City Budget Basics

Send us Fan MailArvada's Chief Financial Officer, Bryan Archer helps break down how the city plans the budget, where the money comes from, and why different funds follow different rules. We also clear up common myths about property tax, bonds, and long term funding for city services. Visit the City Finances webpage for more budget and finance information. News & EventsVisit the leaf drop-off event to compost your leavesSign up for the Arvada News, bi-weekly newsletterCheck out the new murals around town, find locations on the public art webpageVisit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Tim Jones, founder of Longer Tables, about how shared meals build trust, reduce isolation, and help neighbors connect. We also trace Tim’s family connection to Arvada founder Benjamin Wadsworth and how that legacy of community building shows up in Arvada’s Longer Tables efforts. What is Longer Tables and how they focus on food, story, and belongingFollow two simple rules to show up as yourself and not talk about workParticipate in 150 Tables Across Arvada by next August to build community in your neighborhoodInsights into how to host a neighborhood table, including guides, prompts, and support News & EventsCompost your leaves at the Leaf Drop-off Event (Nov. 7 - 21 at Stenger Sports Complex)The City has achieved two big goals for the year: house 65 people out of homelessness and repave 75 lane miles of road!Council passed 2027 water, wastewater, and stormwater ratesWe are posting Council meeting recaps after each business meetingJoin us for Food Trucks and Fireworks at Stenger Sports Complex on Friday, Nov. 6 (fireworks start at 6:30 p.m.)Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe talk with senior landscape architect Chad Hollingsworth about how Arvada renovates playgrounds each year, from construction timing to the behind-the-scenes safety and planning that decides what gets replaced first. We also dig into inclusive play design, bigger upgrades like Robbie Ferrufino Park, and what your community survey feedback actually changes.Included in this episode:Construction timing for Ralston Cove, Terrace, and Pioneer playground renovations How we prioritize renovations using equipment age, safety inspections, and equity across the city Parks that are getting new playgrounds in 2027: Allendale, The Meadows at West Woods and RussellHow designers balance physical, social, sensory, and cognitive play The new all abilities playground coming to Robby Ferrufino ParkWhy certain features like zip lines require more space and safety clear zones Other parks and trail projects our landscape team supports News and events: Food Trucks and Fireworks is Friday, Nov. 6 at Stenger Sports Complex. This is our make-up event from when fireworks were postponed on July 4th because of the fire ban. Arvada's community-wide leaf drop-off starts Nov. 7 and goes through Nov. 21 at Stenger Sports Complex. Visit the webpage for more information. Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailParks Manager Steve Gustafson joins the show to discuss how the Parks Department has limited its use of water to follow drought restrictions throughout the summer. Steve also explains why some City parks, athletic fields and golf courses will continue watering into October despite Denver Water's ban on residential lawn watering that goes into effect on Oct. 1. Included in this episode: How the Parks Department has reduced its water use by 20% with smart irrigation, weather stations, and prioritization Why trees and shrubs count as high-value green infrastructure How the City's two golf courses, West Woods and Lake Arbor, are limiting and prioritizing its water use during drought restrictionsWhat drought damage looks like in parks, from brown patches to more weeds How soil history changes turf performance across different parks How native grasses and fescues can reduce long-term water demand Winter watering tips for young trees, including 10 gallons per inch of diameter How computerized irrigation detects leaks, alarms, and mainline breaks Practical weed control options beyond chemicals, from pulling to mechanical removal News and events: Our Movies Around Town series wraps up Friday, Oct. 9 at Clear Creek Valley Park with a free showing of our People’s Choice Movie Poll winner, "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Event page with more details.Lawn watering will no longer be allowed beginning October 1. All other Stage 1 water restrictions remain in effect. No fall watering variances will be permitted. New water use and supply page that shows what our month-to-month trends are looking like for water use and savings.Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Traffic Engineer, Elijah Vignet-Kotze about how signal retiming works, how it reduces stops and emissions, and what it takes to balance needs of multiple directions of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at busy intersections. We also answer listener questions on flashing signals, roundabouts, and speed bumps, then share what corridors and projects are coming next.More from the episode:Which major roads CDOT manages (contact CDOT webpage)Read more about the traffic signal retiming effort on page 8 of the August / September 2026 Arvada ReportHow Arvada manages about 120 traffic signalsSignal outages can be reported by calling the non-emergency police line at 303-980-7300Signal retiming outcomes along 64th Avenue and 80th Avenue for fewer stops, faster times, and reduced greenhouse gas emissionsHow we respond to speeding concerns and requests for new traffic signals, stop signs, and crosswalksUpdates on signals being installed at 64th and Easley and 63rd and McIntyreNews and EventsMovies Around Town: watch GOAT at Volunteer Firefighter Park on Friday, September 18People's Choice Movie will be The Nightmare Before Christmas at Clear Creek Valley Park on Friday, October 9Lawn watering will no longer be allowed beginning October 1, all other Stage 1 drought restrictions remain in placeW. 