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Q&A with Council Member Willford

Get to Know Your Council Member

How Long Have You Lived in Northglenn?
In 2014, my husband and I found our home in Northglenn - the only place we’ll consider moving is Deza Estates. 
 
What Neighborhood/Area Do You Live In?
I live just up the street from Croke Reservoir.
 
What Do You Like Most About Northglenn?
There are a lot of things that I love about Northglenn - the small-town feel, the parks, the sturdy homes - but what I love most of all are the people who call our city home. 
Education and Career Experience
My education includes a Master's Degree in human rights and political science from the University of Manchester in the U.K., a Bachelor's Degree in international studies and a bachelor's in women and gender studies from the University of Wyoming.

I currently work for an environmental non-profit on energy policy.
Tell Us About Your Family
I’m married to my best friend, Matt. Our parents went to high school together and while we’ve been together for over a decade, and married for seven years. We are also the proud parents of our son, 4-year-old Jack. 
How Have You Gotten Involved in the Community?
Since moving to Adams County, I’ve served as a member of the Adams County Fair Advisory Board as well as a parent representative to the Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County. 
Why Did You Run for Office?
There are many reasons that I ran for City Council - I love our community and wanted to focus on the revitalization of the Huron Center and the Marketplace and ensure that Northglenn is the best place to raise a family.
What Community Issues Are You Most Interested in Addressing?
From the new recreation center, senior center and theater to the planned civic center and the pending revitalization of the Marketplace, it’s an exciting time to be in Northglenn.

In the coming year I’m interested in working with my colleagues to: 
  1. Keep our infrastructure projects on track and on budget
  2. Mitigate city and resident impacts of climate change
  3. Enhance public safety via the Homelessness Community Task Force and new traffic calming policy.
What Regional Issues Are You Most Interested in Addressing?
I’m interested in working with surrounding communities to address homelessness, mental health, air quality and ensuring that the N line is completed.

Incumbent Questions - June 2022

So Far, What Achievement, Action or Work Are You Most Proud of During Your Tenure on Council?

The action I’m the most proud of is the work the city has taken on to address our poor air quality. This includes the creation of an electric vehicle readiness plan, joining a solar co-op, designing a net-zero city hall (this means the building will be highly energy-efficient and will create as much energy as it uses ­– good for our budget, the environment and our air quality) and potentially hiring our first sustainability coordinator in 2023 (pending City Council approval)!

What Is the Most Important Thing You Have Learned During Your Time on Council?

I’ve learned that the best policy decisions are made when everyone’s voices are included. Additionally, I’ve learned how much goes into running a city – from water, to trash, planning, public safety, roads, buildings, programming, events, parks, communications – the list goes on. We are lucky to have such awesome, dedicated and hardworking staff!

What Do You Feel are The Biggest Issues That Northglenn Faces Right Now?

The biggest issues that Northglenn faces right now are roadway and pedestrian safety, poor air quality, the opioid epidemic and inflation.  

What Is the Most Rewarding Part of Being on Council?

The most rewarding part of being on council is being able to work directly with residents in order to solve problems and improve our quality of life.