The city that started in a pancake house recently celebrated its
10th anniversary.
During her State of Our City address, Centennial Mayor Cathy
Noon focused on the strides the city has made during the past
decade.
Noon highlighted Centennial’s efforts to distinguish itself as a
regional presence. She credited the new IKEA furniture store, which
is scheduled to open in the fall, and other local businesses with
putting the city on the map.
“Gradually, with the help of our businesses and residents,
Centennial’s location and identity are becoming much better known,”
Noon said.
Representatives from IKEA enjoyed a front-row table directly
underneath the speaker’s podium at the April 7 event.
The luncheon, which was held at the Embassy Suites hotel at
10250 E. Costilla Ave. and sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Centennial, took place in front of hundreds of local business and
community leaders. Noon discussed the city’s business partnerships,
census data, transportation and open space improvements, public
events, economic development, history and evolving identity.
The idea of Centennial was born 13 years ago, when five civic
activists met in a pancake house to discuss incorporation. Despite
critics and challenges, the city has endured to become a center of
economic growth in the south metro area.
Noon mentioned that Centennial was named the safest city in
Colorado for the sixth year in a row and now features an official
population of 100,377, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Attaining
more than 100,000 residents allows the city access to additional
grants and funding.
Even in the distressed economy, Noon emphasized that Centennial
continues to grow.
“Despite the gloom, Centennial had total revenues rise over 2009
by nearly 8 percent with sales tax up 14 percent — a good sign for
businesses and the city,” Noon said. “And even better, that trend
is continuing.”
Still, the city hasn’t escaped the economic downturn entirely.
Issues such as the national and state budget crises, school funding
and medical marijuana continue to affect and divide the
citizenry.
“But it’s our job to steer the course, adjust our rudder when
necessary, and keep our ship upright,” Noon said.
According to data collected during a citizen survey and
published in the city’s 2010 Annual Report, 63 percent of
Centennial residents rated reducing traffic congestion on city
streets as a top priority. In addition, 57 percent of citizens
wanted the intersection of Interstate 25 and Arapahoe Road
rebuilt.
Noon referenced ongoing partnerships with neighboring cities and
counties, as well as local businesses and organizations, as
integral to such transportation improvements.
“At this time of scarce resources, these partnerships become
critical to maintaining our infrastructure,” she said.
The mayor concluded her speech by looking to the future. The
city will continue to celebrate its 10th anniversary throughout the
year, with special events in addition to regularly planned
festivities such as SpringFling and Centennial Movie Nights.
Construction began in March 2011 on the new Civic Center Park on
Arapahoe Road between South Vaughn Way and South Revere Parkway,
and the city plans to launch a Facebook fan page in the next few
months.
“I’m often asked what my vision is for the City of Centennial,
as if it is my job alone to set the course for the city I serve,”
Noon said. “Well, maybe for some mayors and cities that is true,
but for me, and I believe for the City of Centennial, the vision
belongs to us all and our city is what we make of it.”