Jefferson County wants your input on locations for development, identified wildfire hazard areas, and transportation. The county held public meetings in March and April on the next milestones in the Together Jeffco Plan and Regulation Update project. Presentation materials and feedback tools are available for review. A survey is now available in English or in Spanish, and must be completed by April 21.

On National Drug Take Back Day, remove expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications from your home to avoid them being disposed of improperly. The average American household contains four pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The Jeffco Sheriff's Office will host collections at three sites in the county on April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On April 4, Jefferson County Public Health hosted its annual Public Health Champions Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations, and groups who've made a significant impact on health in Jefferson County. Jeffco Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr, and Tracy Kraft-Tharp were in attendance to help recognize all of the award winners. Find out about the award winners.

Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio has closed the property tax payment drop box located on the outside of the Jefferson County Administration and Court Facility. The drop box was tampered with on the evening of Tuesday, April 9, in an attempted theft of payment checks. The checks in the drop box were not accessed and the drop box was not breached.

Twice a year the Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office provides passport processing with no appointment necessary. If you are filing for a new passport, your passport has expired by more than five years, or are getting passports for your children, this is the event for you. From 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., stop by with all of your documents, a checkbook, and your application—we'll get you ready for fall and winter travel. RSVP today.

Many people think they are not in danger of flooding if they don't live near a stream or creek. Unfortunately, this is not true. Flooding is the nation's number one natural disaster. Colorado's flood season runs May through October and includes both snowmelt and thunderstorm flooding. Snowmelt floods result from the melting of the winter snowpack in the high mountain areas which becomes spring runoff.

Simms Street is currently closed to through traffic from 112th Avenue to State Highway 128. This closure is estimated to be in place until fall 2024. Once completed, the project will result in a new three-lane roadway, enhanced streetscape, and additional intersection capacity at Highway 128 and Eldorado Boulevard, which will intersect at the northern edge of the project.

On April 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., spend the day with Jeffco Open Space cleaning up Crown Hill Park in Wheat Ridge, a natural haven amid a suburban neighborhood. Volunteers will help remove noxious weeds and plant native species. All ages and abilities are welcome. Mark your calendars and register today.

Anyone receiving case management services in Jeffco is invited to learn about the future of home and community-based services. Jefferson County Human Services and the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center will host Town Halls for community members to learn about case management services. The Towns Halls will be held on May 2, from 4-5 p.m. and May 14, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Learn more and register.

Each spring, victim advocates from the First Judicial District gather for the annual Courage Walk, which coincides with National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 21-27). The Courage Walk is a time to honor crime survivors we have come to know in the aftermath of crime. Learn more or register to join in-person. Registration starts at 10 a.m., the Courage Walk begins at 11 a.m.

The next election is already around the corner. Now is a great time to update your address and affiliation in your voter registration. Only voters affiliated as Republican and Democrat, or those who are unaffiliated (NOT affiliated as Independent) will be eligible to vote in June. Ballots will mail out locally on June 3. Update your voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov. Learn more about Jeffco Elections.

Jeffco Prosperity Partners launched the Colfax Marathon Fundraiser to raise $5,000 by May 20 to create a memorable celebration for graduating seniors. Your generosity will empower students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Donate today and help us make this year's graduation event truly special. For event sponsorship inquiries, contact Roxy Dunaway.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

From time to time, some ask, “why does Jefferson County continue to buy land for open space or park lands and build trails and trailheads when they have a budget shortfall?” Fair question.

Jefferson County’s budget challenges are in its General Fund, which is not where these investments are funded. They are funded with Jefferson County Open Space sales tax dollars that are generated from a half cent sales tax approved by voters is 1972. Open Space funds must be used for specific open space, park, and recreation purposes, per the 1972 ballot referenda. Read the full article from Commissioner Kraft-Tharp.

Commissioners Andy Kerr, Lesley Dahlkemper, and Tracy Kraft- Tharp attended the 2024 Colorado Wildfire Plan and Outlook briefing on April 17 at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Forest Service, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and the Colorado Department of Public Safety discussed how the state is preparing for wildfire season and the new FIREHAWK helicopter.

Colorado has been home to native flora for thousands of years that is perfectly adapted for our climate. Planting a native garden means reducing the need for maintenance, watering, pesticide use, and more. Most importantly, that garden will provide a sanctuary for native birds and insects—even the annual migrations of butterflies. Check out this great list of native plants.

Each April Jeffco Human Services plants pinwheels to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Keep an eye out for pinwheel gardens throughout the state, including on the corner of US 6 and Jefferson County Parkway. One in five Colorado parents say they have no one they can turn to for day-to-day emotional support in raising children. If you are in this situation, there are resources to help.

The Jefferson County Treasurer’s Office posts a monthly Special District Distribution Report on the Financial Reports page. The report is unaudited, but gives a clear picture as to the status of each special district, including projected revenue vs. actual revenue (by month). View the latest report.

Storm sewer systems are designed to carry runoff from rain and snowmelt and discharge it directly to the drainage way. Materials that are dumped or inadvertently washed into the storm sewer system can pollute our creeks and rivers. An illicit discharge occurs when an activity results in an unauthorized substance entering our storm sewer system. Learn about Jefferson County's procedures to address illicit discharges.

