Susan Noble

Age: 72
Occupation: Retired
Years lived in Commerce City: 10
Years lived in Colorado: Born and raised in Colorado
Phone: 720-773-1773
Website: noble4commercity.com
Email: noble4ward4cc@gmail.com

Why are you running for council?

I am running because I am someone you can count on to show up for you. That remains my commitment. I will continue the work started four years ago to represent you and not special interests, to ensure that your voice is at the table when decisions are made that affect whether Commerce City embodies the city’s motto: A Quality Community for a Lifetime.

My efforts on your behalf are grounded in a desire for a future that celebrates our diversity and provides a community we can all enjoy — where we live, work, play, shop, and learn, where our environment is healthy and our water and air are clean. In 2020, we enacted stringent oil and gas regulations. I want to make certain that the 11 residential drilling sites that were in our application pipeline do not reapply after the election. Today we have a sustainability plan and are headed toward implementation of xeriscaping throughout Commerce City.

After years of discussion, the city council unanimously approved my motion to hold a metro district workshop to enlist ideas that rein in abusive practices and to hear alternatives to the metro district concept. Now that the workshop has been held, a city council will determine the future of metro districts in Commerce City.

To make city government more transparent to you, the city council unanimously approved my motion for town halls in each ward. In running for a second term, I want to continue to ensure transparency and accountability in our government, to keep our streets and schools safe, to rein in the use of metro districts, and to always put our kids first.

What do you see as the three biggest opportunities for Commerce City?

1. Retail development: The need is more than evident and the city is responding. In late 2021, the city council unanimously approved my concept for the Blue Ribbon Economic Development Committee, which was comprised of residents and businesspeople appointed to analyze economic development best practices and strategize ways to attract resident- and visitor-serving businesses. Their recommendations led to the hiring of a Strategic Partnership Director and a revamped Economic Development department.
2. Walkable Central Hub: I will continue to advocate for a walkable community hub in the north that fulfills the promises made to residents and prior city councils for a place to engage in sports and cultural events and to shop and dine. As the liaison to the Adams County Regional Economic Partnership, I regularly promote the advantages of locating in Commerce City.
3. Second Senior Center: As a council liaison to the Senior Commission, which is doing herculean work, we have seen the importance of a second Senior Center to provide not only indoor and outdoor activities and recreation, but also physical and mental health services and assistance for seniors on fixed incomes.

What do you see as the three biggest challenges facing the city?

1. Diversification of city revenues and the economy: A reliance on sales and use taxes from the fossil fuel industry could become a house of cards. We need to attract companies focused on the future to ensure long-term fiscal health.
2. Growth: We must ensure enough truly affordable housing for young people while containing unbridled development that overburdens infrastructure and services.
3. Community health and wellbeing: With high property valuations, we must support residents at risk of displacement and demand responsible agencies protect our community from harmful industry impacts.

What does a “Quality Community for a Lifetime” mean to you?

A quality community for a lifetime offers a welcoming community, recreation for all ages, education at all levels, a healthy environment, shopping and dining options, a range of medical care, entertainment, open spaces and parks, housing for future generations, and a place you don’t want to leave.

What is your favorite aspect of the city?

Only one? Here are a few of my favorites: our diversity, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, proximity to the airport and downtown, the Rapids and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Reunion Coffee House, official fireworks, and most of all, the engagement and passion of our residents.