Many families are unable to afford gifts for their children. That’s why Jefferson County is asking for your help in brightening a child’s holiday season by purchasing them a gift. Jefferson County's Giving Tree program, sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners, makes that a little easier.

Tags will be available on the holiday tree in the atrium of the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility beginning Nov. 21. Community members are encouraged to visit and take a tag (or two) from the Giving Tree. Tags will remain on the tree until they are all picked up in the next couple of weeks. In previous years, the tags were all picked up in the first couple days, so don’t wait too long!

More than 300,000 Jefferson County voters participated in the General Election, including a record 92,000 on Election Day. The overall 72% turnout was among the highest in the state. You can see results for all races and ballot initiatives on our results page. Now, a bipartisan board will audit the results of the election before the results are certified later this month.

Community members are invited to provide comments on the draft of Jefferson County’s Climate Action Plan. The public comment period is open until midnight on Nov. 27. View the draft plan, provide comments, and find general information about this project on the Climate Action Plan web page.

Jefferson County needs your input on internet access where you live or work. Community feedback is critical to help the county secure grant funding that will allow internet service providers to plan new broadband initiatives in Jeffco. We invite you to take a survey as we look at how facilitating broadband access can meet Jefferson County's vision of promoting safety, health, and well-being for all members of our community.

Jefferson County Public Health is seeking its next Executive Director. JCPH is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting health and preventing injury and disease for Jeffco residents.

See the JCPH recruitment packet to learn more about the position and preferred qualifications. To apply, email your resume to Tamara Wesely.

Jefferson County was awarded $113 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that must be spent by Dec. 2026. Visit the ARPA page to learn about these funds.

ARPA’s federal government guidelines allows funding to support families and businesses, maintain vital public services, and build a strong, resilient, and equitable future. Check out Jeffco's ARPA dashboard to see how the funds will be used.

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.

Sheriff Jeff Shrader presents the Law Enforcement Authority (LEA) Report to the Board of County Commissioners each quarter. The report contains significant incidents and investigations, crime statistics, and JCSO news and events. The third quarter LEA Report is available on our website.

With winter right at our doorstep, make sure you are well prepared for the changing weather. Here is a helpful guide on what to bring with you on your next winter adventure. JCOS also recommends signing up for notifications for their Alerts & Closures page; stay informed and up to date on all our park closures and notices. Check out this short video on how to sign up for Open Space alerts.

The FDA and CDC have approved the bivalent booster doses (omicron boosters) for all individuals ages 5 and older. Following this approval and updated vaccine guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), JCPH has begun offering omicron doses to children ages 5 and older at our clinic in Lakewood (645 Parfet St.).

Learn more about the omicron booster and find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you on the JCPH website or the CDPHE website.

Jeffco Open Space’s partners at the City of Lakewood are asking residents to take part in a new campaign highlighting parks, open space, and trail improvements. Jeffco Open Space sales tax is shared with cities in the county for parks and open space purposes. Keep an eye out for “Your Money at Work” signs around Lakewood over the next year and win prize packages by taking the best photo and telling a story about how the project has improved your quality of life.

Weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, and sudden changes in weather can quickly create dangerous situations. Jefferson County Public Health recommends all Jeffco residents prepare themselves, their home and their vehicle for severe winter weather. Learn about being prepared for winter in Colorado.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers significant opportunities for household savings. Eligible homeowners and renters can receive instant rebates and tax credits on items including new electric heating, cooling and hot water systems, electric appliances such as stoves and dryers, weatherization, rooftop solar, electric vehicle chargers, whole home batteries, and more. See how much you could save.

We collaborate with Jeffco Prosperity Partners and community organizations to provide programs on financial literacy, family wellbeing, job skill development, health and wellness, education, and building social capital. Giving Tuesday is Nov. 29 and our goal is to raise $5,000. Donations can be made here or give or donate to (720) 513-1408. Learn how you can double your donation.

Jefferson County recently mailed TABOR refund checks as required by the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Amendment (TABOR).

In 2021, Jefferson County received approximately $17.3 million in revenue above the TABOR revenue limit. As a result, the county is required to give that money back to the 213,000 property taxpayers in 2022. If you received a check, please cash it as the county cannot use the funds.

By definition, gratitude means “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a few days from now. How did 365 days go so quickly? Many of us will be traveling to spend time with family and friends; following traditions that bring back memories; getting to sit down to an amazing meal; or, cheering on our favorite team on the gridiron. Whatever your plans are, it is a time for reflection and gratitude.

As we continue to navigate and adjust to our post-COVID environment, I am thankful for the resiliency of our Jefferson County community. We have, and continue, to navigate some tough times and face difficult decisions but throughout it all we have risen to the occasion. Read the full article.

