First of all, tell our readers a little about yourself. How long have you lived in Northglenn? And for those who might not know, what’s your experience with municipal government?
We’re original homeowners — we bought our home in 1968 and raised our families here, so we’ve been here a long time, very invested. I was actually appointed in 1990 to Northglenn City Council and … I was lucky enough that people liked me enough, and I was re-elected constantly. It was a good thing, it made me feel good. And so I learned and I’ve a lot of experience in the arena.
What made you want to lead the city?
I love the city and I thought I’d be able to bring a little bit more, and I’m just excited about what we do. It’s a great community.
About you, what do you like to do to unwind in Northglenn?
I love to go to Rains (E. B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park). It’s close to my home but I would go there anyway. We have all our events there, and there’s a nice walking trail that’s connected to other areas and branches out into Northglenn, and the trails connect to Westminster and Thornton and all those places, too.
But I love to walk. It’s a good thing.
In your 2015 State of the City, you wrote “There’s a lot to be proud of in our city.” What are some of the things that make you most proud of Northglenn?
First of all, the ownership from the residents. They’re very loyal residents, it’s just such a nice community. And they’re futuristic in their thinking. As well as they like the “homey” feeling, they’re also looking forward into the future, and I’m very excited about that.
The typical Northglenn resident — does anyone ever call you Northglenners? — who are they?
Northglenners? Well, I call them “neighbors” and “friends.”
Of course, there are some of us who are original homeowners. We were here before it was even incorporated, so we are the foundation of the city, but now also, our families are moving back and we’re excited about that. But how you define us, it’s pretty hard to say.
What you just said about new families moving in does bring us to my next question: I read that the median age of Northglenn residents is lower than the state average by more than two full years. What makes Northglenn so young?
Northglenn itself will be just 50 years old in a couple of years.
But you know, I think it’s because we’re close to the Denver metro area, but also we have affordable homes and a variety of them, high-scale and also affordable. So we have a variety of things that entice new residents.
And then, we have a great school system. Adams 12 Five Star schools are wonderful.
We also have an award-winning theater in Northglenn. (Mayor Downing was planning on attending the premier of “Guys on Ice” that night.)
Well, development is clearly the cornerstone of Northglenn right now — new commercial endeavors, a new hospital, plans for a new justice center, a light rail line.
(Laughs) We got it all.
So, what does the Northglenn of the future look like?
I think it’s going to be a thriving hub, I really do. We have so many opportunities.
And how does Northglenn maintain its identity and community?
That is a hard part of growth. And it’s all about … looking to the future, as well as retaining what we already have. That’s a little bit of a challenge but it’s something that I think is very doable.
When you were running for re-election in 2013 your opponent at the time, then-Councilman Gene Wieneke, suggested city council wasn’t taking enough control. Voters obviously disagreed. So what do you think you and your council have done to shape policy and keep residents happy?
Well, first of all, Gene and I are friends. We just agree to disagree on some issues. For us, city council I think … are more futuristic and proactive. And we’re looking at what brought and will keep our residents here, and provide services for them, provide the things that people want to come and live here for. And so it’s the theater, it’s the recreation center, it’s the police and safety — we’re building a new Justice Center — it’s all those things.
And I believe this particular council and the one before it, they’re looking into the future because they know what’s coming.
Join me for Coffee With, a weekly community column where I sit down for a cup of Joe with somebody who lives or works in the North Metro region and helps shape Northglenn, Thornton and Westminster. Do you know somebody who fits that description? Nominate your own Coffee With candidates by emailing me at jjohnson@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
This week, sit in on my conversation with second-term Northglenn Mayor Joyce Downing, the affable longtime public servant with more than 25 years serving between City Council and the city’s highest-ranking position. Downing, who set up shop in Northglenn a year before the city was incorporated in 1969, reflects on the changes in the nearly 50 years she’s called Northglenn home, while looking fondly forward at what’s to come for the bustling North Metro suburb currently experiencing some serious growth.