Top 10 2025
Town of Frederick's Top 10 Accomplishments of 2025!
In 2025, the Town of Frederick experienced a year defined by progress, collaboration, and thoughtful growth. From transformative economic development and water conservation efforts to community-oriented public safety, resident-led cultural programming, and long-term planning for parks, infrastructure, and land use, each accomplishment reflects the Town’s commitment to building a strong, connected, and resilient community.
These Top 10 accomplishments highlight the collective work of residents, volunteers, boards and committees, local partners, Town staff, and elected officials. Together, they represent more than individual projects; they tell the story of a community investing in its future while honoring its values, history, and people.
Explore each achievement below to see how Frederick continued moving forward in 2025, guided by resident input, strategic planning, and a shared vision for a thriving community.
10. Improvements to Bella Rosa Municipal Golf Course
Bella Rosa Municipal Golf Course has made steady progress in 2025 with improved golf course conditions and facility enhancements designed to improve playability and elevate the overall guest experience. Our Superintendent, Rob Fitzgerald, and Assistant Superintendent, Jason Roberts, implemented a new fertility & maintenance plan to keep the golf course in excellent condition and support Bella Rosa's long-term vision as a welcoming, high-quality golf destination for residents & visitors alike.
The role of the Golf Course Superintendent and Assistant Golf Course Superintendent is to strengthen Bella Rosa's commitment to exceptional golf course conditions and ensure a consistent, professional approach to managing Frederick's community golf assets.
We invite golfers of all skill levels to take a shot and experience the Bella Rosa Municipal Golf Course for yourself. Your next great round is waiting!
9. Resident Committee Excellence
One of Frederick’s greatest strengths is the dedication of residents who serve on Town boards and committees. In 2025, the Frederick Arts Committee and the Historic Preservation Committee exemplified this commitment, bringing creativity, history, and community connection to life through expanded programming, public art, and educational outreach.
Frederick Arts Committee: New Music in the Park program!
The Frederick Arts Committee continued to elevate arts and culture in 2025 through engaging, inclusive initiatives that brought people together downtown. The committee hosted two free, family-friendly concerts at Crist Park, creating welcoming spaces for residents to gather, relax, and enjoy live regional music. Performances by Last Call Romance and Bryce Evans & The Black Cats energized downtown Frederick, encouraged support of local restaurants, and strengthened community connection during summer evenings.
The Frederick Arts Committee plays a vital role in supporting the Town’s most cherished events and shaping Frederick’s unique visual identity, none more iconic than Chainsaws & Chuckwagons. Through the Art in Public Places Program, the committee ensures that the masterful chainsaw carvings created during this signature event live on well beyond event weekend. These handcrafted wooden sculptures are thoughtfully placed throughout Frederick, transforming public spaces into open-air galleries and reinforcing a sense of place that makes Frederick distinct.
The committee also continued to champion local artists through initiatives such as the 2nd Annual Chainsaws & Chuckwagons Poster Contest and the Frederick In Flight Poster Contest, ensuring resident-created artwork remains central to Town events and community storytelling.
Historic Preservation Committee: Preserving History Through Education
In 2025, the Historic Preservation Committee expanded access to Frederick’s past by reopening the Miners Memorial Museum for regular public hours and expanding educational outreach throughout the community.
Beyond museum operations, the Commission plays an active role in Elementary School Tours, providing an all-inclusive government and history experience for third- and fourth-grade classes. Commission members are on site to share stories, artifacts, and insights into Frederick’s rich history, guiding students through visits to the Miners Memorial Museum, Miners Memorial, and Crist Park. Through hands-on learning and storytelling, students gain a deeper understanding of Frederick’s history, civic services, and community values.
Why It Matters
Together, the Arts Committee and Historic Preservation Committee demonstrate the powerful impact of resident-led leadership. By supporting signature events, preserving public art, expanding cultural programming, and educating future generations, these committees help shape Frederick’s identity, connecting past, present, and future while strengthening community pride and belonging.