72nd Ave. restoration work is underway with an extended weekend full closure Friday, Sept. 18 to Tuesday, Sept. 22CDOT I-70 birdge replacement at Kipling will require a full weekend closure of north and southbound Kipling for two consecutive weekendsVisit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailCity Attorney Rachel Morris joins us to break down how public comment works at City Council meetings. Rachel explains what changes when council shifts into a quasi-judicial role for land use hearings and how to make your testimony more effective.Included in this episode: How to sign up and speak during general public comment at City Council meetingsThe City's development review decision-making matrix that determines which development cases reach City Council What “quasi-judicial” means and why council members cannot discuss case merits outside the hearingGeneral public comment versus sworn public testimony during a public hearingHow to use the Council meeting packet and staff report to focus on applicable criteriaWhy the Council's quasi-judicial decisions are based on criteria and evidence, not vote-by-crowd energyHow to submit written public comment Why the city is seeking community input on improving the public comment process and how you can participateNews and events:Movies Around Town continues Friday, Sept. 18 with a free showing of the film "GOAT" at Arvada Volunteer Firefighters Park ADA improvement project at West Arvada Dog Park W 72nd Ave restoration work is starting from Oak to KiplingVisit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailSarah Kolb from the Arvada Arts and Culture Commission joins us to discuss some exciting public art projects coming soon across Arvada. We also break down how the Arts and Culture Commission selects artists, how residents can weigh in, and where to find a map of city-owned murals and sculptures. Included in this episode:The Olde Town street murals are returning this fall after they had to be removed for street maintenance in the springAs part of one of the street mural installations, there's a community paint day planned for Sept. 12 during the Olde Town Shindig A new underpass mural coming to the Ralston Creek Trail near Long Lake Regional Park and 66th Ave. just south of the Arvada-Blunn ReservoirArvada West High School traffic box art pilot project along Ralston Road A call for entry is open now through Oct. 4 for a new sculpture along Carr Drive near the Arvada Aquatics CenterThe Arts and Culture Commission's goal of bringing public art within 10 minutes of every Arvada resident A new interactive public art map available online and plans for a printed map Ways to participate by attending an Arts and Culture Commission monthly meeting or applying through CaFÉ The 150-250 short stories initiative using the city’s short story dispenser and local history prompt News and events:Movies Around Town continues Friday, Aug. 21 with a free showing of "Little Shop of Horrors" at West Woods ParkVote in the People's Choice Movie Poll now to decide which film will be shown Oct. 9 at Clear Creek Valley ParkNew traffic signals are being installed at 64th and Easley, followed by 63rd and McIntyre. Both projects will require single lane closures, and possibly temporary full road closures near the work zones to ensure safe installation. W 72nd Ave restoration work is starting soon, with 4 to 5 months of construction to restore the section of corridor from Kipling to Oak that was not completed with a widening when the underpass portion of the project was canceled earlier this year.CDOT's bridge repairs at Kipling and Garrison are underway with overnight work, single lane and shoulder closures.Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe share a progress update on our goal to repave 75 lane miles of road, more than double what is completed in a typical year. We explain how the pavement management program decides what roads to repave and clear up common misconceptions about surface treatments, warranties, and safety concerns.See where work is happening or proposed in 2026Learn about the program funding and decision making processCheck out the dashboard of progress on our 2026 goalsNews & EventsMovies Around Town on Friday, Aug. with Little Shop HorrorsPeople's Choice Movie Poll: vote for the movie you want to see by Aug. 31!Bulky Item Drop off Event on Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex (NAAC)Participate in 150 Tables Across ColoradoVisit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Commander Jason Ammon to explain ARTIC, Arvada’s Real Time Information Center, that connects cameras, drones, and dispatch tools to support emergency response. We walk through how drone first response works, why it can make scenes safer, and how privacy limits, data retention, and a public transparency dashboard keep the program accountable. News & Events: Movies Around Town: Little Shop of Horrors at West Woods Park, Friday, August 21Arts and Culture Commission is selecting artists to replace the Olde Town street murals later this yearFinal Bulky Item Drop-off Event is Saturday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex (NAAC)Be sure to register your neighborhood event for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4 to request a visit from Arvada Police and FireVisit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe 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 supporting her team of navigators, outreach, grants, budgets, and cross-department leadershipListen back to Inside Arvada episode 22 with homelessness case managers Hudson Janz and Alex Williams  Progress update on the city's goal to help 65 people exit homelessness in 2026, with 47 exits so far How the City's homelessness team coordinates efforts with Arvada PD and the Parks Department to connect people to safer options and resources The City's transitional housing program at Suburban Studios and why readiness affects success rates How people can get support with homelessness, including basic needs and benefits, a day shelter, food assistance, health and medical, housing and navigation, and legal/judicialHow you can help address homelessness, including donating through the Colorado Gives Foundation or providing supplies through our Amazon Wish ListAnswering some frequently asked questions about homelessness, such as what percentage of people 'choose to be homeless' Data from the 2026 Point In Time Count You can stay in touch by texting us using the link at the top of the episode or by emailing us at [email protected]. Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].