Westminster City Council wants the community’s input on budget priorities, and has launched a new online tool to help. The Backseat Budgeter is an interactive budget simulation tool that allows people to “drive” the City of Westminster General Fund Budget and set their own priorities for programs and services in 2015. The budget simulation uses 2014 spending and revenues as a starting point then allows participants to adjust spending priorities and even propose new spending for additional revenues. The task is to balance the budget.
People can save their budgets and even compare it to budgets created by others. The various budgets and priorities will be added to the public input collected by city council for consideration during the 2015-2016 budget development process. Backseat Budgeter is a public service tool created by Engaged Public to help citizens understand the tradeoffs associated with spending our public dollars. To participate, visit

National Night Out, NNO, is an opportunity for neighborhoods and communities within the north metro area to host an event on Tuesday, Aug. 5. NNO events allow residents to get to know their neighbors, police officers, firefighters, and city officials while taking a stance against crime. National Night Out events are designed to:heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen police-community partnerships, generate support and enhance participation in local anti-crime efforts, intensify neighborhood spirit and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are active and ready to fight back.
NNO events can range from small meet and greets to large black parties, parades or safety fairs.  All NNO events should be registered online at All events must comply with each city’s municipal code and may require advance applications for park reservations and permits.

The South Westminster Arts Group is taking applications for vendors to be a part of the fifth Annual Historic Westminster Orchard Festival on Sept. 27. This year’s festival will include live entertainment, family oriented activities, flash mob styled entertainment, food vendors and a beer garden. Presented by SWAG, the Historic Westminster Orchard Festival is designed to promote unique, handmade art, crafts and other merchandise.
SWAG is looking for innovative artisans, crafters, merchants and designers who want to promote their work in the eclectic neighborhood setting of south Westminster. The booth cost for artists and nonprofit organizations is $50 and $60 for businesses. For a vendor application visit and click on Orchard Festival under the Events tab.
For more information contact: Debbie Teter 720-217-8623 or at info@southwestyartsgroup.com.