A waitlist has been implemented for Jefferson County’s Child Care Assistance Program. Families are encouraged to apply for CCAP to secure a place on the waitlist. Applications will be processed now and applicants will be notified when waitlist is lifted. Current CCAP families should submit their recertification forms to maintain their benefits. Questions? Call 303-271-4484.

For 58 years, Stan Specht’s life has been up in the air. He has dedicated the last two decades to showing 520 kids what it’s like to fly more than 1,000 feet above the ground.

“I like being around young people and sharing their enthusiasm and curiosity for flight,” said Specht, a Lakewood resident who flies his two-seater Kitfox experimental aircraft out of Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

We all share an innate human desire to feel like we belong. This is a topic the Healthy Jeffco Alliance’s Culture of Connection team has been exploring in their Pilot Storytelling Project, We Belong Jeffco. Learning about others’ experiences through storytelling can expand our understanding of each other, create an outlet for processing adversity and generate opportunities for meaningful social connection.

Dive into history and adventure in Jefferson County with free access to some of Jeffco’s museums and cultural parks. Step back in time to the wild days of Colorado's past, visit a museum or art gallery. Mark your calendars for April 27-28 and embark on your exploration of Jeffco with free admission to museums and historical parks. Discover the past and present and make memories as you explore Jeffco.

The City of Lakewood is honored to be a finalist for the All-America City Awards, which recognizes communities across the country for a commitment to civic innovation. Only twenty communities were selected as finalists nationwide to compete in the 75th annual event in June. Help celebrate by sharing what you love the most about Lakewood on social media by using hashtag #LakewoodCO.

Join the Wheat Ridge Parks, Forestry & Open Space team, Wheat Ridge Rotary Club, and Sustainable Wheat Ridge at Prospect Park for an Earth Day/Arbor Day planting volunteer event on April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more and register.

CASA Jeffco/Gilpin invites you to enjoy a delicious breakfast and hear inspiring stories from former CASA youth who were adopted in 2022 and consider CASA to be part of the family. Learn more about the Champions for Children Breakfast and RSVP today.

The Colfax Marathon has one of the most scenic courses in the U.S., with options that run through Denver Zoo, through Empower Field at Mile High, along miles of rivers, through RMCAD, The Glens, by lakes and bridges and through a fire station. Run for fun, for your health, with friends, and even run for charity. Choose from the Marathon, Half, Urban 10 Miler, Marathon Relay and 5K. Learn more and register.

Elevate Education, hosted by Matt Palaoro, Jason Firestone, and Tara Peña, provides a space to discuss the transformative power of education. With new episodes every other Wednesday, Elevate Education is available to listen wherever you get your podcasts (Spotify, Apple, etc). Subscribe today.

View the concert lineup and purchase tickets for this year’s Sounds Exciting! Summer Concert Series hosted at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. For $10 per ticket, enjoy fan favorite Hazel Miller, or experience something new with bands offering “dive bar soul” to “Chicano funk”, all in an idyllic outdoor setting.

Somewhere on the rainbow carpet will be a night full of laughter, friends, and fun as Apex celebrates Pride Prom 2024. Inclusivity is the name of the game, a place where everyone can be themselves and enjoy a night of dancing, food, and community. Join Apex for Pride Prom on Friday, May 3 at Community Recreation Center, from 6-10 p.m. Thank you to Kokoro Restaurant for providing fabulous food.

Wheat Ridge, in partnership with Family Tree, has housed 64 individuals since the city’s motel ordinance went into effect in 2021. Those housed were mostly older adults, more than half of whom were living with a disabling condition, trapped in a cycle of exorbitant daily rents that hindered their ability to save or progress. The city allocated $500,000 in ARPA funds to partner with Family Tree to assist with options for safe and stable housing.

Do you want to learn how to support someone facing a mental health crisis? Mental Health First Aid prepares you to help in a mental health emergency, making the difference in the lives of those around you. Sign up today for an upcoming training.

Throughout May, Lakewood is celebrating Older Americans Month by offering a wellness fair, programs, and excursions. The Older Adult Wellness Fair will be held on May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and will offer fitness demonstrations, health assessments, more than 60 local vendors, and discounted fitness passes and giveaways for participants age 55 and older, caregivers, and those living with older adults.

Join Foothills Park & Recreation District for Hops in the Park – Craft Brews in Clement Park. What better place to enjoy those beers than at scenic Clement Park. Hops in the Park is a festival for ages 21 and older, featuring beer sampling, food trucks, vendors selling the hottest beer related swag, artist booths, yard games, and entertainment. Foothills is currently accepting brewery applications.

Get your tickets for Taste of the West, which will be held on June 6 at the Foothills Fieldhouse. You’ll enjoy unlimited tastes from a variety of food and beverage vendors from across Jeffco, and beyond. Expand your palette while enjoying unlimited tastes and don't forget to vote for the best Tastes. This is a culinary experience that is not to be missed. Purchase your tickets today.

The City of Wheat Ridge is working on a City Plan, and wants to hear from the community. Often called a comprehensive plan, the City Plan articulates a community’s vision for the next 20 years, establishes shared values, and identifies priorities for the future. Get involved and fill out the survey on What’s Up Wheat Ridge.