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Here’s What Being a “Full-Service” Real Estate Agent Means to Us

To me — and, I believe, to my broker associates at Golden Real Estate — being a “full-service” real estate agent means more than providing the minimum “uniform duties” set forth by the Colorado Real Estate Commission, with my comments in brackets:

“Broker shall exercise reasonable skill and care for seller, including, but not limited to the following:

Performing the terms of any written or oral agreement with seller;

Presenting all offers to and from seller in a timely manner, regardless of whether the property is subject to a contract for sale;

Those are the minimum duties spelled out by the Real Estate Commission for an agent representing a seller. The Commission spells out similar duties for a broker representing a buyer, tenant or landlord.

Disclosing to seller adverse material facts [about the buyer] actually known by broker;

Advising seller to obtain expert advice as to material matters about which broker knows but the specifics of which are beyond the expertise of broker;

Accounting in a timely manner for all money and property received; and

Keeping seller fully informed [throughout] the transaction.

Those are the minimum duties, whether the agent is functioning as a transaction broker or an agent. A transaction broker, which we don’t recommend, is a broker who owes no fidelity to either party, but merely facilitates the transaction. If the broker is an agent, broker has the following additional duties:

“Promoting the interests of seller with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity [above those of the buyer or him/herself].

Seeking a price and terms that are acceptable to seller [or better].

Counseling seller as to any material benefits or risks of a transaction that are actually known by broker.”

At Golden Real Estate, my broker associates and I are always seeking to “go the extra mile” when serving our clients. For sellers, that could include such things as providing a free professional staging consultation before the home goes on the market, so that it shows its best.

Sometimes the staging consultant recommends moving furniture, and, of course, we help there. And sometimes repairs are required, for which we provide our in-house handyman at the client-only rate of $30 per hour. He can handle light plumbing and light electrical matters such as replacing a vanity, toilet or chandelier, and he’s also good at doing drywall repair, including texturing.

A seller who is downsizing may need to sell or give away unwanted furniture. In many instances, we’ve been able to get the winning buyer in a bidding war to agree to purchase all the unwanted furniture — even if they didn’t want it. If there’s enough good quality furniture, we have an estate sales vendor who will run a sale and then donate the unsold furniture (using his own truck) to the International Rescue Committee, which donates that furniture to refugees from other countries for whom the IRC has found housing.

(When Rita and I sold our Golden home in 2022, we had a bidding war, and the buyer paid us $10,000 for the furniture we didn’t want in our 55+ apartment, and, best of all, I wrote into the contract that we could leave anything else that we didn’t want. That included our garage full of tools and “stuff”!)

Before our box truck died, we provided it

Here Are Some Reviews From Our Past Clients:

Golden Real Estate is the best residential real estate agency i have ever worked with. And I have bought more than 20 houses. What I like most is that they are not afraid to express their frank opinions about any piece of real estate. And I love the house they found for us on South Golden Road. — Don Parker

Dave Dlugasch did a phenomenal job working with us! We were not easy buyers because of an extensive “wish list” and he did his homework on each property we looked at until we found the right one. He gave us great advice and was very supportive of all our questions throughout the entire process.

— M. Madigan

Based on Jim Smith's knowledge, experience, and expertise in the real estate arena, we decided to work with him when it came time to downsize. We used Jim and his real estate firm to both purchase the new home and sell our existing property. All communication with Jim has been top notch. He also provided all packing materials and labor to make our move. It was a great experience from start to finish.

— R. Trujillo

We were beyond impressed with Kathy Jonke! She went above and beyond for us. She accommodated all of our needs. She was insightful and extremely helpful throughout the entire process! I can’t recommend her more!

— Eve Wilson

Not only did Jim Smith do a superb job in the marketing and sale of our home, he provided his company's moving truck and long time handyman Mark to move our belongings to our new home in Broomfield. When a problem occurred, he hired an outside moving company to help complete the move in one day instead of two! We are so pleased that Jim helped us through the process of selling our home and moving us into our new home.

— Reese & Sally Ganster Chuck Brown is a superb Realtor. He is very knowledgeable regarding the market, very

proactive and highly professional. Chuck was great at identifying potential properties that met our criteria, he moved very quickly to show us potential properties and his analysis of property values was on point and very thorough. Chuck was extremely proactive and responsive in his communications with us. Chuck went above and beyond our expectations. My wife and I have done six real estate transactions and we think Chuck is the best Realtor ever. We would highly recommend Chuck to other home buyers. — S. Diamond I was helping my mom and her husband sell the house. David Dlugasch was very accommodating to this dynamic. He arranged for all the paperwork to be done at the nursing home for the ease of my mom. David and I worked together to get the very full and dated house ready to go on the market. He went above and beyond by going to the paint store and hardware store etc. He was always available via text for any question I had along the way. He had a lot of resources. The best one was Mark, the handyman. I could always count on Mark. Mark was very meticulous and could do anything. What a great team! I could not have taken on this monumental task without them!!

