Considering Mountain View’s story. Picture a time when twelve square blocks defined a town’s limits. That’s Mountain View in Colorado. It is a home rule municipality in Jefferson County. Mountain View sits snugly west of Denver.
Mountain View was officially incorporated in 1904. This happened on land that once belonged to the Berkeley Annex subdivision. The subdivision was established in 1888. The land was initially part of the Berkeley Farm. John Brisben Walker founded this farm in 1879.
By 2008, Mountain View had grown. It housed about 500 residents in 272 homes. Approximately 20 businesses operated within its boundaries. These boundaries totaled just twelve square blocks. The town found itself nestled between Wheat Ridge and Denver.
However, Mountain View faced challenges by 2009. Several businesses closed, causing sales taxes to decline. City workers experienced late payments on three occasions in just two months. The town council introduced a US$162 fee on sewer bills. This was to maintain basic services. The Colorado state government intervened to organize the city’s financial records.
A letter to residents revealed the town’s predicament. It said, “Our town is in serious trouble and we need your help.” The letter presented three options. The town could attract more businesses. It could dissolve and be absorbed into Jefferson County. Alternatively, a neighboring community could annex Mountain View.
Mountain View’s geography is unique. It is on Jefferson County’s eastern edge. Lakeside borders it to the north. Wheat Ridge borders it to the west and south. Denver defines its eastern boundary.
The United States Census Bureau reports Mountain View’s area. It covers only 0.09 square miles. This comprises just 12 square blocks. All of it is land.
As of 2024, Mountain View’s economy is noteworthy. It relies heavily on tax revenue from its dispensaries. These three dispensaries operate within the town’s twelve square blocks. In 2023, Jefferson County’s retail marijuana sales exceeded $5.3 million. The state’s share of retail marijuana sales tax was $837,027.
Mayor Emilie Mitcham commented on the 2023 town budget. She noted the healthy sales tax revenue. About half comes from the town’s three dispensaries. The other half comes from the remaining businesses. She emphasized the town’s strong financial position. They spend less than they bring in each year. This protects them from unexpected downturns.
Historically, Mountain View had a small retail sales tax base. It relied on traffic tickets for revenue. This helped pay police and municipal employees.
An emergency meeting occurred on March 2, 2009. This sought input on Mountain View’s future. A letter to residents revealed a growing debt crisis. The budget shortfall was between six and eight thousand dollars monthly. Police officers had been paid late three times in two months. Forty percent of the town’s businesses had closed. The town petitioned the Attorney General of Colorado for DEA seizure money. This was to pay police salaries, but it was declined.
The letter suggested additional fees for police services and streetlights. Annexation into a neighboring community was mentioned as a possible outcome.
Since Emilie Mitcham’s election as Mayor, community events have increased. These events aim to build community and neighborly connections. They also provide opportunities to interact with police officers and elected officials. These events create ways to build relationships. This makes it easier to stay engaged in town affairs.
Mountain View hosts various community events. These include National Night Out and the Annual Town Picnic. There is also an Annual Spring Fling, Outdoor Movie Night, and Santa Visit and Toy Drive.
The 2023 Annual Town Picnic was carnival-style. It featured food, rides, games, and a henna artist.
Mountain View’s history includes scrutiny. The police department faced criticism for over-ticketing. Officers issued citations for minor traffic violations. These included cracked windshields or air fresheners. In 2013, Mountain View issued more citations than Denver, Aurora, and Boulder combined. Nearly half of the town’s revenue came from court fees and citations. An “obstructed view” citation could cost someone $80. The excessive enforcement was allegedly motivated by revenue.
Mountain View Police Department appeared on Reason TV’s “Best of the Worst.” They were cited for funding jobs by over-ticketing motorists. A 9NEWS investigation highlighted that 53 percent of Mountain View’s revenue came from police tickets in 2014.
Today, Mountain View stands as a testament to resilience. It is a community that actively shapes its destiny.