On Friday, April 18, over 150 business and community leaders gathered at Social Capitol Events for the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City Address. Featuring an energizing address by Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson, the morning celebrated progress, partnerships, and a bold vision for the city’s future.
Mayor Simpson’s keynote speech captured Arvada’s momentum across key areas—highlighting how the city is laying the groundwork, quite literally, for sustainable growth and long-term impact. Below are three key takeaways, plus a video recording, from the event.
1. Major Infrastructure Investments Are Underway
A central theme of the Mayor’s address was Arvada’s significant investment in infrastructure. These projects aim to support current needs while preparing the city for future demands:
- The Ralston Road project is complete and the Ralston Creek Development, which adds housing, a beer garden, and park space, is in its final stages.
- The new Arvada Aquatic Center, one of the largest natatoriums in Colorado, is open and set to enhance recreational offerings.
- Over 54,000 feet of aging water and sewer pipelines were replaced in 2024 alone.
Looking ahead, plans include a new water treatment facility and discussions around a Mountain Rail stop in Arvada—an exciting nod to the city’s historic commuter rail past with a vision for modern mobility.
2. Affordable Housing and Homelessness Are Top Priorities
Addressing housing equity head-on, Mayor Simpson highlighted strides made in both affordable housing and homelessness services:
- More than 500 affordable and workforce housing units were added in 2023, with a focus on the “missing middle” income bracket.
- The city employs two Homelessness Navigators and is developing a Homelessness Action Strategy.
- The city implemented additional innovative homelessness initiatives:
- A 35-room transitional housing program
- An 85-unit permanent supportive housing project with Family Tree, already demonstrating tangible success stories and measurable outcomes.
3. Community Engagement and Innovation Drive Arvada’s Identity
Arvada’s spirit of innovation and civic pride was another focal point of the forum. Initiatives pushing the city into the future include:
- Facial recognition technology to improve public safety.
- The launch of a Climate Action Plan to address sustainability.
- Quantum Commons, a cutting-edge tech hub that positions Arvada as a player in the quantum computing space.
At the same time, community engagement remains at the heart of the city’s growth. From vibrant public art and murals to volunteer programs and events like the 100th Harvest Festival, Arvada continues to cultivate a culture of involvement, inclusion, and shared purpose. Learn how you can best engage with the City of Arvada at this link.
The 2025 State of the City Address was sponsored by the City of Arvada, Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA), Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA), Footers and Social Capitol, and La Patisserie Francaise.
Missed the event? You can watch the full address below.
Stay connected with upcoming events, programs, and updates from the Arvada area business community by subscribing to the Greater Arvada Chamber’s newsletters at arvadachamber.org/newsletters.
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