Join us for episode two of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, as we welcome Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper into the studio for a chat! Discussion topics include the commissioner's background before representing Jefferson County's District 3, what drove her to run for the seat, and some of her top priorities and accomplishments.

An in-depth look at the issues, events, and unique perspectives, the Engage Jeffco Podcast is a deeper exploration of important county initiatives, ways to get involved, and the people who make this county function. Follow it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you want to find out if your property is in the SFHA, contact Jefferson County Planning and Zoning at 303-271-8700. County staff are available to answer your questions and can meet residents on-site to provide assistance on flooding or drainage issues. Learn about floodplain management in Jefferson County.

Artillery shells from military training prior to World War II have been found in the William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain. There is a potential that pieces of unexploded artillery could still be in the park.

All munitions should be considered dangerous, regardless of how long they have been in the environment. Protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors; follow the three Rs of explosive safety if you encounter a suspected munitions item: Recognize, retreat, and report. Learn about Hayden Park, along with the history of the former Camp George West Artillery Range.

Attention parents, guardians, teachers, and anyone with youth in their lives – you are invited to “Tackling Tough Topics with Teens (T4)”, a free interactive workshop offered by Jefferson County Public Health about effectively communicating with teens to help build trust and reduce risks associated with substance use and mental health. A virtual workshop will be offered on April 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in English and in Spanish.

Jeffco Open Space is expanding the existing parking lot, replacing the existing restroom and kiosk, installing improved signage, and improving Bluebird Meadow Trail and Wild Iris Trail.

The West Trailhead and adjacent roadside parking will be closed from May 2025 to January 2026. Parking will remain open at the East Trailhead and during non-school hours at Wilmot Elementary School. Limited roadside parking will be available adjacent to the East Trailhead. Find more information.

Do you know someone in Jefferson County making a real difference for our community and the planet? Each year, the Jefferson County Sustainability Commission honors residents and businesses that go above and beyond in creating a more sustainable future. Help us recognize their impact! Nominate an outstanding community member or business for a 2025 Sustainability Award.

Jefferson County's Sustainability team is excited to share that all Jeffco residents are eligible for free or discounted participation in new water-saving programs. These programs are offered by its non-profit partner, Resource Central, and include Garden in a Box, Lawn Replacement, and Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluations.

The Garden in a Box program is now open for orders. All Jeffco residents are eligible for a $25 discount on your order by selecting “Jefferson County” as your municipality.

The Jeffco Treasurer’s Office added a secure drop box in the atrium of the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Facility for Fridays or after-hours.

Plus, there's a new, secure drive-up drop box for those who prefer not to enter the building. Convenient, secure, and here to serve you better!

The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder's office is bringing back Passport-palooza! Join us from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, for this one-day, no-appointment-needed passport processing event.

If you’re applying for a new passport, renewing one that’s expired by more than five years, or getting a passport for your child, this is the perfect time to do it. RSVP and learn more today.

Don’t miss your chance to register for In Conversation with C.J. Box, a free event spotlighting the bestselling author behind the beloved Joe Pickett series and masterful crime thrillers. Join Jefferson County Public Library on Saturday, March 29, at noon to hear C.J. Box share his journey from Wyoming ranch hand to an award-winning novelist and TV producer, along with an esteemed panel of authors, moderated by celebrated author and emcee Carter Wilson.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office will hold a community education tabling event on overdose prevention on Monday, April 7, from noon to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Jefferson County Courts and Admin Facility. The Coroner will be partnering with the Jefferson Center for this event. Please stop by and visit our table.

Know any teens looking for a fantastic summer job? The Trail Stewardship Team is a fun program that employs youth for trail maintenance and natural resource restoration projects at Jefferson County Open Space parks. 

Join us this summer from June 17 to July 31. Enjoy beautiful, scenic views amongst new friends in this unique opportunity. Find more information and application details.

Jefferson County is joining other metro area counties in celebrating High School Voter Registration Awareness Week this April! The Clerk and Recorder's Office has partnered with high schools across the county to organize voter registration and education events all week.

New for 2025, 15-year-olds are now eligible to pre-register to vote, just like 16- and 17-year-olds. Have your teen visit GoVoteColorado.gov to register or pre-register today!

For many in Jefferson County, housing costs are out-of-reach whether you’re a recent college graduate, a young couple starting a family, or an aging adult who wants to downsize. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jefferson County often starts at $1,800 a month and median home prices in Jeffco are 50 percent higher than the national average.

In response, multiple efforts are underway across the county to make housing more affordable. Jefferson County. commissioners recently approved the county’s first-ever 15 Year Strategic Housing Plan. The plan addresses the full spectrum of housing — from homelessness to market-rate homeownership. Read the full article.

Jefferson County utilizes virtual town halls as a tool to provide updates and to interact with community members regarding important county business. Town halls allow the commissioners to connect with thousands of Jefferson County residents, offering a platform for posing questions to the board and providing the commissioners feedback on important county-related issues. Participate in the next town hall on May 8 from 6 to 7 p.m.

"Our mission is not only to preserve the fossils of Dinosaur Ridge but to also to provide educational opportunities for our community," said Amy Atwater, Director of Development and Membership for Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.