—Heidi Warner

Greg Kraft was knowledgeable and professional. He was very easy to work with and was super proactive in searching the listings. That was a key in us managing to buy the townhome in a very competitive market. He was also very responsive and communicated really well with us and the listing agents. We would recommend him without reservation.

— J. Knight

Jim Swanson was kind and patient while listening to my questions. He helped me to translate the real estate language and manage the sale process. He connected the dots, allowing me to make good decisions, maintain my personal integrity and profit from the sale when a great offer came to the forefront. Jim, Thank you for putting communication and community first. — Name Withheld

for only the cost of gas used by buyers and sellers, and we still have a storage shed full of previously used moving boxes of all sizes, packing paper and bubble wrap, which we provide free to clients. Many times I have delivered those boxes and packing materials to a client so they don’t have to pick them up. (We’re running low on small moving boxes, if you have some you’d like to give us.)

Sometimes a seller will need to move furniture or other belongings into a storage unit so their home shows better, and we have been able a couple times to procure a free first month’s rent, with no contract beyond that.

Our personal “cleaning lady” isn’t taking on new accounts but is always available for one-time move-out cleanings of our listings. I just found out that she pulls out the range and refrigerator and cleans behind them, which I wouldn’t have expected, but which makes sense, because the buyer is likely to replace one of those appliances and would be disgusted at how dirty it was there! Thanks, Cybil!

Golden Real Estate is still one of the only brokerages which shoots a narrated video tour for every listing and posts it on YouTube, with links to the MLS, which in turns gets it onto the public and broker websites which get their listings from the MLS. We’ve been doing that for two decades, yet other brokers have been slow to realize its value. It has resulted in some out-of-state buyers (including one last fall) going under contract without seeing the listing in person until they fly in for the home inspection.

We also have switched to a photographic vendor owned by Zillow for shooting the magazine-quality still photos and Matterport interactive photos for our listings. They also

“Real Estate Today” will be on this page every other week, so the next time you’ll see it will be May 22. On those alternate weeks, you will find a half-page ad on a related topic. Next week it will be my monthly “Let’s Talk Home Financing” column. On May 29th it will be on a

to sustainability.

create accurate floor plans of every listing and shoot a drone video and aerial photos. Because the vendor is owned by Zillow, our listings garner priority display on that important website.

I’m also a member agent on Homes.com, the nation’s new #1 listing website, which garners each of our listings many times more views than otherwise. Here’s a recent statistical report sent to one of my sellers:

These Past “Real Estate Today” Columns May Interest You

Clickable links for each column can be found at www.JimSmithColumns.com

Feb. 20, 2025 — We Have a Tool to Help You Find the ‘Perfect’ Home That’s Not on the MLS

Dec. 26, 2024 — As Pro-Tenant Laws Expand, Some Small Landlords Are Considering Cashing Out

Dec. 19, 2024 — What Are the Costs of Buying or Selling a Home in Colorado?

Nov. 7, 2024 — We Need to Take Seriously the Pollutants Emitted When Cooking With Gas

Oct. 31, 2024 — Cooperative Living Presents an Attractive Alternative for Downsizing Seniors

Sept. 26, 2024 — Some Thoughts on Keeping Your Death From Becoming an Undue Burden on Your Heirs

Sept. 5, 2024 — What Knowledge and Skills Should You Expect Your Real Estate Agent to Have?

Aug. 8, 2024 — Seniors Over 70 Might Consider Downsizing Into a Rental, Not a Smaller Home

July 25, 2024 — Many Homeowners Don’t Understand Title Issues, Which Could Lead to Big Problems Later On

June 6, 2024 — Here Are Some Simple Steps to Take to Avoid Unpleasant Surprises After Closing

Mar. 21, 2024 — What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’?

Feb. 22, 2024 — Most Sellers Don’t Know How to Interview a Listing Agent. Here’s Some Guidance.