Their work in 2025 stands as a proud example of Resident Committee Excellence and the lasting value of community involvement.
8. Strengthening Community-Oriented Public Safety
In 2025, the Frederick Police Department advanced its community-oriented public safety efforts by strengthening behavioral health partnerships and introducing the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative to improve communication and better support residents during moments of need.
Expanding Behavioral Health Response through the Co-Responder Program
Recognizing that many calls for service involve behavioral health challenges, the department deepened its collaboration with North Range Behavioral Health to provide a more holistic and compassionate response for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Throughout 2025, behavioral health professionals worked alongside officers to provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support and to connect individuals to follow-up services. This partnership allowed officers to focus on safety while clinicians delivered specialized support, creating a more balanced, effective, and person-centered response. The collaborative approach reflects a broader shift toward community-oriented policing that recognizes behavioral health as an essential component of public safety. It also demonstrates the department’s commitment to integrating compassion and clinical expertise into everyday response, ultimately strengthening its ability to serve all residents and ensuring the support they need during challenging moments.
The Blue Envelope Program
Complementing expanded behavioral health efforts, the Police Department introduced the Blue Envelope Program, a tool to improve communication and make interactions between officers and community members smoother and more supportive for those who may require additional consideration.
The program offers optional blue envelopes that residents can complete in advance, including key personal details such as medical information, communication preferences, and notes on behaviors officers should be aware of. These envelopes can then be kept in a vehicle and shown to police during a traffic stop or similar encounter.
Each envelope contains clear instructions for both the individual and the responding officer. These instructions help set expectations, ease anxiety, and promote understanding, particularly for people who experience communication challenges, heightened stress, or conditions that may not be obvious at first glance.
Together, the Co-Responder Program and the Blue Envelope Program represent the department’s commitment to a thoughtful public safety model, one that recognizes diverse needs, values clear communication, and strives to make all police encounters as supportive and respectful as possible.
7. Shaping Our Outdoor Future
In 2025, the Town of Frederick made bold strides in planning for a more sustainable, accessible, and vibrant future for its outdoor spaces through the launch of the Go Outdoors Frederick 2050 plan and a major expansion of its community-focused Tree Program.
Go Outdoors Frederick 2050: Planning for the Next 25 Years
- Prioritize recreation improvements and asset maintenance
- Ensure financial sustainability through future development
- Address emerging trends in recreation and sustainability
- Align with local, state, and federal regulations
- Identify opportunities for conservation and trail connectivity
The plan is currently being shaped by public input through online tools and community events, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient recreational system.
Tree Program Expanded Eight-Fold
Complementing the goals of Go Outdoors Frederick 2050, the Frederick Tree Program also saw major expansion this year, growing by eight times compared to 2024.
The program now has two components:
- Residents:
- 280 Frederick households will receive vouchers to select a tree from The Tree Farm to plant at home, up from just 70 the previous year. This year, access to vouchers is provided via a lottery system to ensure equitable participation.
- Community:
- An additional 280 trees will be planted by Town staff in parks and open spaces across Frederick. Locations are strategically chosen to increase shade, improve park usability, and enhance the community’s overall tree canopy.
The expanded program helps:
- Improve the quality of life through increased urban tree coverage
- Provide more shade and comfort in public spaces
- Encourage environmental stewardship among residents
Together, Go Outdoors Frederick 2050 and the Tree Program show Frederick’s deep commitment to thoughtful growth, environmental resilience, and resident well-being, building a greener, more connected future for all.
6. Your Voice Matters: 2025 National Community Survey 
At the heart of Frederick’s success is a simple principle: decisions are stronger when they are informed by the people who live here. That’s why the 2025 National Community Survey™ (NCS™) plays such a critical role in guiding Town leadership, the Board of Trustees, and staff as they plan for the future of our growing community.
