Bennett Mayor, Whitney Oakley, will provide updates on the latest news, events and Town initiatives. Her message will be shared online and featured in the Bennett Broadcast e-newsletter, keeping residents and businesses informed about important community updates and developments.
As we welcome the start of a new year, I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer days and looking forward to all that spring and summer will bring to our community. Bennett continues to grow and thrive, and it is an exciting time as we see projects taking shape and new opportunities on the horizon.
Earlier this year, the Board of Trustees outlined key priorities focused on strengthening Bennett’s economy and planning for long term infrastructure needs. Through the “Upper-Tunity 2.0” initiative, the Board will continue advancing economic vitality by expanding business recruitment, supporting existing businesses, encouraging public-private partnerships and aligning development with infrastructure planning and community quality of life goals.
In addition, the Board has placed a street and transportation infrastructure bond question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. The measure would authorize up to $20 million for roadway reconstruction and safety improvements, to be repaid using the Town’s existing 1% sales tax with no new taxes proposed. Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the bond to address current and future road infrastructure needs.
We are also making meaningful progress on important community projects. Work continues at Civic Center Park, and we are excited to see this space come to life with an anticipated opening this summer. This park will provide a welcoming place for residents to gather, connect and enjoy our community.
Work continues at the Wastewater Reclamation and Resource Recovery Facility. The WRRRF expansion is not just about increasing capacity, it is a bold step toward a sustainable and resilient future. This project addresses growing service demands, enhances the use of recycled water, and improves the Town’s ability to utilize and sell treated water. Together, we are creating an innovative water resource management system that will support our community today and for generations to come.
In addition, the Board of Trustees approved the land purchase for the future Town Center project, an important step toward creating a central space that will serve as a hub for community activity and growth.
The April 7 election also includes three Trustee seats, making it especially important for residents to participate. I encourage everyone to get out and vote and make your voice heard. Ballots can be dropped off at the secure ballot box located near Town Hall in the DMV/Muegge House parking lot. Beyond voting, I also encourage residents to attend Board of Trustees meetings and stay engaged in local decision making, as your input plays a vital role in shaping Bennett’s future. I look forward to working alongside the newly elected Board members, whoever they may be, and welcome their perspectives as we continue moving Bennett forward.
As we move into the summer months and continue to experience warm and dry conditions, it is important to stay safe and follow all local fire and burn restrictions. I also encourage everyone to be mindful of water use and practice water conservation whenever possible.
Thank you for being an engaged and supportive community. I look forward to all we will accomplish together this year.
Sincerely,
Whitney Oakley
Mayor, Town of Bennett
As we close out the year in Bennett, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication, collaboration and community spirit that continue to move our Town forward. This has been a year of meaningful progress across every pillar of our Strategic Plan, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together.
Our focus on expanding economic opportunity brought real results. We strengthened support for local businesses by providing targeted assistance and continuing our business retention work, including the Bennett in Bloom campaign that celebrated our business community. We also advanced the vision for the Town Center as a future hub of commerce and community engagement. Another major milestone was the completion and adoption of the South of I 70 Sub Area Plan, which will guide sustainable growth in an important part of our community. These efforts all reinforce our commitment to long term economic vitality.
We also made significant strides in improving how we serve residents, businesses and stakeholders. Across the organization, staff worked to strengthen internal processes, enhance training and encourage cross department collaboration. Every team member contributed to identifying ways to improve workflows and streamline services. This work is already leading to more consistent and efficient service delivery, and it will continue to shape a stronger Town organization in the years ahead.
Traffic safety and mobility remained top priorities. We made progress on important transportation improvements, including construction of the first phase of the TIP Trail to expand safe pedestrian connections. The Board adopted the Community Safety Action Plan, which guides improvements for both near term and long term safety needs. We continued close partnerships with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office on traffic enforcement and collaborated with regional partners on infrastructure and safety enhancements. These efforts build the foundation for a safer and more connected Bennett.
Beyond the Strategic Plan, this has been a year filled with community pride. Bennett Days was one of our most successful events yet, bringing residents of all ages together for a weekend of celebration and connection. We continued major park improvements throughout Town and celebrated the groundbreaking of Civic Center Park, a project that will soon become a centerpiece of recreation and gathering for our community. We welcomed new businesses, expanded our purple pipe reuse water system to support long term sustainability and enjoyed a growing number of arts programs and community events thanks to the leadership of our Arts Council and valued partners like the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
As we enter the holiday season, I want to share my heartfelt appreciation with our residents, businesses, Town staff and partners. Your engagement, support and belief in our future make all of these accomplishments possible. We are excited to continue our progress and look forward to the many exciting things that 2026 will bring, including the opening of Civic Center Park, consideration of a Road Bond to support transportation improvements and even more opportunities to come together as a community.
