Town Hall Frequently Asked Questions
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Infrastructure, Roads & Transportation
Adams County works closely with RTD to advocate for bus and transit services for our residents. However, since RTD is the operator for these services they ultimately have discretion on when and where services are provided. Specifically related to 136th near Common Spirit, RTD offers the microtransit (shuttle) service, here is a link Wagon Rd Flex Ride.
Adams County continues to work toward improving bicycle, pedestrian, and trail connections to Denver through both transportation and parks planning efforts.
Today, residents can already access Denver through regional trail connections, including the South Platte River Trail and the Clear Creek Trail. Looking ahead, the county’s Transportation Master Plan identifies several key corridors—including Tennyson, Lowell, and Pecos—as important connections between Adams County and Denver.
Federal Boulevard is owned and maintained by the state, so Adams County cannot independently add facilities such as bike lanes or sidewalks. However, the county is working closely with the Colorado Department of Transportation on future multimodal improvements along the corridor, including planned Bus Rapid Transit service.
Pecos Road, which is maintained by Adams County, has been the focus of a recent corridor study conducted in partnership with the Denver Regional Council of Governments. The study identified opportunities to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and other multimodal travel along the corridor, and the county will continue pursuing opportunities to implement those recommendations as funding becomes available.
In the parks system, there are currently no funded projects to create additional direct trail connections to Denver. However, future concepts being explored along the South Platte River corridor could include new trail segments and expanded equestrian access that would strengthen regional connectivity, though those projects are not currently funded.
Overall, Adams County’s long-term plans support stronger connections between communities, but most future improvements will depend on partnerships, design work, and available funding.
Traffic safety, and the safety of vulnerable road users, is a top priority for Adams County. We look for opportunities to improve safety for pedestrians within each of our projects. This ranges from signing and striping improvements with our Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to multimodal infrastructure improvements accompanying a larger roadway construction project. In addition, the county is wrapping up a comprehensive safety action plan which identifies specifically how and where we can make our roads and streets safer for everyone. If there are specific locations that you feel unsafe, we highly encourage you to contact us and we’ll be happy to conduct a safety assessment where we’ll work together on identifying implementable solutions. Here is a link to our traffic safety page on our website.
We hear this consistently, especially from those who rely on these corridors daily. Many of these roads, particularly near the airport, are impacted by regional growth, heavy truck traffic, and large infrastructure projects led by Colorado Department of Transportation and neighboring jurisdictions.
At the county level, we’re:
- Prioritizing maintenance and resurfacing of key corridors, such as heavily used rural roads
- Maintaining a large-scale gravel road rehabilitation program
- Coordinating with CDOT, DRCOG, and all municipalities to push for robust partnership and prioritization of projects that impact our residents
- Advocating for infrastructure funding that reflects how much eastern Adams County supports the region’s economy
We know vehicle wear-and-tear and commute times are real impacts—this is an ongoing priority.
Speed humps aren’t automatically installed because they can impact emergency response times, drainage, and snow removal. That said, school zone safety is a top priority.
We use a data-driven process that looks at:
- Traffic speeds and volume
- Crash history
- Proximity to schools and pedestrian activity
In areas with concerns, we can evaluate crosswalks, signage, enforcement, or traffic calming measures that are appropriate for that specific location.
We maintain and prioritize bridges and roadways through a long-range capital improvement plan. Projects are ranked based on safety, condition, and usage. We’re also actively pursuing state and federal funding to stretch local dollars further, because maintaining a large, rural road network is one of the biggest challenges counties like ours face.
Adams County has approved a contract to begin an operational improvement project for Monaco and McKay Road, covering roughly 96th Avenue to 104th Avenue. The project includes development of 30% design drawings and evaluation of multimodal improvements, such as pedestrian bridges and bike crossings. This work represents a major step forward toward improving traffic flow and safety in the corridor.
A portion of Pecos Street between 52nd Avenue and 84th Avenue has already been improved, including sidewalks, medians, and additional lanes. The remainder of the corridor is currently part of a regional study through the Denver Regional Council of Governments. While there is no plan at this time for full reconstruction of the remaining sections, maintenance issues such as potholes can be reported and addressed.
