Shows
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Changes to the W. 72nd Avenue ProjectSend a textDeputy City Manager Allison Scheck joins us to talk through why the City has decided not to move forward with the underpass for the W 72nd project, how the decision was made, and what comes next for the corridor. In this episode: Project cost escalation, delays, and bond funding explainedOptions considered for completing the projectWhat's next for the project corridor in 2026 and for the long termMore information, including FAQs and a recording of the Feb. 2 open house information, available on the W 72nd project webpageNews & EventsWinterfest is co...
2026-02-1825 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada’s Guide to City vs. County Services (Engage Jeffco Crossover)Send us a textWe team up with the Engage Jeffco podcast to explain the similarities, differences and partnerships between the City of Arvada and Jefferson County. Johnny Hart and Carly Moore from Jefferson County Public Affairs help explain who runs what, who pays for it, and how the City and the County collaborate on roads, human services, and more. In this episode: Jefferson County leadership (Board of County Commissioners and other elected officials)Arvada City Council structure and appointed leadership (City Manager, City Attorney and the Judge)Jefferson County property taxes and where th...
2026-02-0433 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada’s 2026 Festivals with Layla DiazSend us a textEvents Assistant Layla Diaz joins the show to break down the Arvada Festivals Commission's event lineup for 2026! Included in this episode: Arvada Winterfest on Saturday, Feb. 28 in Olde Town Volunteer with the Arvada Festivals Commission Arvada Kite Festival on Sunday, April 12 at Stenger Sports ComplexHistory of the Arvada Kite Festival videoArvada Summerfest on Saturday, June 6 at Ralston Park Addition Movies Around Town on Friday evenings July through October High Tea for Seniors on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Apex Community Center News and events: Ralston Creek Trail closure at the Indi...
2026-01-2121 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's 2026 Water RatesSend us a textArvada’s Utility Business Manager, Chris Gray, talks through 2026 annual water, wastewater, and stormwater rate changes and how the City prioritizes projects that keep these services reliable 24/7, 365. In this episode: 2026 rates and fees for water, sewer, stormwater servicesWhat a typical household can expect in 2026, and how Arvada rates compare to our neighborsUnderstanding funding sources, and the enterprise model, not taxes, that fund the operational and capital costs for services Billing upgrades coming in 2026: online bills and autopaySee past presentations to City Council and more information about planning for and f...
2025-12-1026 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Holiday Season with Jean GordonSend us a textJean Gordon from Visit Arvada shares everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays in Arvada. From the Old Town tree lighting to Santa Saturdays and markets across the city, we map the best ways to celebrate and support local.In this episode: Understanding the role of Visit Arvada as a tourism arm and city-funded partnerWhy sales tax from holiday spending supports City services (spend local!)The Old Town tree lighting and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29The 2025 Arvada Holiday Guide and Gift GuideSip, Stroll and Enjoy: The Olde T...
2025-11-2621 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Housing with Carrie EspinosaSend us a textArvada's Housing Manager and Housing Authority Director Carrie Espinosa explains how their work provides a variety of affordable housing support services including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support local non-profits and critical home repairs for low-income residents. Other topics include: Understanding the Arvada Housing AuthorityExplaining affordable and workforce housingOverview of Arvada's Housing Needs Assessment and 2024 Housing Strategic PlanSupport programs available for those in need: Energy Outreach ColoradoCommunity TableEssential Home Repairs (Brothers Redevelopment): 303-685-4225 2-1-1 (Mile High United Way)Colorado Housing Connects: 1-844-926...
2025-11-1232 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's E-Bikes and Illegal Toy VehiclesSend us a textFriend of the show Chase Amos from the Arvada Police Department joins us to unpack the rise of illegal toy vehicles in Arvada. Chase helps clarify what can ride on streets, trails, and parks, and what cannot. We break down e‑bike classes, scooters, Low Speed Electric Vehicles, and why many mini motorcycles and pocket bikes aren’t street legal.Please visit Arvada PD's E-Bikes and Unique Vehicles webpage for more information on which types of vehicles and devices are allowed and not allowed in Arvada. Please note: This is not...
2025-10-2932 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Elections with Clerk GonzalezSend us a textLearn about Arvada’s 2025 election with Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Gonzalez, including who and what is on the ballot and how Colorado’s voting system works.2025 election info3 City Council seats up for election (view the Council Districts map)Ballot measure 3G to remove the judge residency requirementJefferson County elections website, including drop box and voting center locationsAdams County elections website, including drop box and voting center locationsTrack your ballot onlineCheck your registration or register to voteKey voting datesMail your ballot at l...