During the summer of 2025, the Town of Frederick partnered with Polco to invite residents to share their experiences, priorities, and perspectives on life in Frederick. A total of 3,000 randomly selected households received mailed invitations, resulting in 370 completed surveys, with an additional 231 residents participating through the open online survey between June 16 and July 28, 2025. Results were statistically weighted to ensure they accurately reflect the community and were presented to the Board of Trustees in September.
The National Community Survey™, developed by the National Research Center at Polco, is a nationally recognized, scientific assessment of community livability. It evaluates resident opinions across key areas such as safety, governance, mobility, economy, natural environment, inclusivity, and more. Frederick’s results are benchmarked against hundreds of communities nationwide, allowing the Town to see where it is performing well and where there are opportunities to improve.
Why Your Voice Matters
The Community Survey is more than a snapshot; it is a decision-making tool. Survey results directly inform:
- Town leadership priorities
- Board of Trustees policy discussions
- Updates to the Town’s Strategic Plan
- Program-based budgeting decisions
- Departmental goals and service delivery
By participating, residents help ensure that Frederick’s priorities align with what matters most to the community, not assumptions.
Connecting the Survey to the Strategic Plan
Frederick’s Strategic Plan is built around six focus areas, each with goals designed to meet the needs of a growing and evolving community. The Strategic Plan provides Town staff with clear direction and a roadmap for the Board of Trustees when making policy decisions. Just as importantly, the plan reflects residents’ voices and serves as the foundation for allocating resources through the Town’s program-based budget. In short, the Strategic Plan transforms community feedback into action.
The 2025 National Community Survey ensures that the Strategic Plan remains grounded in real resident experiences, helping the Town to:
- Prioritize investments
- Balance short-term needs with long-term goals
- Track progress over time
- Adjust strategies as community needs change
What We Heard in 2025
The survey showed that Frederick continues to perform strongly in areas that matter most to residents:
- Safety remains a top strength, with 90% of residents feeling safe overall, an increase from 2022
- Confidence in Town governance improved, including transparency and public communication
- Mobility services saw notable gains, particularly in street cleaning, lighting, maintenance, and snow removal
- Affordability improved, with more favorable ratings for food, childcare, and housing
- Community inclusivity and civic engagement strengthened, reflecting a more connected community
The survey also highlighted areas where residents want continued focus, including economic vitality, recreation and wellness opportunities, and adult education and arts programming. These insights help leadership prioritize future initiatives and investments.
From Feedback to Action
The Strategic Plan serves as a guidepost for delivering quality services, and the Community Survey ensures that the guidepost is aligned with resident priorities. Together, they create a feedback loop where your voice informs decisions, decisions guide action, and outcomes are measured and shared with the community.
“We thrive on hearing from our residents and pairing action with intention,” said Mayor Tracie Crites. “Your voice becomes action within our strategic plan, and we aren’t slowing down on community engagement as we continue building the best community possible.”
Residents are encouraged to explore the full 2025 National Community Survey results, sign up for Polco’s digital engagement platform, and stay involved. Every response helps shape Frederick’s future, because when residents speak, Frederick listens.
5. Downtown Revitalization & Beautification
In 2025, the Town made meaningful progress toward the Strategic Plan’s goal of creating a stronger, more connected Downtown Frederick. Working alongside local businesses, Frederick completed several projects that enhance the Fifth Street corridor and support long-term economic vitality.
In July, the new “Welcome to Downtown Frederick” banner was installed, adding charm, character, and a sense of arrival that reflects community pride. This highly visible feature is just one of many investments designed to create a downtown environment where people feel welcomed and connected.
New street banners, flower planters, decorative lighting, and upgraded pedestrian areas, including improved sidewalks for better walkability, were added throughout downtown, helping create a more welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. These improvements enhance the downtown experience and make it easier for people to explore local shops, restaurants, and community spaces on foot. Another milestone was the opening of the new Fifth Street parking lot in July, which increased access to nearby businesses and supported growing activity downtown.
