The Greeley Westside Project: Breakdown

U.S. Department of Justice, Justice Management Division outlines: 

An employee may not solicit or accept a gift given because of his official position or from a prohibited source to include anyone who:

• Has or seeks official action or business with the Department;

• Is regulated by the Department;

• Has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance of an employee's official duties; or

• Is an organization composed mainly of persons described above.

Community Opinion

Public opinion on the Greeley Westside Project is complex and evolving. Both in person and across social media, criticism and skepticism toward the development are widespread. Concerns range from suspicions of corruption—including theories about bribes and embezzlement—to accusations of intentional inaccessibility, with some criticizing the choice to host the Open House at the Family FunPlex, a location seen by some as limiting public participation. Other common criticisms include fear of rising rent and property values, the distance from existing neighborhoods, benefits for wealthy investors, and the use of city-owned buildings as collateral to finance the project.

One attendee described the open house by saying, "It was more or less a sales pitch for it... [They] gave generic answers and some outlandish ones too."

Another commenter voiced frustration with the approval process, "We don't want this! Let the people vote on it!"

A worrying prediction from a concerned resident, "They’re going to bankrupt our city when this goes belly up."

Not all feedback has been negative. Some community members support the project for its potential to bring new revenue, housing, development, and tourism to Greeley.

One man told the media, "Increased tax revenues and jobs provided by growth help the economy and the public."

An intern at the open house had an optimistic perspective, "It's incredibly successful. [Other communities] personally have done an amazing job with the citizens right next to the stadium and all the retail. They included everyone."

During the June 25th open house, developer Ashley Stiles vocally objected to members of the press taking photographs, at one point raising her voice in protest. When asked if she was affiliated with the City of Greeley, Stiles denied any official connection before speaking privately with police officers on site. Another woman, identified only as Blair and wearing a black dress, also engaged with officers regarding the presence of media. Shortly afterward, she approached reporters to question their affiliations and intentions. When offered a microphone for comment, she quickly walked away without responding.

What can you do?

Get involved with Greeley Deserves Better and With Many Hands, two groups that have petitioned to repeal Ordinance 2025-15 and bring the project to a public vote.

On June 20th, Martin Lind seized StoptheGreeleyGiveaway.com, a website believed to be Greeley Deserves Better's website. Greeley Deserves Better denied affiliation with StoptheGreeleyGiveaway.com.

Greeley Elections 2025

Voting is important, and so is running for office. 

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Greeley residents will elect officials for five City Council vacancies:

• Mayor: John Gates (in favor of)

• Ward II: Deb DeBoutez (opposed)

• Ward III: Johnny Olson (in favor of)

• Ward IV: Dale Hall (in favor of)

• At-Large: Brett Payton (in favor of)

Voting Locations

Mail-in voting drop boxes:

• Greeley City Hall, 1000 10th St

• Weld County Election Office, 1250 H St

• Aims College Cornerstone Building, 5401 W 20th St.

In-person voting locations include:

• UNC Campus Commons, 1051 22nd St, Greeley

• Aims College Cornerstone Building, 5401 W 20th St, Greeley

• Trinity Lutheran Church/School, 3000 35th Ave, Greeley (Election day only)