The Jeffco Commissioners encourage you to participate in a telephone town hall on Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. During this over the phone meeting, the commissioners will discuss important issues in Jefferson County regarding the county budget. Learn more about what will be discussed and find out how you can participate.

As part of our commitment to delivering accessible, efficient, and transparent service across each of our divisions, the Jeffco Clerk and Recorder launched a new dashboard feature on our website. The dashboard not only celebrates key achievements, but it also lays out our ambitious goals for the future – such as significantly reducing wait times at the DMV and increasing voter turnout. We invite the public to help hold us accountable by reviewing our progress toward meeting these goals!

On Aug. 24, from 6-7 p.m., Jefferson County Public Health will host a telephone town hall (available in English and Spanish) focused on protecting your family from COVID-19 over the coming months. Topics include a brief update on COVID-19 trends and the county’s response, how to safely celebrate Labor Day weekend as well as what to expect this flu season. You'll also hear Jeffco residents share stories about getting and overcoming the virus. Following the short presentation, community members will be able to ask questions. Learn more and find out how to participate.

During these uncertain times, many families and community members are facing unanticipated hardships. Some of the most critical pieces of a strong community are safe and stable housing and reliable transportation. Human Services has secured funding to assist community members impacted by COVID-19 with housing stability and transportation support.

The application information and eligibility criteria will be available beginning August 28.

As Jeffco community members look to safely support local businesses, Jefferson County will be highlighting businesses that are taking creative or innovative precautions to emphasize the safety of their employees and customers. This fun campaign has been popular on the county's social media pages.

Learn more, nominate a business or view the featured businesses on the Jeffco Open for Business Spotlight page.

Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio has made every effort to assist Jeffco property owners in paying their property taxes during the COVID-19 outbreak. Since March, the Treasurer's Office has been accepting multiple payments and waiving late payment interest in an effort to support taxpayers. Thanks to HB-1421, we have extended waiving late interest and accepting multiple payments through August 2020. Read the full update or watch this CBS4 news clip.

JCOS is pleased to announce our 2020 Firewood Sale at Flying J Ranch Park. The purchase of firewood sale permits will only be offered online. Permits will be available for online purchase starting at 9 a.m. on Aug. 10. The dates of the sale are Sept. 12–13, 19–20, and 26–27. A total of 40 (two hour) slots will be available for each day of the sale. A permit costs $25 with a strict limit of two permits per customer.

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center is partnering with Jefferson County Public Library to host virtual workshops on job search tips, networking, resumes, LinkedIn, and interviewing.

Boost your career with this engaging, facilitator-led, Accelerate Your Career Workshop Series. Learn tips and techniques to find your next best opportunity. Register through Jefferson County Public Library - all workshops will be hosted on Zoom and closed captioned.

August is National Breastfeeding Month. #WBW2020 will focus on the impact of infant feeding on the environment, climate change and the urgent need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for the health of the planet and its people. The slogan for #WBW2020 is Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet. Join us to inform, anchor, engage and galvanize action during #WBW2020.

Teen friendships happen both in person and online, and social media plays an important role. Adults can't regulate their teen's friendships, but they can model positive relationships and talk to youth about healthy social interactions. Ask your teen about the role social media plays on their friendships. Have conversations about their friends and yours. Be willing to share your advice – and listen to theirs.

The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen.

Wildfire is a risk across Colorado where dry seasons and dry vegetation, human error, or lightning strikes have come together to start and fuel devastating forest fires. Forestry management and wildfire mitigation efforts can help reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading. Having a wildfire plan can also mitigate the danger to people and livestock. Learn more to mitigate wildfire risk and maintain healthy forests on your property with these CSU Extension Resources. You can also reach out to your local CSU Extension Natural Resource Agent for more information.

The Jefferson County Substance Use Partnership is facilitating two virtual training opportunities for community members:

The Board of County Commissioners is hosting a telephone town hall on Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. We will be calling 50,000 randomly selected phone numbers to participate, but you don’t have to wait to see if you are chosen.

