How Arvada Plans for the Next 20 Years

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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 this episode:

• What a comprehensive plan is and why it matters
• Why Arvada updates the plan on a regular cycle and what has changed since 2014
• The difference between the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code and zoning
• Real examples of comprehensive planning outcomes like G Line access and park walkability goals
• Ways to join the process through the advisory group, events, surveys, meetings, and email updates
• The four-phase timeline, scenario analysis, and how the final plan gets adopted
• Misconceptions we hear most, including zoning confusion and requests for specific retailers
• Quick trivia on Arvada planning history and build-out projections
  
  

You can stay in touch with us a number of different ways using the link in the top of the show notes to text us. You can also email us at podcast at Arvada.org.

News and events:

• The City’s Volunteer Appreciation Event is Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at Allen House Pavilion. To learn more, visit arvadaco.gov/volunteer and sign up for our volunteer email list.
• The Ralston Central Splash Pad is set to open Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23. The Splash Pad uses recycled water, like a swimming pool, so the operating hours will not be impacted by the City’s drought restrictions. However, the Olde Town Fountain does not use recycled water – it uses treated water – therefore it will only be on during special events this summer, such as the Farmer’s Market and Second Saturdays, while Stage 1 restrictions are in place.
• The second annual Arvada Summerfest is coming up on Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ralston Park Addition, just north of Arvada West High School. This is a community-driven event featuring live music, fundraising, kids activities and more. Like all the City festivals, it’s free to attend. Learn more at arvadaco.gov/summerfest.
• The annual Arvada Kids Fishing Contest is coming up on Saturday, June 13 from 7 to 11 a.m. at Arvada-Blunn Reservoir. The event is free and open to kids age 14 and younger, along with their families. The fishing contest includes prizes for each age division, along with a free lunch and raffle. Learn more at arvadaco.gov/fishing-contest.
• Next bulky item drop off event is Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex (NAAC). Be sure to bring proof of residency and check the list of acceptable items on our website arvadaco.gov/bulkyitems

Visit us at arvadaco.gov/podcast or email us at [email protected].