Jefferson County wants your feedback on locations for new development, identified wildfire hazard areas, and transportation. The county held three public meetings the week of March 4 on the next milestones in the Together Jeffco Plan and Regulation Update project.

After public outreach last summer and fall, the Together Jeffco project consultants used feedback from in-person meetings and online activities to create draft documents, plans, and maps. Presentation materials and feedback tools are now available. If you were unable to attend the meetings, you can view the updates and provide input through April 21.

Lookout Mountain Road is an iconic destination that provides access for residents, stunning views of the front range, and many recreation opportunities. The road serves bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, motorcyclists, and the occasional hang glider. It is important that this road is safe for all users. Jefferson County seeks community input on design recommendations to improve functionality and safety.

Jefferson County received feedback from community members regarding a note included on the county's property tax statements for the 2023 tax year. On these statements, there are asterisks next to “County General Fund,” “Dept of Social Services,” “Road and Bridge Fund,” and “Law Enforcement Authority.” The note tied to those asterisks states, “Represents a Mill Levy Reduction.” This note should state, “Represents a Mill Levy Temporary Adjustment.” Get full details on the Jeffco website.

The Jeffco Sustainability Commission will launch the Spring into Sustainability Challenge in April. The challenge will help you discover fun ways to create a more sustainable lifestyle and a sustainable future for the next generation. The event supports goals of Jefferson County’s Climate Action Plan. Get credit from a wide range of behaviors, including turning off water while brushing teeth, riding a bike, composting, or driving an electric vehicle.

Jefferson County Coroner Annette Cannon is pleased to share the news that her team helped close a case of an unidentified person. After two decades, investigators have identified a man whose remains were found on a hiking trail outside of Golden. Big thanks to the deputy coroner investigators for their hard work on this 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.

Concerned about title fraud? Sign up for Jeffco's new notification service. Title fraud is rare, but it does happen. The Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office launched a new service for home and property owners to be notified about legal documents, such as liens, being recorded in their name. Sign up for yourself or for an elderly relative. Learn more and sign up for alerts.

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.

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 from 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.

The Trail Stewardship Team is a fun program that employs youth for trail maintenance and natural resource restoration projects at Jeffco Open Space Parks. Join us this summer, from June 18 to Aug. 1, and make $15 per hour. Enjoy beautiful scenic views amongst new friends in this unique opportunity. Get more information and apply.

Every year, Jeffco's election officials work to equitably distribute vote centers across the county in accessible locations for voters. They want to hear from you about the locations they've identified—are they hard to find? Is public transportation to them available? Are the buildings easy to enter and navigate? Share your feedback here.

Each year, the Jefferson County Sustainability Commission recognizes outstanding residents and businesses in Jefferson County who are contributing positively to our community and the planet, playing a key role in making sustainability a reality. Nominate a standout community member or business today.

Summer is coming, but camp can be so expensive. ENOR is now offering Summer Camp Scholarships. It’s important to us that all children have an opportunity to get outside and discover nature, which is why we are offering a limited number of scholarships for both the fourth and fifth grade camps. Sign up your child today for an experience with lifelong memories.

Trade a rug for a mug and help the Jeffco Coroner's Office prevent falls. In 2023, there were more than 200 Jeffco deaths that were attributed to falls. On April 16, from 9-9:45 a.m., bring a clean, small rug to the Golden Visitor Center, 1010 Washington Avenue. Rugs will be traded for a mug. The donated rugs will be donated to the Foothills Animal Shelter.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

More than 100 community leaders gathered recently to address the opioid epidemic in our region during the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council’s second regional conference at Red Rocks Community College.

The Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council is responsible for allocating opioid settlement dollars in our region. GROC received more than $8 million in funding for years one and two. I'm proud to chair GROC alongside vice-chair, Clear Creek County Commissioner George Marlin. Read the full article from Commissioner Dahlkemper.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly provide free, confidential, and secure preparation and e-filing of Federal and State income taxes, for taxpayers who qualify. Many Coloradans are also eligible for tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, but nearly a quarter of eligible people miss out. You do not need to make much money, but you must file a tax return to receive these credits.

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is opening a new Create Space at Belmar Library. Patrons can try laser cutting, 3D printing, die-cutting, and more within the space. Library cardholders can reserve a one-on-one orientation to get started on their first project. The Create Space is just one of JCPL’s many Creative Technology offerings, which include a Digital Media Studio, ongoing creative workshops and more.