During this over the phone meeting, the commissioners will discuss important issues in Jefferson County regarding our budget. Things like the CARES Act funds that are being distributed to our cities, businesses, nonprofits and more during these very challenging times. We will also provide information on the COVID-19 crisis and other factors that are affecting our budget and the Jefferson County economy.

How to Participate:

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

Interested in learning more about native plants in Colorado? Check out our Native Plant Demonstration Garden at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This garden offers visitors the opportunity to see what plants native to Colorado look like and information on the benefits of using native plants in your garden. You can also further your knowledge through the Native Plant Master program. We have upcoming virtual classes including Trees and Shrubs of the Front Range.

For your safety, Jeffco's Building Safety Division is working with walk-in customers by appointment only. The over the counter plan review for small projects is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 303-271-8260 to schedule an appointment.

Jefferson County Human Services is celebrating Child Support Awareness Month by highlighting our Fatherhood program. The purpose of the Responsible Fatherhood Program is to provide education and coaching for mothers and fathers who want to support the best interest of their children. Through our classes and services, we provide peer-based engagement, motivation, and on-going support for the parents in our community. Best of all, services are free.

Interested in finding out what your food's carbon footprint is? Get tips from the Jeffco Sustainability Commission to learn how.

The purpose of the Sustainability Commission is to create an informational clearinghouse and an open compendium of sustainability best practices. Duties include identifying and articulating sustainability goals, objectives and voluntary targets for county government and industrial, commercial, residential and recreational sectors countywide.

The Community Needs Assessment for Jefferson, Park, and Teller counties explores the magnitude and nature of poverty in the counties, identifies needs from the perspective of residents and stakeholders, and concludes with priorities for directing resources to help residents build better, safer lives through early childhood education, adult and child protection, job training, food assistance, Medicaid, and other programs. View the full Community Needs Assessment report.

Foothills Animal Shelter, a recognized resource for making lives better for pets and people, announced the company’s rebranding in celebration of its 10th anniversary. In August 2010, the shelter moved their operations into the current facility, changed their name and significantly improved the tools used to care for their pets and their community. The rebranding reflects how much their mission has evolved and to align with their stance on creating a better community.

Join West Metro Chamber at our 29th Annual Golf Shootout at The Homestead Golf Course in Lakewood on Friday, Sept. 11. Pricing for individuals is $135 and foursomes are $475. For the safety and wellness of our community, we will be practicing strict physical distancing, requiring masks and following state and county public health orders at this event.

The I-70 westbound on/off ramps are completed and multi-family apartments and SCL's new medical facility can be seen taking shape in Wheat Ridge on the north end of the Clear Creek Crossing development, west of Youngfield.

The Arvada Resiliency Taskforce is hosting a new program which will give Arvada businesses the opportunity to receive a free supply of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These are critical health and safety supplies provided by the City of Arvada through CARES Act Funding. Get more details and apply.

It’s time for back-to-school and this year is looking much different than most, which can be stressful for parents and students. In these times, it’s important to support your kids and help them build resilience, no matter what comes their way. Watch our free, on-demand webinar, "How To Support Your Kids As They Begin The School Year" to learn practical tips and tools to provide social and emotional support to your child as they transition into a new school year. Watch Now.

Wheat Ridge began accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Sustainable Neighborhoods Program and the deadline for submission is Aug. 31. Selected neighborhoods will be notified in September. Please read the Wheat Ridge Application Guide and Frequently Asked Questions before applying. Download the Signature Support form and submit the completed form with the application. For more Information or contact Kayla Betzold.

Join the West Metro Chamber for a virtual Women in Business event. “Why WE Must ‘Inclusify’ Now!” with guest speaker Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson, speaking on inclusion and diversity on Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. This Zoom meeting is sponsored by Cheryl Garcia.

The Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission is seeking applicants for its two-year Poet in Residence Program. The Poet in Residence will be asked to produce poems to be read at various Wheat Ridge events. Preference will be given to Wheat Ridge residents or those with a Wheat Ridge connection. Apply online or submit an email using the subject line “Poetry” by Friday, Nov. 6, 2020.