Applications are being accepted for openings on the Planning Commission. Interested community members can apply by Sunday, March 27.

The purpose of the Planning Commission is to make recommendations to the county commissioners on land use applications, and regulation updates. The Planning Commission also makes and adopts the county’s Comprehensive Master Plan as required by Colorado state statute. Meetings are on Wednesday evenings and typically there are two hearings each month. Learn more about the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the following:

The Jefferson County Historical Commission invites you or your organization to contribute an article for the annual magazine, Historically Jeffco. This year’s theme is “People and Places that Matter.” We will be focusing on individuals, organizations, places and events instrumental in creating the Jefferson County of today. Read more about how to submit your article. You can view the 2021 issue here.

Curious about development in your neighborhood? Check out the new mapping tool for exploring active Planning & Zoning land use cases. The Ongoing Applications and Permits Map is a GIS dashboard updated with real-time case information. Users can search for an address in unincorporated Jeffco to find active permits in that area. See information about building permits, rezonings, site development plans, subdivisions, right-of-way vacations, and other development activity.

Which county services matter the most to you? As part of our community outreach on the budget, we are hosting Community Budget Forums in April and May. These meetings will be in-person 90-minute sessions in which attendees can get more information on our funding challenges and participate in small-group discussions. These forums also provide a great opportunity for the commissioners to listen to your questions, feedback and input.

Cathedral Spires Park is closed through July 31 to protect nesting birds of prey. The Crown Hill Park Wildlife Sanctuary is closed through June 30 to protect nesting and brooding waterfowl, as well as creating a critical refuge for all kinds of wildlife including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and other birds, during a crucial time in their seasonal life cycle. Additional Seasonal Closures remain in place, please be sure to know before you go and sign up for Alerts & Closures for the most accurate information: (photo by Volunteer Steve Holmes)

Jefferson County received a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) grant to update the county’s Bicycle Plan. From March 23 to April 18, community members will have the opportunity to provide input through open house meetings, a survey and interactive map, office hours, and direct access to a copy of the Bike Plan for providing detailed feedback. To learn more about the upcoming engagement opportunities, visit the Bicycle Plan Update webpage.

Jefferson County Human Services is committed to providing quality customer service. To share feedback, suggestions for improvement, or comments, anyone can complete the Human Services Customer Experience Survey.

Through early childhood education, adult and child protection, job training, food assistance, Medicaid, and other programs, Jeffco Human Services helps people build better, safer lives. Learn more on our website.

Trail Stewardship Team Crew Member Applications are NOW OPEN - earn $2,000 this summer! Jeffco residents ages 14-18 get paid to work outside, make friends, learn new skills, and improve your parks. Visit the Jeffco Open Space website to apply to be part of the TST team.

Do you know any Jeffco high school seniors who plans to further their education after graduating? The Colorado County Clerks Association is awarding regional scholarships in the amount of $1,000 or $500, and the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder’s Office hopes that another Jeffco student is selected this year!

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 25. Visit the Clerk and Recorder’s website for more information and application instructions.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is available across Colorado. You can schedule an appointment at a state-led site by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) or visiting COMassVax.org. You can also talk with your doctor or health care provider, and they will help you find a place to get treatment. Another option for you is to reach out to a health care provider that is offering this treatment in Colorado. Get all of the details.

ENOR Environmental Discovery Camp is seeking paid education staff and teen volunteers to lead children on hiking adventures and learning through various front range parks and public lands.

Paid education staff must be 18 years old and have 460 hours verifiable experience working with children, or hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Teen leaders must be 16 by the beginning of camp, attend training sessions and volunteer for at least one consecutive week of camp. Learn more and register for ENOR.

Social networking sites are attractive for staying connected to others, unfortunately scammers also find these platforms attractive for unleashing scams. AARP ElderWatch will discuss how to avoid social networking scams and keep your information safe. Join us March 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the training room at the DA’s Office, 500 Jefferson County PKWY, Golden.

TRIAD of Jefferson County is built on a cooperative relationship between community members, the DA's Office, local law enforcement agencies, and senior service providers.

Do you have teens in your life? Are they looking for meaningful chances to make a difference, find paid opportunities and share their voices? Share the Jefferson County Communities That Care Instagram page @jeffco_teens with them and have them visit www.jeffcoteens.org. They can also find data about Jefferson County teen substance use, positive coping and more.

Help break the cycle of generational poverty when you register to run for Jeffco Human Services Foundation at the Colfax Marathon on May 14-15. There is NO additional cost for choosing a nonprofit, and there is a race for everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, Urban 10, 5K or Marathon Relay. Register now before prices increase March 9. We can’t wait to see you there! Questions? Contact Roxanne Dunaway.

In Jefferson County, one in eight seniors and juniors in high school report having used a prescription drug not prescribed to them. Adults can protect teens by restricting teen access to both the teen’s own medications and others’ medications — and then safely disposing of unneeded medication. They can also protect them by having open conversations about this topic. One way to start could be a question such as: What would you do if a friend wanted to try some of your prescription meds?

