Staying committed: A brief county update

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to provide you with a quick update, as it has been a while since my last newsletter. The past two months have been challenging due to some personal and family tragedies, which have required my attention and care. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to serving our community keeping you informed.

While I have some upcoming business travel on behalf of the county that will keep me quite busy, I still want to share some important updates with you. Please know that I will provide more detailed information in future newsletters, and I am always available to answer your questions or address any concerns you may have.

Peaks to Plains: Huntsman Segment Tour

I was very pleased to join my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners and the Open Space Advisory Committee for a tour of the Peaks to Plains, specifically the Huntsman segment. The Peaks to Plains Trail is a grand vision to one day connect the three million people living in the Denver metro area to the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass via a hard surface trail. Constructing the trail is a huge undertaking that involves many partners. Here are some more facts about the project:

• The entire trail will be 65 miles long and have an elevation gain of 5,600 feet
• Partner agencies include Jefferson County, Adams County, Clear Creek County, Arvada, Denver, Golden, and Wheat Ridge
• Clear Creek Canyon is the missing link for the trail (Jeffco's portion is 13.5 miles and Clear Creek County's portion is 3 miles)
• The first three miles of trail in the canyon opened in 2016 (Mayhem Gulch to Tunnel 5), which includes one mile in Clear Creek County and three miles in Jeffco
• Design of the Central Canyon Segment (the final JCOS segment) will begin September 2025
• The total project cost is $80 million ($10.25M from a state grant and $7M from GOCO)

The tour consisted of four stops along the trail, including the Huntsman's Rancho Trailhead consisting of interlocking permeable concrete pavers (instead of asphalt), and 80-foot long box culvert under US-6, and 124-foot long bridge over Clear Creek. Our second stop took us to "Rays Landing", a traditionally popular spot for visitors to access the creek, and includes a 123-foot long Brazen Bovine Bridge spanning US-6, a 144-foot long suspension bridge over Clear Creek, and a 65-foot long suspension bridge over a tributary to Clear Creek. Our third stop was at the Clear Creek Trailhead where there will be usable access down to the creek and several more bridges over Clear Creek and tributary creeks. The last stop on the tour was to Welch Ditch Headgate where they must move an existing cell tower, as well as hammer out multiple agreements with the Golden Canal and Reservoir Company for the work around their diversion structure.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with several members of the construction team to learn about this incredible project. You can learn more about the Peaks to Plains Trail and the Huntsman segment, as well as view pictures of the trail site, by visiting our Jeffco Parks and Open Space website, or clicking HERE.

International Overdose Awareness Day Proclamation

During our weekly hearing last week, we were pleased to highlight International Overdose Awareness Day with a proclamation. Overdose is a significant issue in our community and across the country. According to the Jefferson County Coroner, Annette Cannon, the Coroner’s Office staff investigated 147 deaths related to drug intoxication, averaging approximately one overdose investigation every 2-3 days in 2024. Of deaths related to drugs, 65% involved mixed or combined drug intoxication/toxicity. These deaths indicate the presence and relevance of more than one substance contributing to the death, including alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription meds, and over-the-counter meds. 

Overdose is a preventable public health emergency affecting millions worldwide. There are tools available that can help to save lives. Narcan is a live-saving tool that reverses opioid overdoses. The greater the access to Narcan, the more overdoses can be prevented. Education is another helpful tool. Being able to recognize overdose signs like unresponsiveness, slow breathing, or blue lips/skin can be the difference in someone living or dying. Perhaps the greatest tool available to us is mental health support alongside addiction treatment. It is vitally important that we as a community come together to reduce stigma and advocate for mental health and addiction resources for those in our community who desperately need it. 

Thank you to Jefferson Center for Mental Health and the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council for being part of the proclamation presentation.

September Declared Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in Jeffco

The Board of Commissioners were pleased to join organizations across the country in raising the visibility of mental health and proactive suicide prevention resources, and to proclaim September Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in Jefferson County. 

Suicide affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. In 2024, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office investigated 120 deaths that were determined to be suicide. This equates to 2-3 suicide investigations per week conducted by Coroner staff. In Jeffco, 75% of suicide deaths were males and mainly by use of firearms.

Suicide is a serious public health issue, but it’s important to remember that it is preventable, and help is available. Talking openly about suicide and mental health helps save lives by encouraging those who need help to seek it. We are fortunate to have organizations like the Jefferson Center for Mental Health and Second Wind Fund in our community to provide counseling services to those at risk of suicide. 

If you or someone you know are struggling with depression, please visit www.jcmh.org to find resources via the Jefferson Center. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to get support from a trained specialist.

Federal Impacts to Services in the Jeffco Community: We are aware of changes coming to the county as a result of the federal House Resolution 1 (HR1) that will alter eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), but I must stress that no changes are in effect yet. Our Jefferson County Human Services will maintain current eligibility criteria until we receive the federal guidance. For more information about the potential changes, please visit Jefferson County’s Federal Impact page for updates, resources, and support or click HERE.

Jefferson County Head Start Expanding in Lakewood and Golden: We are pleased to announce that Jefferson County Head Start will expand services into Lakewood and Golden starting October 1, 2025. This expansion will increase our Head Start capacity in Jeffco by adding four new locations that will serve 64 additional preschoolers and 16 more toddlers. We believe these changes will enhance early childhood education access for families, making a positive impact in the community. For more information, check out this Channel 4 news story about the expansion, visit the Head Start website for details, or click HERE.

Safe Routes to School: The Jefferson County Road & Bridge and Transportation & Engineering teams installed a raised crosswalk at Welchester Elementary School (located in Lakewood at 10th Avenue and Zang Street) to enhance pedestrian safety. This new crosswalk is just one of several projects that will help improve pedestrian safety for students, families, and all community members. The project aligns with our draft Transportation & Mobility Plan, to help make walking and biking to school safer and more accessible for students, families, and staff. For more information on our Transportation & Mobility Plan, or to view updates on transportation and engineering projects in the county, click HERE.

Jeffco Clerk and Recorder is Hiring Election Workers: The Jeffco Clerk and Recorder’s office is hiring Colorado residents who are aged 16+ for paid and temporary election work. You can help make a difference by ensuring our elections in Jeffco run smoothly. No prior experience is required. For more information, to apply, and to help spread the word about this opportunity, visit the clerk’s website or click HERE.

New Escrow Payment Option for Jeffco Property Owners: The Jefferson County Treasurer’s Office is pleased to offer a new payment option for property owners without mortgage escrow. The new program, EscrowTaxes, offers payers a flexible payment system by converting annual tax bills into smaller, automated monthly payments. For more information, click on the FAQs link on the Treasurer’s Office website or click HERE.

Transportation & Mobility Plan Hearing Set: The Jefferson County Planning Commission will review the Transportation & Mobility Plan (TMP) at a public hearing scheduled for September 10, 2025. The TMP aligns with the updates to our wildfire, evacuation, and land use plans as part of Together Jeffco. For hearing details, including time and location, or to get involved, visit TogetherJeffco.com.