Eric Bodenstab
Arvada City Council – District 1

2025 – Answered the following questions from APA:

Learn more about Eric Bodenstab at eric4jeffco.com

What is your plan to help the city reach 100% renewable energy use by 2035? What are some other initiatives you would champion to help Arvada become more sustainable?

Bodenstab: As an engineer, I would like to be sure that the energy savings are significant, and the total project impact is a net reduction of environmental pollutants & toxins. While many solutions are proposed for reducing our footprint, not all are “as advertised.” For instance, many of us are aware of the difficult mining and unfair labor practices that are used in other parts of the world to harvest rare earth metals important in many of our innovative products. I am not against the goal, in fact I have solar panels on my own roof and realize a small, but worthwhile savings on my electric bill each month. The City has in the past not demonstrated the best decision making in order to meet such goals. Some solar and EV charging stations could of and should of been privatized.

What does the city need to do to address the 24/7 year-round shelter needs of the homeless in Arvada, without putting the burden only on Mission Arvada?

Bodenstab: Homelessness is a continued problem that no community in the United States has come up with an effective solution having even a moderate rate of success. In fact, the City’s attempts have backfired badly with residents for the proposed shelter sites. Businesses (which provide our revenue for the services we enjoy) suffer from the effects of mentally ill that idle in our streets, sidewalks and parks.

I do have a heart and know people fall on hard times. I am convinced there is enough interest on the current make-up of City Council to perhaps provide band-aid solutions and transition people back into the labor or volunteer force.

When I first ran for City Council in Boulder in 2007, my boss at the time stated “we coddle our homeless population.” 20 years later and Boulder struggles even more so with their homeless population that has only grown. Let’s not be Boulder.

Walk-ability and bike paths are increasingly popular. What are your ideas to increase the walk-ability of neighborhoods and assist the ease and safety of bicycle riders?

Bodenstab: I recently began biking again for exercise and competition. Arvada was shown by the ASCE to have some of the worst conditioned roads in the metro region. Bikers are smart and will select roads with more recently re-paved surfaces. More signage & striping on already well-maintained roads is our solution. We don’t want to build more under-utilized infrastructure, but in some cases, we can extend and tie-in new infrastructure (paths) to make better use of older paths.
In terms of walkability, I am not opposed to rezoning of mixed-use developments to allow for businesses closer to residential neighborhoods.

How will you promote fair and equitable treatment of diverse and marginalized communities in terms of fair policing, economic advantages, and employment?

Bodenstab: I support a mix of affordable housing at 30 to 60% of the AMI, in line with the State’s requirements.

We must also comply with state law in terms of policing. While the State may not be popular with everyone in the community, we are subject to state and federal law, even if they are conflicting. I will be in dialogue with the Arvada Police Accountability Committee as often as needed.

What is your opinion about citizen-initiated resolutions presented to the council for adoption?

Bodenstab: I love the idea. Municipalities and Counties hold too much power and gatekeep their power. For instance, Jeffco (and all other Colorado statutory counties) could have five commissioners, and only (2) commissioners need to sign off on this idea for it to go to the ballot. Whereas, 25,000 people would need to sign a petition to raise the same ballot question. I ran for office in the past on the proposal to introduce proportional representation at the county level, and I don’t think it was heard because of partisanship and not wanting to give ground to “the other side.” Unfortunately, voters and the general constituents are the losers without Pro Rep and stuck in the duopoly. Direct democracy therefore is also a good idea, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights of others.

What should be done about short-term/vacation rentals in Arvada?

Bodenstab: Limit them, regulate them and enforce the regulations.

What would you do to improve the physical and mental health of Arvada residents?

Bodenstab: Continue to support our parks and grow our services in this regard. Work with APEX to provide more recreation activities. I work with APEX on introducing the sport of Water Polo to youth in Colorado and we hope to have a course later this fall for 8- to 12-year-olds. Please also see www.bigwavesinc.org

Neighborhood schools strengthen communities. How would you work with Jeffco School District to ensure equitable access to neighborhood K-12 schools, preschools, and other educational opportunities in all areas of the city?

Bodenstab: I am also running for Jeffco School Board. I was not impressed by the quality of candidates and have little confidence they can manage a billion-dollar budget. You should have also asked why I am running for City Council: I did not think it was right that Randy ran unopposed. Competitive elections are the lifeblood of democracy. That’s something we should teach our kids and lead by example.

The recent announcement of numerous new business enterprises (Quantum Commons, Electra Steel, an aerospace industry, a massive AI data center at NREL Flatirons campus, etc.) will cause an influx of population and traffic. What specific steps should the City of Arvada take to update policies to meet the rental and ownership housing needs (both affordable and market driven), transportation, and infrastructure needs of west Arvada/Jeffco’s current and future workforce?

Bodenstab: I am still learning more about this project and would like to discuss with some of my constituents to get a sense of how they would be impacted.

Parking is an issue in Olde Town, there is ample parking in the RTD garage, how can the city make parking in the garage more attractive and useful? What is your position on parking fees for the close in lots and spaces in Olde Town?

Bodenstab: I work in the parking industry. I build and restore garages. I also have a firm grasp of revenue management and customer experience. Residents and visitors will like the way they park. I guarantee it.