Jeffco Commissioners Appoint Laura E. Aldrete as County Manager | |
Following a competitive recruitment and evaluation process, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners formally appointed Laura E. Aldrete as Jefferson County’s next county manager during public hearings on Aug. 11. Aldrete, a lifelong Coloradan, brings deep executive leadership experience and a proven track record in community development.
“Bringing my experience and passion to a place that is close to my heart is an opportunity that I am incredibly excited about,” Aldrete said. “I look forward to leading Jefferson County into its next chapter of community service and growth.” Read more.
| | Leon the Neon Giraffe was a neon sign belonging to Sachs Quality Furniture store located in Lakewood. Photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Digital Archives | |
| Leon the Neon Giraffe, belonging to Sachs Furniture, resided off of what Jeffco thoroughfare? | | | | |
July
Trivia
The Lookout Mountain Park funicular opened in July of what year?
Correct answer:
1912
Thanks for voting! There were 246 responses.
| | | Commissioners Bring Back In-Person Town Halls Starting Sept. 9 | |
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is bringing back in‑person town halls. To accommodate this format, while also recognizing the facility’s capacity limits, the BCC has opted to host an in-person town hall with a virtual option.
The next town hall will take place at the West Metro Training Center (3535 S. Kipling St. in Lakewood) beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. This town hall's discussion will focus on wildfire preparedness, proposed wildland-urban interface (WUI) code changes and the urban heat index. Save your spot here.
| | Jeffco Public Library Executive Director Donna Walker to Retire | |
After a remarkable 32 years working in public libraries, including 14 with Jefferson County Public Library, Donna Walker is retiring from her role as executive director on Sept. 5. Her leadership and commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on our libraries and the communities we serve. While she will be greatly missed, JCPL wishes her a joyful and fulfilling retirement!
| | RMMA Marks Milestone, Transitions to Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foam | |
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport marks an important environmental milestone by transitioning both of its aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles from aqueous film-forming foam to fluorine-free foam. The foam transition, completed on July 22, replaces legacy firefighting foam with a fluorine-free alternative approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for use in aircraft rescue and firefighting operations. Read more.
| | Read the Jefferson County Q2 2026 Law Enforcement Authority Report | |
Each quarter, Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli presents the Law Enforcement Authority (LEA) Report to the Board of County Commissioners. The report includes Sheriff’s Office events, news, statistics and notable activities during the previous quarter. Read the Q2 2026 report in its entirety.
| | Colorado Families Can Claim State Tax Credits for Household Expenses | |
Don’t miss out on money for your family. You could be eligible for thousands of dollars in state tax money, even if you have low or no income. This money can help pay for food, housing, childcare and other household expenses. Apply for free using SimpleFile. It’s easy to use, takes 15 minutes or less and does not require income documents.
| | Climate Action Plan Progress Shows Big Wins for Jefferson County | |
Newly released 2025 data from Jefferson County Sustainability shows Jeffco continues to see increased electric vehicle use and increased debris cleared for wildfire mitigation as part of Parks & Open Space’s SLASH program. Learn more now by visiting the Climate Action Dashboard. Updates include:
- Registered EVs in Jeffco increased from 18,758 in 2024 to 24,717 in 2025
- Public EV charging stations increased from 291 in 2024 to 500 in 2025
- Debris cleared for wildfire mitigation increased from over 38,103 cubic yards in 2024 to 41,536 cubic yards (equal to over 1,000 school buses) in 2025
| | Jeffco Planning & Zoning Asks Associations to Update Contact Info | |
The Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Division is asking associations to update contact info to make sure groups receive notices of regulation updates and development cases within their area. Associations include HOAs and community groups. Contact Jennifer Hall to update your association’s contact info.
| | New Federal Law: Check SNAP Work Requirements | |
A new federal law has changed eligibility requirements for Food Assistance (SNAP) and Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) benefits. You may see changes to benefits at the time of your redetermination. Some SNAP recipients may be required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility. Answer a few short questions through the Work Rules SNAP Screener to help you see if the new SNAP work rules apply to you or not.
| | Bringing the Outdoors Closer: Explore Jeffco with Westracks | |
Trying to hike in the foothills or visit Red Rocks without worrying about parking? Westracks, Jefferson County's new outdoor shuttle, makes it easier to reach some of the area's most popular destinations.
Aaron Roth, director of Jefferson County Parks & Open Space, and Emily Guffin, Trails and Access Program manager, join Johnny and Carly to talk about how the free shuttle helps visitors explore Jefferson County parks and trails. Listen here.
| | Ready Today, Safe Tomorrow: A Guide to Preparedness | |
September is National Preparedness Month, and this episode equips residents with practical steps they can take today to be prepared for emergencies.
