On June 17, 2026, the Greater Arvada Chamber hosted its annual Meet Your Community Leaders Leadership Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event brought together leaders from Arvada’s government, public safety, arts, recreation, tourism, and economic development organizations to share updates on the opportunities and challenges shaping our community.
This year’s speakers included:
- Don Wick, City Manager, City of Arvada
- Chief Ed Brady, Arvada Police Department
- Chief Kirk Lock, Arvada Fire Protection District
- Philip Sneed and Noelle DeLage, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
- Jeff Glenn, Apex Park and Recreation District
- Nancy Flock, Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA)
- Carrie Briscoe, Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA)
- Jean Gordon, Arvada Visitors Center
- Stephanie Paul, Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District
1. Arvada Continues to Invest in Long-Term Resiliency
Across every presentation was a common theme: preparing Arvada for future growth. Whether through workforce development, infrastructure improvements, housing projects, emergency preparedness, or business support, community leaders are focused on building a resilient city that can adapt to changing economic and community needs.
2. Homelessness, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity Remain Key City Priorities
City Manager Don Wick shared progress toward several citywide goals, including housing 65 individuals experiencing homelessness, resurfacing 75 lane miles of roads, and strengthening cybersecurity protections. Arvada has already helped house 35 individuals this year and completed more than 31 lane miles of resurfacing by mid-June.
3. Public Safety Agencies Are Preparing for Increasing Demand
Both the Arvada Police Department and Arvada Fire Protection District discussed how growth, technology, and rising service demands are shaping operations. Arvada Fire responded to more than 19,000 calls in 2025, with nearly three-quarters related to emergency medical services, while both agencies continue investing in technology, training, and preparedness.
4. Childcare and Youth Programs Continue to Expand
Apex Park and Recreation District highlighted significant growth in preschool, after-school care, summer camps, and middle school sports programs. These services are helping meet community childcare needs while creating opportunities for youth development across Arvada.
5. Arts and Culture Remain a Major Community Asset
The Arvada Center welcomed more than 200,000 visitors over the past year and celebrated a record-setting 50th theatre season. Leaders highlighted the organization’s continued investment in local artists, arts education, cultural programming, and community engagement.
6. Economic Development and Redevelopment Are Driving Investment
AEDA and AURA reported continued momentum in business support, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects. Highlights included more than $1 million leveraged in private investment through AEDA programs, the opening of the 197-unit Ralston Commons development, and several major streetscape and redevelopment projects currently underway throughout the city.
7. Tourism and Olde Town Continue to Fuel Economic Activity
Tourism and destination marketing continue to play an important role in Arvada’s economy. The Arvada Visitors Center generated more than 100,000 website visits and $1.9 million in earned media value last year, while Olde Town welcomed more than 2.3 million visitors and continues to invest in placemaking, events, safety, and business attraction.
0 Comments