Business and community leaders gathered for the annual State of the City on April 10, 2026 to reflect on progress across Arvada and preview priorities shaping the year ahead. Delivered by Mayor Pro Tem Randy Moorman on behalf of Mayor Lauren Simpson, this year’s address highlighted strong collaboration across partners, continued infrastructure investment, economic momentum, and a focused set of priorities guiding work in 2026.
Below are key highlights from the presentation.
1. Investing in Community Stability and Quality of Life
In 2025, the City expanded coordinated efforts to support residents experiencing homelessness through a temporary shelter partnership paired with intensive case management. More than 150 individuals were served through the program, with roughly 70% exiting into housing, one of the strongest success rates in the Denver metro area.
The City also recognized the expansion of Community Table, which moved into a larger southeast Arvada facility, significantly increasing capacity to serve families facing food insecurity while strengthening access to wraparound services.
At the same time, residents continued to make strong use of parks, trails, recreation programs, and community events. Improvements completed in 2025 included upgrades at Marge Roberts Park, progress on the Gold Strike Park revitalization project, restoration work at Majestic View Nature Center, and the addition of new playgrounds, resurfaced courts, trail repairs, and public art installations across the city.
2. Supporting Economic Vitality and Strategic Alignment
Arvada welcomed more than 120 new businesses in 2025, contributing to continued momentum across the local economy.
City leadership also emphasized alignment among key partners, including the Arvada Economic Development Association, Arvada Urban Renewal Authority, Visit Arvada, and the Greater Arvada Chamber, to advance shared economic priorities and support business attraction, redevelopment, and investment across the community.
Local businesses reinvested nearly $13 million back into Arvada last year through improvements that strengthened storefronts, safety, and commercial corridors.
3. Advancing Infrastructure, Services, and Long-Term Resilience
Arvada’s spirit of innovation and civic pride was another focal point of the forum. Initiatives pushing the city into the future City teams continued work in 2025 to strengthen internal systems and long-term infrastructure planning. Improvements included launching a new human capital and payroll system, enhancing cybersecurity protections, expanding resident rebate eligibility, and advancing design for a future replacement of the city’s water treatment plant.
The City also made the difficult but responsible decision to cancel the remaining phase of the West 72nd Avenue project due to rising construction costs, reflecting a commitment to financial stewardship and long-term service sustainability.
Public safety investments also remained a priority. The Arvada Police Department expanded community education through a Parent Academy in partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools and achieved one of its largest academy classes in years through redesigned recruitment efforts. The City also recognized the work of Ralston House, which expanded services to better support neurodiverse and nonverbal survivors of abuse.
4. Looking Ahead: 2026 Priorities and Community Milestones
City Council identified three “Wildly Important Goals” guiding work in 2026:
- Strengthening cybersecurity and protecting access to city services
- Supporting housing outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness through coordinated partnerships, including work with Mission Arvada
- Nearly doubling the number of lane miles resurfaced this year through a one-time $10 million investment addressing roadway maintenance needs
City leadership also highlighted adoption of Arvada’s first Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, positioning the community to respond proactively to changing conditions while supporting long-term competitiveness and quality of life.
The year ahead also includes several major community milestones, including anniversaries for Apex Park and Recreation District (75 years) and the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities (50 years), reflecting the strong civic foundation that continues to shape Arvada’s future.
The 2026 State of the City Address was sponsored by the City of Arvada, Arvada Urban Renewal (AURA), Footers Catering, Republic Services, Xcel Energy, Arvada United Methodist Church, Equalized Productions, and La Patisserie Francaise.
Missed the event? You can watch the full address below.
Stay connected with upcoming events, programs, and updates from the Arvada area business community by subscribing to the Greater Arvada Chamber’s newsletters at arvadachamber.org/newsletters.
Photos courtesy of The Arvada Press and the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce.
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