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Metro delegation will visit Houston to learn about the city’s regional approach to address homelessness

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Posted on: September 18, 2022

AURORA, Colo. – Officials from Aurora, Denver, Adams and Arapahoe Counties will travel to Houston on Wednesday, Sept. 14 on a fact-finding mission to understand how the city and its many regional partners have approached homelessness in a way that has garnered national attention and praise. 

 

“Our goal is to make homelessness rare, brief and a one-time experience,” said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman on behalf of the city and its staff. “I’m looking forward to seeing Houston’s approach to reducing homelessness, and we are interested in learning how they brought together key stakeholders from all sections of the community to work on this issue. The Metro Denver region has been working together on homelessness and this is a great opportunity for us as a region to learn together.” 

 

Aurora Council Member Juan Marcano added, “I am thrilled to have Aurora lead this mission and to have the City and County of Denver, Arapahoe County, and Adams County joining us in cooperation and partnership. We have a great opportunity to learn from the successes and struggles of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston and Harris County, and I am grateful to Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Coalition for their willingness to share their expertise with us. It is my hope that we return from this mission with a commitment to a shared strategy and vision for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro region and get to work reducing homelessness in a way that is both cost-effective and humane.”

During the two-day trip the group will meet with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and an array of leaders from government, nonprofit and private organizations from across the Greater Houston area, and learn more about the area’s street outreach efforts, funding streams and procurement of housing units. 

 

“With unsheltered homelessness up by nearly one-third across the Denver metro area over the past two years, it’s more important than ever for our region to pull together and address the injustice of people living on the streets,” Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “I’m confident the delegation will benefit from visiting Houston and bring back fresh ideas to metro Denver.” 

 

“We know that homelessness is not only an Adams County, Aurora or Arapahoe County issue,” said Adams County Board Chair Lynn Baca. “The key to the success that Houston and Harris County have in addressing this issue rests with their regional approach and we are all hoping to learn more about how that model might be applicable for us.” 

 

Among the elected officials from Colorado to travel to Houston will be Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Aurora Council Members Juan Marcano and Alison Coombs, Denver Council Members Candi CdeBaca and Chris Hinds, Adams County Commissioner Eva Henry and Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Jackson. 

 

“As one of the largest metro areas in the country that has also had some successes in dealing with their homelessness issues, we feel that our group can benefit from seeing Houston’s work and look for ways that it might translate to the Denver metro area,” said Arapahoe County Board Chair Nancy Jackson. “We already view homelessness as a very regional issue in our communities, and we look forward to a robust sharing of ideas around how we can make a difference in Colorado.” 

 

Officials will be available for debriefings after the trip. The Aurora Council Members will discuss the trip during the City Council Study Session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19.

 

Festival Latino
Posted on: September 9, 2024

Adams County Festival Latino Returns Sunday, Sept. 15

Adams County is proud to announce the return of Festival Latino on Sunday, Sept. 15, noon – 7 p.m., at Riverdale Regional Park. Experience a day filled with vibrant cultural celebrations, including live music, dance performances, art installations, and delicious Latino cuisine. This free, family-friendly event will showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Latino culture in the region.

Michael Romero
Posted on: September 5, 2024

Michael Romero Named Adams County Employee of ALL Seasons

The Adams County Board of Commissioners announced Michael Romero as Adams County Employee of ALL Seasons at the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon held on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Michael began his career in March 1994 as a Deputy Sheriff in the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and retired in May 2013. He then returned to work for Adams County in October 2014 as a part-time Investigations Assistant for the District Attorney’s Office and continues to serve in this role today.

Posted on: September 4, 2024

AANHPI Heritage Takes Center Stage: Dragon Boats Return to Riverdale Regional Park for a Day of Celebration

Get ready for a day of thrilling dragon boat races and vibrant cultural celebrations as the Colorado Dragon Boat Regatta returns to Mann-Nyholt Lake at Riverdale Regional Park on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This thrilling event, now in its fourth year at Riverdale Regional Park, invites families and friends, to dive into the vibrant tapestry of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cultures in Adams County and Colorado. Join us for this free, public celebration that promises to immerse everyone in the rich arts and culture of the region.

Posted on: September 3, 2024

Adams County Health Department and District Attorney’s Office Come Together to Honor Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with Community Resources and Support

Safeguarding lives and promoting the mental health and well-being of people in Adams County is one of the core pillars at the center of what the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) strives to do. In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, ACHD is taking action to remember the lives lost to suicide and work hand-in-hand with the community to create an environment where everyone gets the help and support they need.

Posted on: August 28, 2024

Adams County Commissioners Award $800,000 in Community Enrichment Grants

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded $800,000 in Community Enrichment Grants to 31 nonprofit organizations working in the county. These grants support programs to assist county residents with their basic needs and to help them become self-sufficient.

Posted on: August 27, 2024

Project Connects to Honor Lives Lost to Overdoses Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day

198 lives gone – but honored and never forgotten. In 2023, Adams County accounted for nearly one in ten overdose deaths across Colorado. Just ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) is re-doubling its efforts to protect lives and reduce the stigma of overdose-related deaths, rebranding its Harm Reduction program as Project Connects.

Our promise to the community: Promoting Health, Building Connections.

Posted on: August 21, 2024

Adams County Health Department Stepping Up Efforts to Keep People Safe from West Nile Virus

As Adams County reports its first human case of West Nile Virus during the 2024 season, the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) wants to keep you and your family safe.

August and September are traditionally the two months with the highest number of people catching West Nile Virus from bites of infected mosquitoes. In 2023, Colorado had 634 reported human cases, including 45 in Adams County. Colorado had 51 deaths in 2023.

Photo of John Nelsen
Posted on: August 1, 2024

Adams County Appoints John Nelsen as New Director of People & Culture Services

Adams County is pleased to announce the appointment of John Nelsen as the new Director of People & Culture Services (P&C). John, who has been serving as the deputy director of P&C since August 2023 and recently as the interim director, brings a wealth of expertise and a forward-thinking vision to his new role.