In this year's final episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Jefferson County's Regional Homeless Coordinator Kerry Wrenick about what homelessness looks like right now in our community and the coordinated, regional response consisting of county and city leaders, service providers and community partners aimed at ending homelessness while protecting our most vulnerable neighbors. Listen to the episode.

Follow the Engage Jeffco Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Defensible space and structure hardening requirements will apply to mountain areas and parts of the plains per the proposed Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) map.

Visit the Regulation Updates webpage for more info.

Jefferson County is proposing updates to its Building Codes and Supplements by adopting the 2024 versions of the International Codes, ensuring coordination with the draft Jefferson County Wildfire Resiliency Code and adopting the Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code. Learn more about the proposed updates.

Public comment is encouraged and can be provided in writing through the web form.

The Arvada Library will temporarily close for construction on Jan. 7 as part of its redesign project, and it is expected to remain closed for approximately 14 months. During the closure, a temporary location will open in the former home of Arvada K-8 School at 5751 Balsam Street in Arvada. Called the Arvada Balsam Temporary Library, this location will provide limited versions of the services available at the Arvada Library. Visit the project page for more information and sign up for email updates.

Colorado is upgrading its digital DMV platform, which means all online and in-person DMV services will be unavailable Feb. 13–16, with limited in-person services Feb. 17–19. If you’re planning to purchase or register a vehicle this month, please stay on top of deadlines and plan ahead to avoid delays. More details to come on this exciting new upgrade, which includes a new customer portal where you can manage everything from tabs to licenses.

To everyone who gave on Colorado Gives Day, thank you! Your generosity is already making a difference for parents working toward stability, for children striving for their dreams and for families building a brighter future together. We are so grateful for the compassion and commitment of this community. If you missed the chance to give, there’s still time. Year-end gifts made through Dec. 31 help even more families thrive. Thank you for believing in JPP families.

Applications for the 2025-'26 Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) are now open. LEAP helps to cover the costs of home heating during the colder months. Applications are open through April 30, 2026. You can check eligibility requirements, find an application checklist and learn about additional resources at www.jeffco.us/LEAP. Have additional questions? Call 719-442-0007.

Jefferson County needs your help for the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, our annual census of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This year’s count runs from sundown on Jan. 26 to sundown on Jan. 27, and volunteers play a crucial role in helping us understand the needs of our community. Please sign up for the 2026 PIT Count.

Can’t stay awake for the midnight ball drop on New Year's Eve? We’ve got you covered. Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at the library with stories, crafts, dancing and a balloon drop countdown to noon! Bring the whole family to enjoy these kid-friendly festivities at locations across the county and ring in the new year with midday fun for your little ones!

Adding “get a passport” to your New Year’s checklist? Mark your calendars for Jan. 15! If you’re applying for a new passport, renewing one that’s been expired for more than five years or getting passports for your children, this event is for you. Stop by anytime between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. No appointment is needed! Just bring all required documents, your completed application and a checkbook. RSVP now.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

• Meet the Commissioners
• Hearing and Hearings Calendar
• Past Meetings and Agendas
• Pending Land Use Cases
• Volunteer Boards and Commissions



As a county commissioner, the risk of wildfire in Jefferson County is one of my biggest concerns. To illustrate the danger we face, Jeffco ranks second out of Colorado’s 64 counties when it comes to wildfire risk. Our wildfire risk is 98% above average for counties across the country. 

Jefferson County is proposing updates to harden homes and other structures and increase defensible space in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in unincorporated areas of the county. WUI is an area where human development meets or intermingles with undeveloped, vegetated land like forests or grasslands. Expanding the WUI boundary is a significant change to build greater wildfire resiliency. Read more.

Between January and November 2025, the Jefferson County Treasurer's Office accrued roughly $24.93 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.

Ready to help the young people in your life ditch nicotine for good? Jefferson County youth 12 to 21 years old can access free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Quitting nicotine is connected to reduced stress, anxiety, depression and better overall mental well-being. Share our webpage — www.jeffco.us/NRT — or call 303-239-7040 to help get them started.

The Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) has debuted its annual Historic Preservation Symposium, featuring fascinating stories of county history and how it is being preserved. This virtual presentation is available on the commission’s YouTube channel. Read more on JCHC's web page.