Dec. 21, 2023 — D.R. Horton Inks Deal to Build Homes With OSB Made From Grass Instead of Wood

Nov. 23, 2023 — Scamming Has Become Its Own Industry, and We’re All Prospective Victims

Sept. 28, 2023 — Insurance Companies Are Pulling Out of California. Is That in Our Future?

Aug. 10, 2023 — What Are Some Common Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Selling?

June 15, 2023 — Don’t Let Capital Gains Tax Deter You From Cashing Out on an Investment Property

May 11, 2023 — Do Agents Inflate the Cost of Buying or Selling Your Home with ‘Junk Fees’?

Apr. 20, 2023 — What Are Some Affordable Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers?

Mar. 16, 2023 — Here Are Some Ways to Make Your Home More Accommodating to Seniors

Feb. 9, 2023 — Understanding Indoor Air Quality and How It’s Managed in Super-Insulated Homes

Oct. 27, 2022 — Sales Taxes May Be Lower, But Property Taxes Are Higher in Unincorporated Areas

Oct. 6, 2022 — How to Make Sure That the House You Buy Will Not Be a ‘Money Pit’

Sept. 22, 2022 — What Steps Can You Take to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient?

July 28, 2022 — Aging in Place vs. Moving to a 55+ Community: Here Are Some Considerations

May 26, 2022 — Reflections on Selling Our Home and Moving Into a 55+ Rental Community

Jan. 6, 2022 — Marshall Fire Is a Wake-up Call for Building More Fire-Resistant Homes

Dec. 2, 2021 — My Favorite Home Improvements When Purchasing a New-to-Me Home

Oct. 14, 2021 — Court Rules That Sending an Email Can Bind You, Even Without Signing It Oct. 7, 2021 — What Are the Most Common Foundation Issues You Might Encounter in a Home?

I love rolling up my own sleeves and getting dirty for my clients. Once I used a logging chain and my truck to pull juniper bushes out of the front yard of a listing to improve its curb appeal. I look forward to the opportunity to surprise and delight you with what we consider being a “full service” Realtor! Jim

Home values dip, signaling relief for homeowners

BY BRIAN EASON

COLORADO SUN

Home values across the Denver metro area largely held steady or declined in the latest tax assessment period, county assessors announced April 30, in the latest sign that Colorado’s housing market has cooled o from its pandemic fever.

County tax o cials said it will be several months before they can de nitively say whether most residential tax bills will go up or down next year. at’ll depend on whether local governments raise mill levies when they set their budgets later this year and how the state’s new property tax laws play out in di erent communities.

But at least one thing’s assured: e typical homeowner won’t experience major spikes in their 2026 tax bills like they did after the last re-assessment two years ago, which led to several rounds of property tax cuts at the state level.

“If there’s a headline for us in Douglas County this year, it’s breathing a sigh of relief,” Toby Damisch, the county tax assessor, said at a news conference in Denver.

In Douglas County, the median residential value dropped 3.5% in the preliminary assessments, which re ect market values as of June 2024. at’s a night-and-day di erence from this time two years ago, when residential values were up nearly 50% in Douglas County, and more than 30% in Denver.

Damisch said it was the rst time since the Great Recession he’s seen residential values fall in his county. And they could fall further in the coming months, when property owners have the chance to appeal their values.

Tax o cials pointed to a few factors to explain the dip. High interest rates and economic uncertainty have depressed home sales in recent years. And in retrospect, the June 2022 valuation came at the worst possible time for homeowners struggling with the cost of living. Home prices peaked across much of Colorado that summer, meaning tax assessors took their biannual snapshot used to determine tax bills at the absolute height of the market.

Je erson County Assessor Scot Kersgaard said his area was the only one to see an increase in residential values — and even there it was a minor 2% bump. Across the rest of the Front Range, home values held steady or dropped a few percentage points. Nonetheless, housing a ordability remains a major challenge across the metro

Parcel maps on display at the Denver City-County Building, where county assessors announced the results of the 2024 valuation on April 30, 2025.

orado Sun that median home values are up 8% in Eagle County, where he serves as the tax assessor. In Gar eld County, home to Glenwood Springs, residential values are up 14%, he said.

Along the Front Range, local governments should see tax revenue stay relatively at, assessors said. Commercial values were up across the metro area, largely o setting the declines in home values. Keith Er meyer, the Denver assessor, said growth in warehouses and other commercial properties more than made up for a downturn in the o ce sector, where vacancies are up as more people work from home.

area. Damisch said the cost of homeownership remains “the highest it’s ever been” in Colorado, thanks to high interest rates and insurance costs. In Boulder County, where median home values are down about 1%, prices actually went up for condos and townhomes, making it harder for entry-level buyers to purchase their rst home.

