The annual Stapleton Master Community Association (MCA) Members’ Meeting took place on Nov. 8. CEO Kevin Burnett reviewed the history, purpose and structure of the MCA, the activities and events it produces and reviewed the budget for the coming year, which was approved on November 15.

MCA is the fastest-growing community organization in Colorado and the largest in the city of Denver, according to Burnett, and its budget for 2018 will be approximately $7.3 million dollars, up from about $6.6 million in 2017. Its top three revenue sources for 2018 will be residential assessments (52%), Park Creek Metro District taxes (17%), and commercial assessments (16%). Residents’ fees will rise from $40 to $43 monthly in 2018. The top expenses for the MCA are the parks (18%), expenses related to Park Creek Metro District (18%), and the pools (17%).

As the Stapleton community continues to grow, so too will the budget, rising above $8 million by 2021, but Burnett does not expect resident assessments to rise much beyond $45/month as the addition of expensive infrastructure slows.

In 2018, control of the executive board of the MCA will shift from being controlled by a majority of Forest City representatives to a majority of owner representatives, but Burnett and board members believe that it will be a “smooth transition” that will maintain the “status quo.”

During the community comment period, Stapleton resident Sinead O’Hannon spoke of the movement to change the name of the community, described multiple action items in that campaign and asked the MCA for permission to set up informational booths at MCA events. Burnett assured her that the MCA will be listening to residents’ concerns and hopes to hear from the larger community of 25,000 residents on the issue. Councilman Chris Herndon and a resident named Ann also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the positive aspects of the name.

MCA delegate candidates were introduced, and voting for delegates continues through Dec. 20. For details on the Annual Members’ meeting, delegate bios and the 2018 budget, visit the MCA Stapleton website at www.stapletoncommunity.com/board-meeting-agendas/2017-annual-members-meeting.