Issues

Rebuilding Superior

The Marshall Fire was the most destructive wildfire in Colorado state history. It destroyed 400 homes and damaged hundreds of others — just in Superior alone. Helping Superior rebuild, recover, and heal is Mark’s top priority.

  • Building Codes & Fees – Mark voted YES to waive permit fees and allow fire victims to build under the 2018 building codes making it more economical to rebuild. Mark also voted YES to rebate the sales & taxes that fire victims will incur as they rebuild their homes.
  • Debris Removal – A quick and safe cleanup of debris is critical and must occur before anyone can rebuild. Mark pushed for FEMA to include foundation removal in the coordinated cleanup and advocated against lawsuits that sought to slow down the debris removal process.
  • Water – Mark voted YES to install a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Treatment System at the Town’s water treatment plant and is pushing against raising resident water bills. Mark has consistently pushed the Town to continue distributing bottled water at the Superior Community Center and regularly test our drinking water to ensure that it is safe.
  • Ongoing Community Planning Effort – Mark voted YES to provide flexibility to Original Town & Sagamore residents on building heights, setbacks, and model requirements based on resident feedback. He also voted YES to relax Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) restrictions.

Economy & Development

Colorado’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation and Superior is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. More and more people are moving to Colorado, and Superior needs to effectively manage that growth.

  • Main Street Downtown – Mark is committed to seeing the completion of the Downtown Superior that was promised to our residents – one that includes a Main Street commercial core as well as parks and community space.
  • Private Development – Property values are increasing and private landowners are developing their land (Calmante, Anderson, Rogers Farm, Zaharias, Discovery Office Park, Downtown Superior, Resolute). Mark will continue to carefully review each development application to make sure each project complies with our zoning code and all other applicable ordinances and regulations.
  • Diversifying Sales Tax Base – Mark voted YES to hiring a dedicated Economic Development Manager for the Town to identify and attract businesses to invest in Superior. Mark also voted YES to increase financial support to the Superior Chamber of Commerce.
  • Affordable Housing – Mark voted YES for Superior’s first-ever affordable housing ordinance which imposes a requirement on all new residential housing projects to construct 15% deed-restricted, permanently affordable residences.

Environment & Public Health

Mark believes protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public and environment is one of the most important responsibilities of an elected official.

  • Renewable Energy & Sustainability – Mark voted YES to approve the Town’s first ever Sustainability Action Plan. He led the initiative for the Town to purchase its energy from renewable sources and voted YES to approve the 2021 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (with a waiver for fire rebuilds).
  • COVID Dashboard – Using data from CDPHE and Boulder County Public Health, Mark developed the Superior COVID-19 Dashboard and helped to publish this dashboard out to the community on a weekly basis.
  • Airport Noise – Mark was elected Chair of the Rocky Mountain Airport Community Noise Roundtable. He voted YES for the Town of Superior to hire consultants to partner with the Airport and investigate solutions to residents’ concerns over noise and safety issues.
  • Rocky Flats – As the Town’s representative on the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council, Mark introduced a motion to oppose Oil & Gas development on lands on and under the Rocky Flats Superfund Site. Mark voted YES to support the Town’s efforts to litigate against the federal government’s plan to open Rocky Flats to the public before environmental concerns were addressed.
  • Oil & Gas – Mark testified at the State Capitol in support of Senate Bill 181 about the importance of local government control in siting decisions for oil & gas development. Mark voted YES to impose a moratorium on oil & gas development in Superior and voted YES to enact tough oil & gas regulations to protect public health and the environment.

Community, Recreation, Art, & Open Space

Superior may only be 4 square miles, but it has 18 parks, nearly 800 acres of open space, and 30 miles of trails, all of which add to the great quality of life that Superior residents enjoy.

  • Superior Community Center – Mark voted YES for the Town to purchase the former Land Rover building and supported developing it into a multi-use community amenity with services for teens, seniors, and the general community.
  • CenturyLink/Level 3 Property – Mark voted YES in support of the Town’s acquisition of the 182-acre CenturyLink property located on the southern ridge of Superior along Highway 128 for Open Space preservation. Mark worked with conservation groups to leverage grants and other funding sources to make this open space acquisition a reality.
  • Parks 1&2 – Mark advocated for the build out of Parks 1&2 in Downtown Superior which will surround the recently improved Coal Creek Corridor. This will be a wonderful community amenity and Mark remains committed to seeing it get built.
  • Cultural Arts – Mark has voted YES on many projects brought forth by the Town’s Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Committee such as the ARTery, the Oerman-Roche Trailhead rings, Grasso Lights, several murals and other temporary art experiences.
  • Autrey Park – Mark voted YES to build the new Autrey Skate Park and the new pickleball courts – amazing amenities for kids of all ages and adults.

Communication

Superior residents want to be informed and people are changing the way they get information. The Town needs to be nimble and more proactive in pushing information out to our residents.

  • Social Media – Mark maintains an active “Mark Lacis – Superior Trustee” Facebook page with regular updates and publishes a monthly blog on all things Superior.
  • Community Engagement – Mark regularly meets with residents through his “Lowdown with Trustee Lacis” program and “Thirsty Thursdays.” Mark is also a regular at “First Fridays.”.
  • Town Meeting Recaps – In an effort to better inform the community, the Town implemented Mark’s idea to provide weekly community emails which preview upcoming public meetings, recap the past week’s meetings, and update the community on the status of construction projects that are ongoing throughout Town.