ADAMS COUNTY
2025 COMMUNITY REPORT

Fighting Food Insecurity
from the Ground Up

Project Grow is a community-driven initiative designed to combat food insecurity by planting sustainable gardens at nonprofit and residential sites throughout Adams County.

Last year, staff from the Community Safety & Well-Being team installed a new garden at Gateway Shelter—a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence in Aurora that supports roughly 200 Adams County residents each year. This garden not only provides fresh, nutritious vegetables for residents to incorporate into their meals but also offers a meaningful opportunity to learn and practice gardening skills—fostering empowerment, healing, and self-sufficiency.

Helping Stronger, Healthier Communities Take Root

As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work! That spirit was on full display as the Public Works; Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts; and Community Safety & Well-Being departments teamed up to launch a pilot Tree Planting Program aimed at enhancing environmental quality in neighborhoods with the greatest need.

Through this collaborative effort, 39 trees were distributed to residents in Berkley Gardens, and 100 trees were planted on the grounds of Monaco Elementary School. As these trees grow, they will provide much-needed shade during the summer, improve air quality, and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant community for years to come.

Building Back Stronger from Disaster

In response to the historic flooding that impacted parts of Adams County in spring 2023, our Public Works teams worked around the clock to repair damaged roads, restore critical infrastructure, and keep our community safe and connected. Thanks to their dedication and the input from residents, major projects like the East 15th Avenue rebuild and the new bridge installation at West Bijou Creek moved forward with speed and innovation.

From removing 8,000 cubic yards of sand to installing a cutting-edge prefabricated bridge system, these efforts represent the strength of collaboration between county staff, contractors, and the community. We are grateful for the patience and support of our residents as we continue building a safer, more resilient future.

Serving Those Who Serve Us

Matt, a Navy veteran, had been cycling in and out of homelessness in Thornton and Northglenn. Through our Built for Zero case conferencing, we learned he was renting a car to work in food delivery—but the cost left him unable to save for housing.

Using a Flex Funds grant from Community Solutions International, our Community Safety & Well-Being team helped cover the down payment on a 2013 Honda. With lower car expenses, Matt can now save for a rental deposit and may soon qualify for a housing voucher—bringing him closer to stable housing and a fresh start.

Making a More Beautiful County

In 2024, Adams County’s Regional Graffiti Removal Program responded to more than 4,000 reports, cleaning up vandalism across city and county lines and making Adams County a safer, cleaner, more beautiful place to live for all of us.

By coordinating with four partner municipalities, as well as unincorporated Adams County and Union Pacific properties, the program made it easier for residents to report issues and ensured faster, more consistent cleanup—regardless of where the graffiti appeared. This cross-jurisdictional approach not only improved the look and feel of our neighborhoods, it also reduced costs, boosted response times, and supported job opportunities for residents overcoming barriers to employment.

Inspiring Future Park Rangers

Last year, several of our Park Rangers had the opportunity to present to students in the Adams 14 School District’s Transition Program. During the presentation, they shared insights into their roles and responsibilities in natural resources and land management, as well as pathways for students to explore careers in this field.

The Transition Program is designed to support students in developing essential life, job, and independent living skills. This engagement provided a meaningful connection between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities in public service and environmental stewardship.

Fostering Community Pride

In 2024, Adams County brought back its popular Neighborhood Cleanup events, offering residents a free and easy way to dispose of unwanted items. Cleanups were held in the Berkeley, Strasburg, and Dahlia Yard neighborhoods, with crews onsite to help collect everything from yard waste to old tires and general household trash.

These events supported cleaner, safer neighborhoods and gave residents a chance to take pride in their community. By meeting people where they live, we helped reduce clutter, improve safety, and show Adams County is here to support the everyday needs of our residents.

Inspiring Future Foster Parents

By recruiting more foster parents right here in Adams County, we can keep kids closer to home, allowing them to stay in their schools and neighborhoods, and reducing the distance for family visits.

During the Child Family Services Recruitment Days, our Human Services Foster Care team hit the streets and handed out over 2,000 flyers, postcards, and door hangers to local businesses and neighborhoods, giving them a chance to meet the community and see firsthand the positive impact we can make together.

Growing Love for the Outdoors

In 2024, Adams County CSU Extension offered a wide range of programs that helped residents grow their skills, connect with the outdoors, and build community for people of all ages. From hands-on vegetable gardening workshops in both English and Spanish to creative and science-focused youth camps through 4-H, CSU Extension created spaces for learning, exploration, and connection.

Programs like Perfectly Imperfect Art Camp and Eco-Explorers encouraged youth to express themselves and discover Colorado’s natural spaces, while public gardening classes gave residents the tools they needed to succeed in their own backyards. Whether digging in the dirt, painting with purpose, or camping under the stars, participants walked away with new skills, lasting memories, and a stronger connection to their community.

Empowering Neighborhood Pride

In 2024, the Adams County Tool Shed program continued to empower residents by offering free access to lawn and garden tools. From mowers to wheelbarrows, individuals and neighborhood groups used the Tool Shed to clean up yards, improve shared spaces, and take pride in their communities.

With support from the Adams County staff, the program turned simple tools into powerful connections—helping neighbors come together and build something lasting.

Learn more about the Tool Shed.

Bringing People Together

Adams County’s Block Party Trailer brought people together in meaningful ways throughout 2024. Packed with everything from games and tables to a sound system and solar generator, it helped residents host free neighborhood gatherings with ease.

Whether for a small street celebration or a larger community event, the trailer made it simple to spark conversations, build relationships, and strengthen the ties that make our neighborhoods feel like home.

Learn more about the Block Party Trailer.

Adams County Scholarship Fund

Fifty-seven Adams County high school students were awarded scholarships totaling more than $1 million last June through the Adams County Scholarship Fund. Adams County Commissioners introduced the Scholarship Fund in 2016, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The scholarships were funded with the voter-approved three percent sales tax on retail marijuana sales in the county. In addition, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative matched the sales tax funds to increase the scholarship pool. First-generation and low-income high school seniors were among those eligible to apply for one of the scholarships.

ARPA Grants for Domestic Violence Prevention Programs

Using federal funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Adams County Board of Commissioners awarded $4.638 million to local organizations for initiatives aimed at domestic violence prevention and services.

These funds supported projects that addressed the critical needs of individuals and families affected by domestic violence, with Adams County's goal being to reduce the impact of domestic violence and support all survivors.

Community Enrichment Grants

The BoCC awarded $800,000 in Community Enrichment Grants to 31 nonprofit organizations serving residents throughout the county. These grants help fund programs that assist individuals and families with their basic needs and provide the support they need to become self-sufficient.

By partnering with these nonprofit organizations, the county was able to reach deeper into the community and address specific needs through the expertise of each group. These collaborations not only amplify the impact of the county’s efforts but also ensure vital resources and services are available to those who need them most. Through this funding, Adams County continued to build a strong network of nonprofits, giving organizations the tools they need to do what they do best while improving the lives of countless families across the county.

Open Space Grants

More than $34 million in open space grants has been awarded to recipients through the 2024 Open Space Sales Tax Grant Program across both spring and fall grant cycles. This significant investment reflects Adams County’s continued commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural spaces that make our community special.
When we invest in our community, it builds a sense of pride and creates places where residents can gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.

The awarded projects cover a wide range of improvements, including open space land acquisitions, new trail construction and upgrades, park renovations, and athletic field improvements. Each project plays an important role in ensuring residents of all ages have access to safe, welcoming, and well-maintained outdoor spaces for years to come.