Economy – Local

Jeffco EDC Announces 2025 Gateways Award Winners

The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC) has announced the winners of the 2025 Gateways Awards, recognizing the individuals, initiatives, and collaborations shaping the area’s economic landscape. The awards ceremony took place at the Social Capitol Events Center in Arvada, bringing together over 300 leaders from business, civic, and community sectors. “The Gateways shine…more

Local, National Wendy’s Stores Eye Closures

The Wendy’s Company announced quarterly earnings on November 7, which included plans to begin closing U.S. locations in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company stated it is targeting a “mid-single-digit percentage” of its stores but did not specify a precise percentage. Currently, there are 5,880 Wendy’s locations nationwide, implying closures could affect between 235…more

New Enterprise Zone Boundaries Approved for Jeffco

The Colorado Economic Development Commission has approved new boundaries for the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone Program, which provides tax credits for businesses within designated areas based on activities like job creation and training. These revisions, which occur every ten years, will take effect on January 1, 2026. Key tax credits available include a 3% investment…more

Jeffco Declares Emergency Due to SNAP Delays

Jefferson County has declared an emergency disaster in response to delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This situation is expected to have significant health and economic impacts on residents, particularly for those already facing financial difficulties, including federal workers affected by the ongoing shutdown. The delays could force families to reallocate funds typically…more

Golden Business Summit Draws Record Attendance

On Wednesday, November 5, the Golden Chamber of Commerce hosted its 3rd annual business summit, attracting 100 participants from the local business community. This year’s attendance exceeded last year’s 80 attendees and the inaugural year’s 40 attendees in 2023. The summit featured sessions on artificial intelligence, marketing, and finance strategy development. Notable speakers included U.S.…more

Lakewood City Council Advances Community Resource Project

Mayor Wendi Strom and the Lakewood City Council have clarified details regarding a partnership with Jeffco Public Schools and The Action Center. The Action Center, a well-established nonprofit, provides critical services such as food, clothing, and financial assistance to 300 households daily. The proposed project aims to transform the former Emory Elementary site into a…more

Xero Shoes Tops Jeffco 500 For First Time

Jeffco BdB has expanded the businesses considered for its Jeffco 500 list of high-performing businesses, resulting in some new brands appearing on the list for the first time. The highest-ranked company, new to the list, is Xero Shoes with a Super Score of 87, followed closely by Noodles & Co and Kong Company, with scores…more

Jeffco Hiring Cools Slightly Headed into Q4

Stark Disparity Emerges Between Cities Hiring activity among key Jefferson County businesses cooled in the early fourth quarter after a mid-summer peak, while a significant economic disparity has widened between the county’s northern and central/foothills municipalities, according to an analysis of hiring data. The “Jeffco 500,” a tracked list of organizations that excludes government, nonprofits,…more

Jeffco EDC Reveals Gateways Awards Finalists

Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC) has announced the finalists for the 4th annual Gateways Awards, honoring individuals and initiatives that contribute to economic vitality and community impact across Jefferson County. The awards will be presented on Wednesday, November 5, at the Social Capitol Event Venue in Arvada. Presented by JE Dunn Construction, the…more

Molson Coors Announces Job Cuts in Restructuring

Molson Coors Beverage Company, a major employer in Golden, has revealed a corporate restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations in the Americas. Through this initiative, the company intends to eliminate approximately 400 salaried positions by the end of December 2025, representing around 9% of its salaried workforce in the region. The restructuring will include…more

Littleton Announces First Cutting-Edge Award Winners

The City of Littleton has introduced the Cutting-Edge Award to recognize businesses that exemplify innovation, creativity, sustainability, and community involvement. The inaugural winners were announced recently, with one recipient from each city council district. In District 1, Town Hall Arts Center was honored for its role as a cultural cornerstone, attracting over 35,000 visitors annually…more

NHPF Brings Affordable Housing to Sloan’s Lake

The NHP Foundation (NHPF) has announced the acquisition of land for its third affordable housing project in Colorado this year. This initiative aims to address the growing housing needs in the region, specifically in Denver’s Sloan’s Lake neighborhood. The Jeffco City of Edgewater borders the west side of Sloan’s Lake Park. The newly acquired 0.9-acre…more