March 23, 2021

To our Erie family and the larger community – we grieve together. After a year of the unusual, the unprecedented, and the unbearable we are now dealing yet again with unspeakable tragedy right in our own backyard. The shooting in the City of Boulder comes just as we were all beginning to feel the hope of new beginnings. This is the time to pull together and not just look for the helpers, but become the helpers.

Members of the Erie Police Department helped with the response in Boulder yesterday and we are forever grateful for the amazing members of law enforcement here in our community. How will you be a helper in this situation? It can be something as simple as checking in on a family member, friend, or coworker who may be impacted by this event. Perhaps it is something larger like donating to a support fund, volunteering at a local organization, or in some other way giving to the community.

With heavy hearts we extend our deepest condolences to the Boulder Police Department, the families of the victims, those who experienced first-hand the horror and trauma of this tragedy, and the first responders.

As always, the Town of Erie is here to serve and support.

Sarah Wise Retirement

With multiple decades of service to the Town, of stewarding its history, and family roots in Erie that go back to 1886, the Town of Erie wishes to express its appreciation to Sarah Wise for her lifetime of dedication as she retires from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board. Sarah’s devotion and service to the history of the Town has reminded us of our past and helped shape our future. The Town of Erie thanks you Sarah. View the video here.

State of the Town

The Erie Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual State of the Town Address on Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m. Mayor Jennifer Carroll will recap the unusual year the Town successfully navigated through in 2020 and share the upcoming goals and projects of 2021. To join the live event, click here.

Design the Country Fields Playground

The playground equipment at Country Fields park in the Country Fields neighborhood is due for a refresh. The Parks and Recreation Division is seeking youth park connoisseurs to submit ideas! Attend a virtual design workshop on Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m., or submit ideas, download a playground template, and learn more at www.erieco.us/countryfields.

Deadline Extended! DEI Advisory Board Open Positions

The Town is seeking applicants for five positions in the seven-member Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board to represent a diverse board (including racial, ethnic, LGBTQ, economic background, and disabilities). These members, and with the feedback of the community, will work to shape the role and focus of the Advisory Board to be responsive and effective in advising the Town of Erie. Applications are now due by March 29 - apply today.

EPD Arrests Suspects

In two separate instances last week, Erie Police Officers arrested two suspects under the influence of Methamphetamines and possession of other drugs. Also the suspect’s possessions were items indicative of burglary, criminal trespass, and identification theft. Crimes of opportunity are on the rise metro-wide. In Erie in 2020, the Town received 150 reports of motor vehicle trespasses compared to 68 in 2019.

Erie Police Department urges the residents of Erie to practice the 9 p.m. Routine:

LOCK UP your car, house, windows, garage, gates, shed
TURN ON exterior lights, security cameras, alarm systems
BRING IN valuables from your car, yard, patio
And report suspicious activity to 303-441-4444.

Let's Talk About Home Rule

Home Rule is a form of local government based on a charter written and enacted by residents rather than a form based only on what is allowed by state statute. The Town of Erie is currently a statutory town. Home Rule is based upon the theory that the residents in the community know best how to solve local issues. A Home Rule Charter could give you the chance to determine if Erie should become a city or stay a town, whether the Board of Trustees should become a council, what the term limits are for elected officials, and so much more. You could be a part of writing Erie’s future!

On March 16, the Board of Trustees reviewed an engagement plan that lays out all the opportunities for the public to provide feedback, ideas, and comment on whether to add a Home Rule question to the ballot this fall. Watch the discussion in full and get ready to provide your input soon!