scheduled training/ development opportunities. 2