[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 103 (Monday, June 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E636-E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, CO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2021

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today, to recognize the City of 
Wheat Ridge, Colorado for being recognized as an All-American City for 
2021, awarded by the National Civic League.
  The theme for 2021, ``Building Equitable and Resilient Communities'', 
focused on recognizing communities that have worked to improve broad-
based economic prosperity while also adapting and evolving during a 
challenging time.
  Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge has evolved from a quiet city to a 
bustling suburb while finding ways to honor its roots and its unique 
character and improving quality of life for its residents. The city was 
awarded based on three programs that highlighted the city's work to 
increase equity and resiliency.
  The ``Wheaties Academy'', a leadership program developed to expand 
and diversify the civic voice within the community, has successfully 
engaged a wide array of community members and reflected the actual 
diversity of the city. Secondly, the creation of ``Sustainable Wheat 
Ridge'', an environmental stewardship program, worked to prioritize a 
vision for the city as outlined in the city's long-term strategic plan. 
Comprised of 11 resident volunteers, the committee dedicated over 550 
hours to complete the action plan which was approved and funded by the 
city. Lastly, the ``Wheat Ridge Together'' initiative is a 
collaborative effort to respond to the dual challenges of the COVID-19 
pandemic and racial justice issues within the community. Wheat Ridge 
was well-positioned to face the challenges of the pandemic due to two 
new virtual public engagement tools that were launched prior to the 
pandemic: What's Up Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge Speaks, both of which 
provided on line opportunities for the community to engage with the 
city and provide public comment on city business. Wheat Ridge Speaks 
hosted 54 virtual meetings in 2020 and 166 comments were submitted 
electronically.

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  I extend my congratulations to City of Wheat Ridge on this 
recognition and their work to engage and evolve its community, 
particularly during a very difficult year. Keep up the good work.

                          ____________________