Bennett is growing, evolving and strengthening, and we are doing it together. Even as we grow responsibly and plan for the future, we continue to honor the small-town charm and sense of community that define who we are. I am deeply proud of all we have achieved and hopeful for the year ahead.
Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and happy new year,
Mayor Whitney Oakley
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As I reflect on my first year as your mayor, I am filled with gratitude for the trust you placed in me and pride in what we have accomplished together. Since being sworn into office in April, I have been inspired by our Town's dedication to progress and collaboration. As we move into 2025, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to continue building a bright future for our community.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the strides we made in 2024 through our shared commitment to thoughtful planning, innovative solutions and meaningful connections. To recap, the Board of Trustees strategic plan for 2024 had three key focus areas including; strategic financial planning; policing services transition and review; and continued communication efforts and engagement.
Strategic Financial Planning
In 2024, we strengthened our financial foundation by updating our infrastructure plans, revising financial priorities and securing funding for key projects like wastewater and drainage improvements. These efforts position us to meet future challenges with confidence.
Policing Services Transition and Review
The transition to a new policing agreement with Arapahoe County has been a success, ensuring strong community engagement and reliable service. We’ve also begun planning for the future, including creating a capital savings fund for potential future policing costs to meet our evolving public safety needs.
Continued Communication Efforts and Engagement
Transparency and engagement have been central to our efforts. With the launch of our new website, BennettCO.gov, and enhanced communication tools like video content and public surveys, we’re making it easier than ever to connect and share information with our community.
Looking Ahead: The Board of Trustees Strategic Goals for 2025
As we embark on a new year, the Board of Trustees is developing strategic goals that will build on last year’s progress and continue to drive growth, innovation, and connection in our Town.
One of our key priorities is "Upper-Tunity", a commitment to advancing economic growth and development. We are focused on fostering economic development through enhancing local employment opportunities and diversifying the tax base to ensure long-term sustainability. This includes completing the South of I-70 Area Sub Plan to guide responsible growth, continuing the development of the Town Center as a thriving hub for commerce and community engagement and strengthening business retention and recruitment efforts to support existing businesses while attracting new investment.
Another vital focus is process improvements, aimed at empowering our Town staff and enhancing services for residents and stakeholders. By investing in training and technology, we are working to improve workflow efficiency and decision-making. Encouraging collaboration across departments will help streamline operations and improve responsiveness while evaluating and refining processes will enhance the overall experience for those who live and do business in our community.
Additionally, traffic safety and transportation improvements remain a top priority. We are committed to enhancing mobility and ensuring safer roadways by continuing to work with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office to increase traffic enforcement. Strengthening partnerships with CDOT and regional agencies will allow us to implement critical infrastructure improvements, while exploring innovative solutions for traffic flow, pedestrian safety and alternative transportation options will help create a more efficient and accessible transportation network.
In addition to our strategic goals, the Board of Trustees is excited to advance several key projects that will enhance infrastructure, sustainability and recreational opportunities in our community. One of the most significant initiatives is the expansion of the Wastewater Reclamation and Recovery Facility, which will improve our capacity to manage water resources efficiently and support the Town’s continued growth. Alongside this effort, we remain committed to the continued expansion of our purple pipe water system, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable water reuse and conservation.
We are also looking forward to progress on the TIP Trail and the construction of Civic Center Park, which will create a vibrant gathering space that enhances our Town’s sense of community and provides new opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. This project includes new pedestrian crossing improvements and safety enhancements for key areas within the Centennial and Civic Center trails.
These projects reflect our commitment to smart growth, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for all who call our Town home. The Board of Trustees is eager to see these initiatives take shape in 2025 and beyond.
Through these strategic goals, the Board of Trustees remains dedicated to fostering a thriving, well-connected, and forward-thinking community. Thank you for being a vital part of our success. Together, we’ve laid the groundwork for a bright future, and I can’t wait to see all that we will accomplish in 2025.
-Mayor Whitney Oakley