JoAnn Gro , the state property tax administrator, said she won’t have numbers from all 64 counties until August, but in preliminary surveys from earlier this year, the rest of Colorado looked similar to metro Denver, with residential values mostly at or slightly down. But that isn’t the case everywhere. In mountain communities, where housing costs are the highest, prices are still going up. Mark Chapin, president of the Colorado Assessors Association, told e Col-

Absent future tax hikes, at tax revenue could lead to budget cuts for many local agencies, as they grapple with in ation and declines in state and federal funding. But county tax o cials insisted it was too soon to say what the valuation would mean for homeowners and local governments. In a change from previous years, homeowners won’t get an estimated tax bill with their valuation notice, due to a change in state law.

at will give counties time to determine if revenue is expected to grow faster than the state’s new property tax cap, requiring cuts to the assessment rate. And it will prevent homeowners from being given an estimate that turns out to be wrong when local government o cials set their mill levy rates later in the year.

“ e taxes are going to get gured out later — that’s just how it works now,” Damisch said. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

PHOTO BY

BRIAN EASON / THE COLORADO SUN

Butterﬂy Pavilion starts the 2025 monitoring season

New report shows a decline in butterﬂies across the country

BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Westminster’s Butter y Pavilion is playing a key role in identifying and preserving butter ies across Colorado, as the 2025 butter y monitoring season begins May 3 at Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown.

To kick o the season, the Butter y Pavilion has released the 2024 Annual Colorado Butter y Monitoring Network report on the state of Colorado’s native butter y populations. Last year marked the 12th year of Monitoring Network as one of the nation’s fastest-growing community science programs focused on butter y conservation.

O cials say this year’s announcement comes at a critical time in butter y habitats. A new study published in Science magazine shows a 22% decline in butter y abundance across the U.S. between 2000 and 2020.

Butter y Pavilion played a signi cant role in the research, contributing Colorado-speci c data from the Monitoring Network and collaborating with nearly two dozen scientists through the “Status of Butter ies in the United States” working group, according to a Pavilion news release.

More data needed e ndings highlight the urgent need for local and national e orts to protect pollinators, one of the most vital and vulnerable components of our ecosystems, according to a news release.

“While we have a lot of great data, we still need more for a comprehensive picture,” said Shiran Hershcovich, Lepidopterist Manager at Butter y Pavilion and co-author in the Science study, said in the news release. “ at’s where the public comes in with community science programs like (Colorado Butter y Monitoring Network), which allow us to cover more geographies and provide essential insights for conservation.”

In a press release, the 2024 Colorado Butter y Monitoring Network Report notes that 452 surveys were submitted across 69 monitoring routes in 12 Colorado counties. Reports came from 59 active monitors, including 40 new volunteers, that contributed 385.4 hours of butter y observations.

As of Oct. 15, 2024, the program had documented 144,002 individual butter ies through 4,764 surveys, totaling 4,899.8 hours of monitoring since 2013.

Participating counties in 2024 included: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broom eld, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Gilpin, Je erson, Larimer, and Weld.

Big growth for 2025 e Butter y Pavilion is aiming for ambitious growth of the Colorado Butter y Monitoring Network in its 13th season, according to the news release. e 2025 goals include expanding the program to 18 counties, recruiting 90 monitors, and surveying 80 sites along 90 routes. In addition, Butter y Pavilion will begin in-depth analysis of its decade-long dataset to better understand trends and inform conservation strategies statewide, the news

release states.

Hershcovich. “When our community gets involved, they become stewards of our environment and champions for native invertebrates.”

teers to monitor butter ies in their communities from May to September. After attending a training session, monitors choose a route and walk it at least three times per season, recording every butter y they see within a six-meter radius. Volunteers also note weather conditions, time, and habitat data.

is year’s remaining training dates and

locations include three joint sessions with the Monarch Larva Monitoring Program: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 at Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at Cherry Creek State Park in Denver and 10 a.m. to noon May 17 at Lory

A fourth program hosted solely by the Colorado Butter y Monitoring Network is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18 at East Boulder Community Center. Self-paced online video training is also available. ose interested can visit and sign up here: https://butter ies.org/research-and-conserve/butter y-monitoring/

Project Announcement

PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT

Project Announcement

JC 73 Corridor Improvments from Little Cub Creek Road to Plettner Lane

Jefferson County will begin making improvements to a section of the Jefferson County Highway 73 corridor (JC 73) from just south of Little Cub Creek Road to Plettner Lane in the Town of Evergreen in mid-May.

