Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre’s 85th anniversary is business-relevant news for Jefferson County because the world-famous venue near Morrison continues to draw visitors, spending and attention to the west metro area, supporting nearby hospitality, retail and tourism-related businesses while reinforcing the county’s profile as a major destination for entertainment and outdoor recreation. Why this is…more
Dinosaur Ridge has opened Deep Time Detour, a new visitor experience at the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center in Morrison that is positioned to attract more travelers moving between Golden, Morrison, Red Rocks and the surrounding west metro area. The project highlights a completed fundraising campaign, partnerships with design and construction firms, and a new…more
Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison is promoting a free-admission day tied to Colorado’s 150th anniversary in 2026, offering no-cost entry to its Exhibit Hall and discounted bus tours at one of Jefferson County’s best-known visitor destinations. The event is relevant to the local business community because it can help draw families and regional visitors to the…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
New analysis of the latest SEC filings reveals a significant concentration of executive wealth within public companies based in Jeffco. As of the spring 2026 reporting cycle, the leadership at the county’s largest firms have reported combined compensation figures that highlight a robust, yet transitioning, corporate sector. At the top of the list is Daniel…more
Berger Montague, a national plaintiff law firm, has filed a federal antitrust class action lawsuit against Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, representing skiers and snowboarders across the country. The lawsuit claims that the two companies have unlawfully raised prices and reduced competition through bundling practices associated with their ski passes. Filed in the U.S.…more
The NREL Foundation has officially changed its name to the Foundation for the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This change follows the completion of a new License Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. The updated name enhances the Foundation’s alignment with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and clarifies its role as the…more
The Arvada Center has announced the appointment of Noelle DeLage as its new President & CEO, effective July 1, 2026. DeLage transitions from her role as Chief Communications and Philanthropy Officer at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance after a national search for candidates. This leadership change comes as the center prepares to celebrate its 50th…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
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
Vail Resorts Inc., a ski resort operator based in Jeffco, reported a significant decline in several key ski season metrics for the period through January 4, 2026, compared to the same time frame the previous year. This data, focused on its North American destinations, revealed a 20% drop in total skier visits. Additionally, lift revenue…more
