News

Arvada City Council voted 7-0 to change the comprehensive plan for a former landfill at 6800 Kilmer Street from mixed-use residential to industrial, reversing their November 2024 denial. The decision came amid concerns about a potential takings lawsuit costing over $1 million. The contaminated site contains asbestos, arsenic, and methane. Residents raised environmental safety concerns about Ralston Creek contamination and inadequate remediation plans for the proposed RV stora

Arvada City Council reviews 2026 budget proposing $12.755M from reserves for infrastructure, homelessness services, and Olde Town. The plan includes $10M for streets and sidewalks, $1.755M for homeless programs, but faces funding challenges as state grant expires. City Manager outlines three strategic priorities: technology security, homelessness collaboration, and economic development.

The Arvada City Council learned the contract for the Early College of Arvada building at 4905 W. 60th Ave has been terminated after the buyer couldn't afford rising interior remodel costs. The property returns to market as Arvada faces potential losses of $2-3 million plus $50,000 in annual property taxes. Neighbors report drug use and squatting at the vacant site, raising safety concerns while taxpayers continue covering maintenance costs.

Arvada City Council voted 5-2 Monday to rezone the former Allendale Elementary School site for 57 homes, despite neighborhood opposition and Planning Commission denial. The controversial R-6 rezoning allows Denver-based Cardel Homes to build smaller-lot single-family residences at 5900 Oak Street. In a separate unanimous vote, council approved expanded designated drinking areas in Olde Town. Both decisions raised transparency concerns from residents who felt excluded from the

Arvada City Council considers major changes to public comment procedures that could limit citizen participation by moving general comments to meeting end, restricting early comments to consent items only, and creating barriers for working families. Proposed bylaws prioritize business applicants while potentially reducing democratic access for residents who can't stay past midnight meetings.

Arvada City Council's Sept 2 meeting tackled housing bonds, regional assessments, and infrastructure. Council split 4-1 on keeping $7.9M housing bonds vs giving to partners. Approved Howard Ranch metro district with new transparency requirements including warning signs. Water main upgrades continue amid aging infrastructure costs.

Arvada City Council's August 19th meeting saw heated debates over Land Development Code changes, natural medicine regulations, and a controversial $1.6M advance to the Arvada Center. Community activists in green shirts successfully fought to protect open space language while questions emerged about the effectiveness of the city's call-up oversight process.

Arvada Voices analyzes the August 5 City Council study session on a $432K severe weather sheltering proposal for 2025-26. The plan raises concerns over funding fairness, homelessness data accuracy, safety protocols, and accountability. Learn how disparities in costs vs. need, generous activation standards, and unclear oversight could impact Arvada taxpayers.

Arvada City Council's June 17 meeting featured Juneteenth recognition, 100th Harvest Festival announcement, resident opposition to commercial development in neighborhoods, strong support for puppy mill ban, homelessness discussion amid Navigation Center concerns, and infrastructure approvals including renewed SRO program funding.

Arvada City Council's June 10 budget workshop revealed major financial challenges: sales tax revenue down to 1% growth (vs 2.1% projected), creating $14M decade shortfall. City faces staff retention issues with only 2% salary increases vs recommended 4-5%. Infrastructure needs $30M annually but requires more staff to manage. Council demands budget transparency separating inflation from service changes.

Arvada's June 3 council meeting featured heated debate over state housing laws HB 1313/1304, with residents split on local control vs housing reform. Council joined lawsuit challenging state mandates. Also discussed: 3.5% trash fee increase (59¢-90¢/month), Pride Month proclamation, Gun Violence Awareness Day, new judges sworn in. Next meeting June 10.

The Arvada City Council recognized community members for their service and proclaimed May 18-24, 2025 as National Public Works Week. Public comments focused on short-term rental regulations, homelessness, and recreational use. Concerns were raised about Airbnb properties, the Heritage Canal Trail, a home rule lawsuit, and state legislation impacting local development.

The Arvada City Council recognized community members for their service and proclaimed May 18-24, 2025 as National Public Works Week. Public comments focused on short-term rental regulations, homelessness, and recreational use. Concerns were raised about Airbnb properties, the Heritage Canal Trail, a home rule lawsuit, and state legislation impacting local development.

Arvada plans an 11.29% water rate increase for 2026, continuing a pattern of significant hikes (10% in 2022, 12.3% in 2023, 12% in 2024). Despite these increases, the city claims it needs more funds for aging infrastructure and a new water treatment plant. Critics question spending priorities, noting $9.1M spent on vacant properties while deferring essential infrastructure. City Council will hold workshops throughout summer 2025 to finalize rates and

On Monday, January 27, 2025, the Arvada City Council voted to approve the sale of the ECA building, a long-anticipated decision that brings a mix of relief and cautious optimism to the nearby neighborhood of Arlington Meadows and East Arvada. This pivotal moment follows months of heated debate and growing frustration among residents over the lack of transparency and community engagement surrounding the building’s potential use as a homeless navigation center. The council’s de

The City of Arvada’s scoring process for filling the vacant at-large councilmember seat revealed significant differences in how councilmembers evaluated applicants. A review of the scores submitted by each councilmember highlights discrepancies that raise questions about the consistency of the scoring criteria and the alignment of councilmembers’ priorities. These inconsistencies risk undermining public trust, especially as the top candidates proceed to interviews.  Evaluat

Arvada is moving forward with the process of appointing a new at-large councilmember following Lisa Feret’s recent election to the state legislature. After reviewing a pool of 17 applicants, the City Council has narrowed the field to four finalists: Michael Griffith, Brad Rupert, Harriet Hall, and Brandon Figliolino . Meet the Finalists Michael Griffith  has twice campaigned for city council seats in the past, most recently in 2023. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportuni

Hi neighbors, On September 23, 2024, the Arvada City Council (ACC) held a meeting that sparked significant discussion around the newly proposed Navigation Center (NC) and raised questions about funding and accessibility. Key Developments Funding for the Navigation Center Council member Lisa Feret announced a major development: the City of Westminster has committed $1 million to assist in the creation of the Navigation Center. This facility aims to provide essential services