Nate Whittington and Kate Cannon from the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management share where to find trusted, real‑time information during a crisis and what the OEM does both before and during major incidents to keep the community safe. Listen here.
| | Jefferson County Parks & Open Space Announces 2026 Firewood Sale | |
Jefferson County Parks & Open Space is pleased to announce the 2026 Firewood Sale at Flying J Ranch Park on Sept. 12-13 and Sept. 19-20. Permits are $30, and the wood is not cut. Permit holders must bring their own chainsaws. Registration is now open. Follow JCPOS on social media or check the registration page for updates.
| | Get Paid to Serve Your Community; Roles for Fall's Election Available | |
The Jefferson County Elections Office has begun recruiting to fill more than 800 election worker roles for this fall’s election. If you or someone you know is interested in serving your community, learning how local elections work and getting paid to do it, submit an interest form on the Elections website.
| | Fostering a Love of Reading: JCPL Debuts 100 Books Before Graduation | |
Jefferson County Public Library is excited to launch 100 Books Before Graduation, a reading program for students in grades 6 through 12 that rewards teens for tracking their progress toward reading 100 books before graduating high school. This program builds on the success of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and 500 Books Before Middle School, which have inspired more than 13,500 young readers to log more than 2.5 million books since 2017.
| | Join Parks & Open Space for National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26 | |
Celebrate National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26 by volunteering with Jefferson County Parks & Open Space. Join us for the nation's largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to giving back to the public lands we all enjoy. The after-party includes lunch, music and a raffle at Bear Creek Lake Park. Registration is open now!
| | Kick Off National Preparedness Month by Donating Blood | |
September is National Preparedness Month, and the Jefferson County Coroner's Office is starting it off with a blood drive. Please join us to donate at Coroner's Office (800 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden) on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schedule an appointment now.
| | Calling All Local Artists: Make a Mark on a Future Jeffco Public Library | |
Get ready to leave your mark on the Jefferson County Public Library! Artists of all ages are invited to share their work for a chance to have it included in our community art wall at Deer Creek Library. Submit your artwork by Sept. 27 and help create a lasting display of local creativity in our future library.
| | Join the Jefferson County Coroner's Office for Mugs for Rugs – Sept. 15 | |
Join the Jefferson County Coroner's Office for the annual Mugs for Rugs event supporting fall prevention in Jeffco. On Sept. 15, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., bring a small throw rug to the Apex Community Recreation Center (6842 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada) to exchange for a new coffee mug. Collected rugs will be donated to Foothills Animal Shelter.
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Quick links to Commissioner Information:
| | Jeffco Commissioners Make Two Proclamations Related to Public Health | |
During its regular hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners issued two proclamations to raise awareness and reduce stigma on two public health issues affecting the Jeffco community.
The Commissioners proclaimed Aug. 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day while also recognizing September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in the county. Learn more about proclamations and recognitions or submit a request.
| | Jeffco Treasurer's Office Accrues $18.9 Million in Investment Interest | |
Through the end of July 2026, the Jefferson County Treasurer's Office accrued roughly $18.9 million in interest on county investments (unaudited). With voters approving 1A in November 2024, Jefferson County can use all interest earned for county services and projects as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Learn more and view financial reports.
| | Sustainability Tip of the Month: Eat Local Food from a Farmer’s Market | |
Jefferson County Sustainability encourages you to try shopping for fresh produce and locally-sourced protein at a nearby farmer's market this summer. Eating locally sourced food is not only a healthier way to eat but also supports local farms and food systems. The more we can eat local, the more resilient we are as a community! Discover a farmer's market near you.
| | Cool Off During Extreme Heat at a Local Cooling Center | |
Don't have air conditioning? There are a handful of local community centers you can visit during operating hours next time you are battling extreme heat. Check out Jefferson County Sustainability’s list of cooling centers now.
| | Coroner's Office Participates in National Night Out Event in Lakewood | |
As a key public safety partner and a safeguard for the Jeffco community, the Jefferson County Coroner's Office participated in a National Night Out event at Daniels Park in Lakewood on Aug. 4. The Coroner's Office uses these events to help educate residents on recognizing and preventing dangers, such as drug overdoses, gun-related accidents, suicides, domestic violence, child deaths and falls. Through this integration, the Coroner's Office brings a public awareness about the critical work it does.
| | Supports is Available: August Is Child Support Awareness Month | |
Jeffco’s Child Support Services works with parents and caregivers to help children receive the financial support they deserve. Whether you're applying for services for the first time, need help with an existing case or want to make or receive a payment, support is available.