The Goat Hill sidewalk, curb, and drainage project is a long-term effort that has progressed through advanced design phases. The project was initially selected for congressional discretionary funding but ultimately did not receive funding due to changes at the federal level. The county continues pursuing additional grant opportunities and remains committed to completing the project, which is estimated at approximately $15 million.
The best way to report road conditions is through the SeeClickFix app or by contacting the Public Works Department directly. Adams County maintains more than 1,600 miles of gravel roads, and crews prioritize routes based on traffic volume and safety during severe weather. Reporting issues helps staff schedule repairs more efficiently.
Traffic calming requests can be submitted through Adams County’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. Public Works evaluates each request based on traffic volume, safety data, and roadway criteria. Solutions may include enforcement coordination, signage, speed mitigation, or other engineering tools, depending on the location.
Many roads in Adams County fall under different jurisdictions, including cities, the county, and the state. When a roadway is within a city like Arvada, maintenance and repaving decisions are typically led by that city, though coordination does occur for regional corridors.
Public revenue is distributed across legally restricted funds and essential services. Road funding competes with public safety, health, human services, and mandated costs.
The final work related to the sidewalk and ramp replacement work areas for 2025 was recently completed with some cleanup expected to last for a few more weeks as weather allows.
The sidewalk replacement work areas for 2026 are being finalized to address issues that have been highlighted by the public. The areas are expected to be added to the county website in February. The focus for the 2026 ADA ramp replacement program will be on acquiring the necessary right-of-way from over 100 properties in the Sherrelwood area to allow replacement of the older, non-compliant ramps with ramps that meet current standards.
When approving new Conditional Use Permits, one of the criteria in the decision-making is impact on surrounding properties and roadway classifications. Those are public hearings where public comment is greatly valued. Some of the more intensive uses, like mining or oil and gas operations, go through different processes – including state level permits – and pay specific road impact fees. Those users have dedicated haul routes to be followed in accordance with their permit, which directs the trucks to roads and bridges designed for these loads.
If Code Compliance receives a complaint regarding the Adams County Development Standards and Regulations, our staff will investigate to determine if there is a violation on private property. If a violation is found, staff will work with the resident toward voluntary compliance to remedy the complaint. Should a resident have a complaint in unincorporated Adams County, they can call 720.523.2792 x2, online at SeeClickFix.
Unlike private businesses, counties are legally required to balance many competing public needs with restricted funding sources. Road funding is often limited by law and cannot be freely shifted from other services. Adams County uses asset-management and prioritization systems to allocate limited dollars where safety risks are highest.
Child Care, Health and Mental Health Care & Disability Support
That’s a concern we hear from many families. In Adams County, there are nearly 40,000 children under age six who need care, but only about 12,600 licensed child care spots available. That gap contributes to long waitlists, limited options, and challenges for working parents.
That’s why the Board of County Commissioners created the first Child Care Provider Property Tax Rebate Incentive Program in Colorado. The program helps licensed child care providers reduce costs by rebating at least 50% of the county portion of their property taxes, with some providers eligible for up to 100%. Our goal is to help existing providers stay open, expand capacity, and encourage more child care options for families. It won’t solve the shortage overnight, but it’s an important investment in making child care more accessible and affordable in Adams County.
For both providers and for families, we work closely with the Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County and state agencies to coordinate services, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to childcare resources across the county.
Adams County actively monitors this situation and works closely with state oversight agencies, including the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Human Services continues operating the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) without interruption. The state has confirmed it is receiving its normal federal drawdown funds, and Adams County remains committed to ensuring services continue without disruption. These benefits are critical for families and are a crucial income source for childcare providers.
Adams County provides a wide range of services for residents with disabilities, including A-Lift, which offers door-to-door transportation for residents over 60 and individuals with disabilities. Residents can also access support through the Adams County Resource Locator and community partner locations.
