On July 8, the Jefferson County Commissioners unanimously voted to place a question on the November ballot. After months of extensive community outreach and research, the Board of Commissioners expressed during a public hearing that they believe the voters of Jefferson County should have the opportunity to decide if the county can retain additional revenue to address budget shortfalls and a growing backlog in infrastructure needs.

Service through Jefferson County’s volunteer boards and commissions is an effective way for citizens to provide valuable input and make a positive impact in the Jeffco community. The Board of County Commissioners appoints more than 300 citizens to serve on boards and commissions, which cover a wide variety of issues. Applications are open until July 22. Learn more and apply.

PowerEngage is a community engagement tool designed to enhance communication and service for Jefferson County residents. It allows the Sheriff's Office to text citizens who have called 911 for assistance, or have filed a report, to provide pre-arrival instructions, case updates, and victim notifications.

Community members are encouraged to participate in a Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, July 31, from 6-7 p.m. Jefferson County Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr, and Tracy Kraft-Tharp will be joined by County Manager Joe Kerby and county subject matter experts to provide updates and answer your questions. Visit the town hall webpage to learn more and to find out how to participate.

As part of Jefferson County Public Library's (JCPL) commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being, JCPL has secured grants and reimbursements to fund electric vehicle charging stations at select locations. Charging stations are currently available at Belmar Library and Evergreen Library, with additional future locations planned. Learn more on the JCPL website.

Beginning this fall, Jefferson County Head Start is offering a dual language classroom with curriculum developed and delivered in English and Spanish. This exciting program meets a growing need in our community as many families search for multilingual education for students. Check out this story in the Colorado Sun about the program.

The Jefferson County Sustainability Commission recently announced results and prize winners of the Spring into Sustainability Challenge. The challenge utilized an app for participants to track and measure their carbon reduction impact over a one-month period. Community members demonstrated how simple actions can yield significant results that benefit themselves, the community, and the environment.

Beginning July 18 at 8 a.m., Metro West Housing Solutions' Housing Choice Voucher (formerly Section 8) Pre-Application Lottery will be open. Pre-applications will be selected by random lottery, and no paper pre-applications will be available or accepted. The housing choice voucher program helps families experiencing low-income afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Find instructions and apply by July 31.

Delinquent property tax notices were mailed this month to property owners that had unpaid taxes for the current year, as of June 24. You can check the status of your taxes on the Treasurer's property tax payment and records portal. Mailing address changes for the property tax records need to be made with the Assessor’s Office and can be changed online.

Jefferson County needs 900 election workers. Elections are run by your neighbors, the people you see in the grocery store, at church, and on hiking trails. This fall we're hiring hundreds of temporary workers to help staff the election. If you or someone you know is interested in part-time work, visit VoteJeffcoCO.gov to get more information or to apply.

Discover how to create beautiful, fire-resistant landscapes and learn practical tips for protecting your home and community from wildfires.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lookout Mountain and gain valuable insights into creating a safer, more sustainable environment. On Aug. 5, from 5-7 p.m., join the celebration of the low flammability garden at Lookout Mountain Preserve, 910 Colorow Road in Golden.

CSU Extension is calling for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join its advisory committee. This is a unique opportunity for citizens to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of educational outreach and community programs in Jefferson County. The new member will act as a liaison between the citizens of Jefferson County, the Board of County Commissioners, and CSU. Learn more and apply by July 22.

Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) seeks donations from individual and businesses to help make its Online Auction Fundraiser a success. Donations will support JPP families in achieving self-sufficiency. All donations are tax-deductible, and individuals will receive recognition on JPP’s communication channels. Donations are due by Aug. 30. Questions? Contact Roxanne.

Are you a parent or caregiver with a past or present child support order? Would you like to improve the system? The Child Support Commission would like to hear from you. Virtual meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. For more information or to join, contact Josette Jaramillo.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

The Jeffco Commissioners are proud of the ongoing efforts at Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) to build libraries for the future. Many exciting capital projects are underway, including a redesign of the Arvada Library, planning for a new library in Northwest Jeffco, and ongoing site searches for library space in South Jeffco and Conifer.

In addition to facility projects, JCPL also provides many innovative and convenient ways to access library materials. Read the full article to learn more.

Summers in Colorado are full of mountain adventures. At times it can be very hot. Finding ways to keep your home cool without breaking the bank is a must. Setting fans counter-clockwise, using a whole house/attic fan to suck in cooler outdoor air in the mornings and evenings, and blocking direct sun in the afternoons are all easy ways to help keep your home cool in the summer. Read more and get sustainability tips.

Jefferson County Public Library is excited to announce that community engagement efforts for the Arvada Library redesign are underway. Visit the Arvada Library Redesign Project Page to find upcoming opportunities to provide feedback, sign up for project update emails, and more.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is here and it’s serious. Last year, 262 people in Colorado were hospitalized due to WNV. Protect yourself by using an EPA approved defensive bug spray, draining standing water, dressing in long sleeves and pants, and being extra cautious when outside during dusk and dawn. Learn more on the Jeffco Public Health website.

The Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center (BWC) recently launched its Behavioral Health Sector Partnership, which addresses challenges for providers in the Northwest Metro area. BWC has seen success in sector partnerships, including offering support to the advanced manufacturing and construction industries, which are crucial to a strong economy. Sector partnerships include informational and educational events, collaborative meetings and projects, and more.

Plumeless thistle is a List B member of the sunflower family and is a biennial or sometimes a short-lived perennial. Found in areas such as overgrazed pastures, rangelands, roadsides, and rights-of-way, Plumeless thistle is required to be eradicated in Jeffco.

If using herbicide, time the treatment to late spring before the plants flower and in the fall when rosettes form. Learn more on the Jeffco Invasive Species Management website.

Simms Street is closed to through traffic from 112th Avenue to State Highway 128. The roadway is anticipated to open by Fall 2024. There will be 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.

The Jefferson County Treasurer's Office publishes monthly and quarterly financial reports on the Financial Reports webpage. The latest Property Tax Distribution Report is now available and provides a summary of how property tax dollars have been distributed to special districts throughout Jeffco. Please contact the Treasurer's Office if you have questions or require further information.

Lutheran Hospital will be moving to its new location at Clear Creek Crossing on Aug. 3. The plan is for all patients to be safely moved that day. Be prepared for heavy ambulance traffic on 38th Avenue.

Stay updated with the hospital on the Lutheran Hospital website. Find out what's happening with the old campus on What's Up Wheat Ridge.

Colorado Gives Foundation recently announced a $4 million grant opportunity to support nonprofits working in Jefferson County. With a vision for a thriving Jeffco, Colorado Gives Foundation listened to the community to identify the greatest local needs which informed where the foundation should focus its funding support. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Aug. 9.

Once named the "Carnation Capital of the World", Wheat Ridge embraces its heritage through this spectacular festival. The 55th Annual Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival will be filled with food, music, culture, and fun for people of all ages. You won't want to miss the fireworks show, live music, delicious food, car show, and much more.

Students and families participated in a survey focusing on the Jeffco Thrives 2025 Strategic Plan. Topics included rigorous expectations, school safety, academics, teacher-student relationships, and school climate. 75% of elementary students feel teachers hold them to high expectations, 73% scored above the national average in teacher-student relationships and students rated their schools positively in safety and climate.

Throughout July, participate in activities and receive discounts celebrating Park and Recreation Month. For a schedule of fitness classes hosted on Saturdays through August in rotating parks, visit Lakewood.org/Fitness. Get outdoors and learn about nature from park naturalists during campfire programs at Bear Creek Lake Park. Search “campfires” to register for the free event.

Enjoy free outdoor, family-friendly concerts and performances on Wednesdays through July 31 at Anderson Park. Each week there will be children’s shows from 10-10:45 a.m., and evening concerts from 6:30-8 p.m. There will be food trucks at all evening performances, so you can enjoy sweet and savory eats while you watch the show.

Foothills Park & Recreation District invites you to enjoy Shakespeare in Clement Park's free production of "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Grant Family Amphitheater. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and runs July 26-27 and Aug. 2-3. View all of the event details.

Summer is flying by, and before we know it kiddos will be running to bus stops, attending Friday night football games, and in the thick of learning new things. Before your family bids farewell to summer, get in a few more fun activities with your Apex family, like Pitch, Play and Stay on Aug. 10-11, Apex Park and Recreation District Foundation Golf Tournament on Aug. 16, and Puzzle Hustle on Aug. 17. Learn more and register.

Create your own season of entertainment from a series of 14 vibrant, multicultural performances. Experience a season filled with magic, music, and diverse cultural experiences as the Lakewood Cultural Center celebrates 25 years of providing world-class entertainment. Season tickets for four or more shows are on sale now. Tickets for individual performances will be on sale Aug. 1.

CASA is thrilled to host the first annual Putt Fore CASA minigolf fundraising event at Putter’s Pride on Sept. 26 from 4-8 p.m. This event will offer an exciting and memorable experience for participants of all ages. If you can hold a club, you can putt. Join us for a fun-filled evening of mini golf, delicious barbecue, and great music, all while supporting a wonderful cause.

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 one of Jefferson Center's upcoming trainings.

Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park and the Belmar Vintage Baseball Association proudly present the Belmar Base Ball Bout - a vintage baseball match on Saturday, Aug. 3. Bring the family for a game featuring vintage rules, uniforms, and snacks. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids, and ages 3 and younger are free. Search keyword “Bout” to purchase tickets online or call 303-987-7850.

The City of Wheat Ridge would like to welcome newly appointed Judge Jonathan Lucero, the city’s new presiding judge. Lucero is a seventh generation Coloradan and graduate of the University of Colorado Law School. As a judicial officer, he brings seven years of experience, having served the City and County of Denver and the cities of Aurora, Castle Rock, Brighton, Englewood, and Lone Tree.