| | Every Swing Makes a Difference: Putt for CASA Event Set for Sept. 3 | |
CASA Jeffco/Gilpin is hosting its annual Putt Fore CASA mini golf event on Sept. 3rd from 5 to 8:30 p.m. If you can hold a putter, you can play! CASA supports children navigating the court system, so every swing makes a difference. Your ticket includes mini-golf, dinner, drinks, door prizes and more. Learn more and get tickets.
| | Catch Some Vintage Baseball in Lakewood on Sept. 5 | |
Take the family out to an old-fashioned baseball game on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Tickets are just $5 for adults and $3 for kids older than 3 for the Base Ball Bout at Addenbrooke Park. Enjoy a game with vintage uniforms, rules and snacks! Want to play? Sign up now to join the fun.
| | Catch Wheat Ridge’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Sept. 13 | |
Spend a late summer evening surrounded by great music, good company and community spirit at the final free concert at The Green at 38th — 7101 W. 38th Ave in Wheat Ridge. Stop by Sunday, Sept. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. as Wheat Ridge celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an unforgettable lineup of live performances. Explore Concerts At The Green.
| | Tattoos for a Good Cause: Registration for Hope;Ink Open Now | |
Sign up to get a semicolon tattoo on Friday, Sept. 18, or Saturday, Sept. 19, as the annual Hope;Ink event returns to Jefferson County. Every tattoo helps support suicide prevention work at Jefferson Center. Sign up or donate today.
| | Adaptive Golf Opens New Doors at Indian Tree Golf Club | |
This fall, Indian Tree Golf Club is introducing Adaptive Golf, a new program that proves golf is a game for everyone. Through a partnership with Adaptive Golf Solutions and founder Steve Patterson, participants with physical, cognitive, sensory or developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to learn the game in an encouraging and inclusive environment. Learn more.
| | Access Veterans Resources at the West Metro Veterans Fair on Sept. 24 | |
Attend the West Metro Veterans Fair on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lakewood Lodge. Visit the website for a list of the dozens of vendors offering information and resources at this free event. Lunch will also be provided.
| | West Metro Chamber to Host Jeffco Cup Tournament on Sept. 29 | |
The West Metro Chamber’s Jeffco Cup Golf Tournament will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Foothills Golf Course! Don't miss this opportunity to network on the green and engage in a little friendly competition. Registration for foursomes, individual playing spots and hole sponsorships are now open.
| | Early Bird Pricing for Lakewood’s Cider Days Available Through Sept. 21 | |
Lakewood’s Cider Days offers timeless fun for all ages, and advance tickets are on sale now for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4. Enjoy live music, cider pressing, kids and family activities, tractor pulls, historic demonstrations, local food and craft vendors and a beer garden. Save when you buy early bird tickets by Sept. 21. View the full schedule, maps and more.
| | Do You Shop at Target? Make Sure to Vote for Jeffco Prosperity Partners | |
Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) has been selected for the Target Circle Giving Program, happening now through Sept. 30th! It is free to join Target Circle, and every vote helps direct a portion of Target’s giving fund to supporting families in our community. Simply cast your votes for JPP after your regular shopping trips to help Jeffco families break the cycle of poverty!
| | What Would You Like to See from Foothills Park & Recreation District? | |
As part of Foothills Park & Recreation District's ongoing effort to enhance and improve experiences, the organization is developing a new master plan to help guide the future of parks, trails, recreation and golf facilities, programs and services in southern unincorporated Jefferson County. We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and feedback about how you’d like to see Foothills move forward on the master plan website.
| | Nearly 100 Nonprofits Helping Improve Health and Connection in Jeffco | |
The Colorado Gives Foundation awarded $3.5 million to organizations in Jefferson County working to expand access to affordable health care, help residents navigate health coverage and build stronger connection with the people around them. See the organizations making it happen.
| | Learn More About Wheat Ridge’s Little Learners Preschool | |
Little Learners Preschool is designed for children ages 2 and a half to 5 years old. It's warm, play-centered environment helps young learners build confidence, make new friends and develop skills that will last a lifetime. The program meets Monday through Thursday, Sept. 8 to May 13, from 1:10 to 4:10 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center Children's Pavilion — 4005 Kipling St.
| | Red Rocks Community College Has a New Look | |
Red Rocks Community College listened and used your feedback to design its new logo. The new look leans into one of the clearest themes that emerged in responses, which is that the community is proud of RRCC's location. The logo draws on the beauty of its campuses and is the first visible expression of a broader brand refresh underway at Red Rocks that will also support the launch of RRCC's new strategic plan.
| | Wheat Ridge Goes Into Neighborhoods to Hear from Residents | |
This summer, Wheat Ridge City Council launched Engage Wheat Ridge, bringing elected officials directly into neighborhoods through more than 20 community events. Residents could share ideas, ask questions and learn more about decisions shaping the community. Learn more about what residents said and Wheat Ridge's Moment.
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100 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80419
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