Local businesses also took an active role in shaping downtown activities this year. Many partnered with the Town to participate in and support events, drawing residents to Fifth Street and boosting storefront visibility. Their involvement continues to strengthen downtown’s identity as a collaborative and community-driven destination.
Together, these investments reflect the Town’s commitment to creating a downtown that is accessible, vibrant, and aligned with Frederick’s long-term vision for economic resilience and community connection.
4. Land Use Code Updates
In 2025, the Town of Frederick continued its multi-year effort to modernize and strengthen its Land Use Code (LUC), hosting multiple outreach events, including development stakeholder meetings, Board of Trustees and Planning Commission work sessions, and attending community events, while also adopting important ordinances. These meetings and updates reflect the Town’s commitment to clarity, sustainability, responsible growth, and alignment with evolving state law—particularly regarding housing and environmental stewardship. These updates also incorporate the ideas contemplated within the Frederick Forward Comprehensive Plan adopted late in 2024.
- January 2025 – Stakeholder Session #1. The purpose of this meeting was to gain feedback from the development community on what is working with the Land Use Code and what is not. The feedback was essential in moving forward with the new Code language.
- April 2025 – Stakeholder Session #2. The purpose of the second stakeholder session was to introduce new Code language based on the first stakeholder meeting feedback and gather more thoughts and suggestions on other topics.
- June 10, 2025 - Ordinance 1405, Oil & Gas Regulations. The purpose of these changes is to increase the comprehensibility of oil and gas regulations and to ensure alignment with the expanded local authority provided under Senate Bill 19-181. The updates strengthen regulatory clarity and improve the usability of Article 9 for operators, staff, and the public.
- July 2025 – Board of Trustees work session #1. The purpose of this joint session with the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees was to introduce new planning approaches to zoning, land uses, density, and enhancing neighborhoods. The feedback was instrumental in moving forward with staff and the hired consultant on key Articles within the Code.
- October 2025 – Board of Trustees work session #2. The purpose of this second work session with the Board was to provide updates on work done since the first Board work session. Also, staff targeted specific areas of the Code needing direction such as required housing mixes, zone map changes, and the notification process.
These meetings and approved ordinance represent significant progress in ensuring the Town of Frederick’s Land Use Code remains clear, current, and aligned with the community’s values. From updating zone district classifications to responsible oil and gas oversight, the Town is proactively updating its regulatory framework to support a safe, vibrant, and resilient future. The Town anticipates a series of future work sessions with the Board of Trustees in January and February of 2026, with final adoption of the Land Use Code update in March.
3. Frederick’s First Community Liaison Officer
In June 2025, the Frederick Police Department took an important step forward in proactive, relationship-driven policing with the creation of a Community Liaison Officer position, and the promotion of Officer Esther Collins into this vital role.
With anticipated commercial groundbreakings, new businesses, and continued residential growth, the Community Liaison Officer position was established to ensure Frederick grows safely, intentionally, and in close partnership with the community. Officer Collins serves as a dedicated bridge between the police department, residents, neighborhood groups, and the local business community, helping align public safety efforts with the evolving needs of the Town
Officer Collins brings five years of experience with the Frederick Police Department to this role, along with a deep understanding of community-focused policing. Her background includes patrol service, field training, CPTED certification (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), liquor compliance work, and participation in specialized teams. This breadth of experience uniquely positions her to support both residents and businesses while strengthening trust and collaboration.
As the Community Liaison Officer, Collins is actively engaged across Frederick, supporting new developments, conducting business walks, partnering with Economic Development, and participating in events such as National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch meetings, Community Tour & Talk events, Coffee with a Cop, and seasonal safety programs. She also works closely with HOAs, local organizations, and business owners to promote crime prevention, education, and early problem-solving.
This role reflects Frederick’s commitment to community-first policing, focusing not only on response, but on visibility, communication, and prevention. By embedding public safety into everyday community life, the Town is investing in long-term quality of life, stronger relationships, and a safer future for everyone who lives and works here.