When state and federal benefits fall short, Adams County helps residents connect to additional community resources. Tools such as the Adams County Resource Locator and MyFriendBen help identify available assistance. Human Services staff and municipal partners also work to connect residents with community partners such as nonprofits and local programs that may provide interim support.
Demand for mental health services is up and funding is uncertain, so we’re very focused on protecting mental health services in Adams County.
Adams County is prioritizing core services, especially crisis response, and making sure we’re fully leveraging Medicaid and recent state investments. We’re also working closely with local providers, hospitals, and schools to expand access and fill gaps.
At the same time, we’re planning for potential federal changes so we can keep services stable. We are doing everything we can to maintain and strengthen mental health support, even in a challenging funding environment.
Long-term care Medicaid applications are complex and time-consuming. Adams County Human Services provides individualized assistance and encourages residents to call 720.523.2700 for direct support. The county partners with Benefits in Action, a nonprofit that helps residents navigate lengthy and complicated Medicaid applications. The county also partners with Hunger Free Colorado, a nonprofit that supports residents navigate the SNAP application process and finding food resources across Colorado.
Residents are encouraged to continue reaching out so challenges can be addressed case by case.
Housing Affordability, Homelessness, Economic Stability & Cost of Living
Adams County partners with Brothers Redevelopment through the Aging in Place program and offers a Minor Home Repair Program. Human Services can also help identify additional programs and community resources. Residents are encouraged to reach out directly by calling 720.523.2700, as eligibility and available support vary by situation.
Utility rates are set by regulated providers, not counties. Adams County supports affordability through assistance programs, advocacy, and coordination with state and nonprofit partners. Learn more about energy relief programs.
Adams County provides a range of services designed to help residents stabilize and move forward, including:
- Workforce and job training programs
- Rental and housing assistance
- Food access and human services support
The goal is not just short-term relief, but long-term stability—helping residents build pathways to self-sufficiency.
Yes. Many of our programs are structured around that exact goal. Through workforce development, education partnerships, and supportive services, we help residents gain the skills and stability needed to move into higher-paying jobs and reduce reliance on assistance over time.
Adams County works closely with municipal partners, including the City of Thornton, to address homelessness through outreach, navigation, and support services. While municipalities handle enforcement and public safety within city limits, the county supports outreach and service coordination. Residents can report specific concerns to either the city or Adams County outreach teams. If a situation feels unsafe, residents should contact local law enforcement.
Adams County operates a Poverty & Homelessness Reduction Unit that coordinates shelter, outreach, and housing stability services. This includes funding and supporting safe parking lots in Commerce City and unincorporated Adams County, which provide regulated overnight parking, sanitation services, case management, and access to rehousing funds. Additional support includes severe weather hotel vouchers, bridge housing, and street outreach programs.
Adams County continues providing county-funded services without disruption, even as nonprofit partners face federal funding challenges. The county closely monitors the stability of the local safety net and works to maintain essential services while adapting to funding reductions at the state and federal levels. Outreach, navigation, and shelter coordination remain active priorities.
During extreme cold, Adams County activates its Severe Weather Activation Program, which distributes hotel vouchers through county and municipal outreach teams. Residents can contact Westminster outreach teams or Adams County to connect individuals with available resources, including shelters and warming center options.
Funding
Adams County continues monitoring state and federal changes, maintaining financial reserves, and prioritizing core services. The county focuses on stability, transparency, and direct support for residents while adapting to evolving conditions. View the 2026 Budget.
Adams County’s sales tax rate is relatively low by design, and there are a few important reasons for that.
First, any increase in sales tax requires voter approval under Colorado law (TABOR). The county can’t raise taxes on its own—we can only do so if residents agree that a specific purpose and tax level make sense. Historically, Adams County voters have supported a careful, balanced approach to taxes.
Second, sales tax is only one piece of how the county is funded. Counties provide services like public safety, human services, courts, and public health, which are more reliably funded through property taxes, fees, and state and federal dollars. Sales tax is more volatile and can drop during economic downturns—so it’s not always the best foundation for essential services.