2025-10-1536 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Municipal Inspections with Jim GreerSend us a textJim Greer, Arvada's Construction & Inspection Supervisor, talks about the municipal inspection process and how his team works to protect critical city infrastructure. The team of 10 inspectors partners with contractors and developers, ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.Episode highlights: The team focuses on everything underground up to the surface (e.g., water and sewer lines, electrical cable, streets, sidewalks)Inspectors work proactively to identify potential conflicts before construction beginsThe two-year warranty process ensures infrastructure is properly tested before becoming a city assetNews & EventsFinal Movies Around T...
2025-10-0126 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Community Wildfire Protection PlanSend a textThis September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re doing a two-part series with our partners at Arvada Fire. Part 2 focuses on Arvada's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) with Arvada Fire's Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Chris Warren, and the City of Arvada’s Emergency Manager, Brian Wilkerson. In case you missed it, you can go back and listen to Part 1 of the series, Arvada Fire 101, with Fire Marshal Steven Parker.During Part 2, Arvada's emergency management experts explain how the Marshall Fire changed our understanding of wildfire risks in suburban communities and outline how t...
2025-09-1725 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada Fire with Steven ParkerSend us a textThis September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re launching a two-part series with our partners at Arvada Fire. The first episode, Arvada Fire 101, features Fire Marshal Steven Parker. The second episode, which will come out Sept. 17, brings together Arvada Fire’s Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Chris Warren and the City of Arvada’s Emergency Manager Brian Wilkerson to discuss the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and what it means for our community In this episode:What exactly does the Fire Marshal's Office do?Common fire code violations and the most frequen...
2025-09-0334 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Shared Scooters and Bikes with Aislinn DroskiSend us a textAislinn Droski, Arvada's bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, shares insights on the City's micromobility program that has facilitated over 130,000 rides since launching in 2021. The program has evolved from a pilot to becoming a permanent transportation option connecting residents to transit, commercial centers, and other services.Micromobility includes devices like e-scooters, e-bikes, and seated "gliders" that provide transportation options for shorter tripsLime is currently Arvada's sole vendor, operating under a permit system with devices placed throughout eastern ArvadaIf you notice improperly parked scooters or have feedback about the micromobility program, please contact the team...
2025-08-2030 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Fight Against EAB with City Forester Ian MacDonaldSend us a textArvada City Forester Ian MacDonald discusses the alarming spread of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) throughout the city and what residents need to know to protect their ash trees. This invasive pest has accelerated from small isolated areas to citywide presence, with MacDonald warning that we're now entering the steep part of the mortality curve where tree loss happens rapidly.In this episode:Emerald Ash Borer has spread from the Homestead Park neighborhood in southeast Arvada (first detected in 2020) to locations throughout the cityThe City's forestry team has been...
2025-08-0637 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Municipal Courts with Judge KurtzSend us a textJudge Kathryn Kurtz discusses Arvada's Municipal Court and the value of balancing community safety with support for the individual.In this episode: Arvada's Municipal Court handles 7,500-8,000 cases yearly including traffic violations, ordinance violations, code enforcement, and animal control issuesA ballot measure is being considered to remove the residency requirement for judgesThe One Small Step Court program offers specialized support for individuals experiencing homelessnessJudge Kurtz shares her judicial philosophy of "own it, fix it, forget it" – encouraging people to take responsibility, make amends, and then move forward with their livesN...
2025-07-2333 min
Inside ArvadaPark and Recreation Month with Steve GustafsonSend a textIn honor of Park and Recreation Month in Arvada, Parks Manager Steve Gustafson joins us to share his lifelong passion for parks maintenance and the complexities of managing the city's vast outdoor spaces.In this episode:Overview of the Arvada Parks Department, which maintains over 200 sites across 4,200 acres with 56 full-time employeesThe collaborative relationship and distinctions between Arvada Parks and Apex Park and Recreation DistrictHow Arvada Parks are funded with half coming from Jefferson County Open Space sales tax and half from the city's general fundThe Jefferson County Property Search tool shows...
2025-07-0926 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's City Management with new City Manager Don WickSend us a textDon Wick talks about his 30-year journey of serving the Arvada community, from starting out as an entry-level police officer in 1985 to recently becoming the new city manager. Don explains how all of his previous experience – Police Chief, Public Works Director, and Deputy City Manager – has prepared him to step into his new role leading the city. In this episode:How the city manager is responsible for executing City Council's Strategic PlanHow the Ralston Road Bond Project is an example of executing the City Council Strategic PlanOpportunities and challe...
