Inside Firestone

Firestone Mayor Chad Auer Hosts Mayor's Forum

Local Boy Scout Josh Lyons showed up early to the Sept. 10, 2011 Mayor’s Forum to ask Firestone Mayor Chad Auer specific questions about his role in the local government. Lyons asked Auer a variety of questions, before turning the stage over to him.

The forum, which took place at Firestone Town Hall, included a presentation by Auer that outlined many areas, including the employment growth in Weld County. With Weld County leading state in 2010 growth numbers, wages grew at almost twice the rate of the state. In Firestone, 57 major residential, commercial employment and mixed-use developments do business here.

“We are continuing to work hard to provide solid jobs in our community,” Auer said. “Overall, Firestone has had good success with this.”

Auer talked about Firestone’s prime location to live, work and develop a business with the Town’s close proximity to Interstate 25 and larger communities. He said economic development will be a big push in the coming year. Auer’s affiliation with the Metro Mayors Caucus has been a great way to get out the word about Firestone. The MMC is a cooperative alliance of mayors from 40 cities and towns in the Denver metropolitan region that provides leadership and solutions to some of the most challenging regional issues.

“The MMC listens to Firestone, and I think that is great because they treat Firestone as an equal, which allows us to participate,” Auer said.

Housing was another area Auer discussed, and noted that as of April 2011 there were 3,506 households in Firestone. According to real estate professionals, the average housing price in the Carbon Valley area is $201,060 – a number Auer believes entices people to buy real estate here.

Other highlights among Auer’s presentation included:

• The Town of Firestone will be rolling out citizen and business surveys in early October to solicit feedback about the town’s amenities, options and values. The business survey is new for Firestone and will allow the town to get valuable feedback regarding business climates and outlooks.
• Auer now has his own radio show on KRCN 1060 AM – Colorado Radio Network. Tune in on Mondays at 6 p.m. for the show, which highlights local issues.
• Auer has been making his rounds among local homeowners’ associations to check in on the happenings.
• Auer noted that the Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce has been doing a great job at reaching out into the business community.

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