Jefferson County continues to support housing stability through recent initiatives, including volunteering a small team from the county to join Habitat for Humanity for a build day in November on the Griffith Station project. Griffith Station is an affordable community in Arvada being developed by Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. The project is supported by a $500,000 HUD HOME grant from Jefferson County, helping create long-term, income-restricted housing for local families. Construction is underway, including recent progress on wall framing for several future homes.

On Oct. 15, the Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) and History Jeffco held the 47th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration at the Buffalo Rose in Golden. The hall of fame is an opportunity to recognize inductees, award landmark designations, present the Meyer Award for Historic Preservation and unveil the year’s edition of Historically Jeffco. Read more on the JCHC Happenings web page.

Did you know that you can get free enrollment help during Open Enrollment? Connect for Health Colorado can help you navigate the health insurance process, so call to schedule an appointment today at 855-752-6749. And don't forget, Jan. 15 is the last day to enroll for 2026. Learn more at ConnectforHealthCO.com.

Colorado Gives Day broke countless records and exceeded all expectations this year. People across the state raised $56.5 million, showing the strength, care and generosity that define Colorado communities. More than 47,841 Jeffco residents (the most in the state) donated nearly $9 million to 3,230 nonprofits. Thank you! Learn more.

Jeffco needs community voices to shape a sustainable funding future. Volunteer for the Partnership for Fiscal Sustainability, meeting January through May 2026, to explore local revenue options. Parents, educators, businesses, students and residents are invited. Support Jeffco’s long tradition of excellence. RSVP today.

A key milestone in the Wadsworth Improvement Project, the continuous flow intersection (CFI) at 38th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard is officially open to drivers. The CFI is designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety for all roadway users. Thank you for your patience during construction. Learn more about the project.

Shop the Holiday Pop Up Market at Lakewood Cultural Center through Dec. 22 for unique holiday gifts created by local artists. Plus, each holiday season, the Museum Store at Heritage Lakewood becomes a gift-buying destination with gifts tied to Lakewood history. Learn more about all the Lakewood holiday events and happenings.

Pick up a Foothills Park & Recreation District gift card for the holidays. Cards are valid at any district facility for classes, daily admissions and pass purchases. Purchase gift cards at Peak Community & Wellness Center, Ridge Recreation Center, Lilley Gulch Recreation Center and Edge Ice Arena. Golf e-gift cards can be purchased at Meadows Golf Club and at Foothills Golf Course. Find our facility locations.

Lakewood Cultural Center has decked the halls with an exhibition in the style of the 19th Century French salons. Lakewood Salon features artwork by local artists, and each piece is marked at $500 or less! Stop by through Jan. 2 or visit Lakewood.org/Salon for details.

Lakewood challenges you to get out and walk, roll or move in place on Mondays in January for a chance to win prizes! Each time you walk a mile on a Monday and log your progress, you'll be entered for a chance to win prizes like a Lakewood Recreation gift card. Photos are encouraged! Learn more.

Join CASA of Jefferson & Gilpin Counties for an unforgettable evening of laughter and giving back! On Friday, Jan. 30, we’re thrilled to host Comedy for CASA, an exciting new fundraising event that promises fun and entertainment for a great cause. The night will feature drinks, hors d'oeuvres, an enticing silent auction and a laugh-out-loud performance by our headliner, Phil Palisoul. Learn more and buy tickets.

Parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors or any special grown-ups, treat your little one to an unforgettable evening of fun and memories at Ties & Tiaras: Once Upon a Dance on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. This magical night includes dinner, music, activities and a charming photo booth, plus one professional digital photo to keep the memories alive. All families and all ages are welcome. Learn more.

It may be cold outside, but we are gearing up for another season of summer fun. Licensed summer camp registration officially opens on Jan. 19 for returning families and Jan. 21 for new families. Watch for our full menu of miscellaneous summer camp classes, featuring new activities along with returning favorites, coming soon. Get you and your kiddos summer ready at Apex Park and Recreation District. 

Susan A. Wood has been appointed by Wheat Ridge City Council to fill the District III vacancy created when Korey Stites was elected mayor. Chosen by majority vote after a public application and interview process on Dec. 8, Wood has been a resident of Wheat Ridge for 32 years and has more than 25 years of professional planning experience.