Jefferson County Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr, and Tracy Kraft-Tharp would like to thank everyone who participated in Jefferson County's Giving Tree program. Thanks to your generosity, more than 300 children in the Jeffco community will receive gifts this holiday season.

Clients from CASA, Jefferson County Head Start, and the Jeffco Prosperity Partners will be the recipients of the generosity of county employees and community members through this program sponsored by the Jeffco Commissioners.

Hundreds of people turned out for the first Passport-palooza. The Jeffco Clerk & Recorder's Office processed an unprecedented number of applications in one day, so we're bringing it back to serve you. One day only, no appointment necessary passport processing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 11, at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility in Golden. RSVP and get more details.

Jefferson County Sustainability is pleased to announce the new Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Dashboard is live. The dashboard is interactive and intended to show progress towards the goals stated in the CAP. It includes data visualizations for each sector in the CAP that will be updated annually. We recommend opening the dashboard in full-screen mode for optimal viewing.

After the sale of the Denver Broncos organization in June 2022, $41 million was distributed to the municipalities, cities, and counties that contributed to the stadium district tax, which was used to fund construction of the Broncos' stadium in 2001. Grant applications for youth activities will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2024. Grant funds stem from Jefferson County participating in the Metropolitan Football Stadium District.

Jefferson County's Road and Bridge Division is responsible for snow removal on 2,945 lane miles of paved roads and 647 lane miles of gravel roads in the unincorporated areas of the county. Plowing and application of traction materials takes place in four phases during a storm. Get all of the details at www.jeffco.us/snow.

Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio is urging community members to be vigilant and announced that the Treasurer’s Office was seeing about 10-12 fraudulent checks per day after TABOR refund checks were mailed out in October.

If you believe your check may have been stolen, please notify the Jefferson County Sheriff and contact the Treasurer's Office at 303-271-8330.

Heading Home is recruiting volunteers for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count to conduct interviews with homeless individuals and families in emergency shelters, human service organizations, parks, and other places where unhoused residents spend time. We need your help! Select your shifts and choose to participate with your self-identified group of up to three people, or be paired with others. Sign up today.

Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio announced that a property tax relief bill that was recently passed by the Colorado Legislature will impact the timing of 2024 property tax bills. A two-week delay in certification of county tax rolls will cause property tax bills to be mailed later than in most years. The delay gives taxing authorities time to certify their mill levies and county assessors more time to gather data.

Jefferson County wants to feature your art on its next I Voted sticker. Two winning designs (youth, adult) will be selected and printed for the June and November 2024 elections. A third design from elementary schools will be chosen for our Future Voter stickers. Entries are due by Dec. 31. Help us celebrate civic pride with your artwork!

Each new year presents an opportunity to reflect on new beginnings. 2024 can be the year that you (or someone you care about) quits tobacco. Find free resources for support with quitting or reach out to the Colorado QuitLine online or by phone at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). Don’t give up – you’ve got this!

A pet license helps animal control officers get your lost pet home quicker. Additionally, license fees help Foothills Animal Shelter provide life-saving care to thousands of homeless animals. License your pet today.

Licensing your dog is required in unincorporated Jefferson County and in the cities of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, and Wheat Ridge. Cats and other pets can be voluntarily licensed.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

In Jefferson County, more than 800 people are homeless, according to a 2023 Point in Time Survey. That’s a 73% increase over the previous year and reflects the number of people who are homeless in our community on a single night. Another more robust data set places the number closer to 3,600 annually. Leaders in Jeffco and across the metro area are working collectively to address homelessness.

Along West Colfax Avenue, a recently converted Harley Davidson store is now a haven of hope for those without housing. Read the full article.

Jeffco Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper and Andy Kerr hosted a Telephone Town Hall on Nov. 9. Topics included public health and safety efforts in Jeffco. The commissioners were joined by Jefferson County Public Health Executive Director Dr. Sarah Story and Sheriff Reggie Marinelli from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The Town Hall audio recording is available here.

Did you know the average American produces 25% more waste than usual between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? It’s an especially important time to pay attention to our consumption habits, especially considering that the production and use of household goods and services is responsible for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Engaging in mindful consumption and gift-giving is a great way to support Jefferson County’s Climate Action Plan this holiday season.