2025-06-2533 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada Utilities Projects with Mary StahlSend us a textUtilities Engineering Manager, Mary Stahl discusses some of the public improvement projects happening throughout Arvada to replace aging water and sewer systems. Much of Arvada's underground utilities were installed in the 1960s-70s and now, 50-60 years later, they need to be replaced to maintain public health and prevent service disruptions.In this episode:Sheridan sewer line replacementTennyson sewer line replacementIndiana Street water line projectSierra Vista water line replacementWater treatment plant replacementVisit arvadaco.gov/publicimprovementprojects for a map of current infrastructure projects throughout the city.
2025-06-1119 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada Summerfest with Adelle BurtonSend us a textGet ready for the City's new summer kickoff celebration, Arvada Summerfest, with Special Events and Public Arts Manager Adelle Burton. Summerfest is a brand new event sponsored by the Arvada Festivals Commission on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ralston Park Addition (64th Ave. and Quail St. just north of Arvada West High School). The free event is both family- and pet-friendly. Adelle shares with us what to expect at Summerfest, including a beer garden, free kids activities, a pet swimsuit contest/parade and a lineup of...
2025-05-2825 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Ralston Creek Improvements with Sam RogersSend us a textSam Rogers, Civil Engineer with Arvada's stormwater and floodplain team, details how the City manages flood risks through infrastructure projects. Sam provides updates on the Ralston Creek Improvement Project near the West Woods Golf Course that stems from the 2013 floods.Also mentioned in the episode: The Lake Arbor Restoration Project that is completeOther work of the stormwater department, including protecting water quality in our lakes and creeksFlood insurance and Arvada's Community Rating System progressNews & EventsJune 7 Bulky Item Drop-off Event from 9am to 2pmVarious utilities projects underway a...
2025-05-1439 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Trails and Open Space with Bob BromleySend us a textArvada's Open Space Supervisor Bob Bromley shares his 35 years of experience managing the city's trails and natural areas. He explains the ecological approaches used to maintain over 150 miles of hard surface trails and 3,400 acres of open space using sustainable practices.Topics discussed in this episode include: Arvada's trails network, which includes the Ralston Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail, Van Bibber Creek Trail and several neighborhood trailsOpen space and natural area maintenance; including mowing frequency along trails and greenwaysInnovative, sustainably focused initiatives that Bob's team is doing, including b...
2025-04-3036 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Sustainable Golf Course Maintenance with Joe KunzeSend us a textManager of Golf Course Maintenance and Operations Joe Kunze brings 30 years of industry experience to Arvada's two city-owned courses, Lake Arbor and West Woods, implementing sustainable practices that benefit both golfers and the broader community.Topics discussed in this episode include: • Tips on how to maintain your own lawn, including when to fertilize and aerate• How deep, infrequent watering mimics rainfall patterns, saves water and promotes healthier root systems – watering tips webpage• The environmental benefits that golf courses provide, including wildlife habitats, stormwater management, and carbon sequestr...
2025-04-1640 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Victim Services with Jennifer & DonSend us a textArvada partners with two organizations providing support and healing for victims of crime and child abuse in our community. Jennifer Griffin of Victim Outreach Incorporated and Don Mosley of Ralston House discuss their organizations' missions, services, and unique partnerships with the City of Arvada. Mentioned in the episode:Victims Rights Week (April 8 - 12) Jefferson County Courage Walk on Saturday, April 12National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April)Ralston House Pinwheel GardenNews & Events:First 2025 Bulky Item Drop-off Event is Saturday, April 26Mayor Simpson's State of the City is Friday, April 18 (hosted t...
2025-04-0243 min
Inside ArvadaInside Arvada's Pavement Program with Ben SawayaSend us a textArvada's Pavement Program Manager Ben Sawaya gives an inside look at how the City maintains and repairs its 1,500+ lane miles of roads.Ben explains the different types of work the program is responsible for, how they prioritize work, and how they address program challenges, stretching limited resources as much as possible to perform maintenance and rehab work throughout the vast network of roads. Learn more about the program and see the map of proposed work areas each year at arvadaco.gov/pavementprogram. Contact pavement@arvada.org with questions about w...
2025-03-1927 min