Build your confidence as a hiker, enhance your skills, and foster a deep connection with nature. Join us at Lookout Mountain Nature Center on April 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. and learn how to understand essential hiking gear, trail etiquette, and safety as the first steps towards embracing outdoor adventures. Ages 16 and up with an adult and registration is free.

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 our 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.

Jeffco Invasive Species Management is pleased to announce 2024 grant funded opportunities to assist landowners in unincorporated Jeffco who are required to eradicate List A and List-B-Erad noxious weeds. Funding is available through the American Rescue Plan Act and Jefferson County.

Populations of high priority weeds like orange hawkweed, myrtle spurge, and hairy willowherb pose a significant risk to our native ecosystems.

In partnership with seven Jeffco municipalities, the nonprofit Resource Central offers residential water conservation programs, including discounts on low-water Garden In A Box kits (on sale now), lawn replacement discounts, and free Waterwise Yard Seminars from February to August. Please visit the links to determine your eligibility for the program—discounts are limited so act now.

Join Wheat Ridge Park and Recreation on Saturday, March 23 for an egg-stra special Easter egg hunt. This free event will be held at Anderson Park, 4355 Field Street in Wheat Ridge. There will be a staggered start by age group. Find more information on the event.

For a mid-week escape to an idyllic hillside with sweeping mountain views and dramatic sunsets, local brews, hip food vendor fare, and community members of every age and background. There is nothing quite like an outdoor summer concert at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Tickets are now available for the summer.

The City of Wheat Ridge is excited to announce that the Community Partners Grant Program is now accepting applications. This city sponsored program supports area nonprofit agencies and programs that benefit and improve Wheat Ridge. Nonprofits can apply now through Friday, April 26.

Through a recent boundary study, Jeffco Public Schools learned that 91% of children who live in Jefferson County attend a Jeffco school. Serving this many Jefferson County students is something the district is incredibly proud of. Feedback received from the community through these studies reflects the district’s goals for a thriving district where all students achieve their biggest dreams.

Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) will be back at the 2024 Colfax Marathon, May 17-19. Register now to get the lowest price for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Urban 10, 5K, or Marathon Relay. Not a runner? Show your support by sponsoring a relay team or donating to the Colfax Marathon Fundraiser. Proceeds will support JPP Jeffco children and families in need. Questions? Contact Roxy Dunaway.

Opening Day is right around the corner, and Apex is headed to The Sandlot. Watch Ham, Yeah Yeah, Squints, and Smalls navigate the world of new friendships, adventures, and baseball, on Friday, April 4, from 6-8 p.m. Join Apex and relive the good ol' days with the 1993 version of the movie The Sandlot. Bring your blankets, camping chairs, and picnic items, and let’s hit a home run with a fun evening.

Enjoy music, entertainment, exhibits, refreshments, and family fun while discovering sustainable solutions to support our world. The Lakewood Earth Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 27 at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 South Yarrow Street.

Mark your calendar and join CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties at the annual Champions for Children Breakfast on May 2. 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 their family. Learn more about the event and RSVP.

Join Foothills Park & Recreation District on May 11 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.

Wheat Ridge is working on a new City Plan, and wants to hear from you. The City Plan, which is often called a comprehensive plan, articulates a community’s vision for the next 20 years, establishes shared values, and identifies priorities for the future. Stay tuned to What's Up Wheat Ridge for upcoming engagement opportunities.

The outdoor experts at Bear Creek Lake Park invite first-time campers to come give it a try with some backup support on hand. This event is for tents only, no RVs or trailers. Learn about fun activities like fishing, the campfire program, archery, and much more, Applications will be accepted beginning April 9 for the June 7-8 event.

Wheat Ridge is embarking on its Next Chapter, a vision for future growth and development centered on three pillars: resident engagement, infrastructure, and community cohesion. Wheat Ridge aims to address challenges such as affordable housing while investing in infrastructure and fostering a thriving business community. Visit What's Up Wheat Ridge to stay up to date on Wheat Ridge projects.

The West Metro Chamber is now accepting business vendor booths for Taste of the West on June 6. In addition to all the delicious food and beverage vendors we’ll have at Taste of the West, we also offer a limited number of spots for businesses to showcase their products and services. Reserve your booth at Taste of the West.