Your Voice Matters in Local Government
Arvada is at a critical moment with major planning processes that will shape our community for decades. From housing and transportation to climate action and budget priorities, decisions being made today will determine the quality of life for our families, neighbors, and future residents.
We believe every community member deserves meaningful input in these decisions, not just symbolic participation. Our goal is to ensure that local government truly serves the needs of all residents, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in civic processes.
Current City Planning Processes
Arvada is currently developing several major plans that present unique opportunities for community engagement:
Climate Action & Sustainability Plan
Timeline: Public comment period Winter 2025
Arvada's first comprehensive plan to address climate change, reduce emissions, and build community resilience. This 25-year roadmap will guide investments in renewable energy, transportation, and environmental justice.
How to engage:
- Sign up for the sustainability newsletter
- Attend public comment sessions
- Advocate for environmental justice provisions
Transportation Systems Plan
Timeline: Final plan adoption 2025
Arvada's first comprehensive transportation plan covering the next 20 years. This plan will prioritize infrastructure investments and shape how people move around our community.
What we support:
- Improved public transit access and frequency
- Safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
- Transit-oriented development near Gold Line stations
- Transportation equity in underserved neighborhoods
Housing & Development Policy
Ongoing: Housing Advisory Committee meets quarterly
With Arvada facing an acknowledged "housing affordability crisis," we need community voices in housing policy decisions that affect rent, homeownership, and neighborhood character.
Our priorities:
- Truly affordable housing in all neighborhoods
- Tenant protections and renter rights
- Preventing displacement and gentrification
- Community input in development decisions
Budget & Capital Planning
Annual: Capital Improvement Plan development
The city's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan determines how millions of dollars are spent on infrastructure, services, and community programs.
What we advocate for:
- Transparent budget processes with community input
- Equitable distribution of city services
- Prioritizing community needs over corporate incentives
- Public safety through community services
Our Community Priorities
Based on our research and community input, we advocate for policies that create a more inclusive, sustainable, and livable Arvada for everyone:
🏡 Housing Justice & Affordability
- Truly affordable housing: Support development that serves working families, not just luxury markets
- Tenant protections: Fair rent policies and protection from unfair evictions
- Community land trusts: Keep housing affordable permanently through community ownership
- Inclusive zoning: Encourage diverse housing types in all neighborhoods
🚌 Transportation & Mobility Justice
- Public transit expansion: More frequent, affordable bus service throughout west Arvada
- Safe streets for all: Protected bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure
- Transit-oriented development: Walkable neighborhoods around Gold Line stations
- Transportation equity: Ensure all residents can access jobs, services, and opportunities
🌍 Climate Action & Environmental Justice
- Renewable energy access: Community solar programs for all income levels
- Climate resilience: Prepare for extreme weather while reducing emissions
- Environmental health: Clean air and water in all neighborhoods
- Green jobs: Workforce development in renewable energy and sustainable industries
👮♂️ Community Safety & Public Health
- Community-centered safety: Address root causes of harm through services, not just enforcement
- Police accountability: Transparent oversight and community input in public safety policies
- Mental health resources: Crisis intervention and support services
- Healthcare access: Community health centers and preventive care
🗳️ Democratic Participation & Transparency
- Meaningful community input: Participatory budgeting and neighborhood councils
- Government transparency: Clear, accessible information about city decisions
- Inclusive engagement: Meeting times, locations, and formats that work for working families
- Language justice: City services and information available in multiple languages
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to make your voice heard in local government, from attending meetings to joining committees to running for office yourself.
🌟 Getting Started
- Stay informed: Subscribe to our newsletter and follow city planning processes
- Attend city council meetings: Regularly scheduled Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM at City Hall
- Public comment: Speak during public comment periods (3 minutes per person)
- Contact your representatives: Email or call city council members about issues you care about
- Join community forums: Attend neighborhood meetings and town halls
📋 Regular Participation
- Join advisory committees: Housing, Transportation, Sustainability, and other city committees
- Monitor city agendas: Review council agendas and provide input on upcoming decisions
- Attend planning meetings: Participate in development review and planning processes
- Organize with neighbors: Build collective voice on neighborhood issues
- Advocate for specific policies: Research and promote solutions to community challenges
🎯 Leadership & Advocacy
- Run for office: City council, school board, or other elected positions
- Lead issue campaigns: Organize community support for specific policy changes
- Apply for city boards: Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and other appointed positions
- Coalition building: Work with other organizations on shared priorities
- Policy research: Develop detailed proposals for city consideration
Current Focus Areas
Right now, we're actively engaged in several key areas where community input can make a real difference:
Climate Action Plan Public Comment
The city's Climate Action and Sustainability Plan will be available for public comment in Winter 2025. This is our chance to ensure the plan addresses environmental justice and community resilience.
Join Our Climate AdvocacyHousing Advisory Committee
We're monitoring the quarterly Housing Advisory Committee meetings and advocating for stronger affordable housing policies and tenant protections.
Get Housing UpdatesTransportation Equity
As the Transportation Systems Plan nears completion, we're pushing for investments that serve all residents, not just those who can afford cars.
Support Transit JusticeBudget Transparency
We're advocating for more community input in budget decisions and greater transparency in how tax dollars are spent on community priorities.
Join Budget AdvocacyCivic Engagement Resources
Here are key resources for staying informed and getting involved in Arvada local government:
City Government
Planning & Development
Community Assistance
Ready to Make a Difference?
Local government decisions affect our daily lives more than any other level of government. From the quality of our schools and roads to the availability of affordable housing and public transportation, city policies shape our community's future.
Join us in building a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable Arvada where every resident has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.