Adorned with approximately 300 tags, Jefferson County's annual holiday tree will be up in the atrium of the Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden, beginning Nov. 20. The tree, also known as the Giving Tree, will continue the tradition of including gift tags with holiday gift wishes from some of Jeffco's less fortunate children. Unwrapped gifts, along with the corresponding gift tags, need to be returned by Dec. 4.

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.

Jefferson County has two Veteran Services Officers available to help Veterans and their families. Veterans Services assists Jefferson County residents who served in the United States armed forces obtain any and all Veterans Administration (VA) benefits for which they may be eligible. Jefferson County shows its support for America's heroes through the Human Services Department's Veterans Employment Services, homelessness resources, and other programs that support Veterans.

Jefferson County taxpayers recently received a TABOR refund check in the mail, per the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Amendment.

Please cash your TABOR refund check, the county cannot use the funds. Learn about TABOR and find FAQs regarding the refund checks. The Jeffco Treasurer's Office will cash checks under $200 (with a valid ID).

Each quarter Sheriff Reggie Marinelli presents the Law Enforcement Authority (LEA) Report to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. The report includes Sheriff’s Office events, news, statistics, and notable activities during the previous quarter. Of note are the focus crime statistics, which are the lowest we've seen during the third quarter for the past five years. Focus crimes are burglary, theft from a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle theft. Read the full Q3 2023 LEA Report.

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.

Colorado's elections are a model for the US, and Jeffco's team has over a hundred years of experience and expertise in keeping our elections safe, secure, and transparent. Clerk Amanda Gonzalez says, “An election is in good hands if your election official is upholding the core values of democracy.” Check out the full video.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) can help pay a portion of winter home heating costs. LEAP is a federally funded program helping eligible Colorado families, seniors, and individuals. Applications for assistance opened on on Nov. 1. Call 866-432-8435 for questions or learn more on the Jeffco Human Services website.

Victim advocates and patrol officers give teddy bears to children and adults when they respond to calls for help. The Deputy Hugs program is funded by donations from the community. For a $30 donation, you can get two bears - one for you to keep, and one to donate to crime victims. If you don't necessarily need a bear, you can donate both bears. Learn more and find out how to donate (scroll down to Deputy Hugs).

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. 15. Help us celebrate civic pride with your artwork!

Jefferson County recently hosted community meetings to gather input regarding updates to county plans and regulations. If you were unable to attend these meetings, you can still provide input through Nov. 30. There are several ways to participate, including idea walls, tag the map, submit photos, and the visioning events online workshop. Visit the Together Jeffco website to participate.

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.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages the community to get vaccinated and help reduce the spread of three circulating respiratory viruses, including flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. For more information on available vaccines, where you can find a flu or COVID-19 vaccine site near you, or more about JCPH's immunization services, read JCPH's news release.

The Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory seeks science-inspired art pieces that will be permanently displayed in the hallways of the crime lab in Golden. The contest runs through Dec. 8 and is open to high school and college students, city/county employees, and law enforcement employees within Jeffco. View the contest flyer or visit the website for more information.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

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 audio recording of the town hall is now available.

As of Oct. 3, Board of County Commissioner Hearings start at 9 a.m. The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners made the decision to move the start time back one hour after receiving feedback from the community through polling, emails, and open comment. Community input was gathered through polls in the Engage Jeffco newsletter and on Facebook, Nextdoor, and X (Twitter). Of those who responded, 49% supported moving to 9 a.m. and 31% said that the start time didn’t matter. Find hearing information on the Jefferson County Public Meetings page.

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.

As winter approaches, it’s time to winterize your home and prepare for a new season. Consider a home energy audit to prepare your home to be its most efficient as the weather gets colder. There are many DIY Projects to make the most of your energy this winter, including some easy adjustments; switching your fan direction to blow hot air back down, opening the blinds during the sunny part of the day to let in the warmth, and replacing your furnace filter to make it run most efficiently.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program which helps connect families and househlds struggling to afford internet service. More than 20 million households receive internet service at a discount through the ACP. Applications, both virtual and printable, can be found at GetInternet.Gov.

Colorado Gives Day is Dec. 5 and is easily the best day to give. Early giving is open. More than 1,300 nonprofits located in or serving Jefferson County are participating in our state’s largest giving event. Find the nonprofits that matter most to you and donate today. You can also buy Giving Cards and start a wave of generosity in Jeffco.

It’s time for the 2023 Holiday Giving Tree Program! The holidays can be especially tough on abused and neglected children. CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties and Jefferson County Human Services connect generous donors with families in need to fulfill their holiday wish list. If you are interested in matching with a child or family for the holiday season, please fill out the form.

The City of Arvada recently launched a survey to collect information about Arvada’s housing market, including the current housing needs of workers, commuters, and Arvada residents. The information obtained from survey results will help the city create programs to better address housing needs in Arvada, as well as help inform housing planning in the future. Those who participate in the survey will be entered to win $100! Read the release about the survey for further information.

On Dec. 1, from 5-9 p.m., join the Lakewood Mayor and City Council for a free lighting ceremony at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, then stroll among the light displays, listen to festive live music, and warm up with hot cocoa. Meet with jolly old Santa Claus from 3-9 p.m. or craft an ornament to commemorate this happy holiday season.

The City of Wheat Ridge is proud to host its annual Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting. On Dec. 2, Step into a winter wonderland and embrace the joyous spirit of the holiday season. This event offers an abundance of holiday-themed activities, the annual tree-lighting ceremony, and more.

Interested in volunteering? Email our event coordinator to get started.

Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland invites you to participate in a community conversation or attend an upcoming Jeffco Board of Education town hall meeting to learn more about current initiatives impacting Jeffco. Families and community members are welcome to attend these conversations within their articulation area. We hope you can join us!

Lakewood's new registration program is live—providing users with a more intuitive, easy-to-navigate system for browsing and registering for arts, and parks and recreation programs. The system allows users to filter by age or day of the week and to search for and reserve facilities or campsites. All users are asked to create a new account in November to be ready for registration opening Dec. 5 for residents and Dec. 7 for nonresidents.

Have you ever wanted to be there for someone in a time of need? Become certified in mental Health First Aid and learn skills, resources, and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Register today.

Gift cards are valid 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 our facility locations.

This photo titled Embracing Diversity is October’s winner of the Your Money at Work photo contest. It features the communication board at Carmody Park’s universal playground, where children of all abilities can play and communicate together. Submit a photo for November’s contest or view other winners on the Your Money at Work website.

Colorado Gives Day is around the corner, and it's your chance to make a tremendous impact on the lives of Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) families. Your donations go a long way in supporting JPP to help break the cycle of generational poverty in Jefferson County. With your support, JPP provides the tools, education, and support that families need to create brighter, more prosperous lives. Donate today!

The Lakewood Cultural Center Presents 2023-2024 season includes three new holiday productions. Tickets are available now, starting at $25. Select your favorite from holiday swing, local Colorado musicians, or a collaboration of music and cartoons! Learn more and purchase tickets.