Progress Report: Your 2025 Year in Review

Greetings! As December draws to a close, we find ourselves in a time of reflection, looking back on the year that has passed and the experiences, challenges and triumphs it has brought. Whether it's through Spotify Wrapped playlists, the New York Times Year in Games review, or the annual roundup of top ten news stories, we all have our ways of making sense of the past twelve months. 

For me, 2025 was particularly significant, as it marked my first year serving as a Jefferson County Commissioner. I began this journey in January, full of hope and determination to make a positive impact on our Jeffco community. As I look back, I am pleased to share some highlights with you. Join me as I reflect on and celebrate our collective achievements in 2025.

January marked the start of my term as your County Commissioner. Following my swearing-in ceremony, I dove straight into internal orientations and met the dedicated staff who keep Jeffco running. Highlights of the month included honoring local environmental leaders at the Jeffco Conservation Awards and launching the Engage Jeffco Podcast.

February marked a milestone for our community as the Board approved the county’s first-ever 15-Year Housing Strategic Plan. This plan is a top priority for the Commissioners, serving as a roadmap to address our shortage of over 13,000 affordable units. It directly complements the Jeffco Housing Blueprint by turning data into action through regional partnerships and dedicated funding like the "Bring it Home Fund". I also traveled to D.C. with the National Association of Counties to advocate for federal support of the safety-net programs and infrastructure that underpin these local efforts.

March was a month of community engagement as I visited several chambers of commerce, including Evergreen and Westminster, to better understand the needs of our expansive county. The contrast between these two locations serves as a reminder of the expansive geography that we serve as Jefferson County commissioners. I also attended a meeting with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC), a primary board assignment where I work directly with the judicial branch to ensure effective service delivery for all residents.

April focused on public safety and honoring those who serve Jeffco. I joined the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office for a memorial dedication for K-9 Graffit and celebrated the opening of the Jeffco Public Schools Emergency Dispatch Center. As a member of the Law Enforcement Authority (LEA) Board, I also continue to provide oversight on funding and policy for services in unincorporated Jeffco.

May focused on civic engagement and community connection. I had the privilege of judging the Arvada Chamber's National Civics Bee and joined Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen at our local Head Start to spotlight family resources like Jeffco Prosperity Partners. I also participated in a Commissioner's Town Hall to discuss budget updates, wildfire preparedness, and our response to recent federal policies.

June was a historic month as Jefferson County became the first and only county in Colorado to adopt an official Pride flag, signaling our deep commitment to equity and inclusion. Additionally, the Board made a landmark $7 million investment to launch the Wildland Fire Management Program. Funded by the voter-approved 1A measure, this transformative initiative adds 37 new staff positions and vital equipment to strengthen our wildfire prevention and response efforts.

July was defined by on-the-ground progress and community connection. I joined the Parks and Open Space staff to tour nine local parks and witness construction on the Gateway Segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail (soon to be called the Clear Creek Canyon Trail). I also visited Arvada's Community Table food bank and was proud to be named the Board liaison for the Jefferson County Council on Aging to better serve our senior residents.

August began with a peaceful family vacation across Colorado. Upon my return, our family was devastated by the tragic loss of my brother in a car accident on the Western Slope. While I stepped away briefly to be with loved ones, I remained dedicated to my duties, including touring Rocky Flats with Commissioner Kerr to meet with Department of Energy scientists regarding the site's ongoing environmental monitoring. Although I have lived near Rocky Flats for nearly 20 years, this was my first time touring the site, offering important insights into its complex past and current management.

September brought both professional growth and deep community sorrow. I traveled to Cincinnati for the Peer Community Leadership Exchange to gain insights into regional growth. However, our focus quickly shifted to Evergreen following a tragic school shooting. I was moved by the bravery of the students and staff, as well as the swift response from the Jeffco Sheriff's Office, as our community began the long process of healing together.

October saw the culmination of a regional effort to protect our unhoused neighbors with the signing of a severe weather Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). Developed from a county-hosted retreat, this landmark partnership between Jeffco and its municipalities ensures coordinated, life-saving shelter during extreme cold. I also attended the grand opening of Marshall Street Landing, an 85-unit affordable housing community, and joined Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper at the annual Jefferson County Public Library conference.

November is defined by our most important function as County Commissioners: formulating and adopting the annual budget. This month, we adopted a balanced budget that invests in our workforce, maintains essential services, and funds vital infrastructure. We also approved the Conservation Greenprint 2026-2030 and, in response to the federal shutdown affecting SNAP benefits, activated the Emergency Operations Center to deploy critical resources to our local food pantries.

December concluded the year with the long-awaited adoption of our new Short-Term Rental policy and ordinance. I attended the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) Winter Conference, where I facilitated a session on implementing sustainable housing legislation I previously authored as a state senator. Locally, I celebrated the opening of the new Conifer Public Library and hosted a tour of the Jefferson County Government Center for my fellow Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis members to showcase our county's daily operations.

I am committed to being a transparent and accessible representative for you. One of the best ways to get involved is by attending our Board of County Commissioners public hearings, held most Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. at the Courts and Administration Building in Golden. If you can't join us in person, you can always watch meetings live or listen to past recordings and briefings at your convenience.

To stay even more connected, I encourage you to subscribe to our official Engage Jeffco Newsletter and listen to the Engage Jeffco Podcast, where we dive deeper into the issues and people that shape our community. For a full range of services and information, our official county website remains your best resource.

My door is always open. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at rzenzing@jeffco.us or via my cell at 303-748-0770. I look forward to working together for a safe, healthy, and thriving Jeffco in the year ahead!