The Conservation Fund and Jefferson County Parks & Open Space have successfully secured the 347-acre Braun Ranch, a significant conservation area located in Colorado’s Front Range near Denver. This acquisition aims to protect important wildlife habitats and offer new outdoor recreation opportunities. “Protecting this stunning landscape adjacent to Red Rocks Amphitheater is a big win…more
The intersections of Broadway and Littleton Boulevard, and Broadway and Mineral Avenue are set to receive safety improvements as part of Littleton’s commitment to a reliable transportation system. These intersections serve thousands of daily users, including students, commuters, residents, and visitors, connecting the community to schools and workplaces. Improvements are based on community feedback collected…more
Lakewood’s Economic Development Office said it is working with state and county partners to provide rapid response services for employees who could be affected by potential layoffs related to a WARN notice filed by PNC/FirstBank. The office said it has been in direct communication with PNC/FirstBank to better understand workforce needs and to offer support…more
Lakewood City Manager Kathy Hodgson announced she will retire this summer, ending nearly 18 years as city manager and a public service career that spans 46 years with the city. Hodgson is the highest paid city employee across all Jefferson County municipalities, according to Jeffco BdB’s list of Jeffco City Employee Salaries. Her salary in…more
Construction upgrades at Beaver Ranch Park in Conifer are scheduled to begin in May 2026 as the park builds on a 2017 master plan and extensive community engagement. The project is expected to run through fall 2027 and follows a $9 million investment aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and the overall visitor experience. Visitors should…more
The City of Wheat Ridge has secured over $4.5 million in state funding to enhance infrastructure for affordable housing near the Arvada Ridge G Line commuter rail station. This funding aims to expand housing options for residents close to public transit, jobs, and Red Rocks Community College. The grant is part of Colorado’s Transit Oriented…more
The Wheat Ridge City Council has appointed Janeece Hoppe as the new city clerk, filling the vacancy left by the late Steve Kirkpatrick. Hoppe, who has served over a decade on the council, was selected unanimously following a public application and interview process. She was the sole applicant for the position after a recent city…more
Jefferson County commissioners and department heads convened a virtual town hall to address a tightening fiscal landscape and evolving public safety challenges. The discussion centered on a “perfect storm” of human services funding cuts, the increasing frequency of utility power shut-offs, and new leadership within the county’s vast open space system. Commissioner Rachel Zenzinger opened…more
Jefferson County’s labor market has shifted from a summer lull to a highly competitive environment, with the percentage of major firms looking for talent increasing sixfold since August. According to a six-month analysis of 500 high-visibility companies (the Jeffco 500)—the Jeffco 500 Hiring Index—the regional hiring benchmark climbed from a modest 5% in mid-August 2025…more
Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties have selected Jefferson County Public Health to lead the Gateway Partnership for Early Childhood, a regional Early Childhood Council, starting on July 1, 2026. This decision follows a review process and reflects the counties’ commitment to strengthening the early childhood system to support local families. In this new role,…more
Jefferson County is looking to position itself at the forefront of the digital economy by pursuing a global grant aimed at integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the local workforce. In a briefing held on February 3, 2026, the Business Innovation & Technology (BIT) department, alongside the Housing, Employment and Economic Services (HEES) division, requested formal…more
The City of Lakewood is moving to refund over $42 million to telecommunications companies after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled its Business & Occupation (B&O) tax expansions unconstitutional. In a presentation to the City Council on January 26, 2026, city officials outlined a “Next Steps” plan to settle the massive debt and adjust the municipal…more