Candidate Profile: Michael P. Griffith For Arvada City Council

ARVADA, CO — Six City Council candidates are running for Arvada's Nov. 2 municipal election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Michael P. Griffith is running for Arvada City Council.

Age: 36

Family

Wife: Abigail, Children: Claire - 3 & Declan 7+ months, Dogs: Laudi & Madison

Education

Master of Urban Design & Master of Landscape Architecture - University of Colorado Denver (UCD), Bachelor of Landscape Architecture - Louisiana State University (LSU)

Occupation

Urban Designer & Landscape Architect (PLA) (12 years experience)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Vice Chair of the City of Arvada Planning Commission (5 years)

Campaign website: www.MichaelForArvada.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to help build a more inclusive, safer and brighter future for the City of Arvada. I am a licensed Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with 12 years of experience designing, managing, and leading innovative public realm infrastructure projects and mixed-use developments. In my current position on the City Planning Commission, I provide a unique voice, often negotiating for better outcomes by making amendments to motions and providing critical guidance to City Council. Arvada is growing rapidly and the choices and decisions we make today will directly impact the quality of life for generations to come. I am running for City Council At-Large because the citizens of Arvada deserve a qualified design voice with a history of service and commitment to guide Arvada’s growth. Arvada has proven to be one of the greatest places to live in the county. It is clear the secret is out, and people want to join our community. I believe this is positive for Arvada and that the necessary housing and infrastructure projects that follow are a great opportunity to shape the future of the city while preserving historic charm and empowering existing communities.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have lived in Arvada for 7 years. Since moving here my wife and I got married, bought a historic home remodeling it ourselves, and had our two beautiful children Declan and Claire. Arvada is our home; I am invested in the future of this city. I have devoted the last 5 years of my life to understanding local issues in Arvada through my experience as a Planning Commissioner and on the Land Development Code committee. My background in engineering and placemaking is sorely needed on council, where the rubber meets the road on development and public investment decisions. My approach to problem solving is data driven, based on logic and expertise, and always people focused.

How do you think local officials are performing in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

When the COVID lockdowns hit we had no idea how long they would last or how many would suffer from the illness or the economics. I am very proud of the City, Chamber of Commerce, our business community, and our citizens for all doing their part to keep the wheels on during these challenging times. In particular, I am grateful for the work done by the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce which led to reimagining the roadways in Olde Town as a new type of public space for the city. Early in the lockdown, I sought out the Olde Town BID leadership to volunteer my design knowledge. Together with the BID, I worked on street closure concepts and drawings that showed parking and drive lanes converted into pedestrian oriented outdoor dining spaces. If you haven’t been to Olde Town recently you have to check it out! What I would like to see in the future is investment in other small business hubs around the city using what we have learned in Olde Town. Not every retail street should be closed to cars, but innovation is universal, and I am proud of what the city has accomplished.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The role and scope of local government is becoming increasingly unclear to the public. As a member of the Arvada City Council I will advocate for strict adherence to the guiding documents that define the operational capacity of the council and the various departments within our city.

These documents include:

-The City Charter, our local constitution which clearly states practices and procedures for the City.

-The Strategic Plan developed by the City Council members and City Manager which details priorities and sets metrics of success.

-The aspirational Comprehensive Plan which outlines the goals and ambitions for our growing city.

-The recently updated Land Development Code which provides a more streamlined and accessible process for both developers and residents to navigate the built environment.

- The feedback, guidance and advice provided by the various City of Arvada Boards and Commissions led by diverse members of our Arvada community and facilitated by many members of our city staff and team.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Arvada has grown to the point where all new development is infill and will be challenging for adjacent properties. The key is to elect representatives that understand the role of government, the guiding documents, people focused principles of urban design, and the material facts that help guide responsible council decisions. My 5 years on Planning Commission coupled with my professional design and engineering background makes me ideal for this challenge. I lead a team of civil engineers, planners, landscape architects, traffic engineers, and architects. On a daily basis, I build understanding and consensus between people with very different world views. To be successful as a City Counselor a balanced levelheaded approach is needed that will preserve commercial opportunities, upgrade roadways, and maintain wide-open spaces.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It takes team work to make the dream work!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am not a politician, but I do have an intensely collaborative spirit in my professional and personal life. I find joy in engaging with people that have unique points of view or that disagree with me. I want voters to know that there are going to be times that we won’t all agree, but I will always be there to listen, hear, and understand their concerns. As the only designer running, I am uniquely qualified to translate and balance the tradeoffs of development, public investment and quality of life.