In this edition of Get To Know Jeffco, learn how the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is using funds stemming from the sale of the Denver Broncos — and allocated by Jefferson County — to help students participate in science field trips.

View Jefferson County Public Library’s 2025 Strategic Snapshot to learn about the extensive list of strategic priorities and projects we’ll be working on this year. This is the final year of our current strategic plan, and efforts to create a 2026 and beyond strategic plan are well underway. Learn more!

To foster vibrant and inclusive communities, Jefferson County Human Services is launching a 15-Year Housing Strategic Plan to address the full spectrum of housing needs — from homelessness to market-rate homeownership.

This comprehensive approach focuses on increasing housing supply and strengthening partnerships to expand affordable housing, enhance programs and services, and support low-income households. Explore the full plan and learn more.

SNAP benefits stolen through electronic theft such as card skimming or cloning are no longer eligible for replacement. Claims are still accepted if the theft occurred on or before Dec. 20, 2024, and the claim is filed within 30 days after learning the benefits were stolen. 

Regularly updating PINs and verifying transactions can help in protecting funds. Read about protecting against fraud and recovering stolen benefits.

An immersive workshop, Nature Journaling is designed for all skill levels, encouraging participants to observe and document nature in a meaningful way. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend art and the outdoors. Join us for a day of creativity and connection with nature.

Join us for the Lockheed Martin Wildflower Walk as we explore the diverse ecosystems of the Plains and Foothills life zones on a vast parcel of land adjacent to Hildebrand Ranch Park. Learn about 2025 Native Plant Masters courses.

Join us for an exciting, free interactive experience as we explore Colorado’s diverse wildlife! This Eagle’s Nest Owl’s Roost (ENOR) hands-on session will teach you how to observe and identify animals, stay safe around wildlife, and even get up close with real animal furs, antlers, and bones.

Don’t miss this fun and educational adventure. Find more information.

The annual Point-in-Time count of our sheltered and unsheltered populations helps plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs, measure progress in decreasing homelessness, and identify strengths and gaps in our current homelessness assistance system.

This endeavor would not be possible without the coordination from volunteers, city personnel, service providers, and many event sites who hosted activities and provided meals. Data will be shared when available in the fall.

Jeffco Public Schools' State of the District series, part of the Elevate Education Podcast, shares important topics affecting students and families in Jefferson County. These conversations connect directly to the district’s priorities, offering insights that impact our entire community. Listen now!

Join Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation on April 5 for a fun twist on the classic egg hunt. Search for colorful eggs floating in the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center leisure pool, and trade them in for treats and prizes. Bring your kiddos for a day of splashing, searching, and smiling. 

Registration is required for this event, with one hour and 15 minute time slots available between 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Learn more and register.

First, join Apex on April 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Cottontail Carnival, where families can enjoy games, a ride on our train, the bunny, and more. On April 13, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., Apex will host the Bunny Hop Bash, which is full of gymnastics, games, and fun. 

Apex's new event this year — Earth Beyond the Stars — is Friday, April 18. It will be a night full of star gazing, a glow silent disco, science experiments, crafts, glow games, glow story time, and a glow skate. Learn more and register.

The West Metro Chamber and Jeffco EDC are partnering to present the first Jeffco BizHub Exchange, a B2B summit designed to bring together industry leaders and representatives from small, medium, and large businesses across Jeffco and beyond for inspiring and relevant presentations, professional development, and connection. Author Gregg Vanourek is our keynote speaker on “What’s Your Leadership Quest?”.

The City of Wheat Ridge launched a suite of advanced digital platforms as part of its Next Chapter Systems Transformation initiative. This project is revolutionizing city operations, streamlining processes, and improving experiences for residents, businesses, and city employees. 

The transformation includes the rollout of GovOS Revenue, OpenGov Permitting, and the E-Citation System. These platforms will improve internal workflows and allow city employees to better serve the community. 

Foothills Park & Recreation District is excited to host the all new Foothills Art Market on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Foothills Fieldhouse! Shop unique creations in pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, wood, fashion, soaps, home accessories, photography, and more! Admission is free!

1. Volunteer to assist park staff with a clean-up project in the Bear Creek Greenbelt from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26. Register here.
2. Enjoy live music, entertainment, educational exhibits, food, drinks, and family fun at the Earth Day Celebration at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Learn more.

Join Jefferson Center on April 24 at Social Capitol Events in Arvada for an evening of celebration, entertainment, and connection. We will honor the legacy of Kiara Kuenzler, President and CEO, and you'll be treated to a performance by Face Vocal Band, an internationally-acclaimed all-vocal rock band.

All proceeds help provide care for those who need it most in our community, regardless of their ability to pay. Tickets and sponsorships are now available! Learn more.

Go behind the scenes at the Lakewood Cultural Center during a free community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. The 25th Anniversary House Party offers selfie stations, backstage mini-tours, live performances, and birthday cake to celebrate the diverse programs and experiences that have made the Cultural Center a beloved cultural gem in the Lakewood community. Learn more.

This tax season, you can support local families by donating a portion (or all) of your Colorado state tax refund to Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) through the ReFUND CO program. When you file your taxes, look for the “Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund” section and enter JPP’s Registration Number: 20183008485. Donations help provide job training, education, housing support, and financial literacy to families.