Jefferson County is a beautiful place to call home. Our innovative spirit attracts businesses, and our breath-taking surroundings draw outdoor enthusiasts. Everything we do as your county government is based on the belief that we should provide equitable, quality services that allow residents and business to thrive.

County programs fill gaps in areas that the state and city governments do not cover. This includes providing law enforcement county wide and running the court system for the state and county jail, which all cities need and use. The county registers voters and holds secure elections. Our team also keeps track of vital records like deeds, birth, and death certificates. Read the full article.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

This year's theme is 'Celebrate a World of Flavors!'. Throughout March, embrace the foods and flavors of your heritage and other global cultures. Our Registered Dietitians at Jeffco WIC help families develop lifelong healthy eating habits through one-on-one counseling and personally tailored advice for you and your family. To apply for WIC and receive personalized nutrition education from our Registered Dietitians, visit the WIC website. #NationalNutritionMonth

The Lubahn Trail will be closed for construction Monday–Thursday through June 1. Scheduled maintenance will improve trail conditions, visitor safety, and resource protection. In its current state, the Lubahn Trail is not sustainable. It is a single track, hiker-only trail that begins at 18th Street and Belvedere Street. It was built about 50 years ago and now presents numerous issues including leading to private property, trail erosion, and unauthorized trail shortcut creation.

Spring is around the corner. How about some spring greening instead of spring cleaning? Store-bought cleaning products can be expensive and harmful to our health and the environment.

Here’s a recipe for an easy, inexpensive all-purpose spray cleaner with no harsh chemicals: • 2 cups water • 1/4 cup white vinegar • 1/4 tsp. tea tree oil • 1/4 tsp. lavender oil (or your preferred scent). Combine the ingredients and store in a reusable/old spray bottle. Find more DIY cleaning solution recipes and sustainability tips.

If you're facing a foreclosure, the Jefferson County Public Trustee's Office is here to help. Check out this article from Jerry DiTullio and Holly Ryan to find out about resources that are available via the Federal Government.

The South Kipling Parkway Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements project includes construction of a missing section of eight-foot-wide sidewalk from West. Geddes Avenue to West. Coal Mine Avenue. along the east side of South. Kipling Parkway. A connection to Dutch Creek Regional Trail will be installed near the intersection of South Kipling Parkway and West Meadows Drive. These improvements include new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and upgraded pedestrian curb ramps.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can better support the youth in their lives by learning practical skills for having difficult conversations about alcohol, marijuana, vaping and other substances. Register today for free parenting workshops being offered monthly through April in English and Spanish. Workshops are sponsored by Jefferson County Communities that Care, Jeffco Public Schools and Jefferson County Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Initiative.

The West Metro Chamber awarded the following businesses and organizations in Jefferson County at its annual awards gala. Congratulations to: Large Business – Lockheed Martin, Medium Business – Grateful Bread, Small Business – Flights Wine Café, Nonprofit– Benefits in Action, Minority-Owned / Woman-Owned Business – Kickin Chicken, Young Professional – Cassie Tanner.

CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties will host its annual Champions for Children Breakfast on April 21 at the Marriott Denver West in Golden from 7:30-8:30 a.m. April is Child Abuse prevention month - what better time for members of our community to come together to focus on CASA’s important work of advocating on behalf of child abuse and neglect victims in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. Learn more about CASA and apply to be a volunteer on our website.

Foothills Animal Shelter is proud to join Petco Love to give pets their best shot by offering free canine distemper vaccines the entire month of March as a part of National Pet Vaccination Month. Vaccines are available at the shelter’s weekly vaccine clinics, which take place on Fridays from 3–4:30 p.m. at 580 McIntyre Street in Golden. Microchips and Jefferson County pet licenses are also available.

Join Foothills Park & Recreation District on May 14 for Hops in the Park beer festival. What better place to try out new breweries and beers than at scenic Clement Park. Hops in the Park is a festival for ages 21+, featuring unlimited beer sampling, food trucks, vendors selling beer related swag, community booths, yard games and entertainment. Buy your tickets here.

On Monday, March 21st at 6 p.m., Congressman Perlmutter will hold a Telephone Town Hall to discuss the latest updates on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, COVID in Colorado, our state’s economy and more. Sign up to receive a call when the event begins. Questions? Visit Perlmutter's website or call (303) 274-7944.

The Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) received the Behind the Scenes Award at the Arvada Chamber's annual awards dinner. This award is given to an organization or individual who served as an unsung hero in the Arvada community. AEDA was chosen for exhibiting leadership and collaboration through its willingness to support the work of the Arvada Chamber and other organizations that serve businesses.

Looking to grow your business and your reach? Meet the team and fellow members of your regional chamber of commerce, and neighboring businesses in South Jeffco. There is no cost – just connections! Drop by and see what we are all about on Tuesday, March 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Lariat Lodge Brewing Company. Contact Erin to RSVP.