Third, total tax burden matters. In Adams County, cities also levy their own sales taxes. If the county were to significantly increase its rate, the combined rate could make it more expensive to shop or do business here, which can drive spending to neighboring areas and ultimately reduce revenue.
Finally, when the county does consider new or adjusted taxes, we do so very deliberately—with a clear purpose, transparency, and accountability to voters. The goal is always to balance funding important services while keeping Adams County affordable and economically competitive.
Our sales tax rate reflects voter choice, legal limits, economic considerations, and a commitment to responsible, sustainable funding of public services.
Adams County takes a cautious, forward-looking approach to budgeting, including multi-year financial planning. The county prioritizes maintaining service levels for residents while investing in employee stability. This includes maintaining appropriate reserves to prepare for economic uncertainty, potential funding changes, and the conclusion of one-time federal funding sources, all while focusing on continuity of essential services. View the 2026 Budget.
Neighborhoods & Code Enforcement
It depends on the specific circumstances here. It could be that this was a violation of the building code, where safety may be a concern or it may be a violation of the County’s development standards – for example, a violation of setback requirements. Code Compliance enforces uniformly to ensure safety, accessibility, and property standards across the county. The goal is voluntary compliance, not punishment. When situations involve hardships, the County works directly with individuals to explore options and provide assistance. Each case is reviewed individually, and staff aim to help residents achieve compliance while addressing safety concerns.
When a submission is received through SeeClickFix, it is first reviewed to make sure it is routed to the correct department. If it is misrouted, staff forward it to the appropriate team. Once routed correctly, the responsible department begins action. SeeClickFix also serves as an accountability and communication tool, allowing residents to track updates and see the status of their submission over time.
Adams County performs maintenance and cleanup on county-maintained roads and responds to reports through its service request system. Residents can report litter or debris concerns, which helps prioritize cleanup.
Road funding comes from multiple sources, including property taxes, vehicle registration fees, grants, and state or federal funds. These revenues must be spread across more than 1,600 miles of county-maintained roads. Pothole damage is exacerbated by weather, traffic volume, and aging infrastructure.
Corner lot fencing is often regulated due to sight-distance and safety requirements. HOAs may also impose stricter rules than the county. Residents should verify whether the restriction is county code or HOA policy.
Trash removal and street lighting responsibilities vary by jurisdiction and property ownership.
Our code enforcement team focuses first on health and safety issues—things like unsafe structures, junk and debris, illegal dumping—while also trying to respect property rights in rural areas. A few key things to know:
- Residents can report concerns directly through the SeeClickFix app, which goes straight to our team
- We prioritize cases based on severity and community impact
- A lot of our work starts with education and compliance—not jumping straight to enforcement
We know this can be a frustrating issue, especially when it affects neighbors or property values, so improving response and communication has been a focus.
Parks, Open Space & the Outdoors
Currently, Adams County is not planning to add significant amounts of irrigated turf in unincorporated areas.  The plan is to continue to maintain existing park sites and look for additional open space properties, that are more passive in nature and do not typically include turf or “blue grass.”  Areas of focus are currently Eastern Adams County as well as areas on the Western part of the county where residents cannot walk to a park within 10 minutes of their home.  Additionally, we will look for buffer properties adjacent to our larger open space and park sites and also seek opportunities to further develop our trail system to provide connectivity between jurisdictions and to transit sites, schools, and neighborhoods.
Willow Bay is a county-owned property located near 136th Avenue and Old Brighton Road. The county purchased the property for future development, but funding is not currently available to move that development forward. Until funding is secured, the property remains closed to the public.
Responsibility depends on property boundaries and ownership. Rotella Park maintenance, including tree trimming, is the responsibility of the county, while adjacent landscaping falls to HOAs or private owners.
Adams County offers seasonal yard waste collection events, including spring and fall cleanups at Riverdale Regional Park . The county also hosts multiple neighborhood cleanup events each year where residents can dispose of yard debris and other approved materials. These events are free and scheduled in advance, with details available through the county. In fact, we just hosted three in May! More info at: adamscountyco.gov/cleanup
We evaluate drainage through development review and invest in stormwater infrastructure, but rural drainage can be complex and requires ongoing planning, which if often regional in nature and involves other agencies and special districts.
