On October 17, 2025, over 100 business leaders, elected officials, and community members gathered for the popular annual State of the Region. The forum provided a timely look into the current dynamics (achievements, challenges, and emerging opportunities) across Jefferson County and the broader metro region.
The event was hosted by the Greater Arvada Chamber, in partnership with the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, Golden Chamber of Commerce, West Metro Chamber of Commerce, Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and Westminster Chamber of Commerce. The forum was sponsored by Republic Services and Comcast.
The State of the Region featured the following Jeffco elected officials: Steve Conklin (Edgewater Mayor), Laura Weinberg (Golden Mayor), Bud Starker (Wheat Ridge Mayor), Lauren Simpson (Arvada Mayor), Wendi Strom (Lakewood Mayor), Nancy McNally (Westminster Mayor), and Rachel Zenzinger (Jefferson County Commissioner).
Below, read takeaways from the forum and view a video recording, photos, and a message from Republic Services.
5 Takeaways
1. Collaboration is Jefferson County’s Superpower
Across the board, mayors and the commissioner credited regional collaboration as the cornerstone of progress. omelessness was a recurring theme and one that showed the tangible results of working together.
Commissioner Rachel Zenzinger highlighted the county’s homelessness summit, which brought every municipality together to create a shared memorandum of understanding, outlining funding, responsibilities, and shelter coordination for extreme weather events.
As Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson added, “It really is every voice at the table.” That same collaborative spirit drives initiatives across housing, transportation, and public safety. Commissioner Zenzinger added, “We are in a great position to tell a unified story about Jeffco’s competitiveness. We have a highly skilled workforce, an excellent quality of life, and thriving industries here. So, our greatest opportunity isn’t starting something new but building on the partnerships we already have to drive collective action for the entire county.”
2. Housing Innovation is Happening Across the County
Housing affordability dominated the discussion. From zoning reforms to creative partnerships, leaders are finding new ways to meet community needs:
Golden launched an affordable housing trust fund and supported Habitat for Humanity’s first permanently affordable homes downtown. Wheat Ridge committed to Proposition 123 goals, preserving older “naturally affordable” housing and reinvesting short-term rental taxes into affordability. Arvada opened Marshall Street Landing for residents transitioning from homelessness and broke ground on Marshall Point, serving working mothers and families. Lakewood updated its zoning code and is exploring partnerships with faith-based organizations to develop affordable homes.
As Commissioner Zenzinger noted, “It takes everybody: developers, nonprofits, employers, and all levels of government to make housing work.”
3. Infrastructure is About More Than Roads
Transportation, power, and flood control are interconnected priorities shaping the county’s growth.
Golden’s $30 million Lena Gulch flood mitigation project will protect neighborhoods across Jefferson County. Wheat Ridge celebrated the completion of the Wadsworth Boulevard project, an $85 million investment improving traffic flow and safety. Lakewood continues work on its North Dry Gulch drainage and Colfax Safety projects to unlock redevelopment potential. Multiple leaders raised growing concerns about power infrastructure, with Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally warning that energy capacity is becoming “the next big regional issue.”
4. Economic Vitality Starts with Small Wins and Big Vision
Leaders emphasized that economic growth depends on long-term planning and creative, community-scale innovation.
Wheat Ridge’s “Green at 38th” transformed an underused parcel into a vibrant downtown park that’s already spurring private development. Golden’s new municipal and police building will serve as a sustainability hub and catalyst for redevelopment along the Clear Creek corridor. Edgewater’s upcoming ADA and streetscape improvements will strengthen accessibility and local business activity.
These projects show how investments, large and small, build both economic momentum and a sense of place.
5. A Shared Future Rooted in Respect and Optimism
The event closed on a note of gratitude and optimism. Commissioner Zenzinger recognized outgoing mayors Bud Starker (Wheat Ridge) and Nancy McNally (Westminster) for their years of service, and moderator Jim Siedlecki praised the group’s “civil discourse” and ability to collaborate across boundaries, something he called “the polar opposite of cable news.” From infrastructure investments to social challenges, the leaders’ message was clear: Jefferson County’s strength lies in its shared vision and steady partnership.
Video Recording
A message from event sponsor, Republic Services
“Republic Services was honored to support the State of the Region for Jefferson County and is committed to the long-term success of the County. Jefferson County is home to several of our municipal partnerships, including Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, and Morrison.
Republic Service’s Foothills landfill is located between Golden and Arvada, which provides over $1 million a year in royalty revenue to the County. At the landfill, we are completing a $4 million organics transfer station, which will be utilized to pre-process curbside organics to remove contamination prior to it arriving at our compost facility. Republic is also in the early stages of planning and siting a multi-million-dollar Renewable Natural Gas plant at the landfill, which will turn methane that is currently being flared into pipeline-ready natural gas. These investments not only help spur economic growth and increase local tax revenue but also help our communities meet their sustainability goals.
Republic Services was also pleased to assist Community Table with a $250,000 National Neighborhood Promise grant from its Foundation that allowed them to complete their fundraising for their new expanded facility in Arvada. Republic is also honored to be part of the Greater Arvada Chamber’s B.O.L.D. 2025 program.”
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