Please join us in congratulating Officer Esther Collins on this exciting new chapter and thanking her for her continued service to the Frederick community.
2. Water Conservation Wins – Smarter Rates & Sustainable Landscapes
In 2025, Frederick made significant strides in safeguarding one of our most valuable resources: water. With a growing population and changing climate, the Town prioritized smarter, sustainable water use through two major initiatives: a usage-based water rate structure and a modernized landscaping ordinance.
Adopted Usage-Based Water Rates
In January, the Board of Trustees passed Resolution 25-R-08, officially adopting a new usage-based water rate model. This rate structure encourages conservation by rewarding residents who use water wisely. Those using less than 5,000 gallons now see lower bills, while those with higher usage contribute more to the long-term maintenance and infrastructure of our water system.
This update was informed by a comprehensive Water Rate Study developed in collaboration with financial consultants and Town staff. The new model balances community feedback with the financial needs of the Town’s Water Enterprise Fund, ensuring high-quality service today and in the future
Modernized Landscaping Ordinance: More Flexibility, Less Water
The Town also adopted Ordinance No. 1396, a major update to the Land Use Code's landscape section. This ordinance removed the outdated 50% turfgrass requirement for front yards, giving homeowners more freedom to design water-efficient landscapes while aligning with state regulations and long-term sustainability goals.
Key changes include:
- Encouraging the use of low- and medium-hydrozone plants
- Allowing for creative, drought-tolerant yard designs
- Prohibiting nonfunctional turf in commercial and high-traffic public areas
- Incorporating hydrozoning, a modern approach to grouping plants by water need
These updates support long-term planning goals identified in the Town’s Water Efficiency Plan and Long-Term Water Supply Plan, which aim to reduce outdoor water use by 5-20% over time.
Together, these efforts are building a more resilient Frederick, one that uses water wisely, supports resident choice, and prepares for a sustainable future.
1. Silverstone Marketplace Officially Opens – A New Era of Growth for Frederick
In 2025, one of the most transformational moments for the Town of Frederick came with the official opening of the Silverstone Marketplace, a vibrant new commercial hub that is already redefining daily life for residents across the Carbon Valley.
Anchored by King Soopers Marketplace, which opened its doors in May with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Silverstone development brings both convenience and connection to the heart of our community. As the largest grocery store in the Carbon Valley, the store features a full range of modern amenities: a Starbucks, Murray’s Cheese Shop, fresh sushi, pickup and delivery services, a drive-thru pharmacy, and a fuel center.
But the Silverstone Marketplace isn’t just about groceries. By the end of 2025, the following businesses had fully opened their doors, creating a dynamic mix of food, services, and wellness options:
- Blue Sky Nails & Lash
- Great Clips
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Domino’s Pizza
- Club Pilates
- Wingstop
- Five Guys
- Pacific Dental
- Chipotle
- Chase Bank
This mix of national brands and essential services means residents no longer have to leave town for everyday errands, self-care, fitness, or a quick bite to eat. It’s a win for both convenience and community connection.
Behind this milestone is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and strategic investment. The project was made possible through a strong public-private partnership between the Town of Frederick, Evergreen Development, the Frederick Urban Renewal Authority, and Silverstone Metropolitan District No. 3. The vision, which began taking shape in 2021, was guided by input from residents and support from Town leadership and staff.
Mayor Tracie Crites reflected on the opening with pride,
“The Silverstone Marketplace is more than just a development, it’s a symbol of our Town’s momentum. It brings jobs, amenities, and a sense of place for our growing community.”
With its central location, thoughtful design, and growing lineup of tenants, Silverstone Marketplace is already serving as a gathering place and economic engine for Frederick, and it’s just the beginning. This landmark achievement is not only the top accomplishment of 2025, but a launchpad for the next chapter of smart, people-focused development in our Town.
Welcome to Silverstone Marketplace, where Frederick shops, connects, and grows.