Economic Development, Housing Supply & Workforce
While we actively encourage opportunities for homeownership, the county has little influence on who owns a property. Moreover, ownership is not a criteria in reviewing a development application. It has not been unusual for housing developments to begin with a plan for individual ownership and then change to a for-rent structure, given both market conditions and legal concerns around construction defects.
The services offered at the Aurora Service Center are changing as we continue to focus on meeting the needs of our, community. Human Services programs currently operating at the Aurora Service Center will be moving back to our main building to continue serving Adams County residents. While Human Services programs will no longer be located at the Aurora site, staff will remain on-site to answer questions and provide information about service locations.
In addition, our Community Engagement & Presence team will continue to connect with clients at multiple locations throughout Adams County, offering public assistance and LEAP services throughout the week. Workforce and business services will remain available online, as well as in person at the Altura Plaza building located at 15400 E. 14th Place, Aurora. Our programs and services at the Westminster and Brighton locations will continue as normal for Adams County residents.
Adams County is committed to smart growth across the county that benefits our residents and preserves our communities’ natural beauty. A core component of smart growth is adding density where it can be served so that we preserve open space. Increased density can help support bringing more amenities, like grocery stores and other retail and services, to an area.
Our Advancing Adams Comprehensive Plan guides growth with community feedback, and blends housing, jobs, open space, trails, and environmental protection. Development decisions look at compatibility with neighborhoods and long-term vision, planning for both today’s residents and future generations.
In addition, Adams County continues to prioritize and fund open space and parks projects across the entire county, not just unincorporated Adams County, through our Open Space Sales Tax program. In 2025 alone, we awarded more than $33 million to municipalities and recreation districts across the county.
Adams County has been working in collaboration with Arapahoe County and local residents and businesses to develop the Strasburg Subarea Plan—a long-range vision for the next 20–25 years. It is scheduled for adoption at public hearing on July 7th.. You can explore the plan in-depth at publicinput.com/strasburg.
At a high level, the plan focuses on:
- Keeping the small-town and agricultural character while planning for growth
- Supporting local businesses and a stronger “main street” feel along Colfax
- Expanding parks, trails, and open space connections
- Improving roads, sidewalks, and mobility options
- Making sure growth stays within a defined planning area to avoid sprawl
At the core of this, we have to remember where Adams County comes from. Our roots are in agriculture—farming, ranching, and families who’ve been working this land for generations. That’s not just history, it’s still a big part of who we are today, especially in the eastern part of the county. So, when we talk about growth, it’s not about choosing one or the other, it’s about being intentional. We want to:
- Protect and preserve agricultural land where it’s viable
- Support farmers and ag-based businesses
- And make sure that when development does happen, it fits the community instead of replacing it
We also hear clearly from residents that maintaining that rural feel—the space, the pace, the sense of community—matters just as much as anything else.
Growth is coming, but our job is to make sure we don’t lose what makes these communities what they are in the first place. One way we are taking meaningful steps is through updates to our Development Standards and Regulations. We encourage you to review information and participate in that process; more information can be accessed here: Development Standards Overhaul – PublicInput.
We use a few different tools:
- Impact fees to help pay for roads and parks
- Development agreements that require infrastructure improvements
- Long-range planning that guides timing of investment
And more recently, the county has established a County Revitalization Authority (CRA). That gives us another tool to:
- Reinvest in infrastructure in targeted areas
- Support redevelopment and economic activity
- Help fund improvements that benefit both existing residents and new growth
The goal is healthy and sustainable growth that contributes to our local economy but does not place burdens on our community.
We support agricultural industries through land use policies, organizational partnerships, and programs that help preserve working lands and reduce barriers for agricultural businesses. We also provide a wide range of informational resources on our new economic development website, ChooseAdams.org.
