It's official, Commissioner Zenzinger at your service!

On Tuesday, I had the honor of taking the oath of office as a Jefferson County Commissioner. Moreover, I'm grateful to my friends and family for coming to the ceremony and supporting me in this new endeavor. I would also like to thank the voters for entrusting me with this honor. I'm excited to serve Jefferson County residents!

On a more serious note, the weather will change quite dramatically this weekend. In fact, forecasters are predicting more than 100 straight hours of below-freezing temperatures. With the severe weather heading our way, it's important to take some steps to prepare for the extreme drop in temperatures. Here are some tips to help keep you and your home safe:

• Lock all windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
• Limit your time outdoors and wear protective clothing like hats, boots, and gloves to prevent frostbite.
• Leave cabinets under sinks open to help warm air reach pipes.
• Let both hot and cold faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing.

Remember, it's better to be prepared and take precautions than to risk getting caught in dangerous conditions. To that end, the county has compiled some information and resources for folks who may need access to an emergency severe weather shelter (click HERE or see below). Please feel free to utilize and/or share these resources with individuals who may be in need of them.

As we moved forward into this new year, I am honored to serve as your Jefferson County Commissioner. I will strive to represent your interests and work towards the betterment of our community. Please remember to take precautions during the upcoming sever weather to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Additionally, as we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, let us reflect on the values of unity, equality, and service that Dr. King espoused. May his legacy continue to inspire us to work together and create a brighter future for all. Thank you for your continued support, and stay safe.

Holiday closure notice

Just a quick a quick reminder that Jefferson County offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Board of County Commissioners will NOT meet on Tuesday, January 21. The next scheduled commissioner hearing will take place on Tuesday, January 28 at 9:00 am.

To view all of the latest events and details from the county, including Board of County Commissioner meetings, click HERE. 

Severe Cold Weather Resources

The National Weather Service is forecasting a strong winter storm to arrive midday Friday, Jan. 17, bringing severe cold temperatures. These cold temperatures are expected to continue through the Martin Luther King Day holiday on Monday, Jan. 20.

As severe weather events become more frequent and intense, it’s vital to provide support for those in our community who may be affected, particularly those experiencing homelessness. We have compiled a variety of resources for shelter, safety, and essential services during severe cold weather conditions.

Severe weather is defined as 32°F or lower with accumulation of snow greater than one inch or 20°F or lower with or without snow. Extreme weather is defined as 10°F or bellow.

A National Weather Service 72-hour forecast for the Lakewood area will be the authority source of this information and monitored by the Jefferson County Emergency Manager.  

Shelter Information:

Lakewood Severe Weather Shelter @ Recovery Works, capacity of 75 beds

Address: 8000 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214

Hours of Operation: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

No registration required

Mission Arvada of The Rising, capacity of 40 beds

Address: 7500 W 57th Ave, Arvada, CO 80002

Hours of operation for overnight shelter: 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Contact Phone: (720) 334-334-8584

To register, guests need to sign up at Mission Arvada 9am-1pm Monday-Friday.

The Mac in Westminster

Address: 3295 W. 72nd Ave., Westminster, CO 80030

Phone: 303-426-4310

Hours of Operation: It will be a 24/7 shelter for a minimum of 48 hours

EChO Shelter in Evergreen, capacity of 20

Address: Undisclosed

Phone: (303) 670-1796

Hours of Operation: 6:15 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Guests must register with a CM to complete criminal background/SO check

Daytime Warming Centers: 

Lakewood's Navigation Center at 8000 W. Colfax Ave. will be open 24/7 from 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 to provide resources and a safe, warm space for those in need during the cold temperatures. Staffing provided by Recovery Works will ensure those using the daytime warming services will be able to remain indoors during the cold daytime temperatures during the weekend. Additionally, the center will be prepared to assist walk-ins to county-provided alternative shelter during the day.

Jefferson County Public Libraries - many library branches across Jefferson County act as daytime warming centers, providing a safe and warm space for individuals during extreme weather. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. ALL LOCATIONS are closed on Monday, Jan 20th for MLK. Wheat Ridge library is closed on Fridays and the Conifer location is closed until Wednesday, Jan. 22nd at 9 a.m.

Mission Arvada of The Rising, 7500 W 57th Ave, Arvada, CO 80002 . Hours: Looking to extend hours and will notify when determined. 

Additional Sheltering Resources: 

Jefferson County provides motel vouchers for families with children during severe and extreme weather. Contact Jefferson County Human Services at 303-271-1388.

Homeless navigators across Jefferson County, and its cities, provide severe weather motel vouchers to eligible unhoused clients. Determinations are based on vulnerability with conditions that limit access to congregate shelter due to health conditions or other qualifying circumstance.

Emergency Weather Alerts:

Jefferson County Weather Alerts - Sign up for weather alerts through Jefferson County’s LookoutAlert system

National Weather Service (NWS) Alerts - Stay updated on severe weather forecasts and warnings.

Heading Home - Sign-up to receive notifications for severe weather activation

Homelessness Resources: 

RecoveryWorks Homeless Navigation Center

Colorado Safe Parking Initiative

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Colorado Office of Homeless Initiatives

Metro Denver Homeless Initiative

The Salvation Army

Catholic Charities of Denver

Mile High United Way

Saint Frances Center

Food Assistance Resources: 

Mean Street Ministry

The Action Center

Benefits in Action

Foodbank of the Rockies

Mile High United Way

Transportation Support:

Regional Transportation District (RTD) Transit Assistance

RTD offers free or discounted transportation during severe weather. Check with local shelters for vouchers or free passes.

To view these resources on the Jeffco website, click HERE.

What is Quantum?

I had the pleasure of attending the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Forum where we explored the topic of quantum technology. Chief Commercial Officer at Elevate Quantum, Anjul Loiacono, delivered an informative and interesting talk on what quantum is all about, as well as the transformative potential of this emerging technology.

In short, the word ​“quantum” can refer to the smallest possible amount of something. The field of quantum mechanics deals with the most fundamental bits of matter, energy and light and the ways they interact with each other to make up the world. There are a variety of applications spanning from computing to communications.

The Elevate Quantum Tech Hub, led by Elevate Quantum, seeks to solidify the region's global leadership in quantum information technology (QIT) to enable progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate tech, and healthcare. Attendees also heard from a panel of experts to demystify quantum technology and showcase its practical applications. Additionally, they discussed how this emerging technology is set to reshape industries right here in Jefferson County, particularly the new Quantum Tech Hub in Arvada. In fact, the Mountain West region was recently recognized as the "Future of Quantum."

The establishment of the Quantum Tech Hub in our county marks an exciting chapter in our community's growth and development. The insights shared during the forum highlighted the immense potential that quantum technology holds for driving innovation and creating new opportunities. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this initiative will have on our local economy and the lives of our residents. It is an honor to be part of a community that is at the forefront of technological advancement. To learn more about the new Quantum Tech Hub, click HERE.