For some, the county budget may seem like nothing more than a thick pile of indecipherable numbers, detailed charts and spreadsheets. For us, it captures the community’s funding priorities and how we best leverage taxpayer dollars to deliver county services. Like you, we must balance our budget every year while funding essential county services such as public safety, roads, bridges, and other county operations.

Your voice is a critical part of building a county budget. We’ve increased ways for you to share your best thinking with us with the help of community meetings, an online budget survey, community budget forums, telephone town halls, and our October budget hearing. Read the full op-ed.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

The Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) and History Jeffco held the annual Hall of Fame celebration on Oct. 12. The Norm & Ethel Meyer Award was given to HistoriCorps and new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame. This year’s Historically Jeffco magazine, themed around "people and places that matter," was also unveiled. Learn more on the JCHC web page.

The Centennial House on the Douglas Mountain Study Area was officially listed in the State Register of Historic Properties on Sep. 28 and was designated as a Jefferson County Historic Landmark on Oct. 12. You can read an article about the Centennial House in the latest issue of Historically Jeffco magazine. Members of the Heritage Stewardship Team accepted the County Landmark plaque at the Jefferson County Historical Commission Hall of Fame event.

Open Enrollment for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado and Colorado Connect is now open through Jan. 15. Connect for Health Colorado provides health insurance to Coloradans who do not qualify for Health First Colorado and do not have health insurance through an employer. This year, Coloradans who are undocumented can sign up for a health insurance through Colorado Connect’s OmniSalud program.

Have you been thinking about quitting smoking, vaping or any other form of tobacco? Today, Thursday, Nov. 17, is the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smoke Out (GASO). Each year, this day serves as an opportunity to start looking into some of the resources that can help you with your journey to quit tobacco, especially as the holiday season and new year approach. Learn more about GASO and find resources to help with quitting at TobaccoFreeCO.

At Jefferson County Public Health, we understand that developing situations, like the Monkeypox outbreak, can feel overwhelming. However, the Monkeypox virus isn't new and has been studied for a long time. That means we have more tools in our toolbox as far as treatments, vaccines and prevention. Monkeypox can affect any of us. Learn about the risks and ways you can protect yourself.

Lakewood will be the first city in Colorado to receive Google Fiber’s fiber-to-the-building network, expanding the competitive market for high-speed broadband service for Lakewood residents and businesses.

Google Fiber is currently in the planning phase and will begin construction in 2023. Learn more on Lakewood's Google Fiber resource page.

Jeffco Builds, the Jeffco Public Schools Capital Improvement Program, is strengthening the foundation of learning the district provides to students, families, and community. Learn the latest on all things construction across the district in the current Fall 2022 Capital Improvement Update. Visit the #JeffcoBuilds webpage for more information and updates on additional bond projects.

Find beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts at Foothills Holiday Pottery Sale at Ridge Recreation Center. Handmade pottery produced by students and instructors of Foothills Pottery Program will be on display and available for purchase. Friday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As winter is arriving, the Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program is looking for monetary donations for the purchase of new winter weather items, such as hats, gloves, mittens, etc. These items are used when the Homeless Navigation Program does weekly citywide outreach. Donations also help the navigators introduce themselves and build rapport with folks who may be in need of stable housing.

Camp Christmas returns to Heritage Lakewood, Nov. 17 - Dec 24. The park will transform into an over-the-top holiday extravaganza. Explore a six-acre winter wonderland and rekindle your sense of yuletide cheer at Camp Christmas. Don't miss this Denver Center for the Performing Arts event.Tickets range from $8-$25.

Foothills Animal Shelter is counting on you to help them continue their lifesaving work this Colorado Gives Day. Thanks to the one-million-dollar incentive fund, your donation will be increased on this special day of giving, allowing you to save even more homeless, abandoned, and neglected cats, dogs, and small pets. Make your impact, donate today.

2023 Art of Hope Calendars coming soon! Celebrate the hope and healing that art can bring throughout the year with Jefferson Center’s talented artists. Don’t miss out on your calendar. Email Cara Albert to request your calendar today.

Find out about Lakewood's Holidays Specials and Events.

• Buy a 5-visit recreation punch card in December for just $15.

• Tickets to the Winter/Spring Season at LCCP start at just $25.

• 2023 Annual Passes for Bear Creek Lake Park are on sale Dec. 1.

• Shop the holiday pottery sale at Washington Heights on Dec 10.

Calling all holly and jolly volunteers for Wheat Ridge's Annual Holiday Celebration! The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3:00-6:30 p.m. at the "Green" (7101 W. 38th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033). For more information and to sign-up please send an email.

Sign up for Lakewood's Winter/Spring programs, happening January through May 2023. Registration opens at 10 a.m. for Lakewood residents on Dec. 6 and nonresidents on Dec. 8. Financial assistance is available through the Lakewood Possibilities Fund. View the program catalog and register here.