Property Taxes
Most property tax relief programs, including those for seniors, are set at the state level. The primary one available today is the Senior Property Tax Exemption (often called the Senior Homestead Exemption). For those who qualify, it exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of a home’s value, with the state backfilling that amount to local governments.
There are also a few other important relief options residents should know about:
- Disabled Veteran Exemption – similar structure for qualifying veterans
- Gold Star Spouse Exemption – for surviving spouses of service members
- Additional exemptions for certain property types (like charitable or religious uses)
At the county level, our role is to:
- Help residents understand and apply for these programs
- Make sure information is accessible and the process is clear
- Advocate at the state level for additional relief options
We know this is a pressure point—especially for seniors on fixed incomes—and it’s something we’re continuing to push on both locally and at the state level.
Property tax bills are made up of multiple taxing entities, not just the county. Even if a home’s assessed value decreases, increases from other entities—such as school districts or metro districts—can still raise the total bill. Residents are encouraged to review their full property tax statement to see which entities contributed to the increase.
Residential property taxes are based on property values, not county tax rate increases. Adams County has not raised property taxes; rising values are the primary driver. The Colorado Legislature and Governor have enacted property tax relief measures to slow growth, which provide relief to residents but also reduce county revenue.
Property taxes are based on assessed value multiplied by mill levies set by multiple taxing entities, including school districts, special districts, and the county. Even if a property’s value decreases, increases by other taxing entities can raise the overall bill.
Elections
The Adams County Clerk & Recorder’s Office takes voter integrity seriously and has multiple security measures in place for mail-in, drop-box, and in-person voting. Ballots are secured, tracked, and accounted for throughout the process. Federal authorities do not have the authority to seize ballots or election materials in Colorado. If such an attempt were made, the county would intervene to protect election integrity.
Elections are conducted with multiple layers of security—bipartisan oversight, ballot tracking, signature verification, and state-required audits. Colorado is consistently ranked among the most secure election systems in the country.
Public Safety
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office maintains staffing levels that meet current service needs and continues evaluating coverage as population grows, especially in eastern Adams County. The office regularly assesses development trends, adjusts deployment as needed, and invests in training and leadership to support deputies. Staffing levels are stronger now than they have been in several years, and ongoing evaluation remains a priority.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office enforces state and local laws only. It does not enforce federal immigration laws. Federal agencies such as ICE and Homeland Security conduct their own operations independently and do not notify the county in advance. The Sheriff’s Office focuses on protecting constitutional rights and public safety and responds if there are concerns about illegal activity or civil rights violations.
Residents should call 911 if they observe illegal activity or feel unsafe. While the county cannot interfere with lawful federal actions, the Sheriff’s Office can respond to verify who is present, ensure public safety, and intervene if constitutional rights are violated. Calling early allows deputies to respond and assess the situation.
Traffic noise enforcement depends on identifying patterns, including specific times and locations. Residents are encouraged to report details to dispatch so traffic units can focus on enforcement efforts. Mobile violations are difficult to address without timing and location information.
Street racing and loud vehicle noise are challenging to enforce due to their mobile nature. Providing specific details through dispatch allows law enforcement to deploy targeted enforcement. Ongoing monitoring and resident reports help identify repeat problem areas.
We continue to invest in the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, emergency services, and regional partnerships to ensure response times and coverage keep pace with growth.
Response times are always a focus, and we look at staffing, station locations, and partnerships to improve service where distances are greater.
Miscellaneous
While each county has authority over its jurisdiction, we work collaboratively to align on issues like land use, infrastructure, and services—because residents experience these communities as one place.
Stormwater fees are assessed based on impervious surface and runoff impact, not on whether a property uses county utilities. Even private systems contribute to watershed impacts that require countywide infrastructure and management.
Residents can sign up for county email updates to receive information on services, programs, and future engagement opportunities. Contact information and resources are made available through county communication channels.
Adams County has adopted a responsible AI policy focused on safety, transparency, and efficiency.
We conducted a broadband enhancement study and are working on a master plan for unincorp. Adams County to determine the best approach to broadband expansion in rural areas.