Jefferson County needs your input on internet access where you live or work. Community feedback is critical to help the county secure grant funding that will allow internet service providers to plan new broadband initiatives in Jeffco. The survey will help identify gaps in reliable, high-speed internet that is necessary to work or learn from home. Take the survey by Jan. 12, 2023.

The Giving Tree, the popular program sponsored by the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, has wrapped up for 2022. Gifts were received for all children who were part of the program!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Giving Tree. Your generosity helped brighten the holidays for many Jeffco children.

Heading Home is now recruiting volunteers for the 2023 Point-in-Time Count to conduct interviews with homeless individuals and families at emergency shelters, human service organizations, parks, and other places where unhoused residents spend time. Learn more about the Point in Time Count or sign up to volunteer.

Jefferson County was awarded $113 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that must be spent by December 2026. Federal guidelines allow ARPA funds to support families, businesses, maintain vital public services, and build a strong, resilient, and equitable future. See how ARPA funds are being allocated on the Jeffco ARPA dashboard.

Jefferson County's Road and Bridge Division is responsible for snow removal on 2,945 lane miles of paved roads and 647 lane miles of gravel roads in the unincorporated areas of the county. Plowing and application of traction materials takes place in four phases during a storm. Get all of the details at www.jeffco.us/snow.

On Nov. 3, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Jefferson County Public Health as one of seven Colorado groups to receive funding to conduct air quality monitoring across the state. Working in partnership with local community groups, JCPH’s program aims to create local air monitoring capacity for underserved communities in Jefferson County. For more information, read JCPH’s full news release.

The holidays are full steam ahead. ‘Tis the season to protect one another from COVID-19 and not bring the virus home. Just like the virus has evolved, so has the vaccine. Getting the updated vaccine gives targeted protection from the COVID-19 variants circulating right now. Schedule your omicron vaccine today.

Take advantage of no-cost, short-term health care training with Care Forward Colorado. In one year or less, you can become certified in these positions: certified nursing assistant, emergency medicine, phlebotomy, medical assisting, dental assisting, or pharmacy technician. You can also participate in free courses to become a childcare professional with early childhood education.

Jeffco Human Services Foundation raised more than $1,700 on Giving Tuesday. Thank you for your generosity! Donations ensure families in the Jeffco Prosperity Partners program have the resources and support they need to thrive.

We launched the Season of Giving campaign to keep the momentum going. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by Dec. 31. Help us make giving season a success.

Weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, and sudden changes in weather can quickly create dangerous situations. Jefferson County Public Health recommends all Jeffco residents prepare themselves, their home, and their vehicle for severe winter weather. Learn about being prepared for winter in Colorado.

We wish our fellow Jefferson County residents, their families, and their friends a joyful season. While our celebrations may look different, and you may be spending time apart from loved ones, we hope yours are filled with cheer, warm memories, and happiness.

Happy holidays from our families to yours,

Andy, Tracy, and Lesley

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

During the winter, especially here in Colorado, our indoor air can be dry and uncomfortable. That dry air has a hard time retaining heat, and the furnace working to heat your home removes humidity from the air even further. From adding plants to finding the right size humidifier, find creative ways to add moisture to your home air.

The Jefferson County Treasurer’s Office uses a third-party vendor to collect property taxes online. This vendor charges a vendor, or “convenience”, fee for their services. The fee goes directly to the vendor, not to Jefferson County. For 2023, Treasurer Jerry DiTullio was able to negotiate a lower fee for credit card payments, reducing the fee from 2.5% to 2.35%. Learn more on the Treasurer's website.

The holidays are a time for family, celebrations and, of course, food. As the winter holiday season kicks off, remember the best food you can put on the table for your loved ones is food that is safe. By taking several important steps while preparing your holiday meals, you can reduce the risk foodborne illness and make this year’s gatherings even more delicious. Learn more about food safety.

It’s time to enroll, Jeffco! Round one of enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is now open through Jan. 13. Whether you will be attending your neighborhood school (K-12), returning to the same school, or applying to the school(s) of your choosing, EnrollJeffco will provide the information you need to enroll in Jeffco Public Schools.

If your neighborhood needs a picnic facility, playground, community garden, or similar physical improvement, apply for a grant from Lakewood’s 2023 Neighborhood Participation Program. For more than 25 years, the NPP program has offered an outstanding opportunity for neighborhoods to come together to make a difference. The application process opens Dec. 1 and closes at 5 p.m. on March 1.

We know the holidays can be a stressful time, but Jefferson Center is here to help provide tips and tricks to de-stress during the hustle and bustle of the season. Check out our blog to learn more about how to make the holidays merry again! Read our Five Tips to De-Stress This Holiday Season.

Looking to get more involved in the community? Sign up to join a Wheat Ridge Localworks committee. Joining a committee is the best way to connect with your neighbors and colleagues while giving back to your community. You can join more than one committee, and no previous committee experience is required. Get all of the details here.

Watch how your money has been put to work for parks, open space, and trails. We have lots of videos about the projects bringing you improvements for enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a couple of them:

Gift cards are valid at any Foothills Park & Recreation District recreation facility for classes, daily admissions, pass purchases, or massage services. Purchase gift cards at Peak Community & Wellness Center, Ridge Recreation Center, Lilley Gulch Recreation Center and Edge Ice Arena. ⛳ Golf gift cards can be purchased at Meadows Golf Club and at Foothills Golf Course. Find our facility locations.

Do you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your little one but not stay up until midnight? Celebrate with Apex on Dec. 30 for Noon Year’s Eve. We will have music, games, a bounce house, and a balloon drop at noon to start 2023 off right. Happy New Year!

Free Christmas tree recycling for Lakewood residents is available at the Lakewood Greenhouse. All wire, ornaments, nails, and tinsel must be removed. This service handles Christmas trees from residents only; wreaths, garlands, tree limbs, and trees from private contractors will not be accepted.

Give the gift of fitness. Throughout December, purchase a five-visit pass for just $15 ($10 for seniors and youth) and get access to any Lakewood Recreation Center or pool through Feb. 28. Purchase in person at any Lakewood Recreation Center.