Inside Arvada

Send us Fan Mail We talk with Arvada’s homelessness manager, Lynette Badasarian, about how the City is addressing homelessness, including outreach, help with IDs, reunification, and transitional housing. We also break down common myths, share local data on homelessness, and explain how community members can support the network of partners doing this work every day.  In this episode: Lynette’s role...

Send us Fan Mail Chief Building Official Kylie Flynn breaks down Arvada’s building code updates and explains why these standards can protect your safety, your finances, and your home’s long-term value. We walk through what’s changing around wildfire resiliency, energy readiness, and residential sprinklers, plus how to avoid costly surprises by asking the right permit questions early.  In this epis...

Send us Fan Mail We walk through what Jeffco Public Schools does after a school closes, from the board’s surplus vote to the different paths a property can take before it ever reaches the open market. Jeffco COO Jeff Gatlin explains how community benefit, municipal partnerships, and long-term enrollment projections shape outcomes in Arvada.  Included in this episode: How the board decides to surpl...

Send us Fan Mail We talk with Brett Medina from the Arvada Festivals Commission about how Arvada Summerfest comes together and what makes it a genuinely free, family-friendly music festival. We also share what else is coming up around town, plus a trivia round that tests our Summerfest knowledge and highlights how community feedback shapes next year.  Included in this episode:  What to expect at A...

Send us Fan Mail Long-range planner Paul Donegan joins us to discuss how Arvada’s comprehensive plan update will shape the next 20 years, from housing and transportation to parks, water, and neighborhood quality of life. Paul explains how the city turns a shared vision into real projects, why this update takes 18 to 20 months, and how community members can weigh in early and often.  Included in th...

Send us Fan Mail Water Supply Administrator, Amy Willhite shares information about why Arvada declared a Stage 1 drought and implemented water restrictions this year. She explains how snowpack drives Front Range water supply, what the rules entail, and how the city plans to reach a community-wide goal of reducing water use by 20%, including at City-managed parks, athletic fields, and golf courses....

Send us Fan Mail Transportation Planning Manager Kellee Van Bruggen explains how Arvada’s first Transportation System Plan (TSP) turns community input and existing city plans into a set of potential priority transportation projects for the next several decades.  Why Arvada created a Transportation System Plan  How community engagement and the Transportation Advisory Committee helped shape prioriti...

Send us Fan Mail Senior Sustainability Coordinator Steven Russell shares updates on the City's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CASAP) and what it means for city operations and the wider community. We talk goals, timelines, and the steps that turn the plan into action.  In this episode:  Climate and Sustainability Action Plan webpage A draft of the CASAP A recording of the recent works...

Send us Fan Mail Katie Groke and Monica Bowser from Apex Park and Recreation District join us to talk about the various facilities and programs offered by Apex. They explain how Apex and the City of Arvada often work together, and how our two organizations also serve separate roles for the community.  Included in this episode:  All about Apex Park and Recreation District , including funding, distr...

Send us Fan Mail Learn how Arvada residents can save on outdoor water use and costs with three programs from Resource Central: Garden In A Box, Lawn Replacement, and free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluations. Rachel Staats shares timelines, discounts, DIY tips, and why fall planting is a great option in Colorado. In this episode: How the City's partnership funds resident discounts on Resource...

Send us Fan Mail Deputy 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 explained Options considered for completing the project What's next for the project corridor in...

Send us Fan Mail We 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 leadersh...

Send us Fan Mail Events 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 Complex History of the Arvada Kite Festival video Arvada Summerfest on Satu...

Send us Fan Mail Arvada’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 services What a typical household can expect in 2026, and how Arvada rates compare to our neighbors Understandin...

Send us Fan Mail Jean 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 partner Why sales tax from holiday spending supports...

Send us Fan Mail Arvada'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 Authority Explaining affo...

Send us Fan Mail Friend 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...

Send us Fan Mail Learn 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 info 3 City Council seats up for election (view the Council Districts map ) Ballot measure 3G to remove the judge residency requirement Jefferson County elections website , including drop box and voting center...

Send us Fan Mail Jim 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 (...

Send us Fan Mail This 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 Pa...

Send us Fan Mail This 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...

Send us Fan Mail Aislinn 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-s...

Send us Fan Mail Arvada 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 th...

Send us Fan Mail Judge 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 issues A ballot measure is being considered to remove the residency requirem...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 employees The collaborative relationship and...