Jefferson County’s Business & Workforce Center offers numerous career boosting and job search virtual workshops. Whether you are currently unemployed, under-employed or looking to change jobs, these workshops will help you become fully prepared to secure and advance your career. Topics throughout December include cover letters, resume concepts, and interviewing with much more to come in January.

Only voters affiliated with a party that is holding a primary, or those who are unaffiliated with any political parties, will receive ballots for the Presidential Primary on March 5. If you are affiliated as an Independent, Green Party, American Constitution Party, or any other minor party, you will NOT be eligible to vote in the 2024 Presidential Primary. However, you will get to vote in the November general election. If you need to update your party affiliation, the deadline in advance of the March election is Jan. 2.

If you or a loved one receives Home and Community Based Services in Jefferson or Clear Creek Counties, your Case Management Agency will change from Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) to Jefferson County Human Services on July 1, 2024. If this impacts you or your family, you do not need to take any action. You should have received a letter in the mail from Health First Colorado with details on your case management agency. Read more about the changes.

The 9th Annual Colorado Women’s Day awards will be presented March 8 at the Marriott Denver West, 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Nominate a deserving student, volunteer, or businesswoman. Jan. 19 is the deadline for adult award nominations. Middle school, high school, and college-age young women must be nominated by Jan. 26. Get more information here or call 303-277-9520, ext. 310.

The new nature playground was made possible through funds from the Metropolitan Football Stadium District from the sale of the Denver Broncos Football Club. The nature playground is designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural environment, fostering increased physical activity, social interaction, and play value for our community's youngsters.

The City of Lakewood will offer tree recycling from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, for Lakewood residents. Drop off is at 9556 W Yale Avenue in Lakewood. All wire, ornaments, nails and tinsel must be removed. This service handles Christmas trees from residents only; wreaths, garland, tree limbs, and trees from private contractors will not be accepted.

The City of Wheat Ridge is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve on its boards, commissions, and committees. Applications are now open to Wheat Ridge residents and close on Jan. 14. Find more information on the City of Wheat Ridge website.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) raised an amazing $9,778 on Colorado Gives Day. Your support made this achievement possible, and JPP is immensely grateful for your dedication to its cause. Your donations will directly impact JPP families, providing crucial resources and opportunities that pave the way for brighter futures. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey toward prosperity.

10, 9, 8.. bounce houses and games. 7, 6, 5.. balloons and big fun. 4, 3, 2, 1.. Noon Year’s Eve is headed your way. Bring your kiddo to the Noon Year’s Eve event on Sunday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Balloons will drop at noon after a fun countdown. Celebrating New Year’s Eve with your little one in the middle of the day is the best of both worlds.

Gift cards are available at any Foothills Park & Recreation District recreation facility for classes, daily admissions, pass purchases, or massage services. Purchase gift cards at Peak Community & Wellness Center, Ridge Recreation Center, Lilley Gulch Recreation Center and Edge Ice Arena. ⛳ Golf gift cards can be purchased at Meadows Golf Club and at Foothills Golf Course. Find facility locations.

Wheat Ridge is excited to share that it has a new map that shows information on private property development, major City of Wheat Ridge projects, and individual property information. Learn about how the Projects and Properties Map works by watching this YouTube video. The city also launched a new Snow Plow Tracking Map that will keep people updated on snowplow driver progress.

Kids in grades K-12 are invited to be assistant directors or in the cast of a magical production of “Cinderella,” hosted by Missoula Children’s Theatre and the Lakewood Cultural Center. Register now to participate in the residency week, Jan. 22-27, or purchase tickets for the performance on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Join Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation on Saturday, Feb. 17 for a magical night at Ties & Tiaras. Dads, moms, grandparents, father figures (whoever) are invited to treat their little darling to a night full of memories. Find details and register.

Surprise your sweetheart with dinner and a show in Lakewood. Pair tickets to Canellakis-Brown Duo performing (b)Romance on Thursday, Feb. 22 with dinner at a participating Belmar restaurant and receive special dining discounts to create a fabulous package deal.