Project Schedule & Hours

•The project begins in mid-May with anticipated completion by November 30.

•Normal working hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, weather permitting.

•Some overnight work will take place on JC 73 and Little Cub Creek Road.

•Construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.

JC 73 Corridor Improvements from Little Cub Creek Road

Jefferson County will begin making improvements to a section of the Jefferson County Road just south of Little Cub Creek Road to Plettner Lane -May safety, correct turn lane and shoulder width limitations replace the Little Cub Creek includes widening sections of JC 73 and adding a 6 foot paved walkway/shoulder to the enhancing turn lanes, and replacing the Little Cub Creek Road bridge with a concrete box building retaining walls, adding two paved parking lots accessible via the new walkway, and pedestrian facilities. Crews will also mill and pave JC 73 within the project limits and signs and delineators . FNF Construction is the prime contractor for the project.

Traffic Impacts

Project Schedule & Hours

Red Rocks Community College is proud to announce the celebration of its 55th annual commencement on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 10am at the Outdoor Pavilion on the RRCC Lakewood Campus. Celebrate with us as we honor our graduates!

•No lane closures will be in place on JC 73 during daytime hours.

•Single lane closures may be taken from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday on Little Cub Creek Road, with brief traffic holds managed by flagger operations.

• The project begins in mid- May with anticipated completion by November 30.

•Periodic overnight single lane closures will occur in both directions of JC 73 and on Little Cub Creek Road from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, with brief traffic holds.

• Normal working hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, weather permitting.

•Special access will be granted to emergency vehicles from the nearby Fire Station

• Some overnight work will take place on JC 73 and Little Cub Creek Road.

• Reduced speeds, traffic shifts, and delays can be expected

•Signs and construction devices will be present to maintain safety and alert the public to work zone restrictions.

•A 12-ft width restriction will be in place.

• Construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

▪ No lane closures will be in place on JC 73

A male monarch pulls nectar from a Rabbitbrush, which is a vital resource for the pollinators in our region. The insects rely on the nectar from those plants and others during their annual migrations.

A nice surprise encounter with an Army veteran

One Sunday morning a few weeks ago, after running some errands, I was picking up brunch for our family. I walked into Doug’s Diner, ready to grab our to-go order. I was wearing a blue T-shirt with white letters that said “History Teacher. Just like a regular teacher only cooler.”

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

As I was talking with the person at the counter, an older gentleman walked up. ere was an air of con dence in his cane-supported walk and his smile suggested that as soon as you knew this man, you felt you had made a friend. He wore a black jacket with various U.S. Army insignia on the back and sleeves and on his head, a hat with the purple heart insignia.

After I nished talking with the woman behind the counter, the man asked if I was a history teacher. I responded with a smile, “Yes, I was before I retired.” en I asked him about his hat. He told me that he was “old,” 82 years old, and that he had been wounded in Vietnam. I said, “ ank you for what you did.” He smiled and nodded.

He then turned and glanced behind the counter, reading aloud a sign propped up on a ledge that said, “Happiness is Homemade.” He asked, “Do you believe that?” I replied, “I do. How about you?”

He looked at me with wisdom- lled eyes and said, “Every day I get up, I have a choice to make. Am I going to be happy with all that is around me or not? at is homemade happiness. Yes, I absolutely believe what that sign says.”

Our conversation ended as quickly as it started, as he walked away, he said, “Have a good day and Go Army, beat Navy!” at encounter will replay in my memory for a long time. e fact that this 82-year-old was a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient tells you everything you need to know about him and the struggles he faced. Not only is he an American hero but he understands hard times, injury, mobility issues, age and who knows what else and chooses to explain to a total stranger the recipe for his clearly happy life … Homemade happiness, you make it yourself.

I hope this secondhand recipe reminds you this week that happiness is a dish we all can make.

I hope my words encourage you and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you. You can reach me at jim.roome@gmail.com.

Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife, Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.

VOICES

Colorado, where have all the jobs gone?

In February, Colorado Public Radio reported that “the unemployment rate, which has been climbing for more than a year, held steady at 4.7% in February, according to Colorado’s labor department.” To put this into perspective the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Colorado 42nd out of the 50 states. Colorado is tied for the fourth highest unemployment rate in the country.

What is going on? Why does Colorado lag the rest of the country? Colorado enjoys a very high percentage of highly educated people. We live in an extraordinarily beautiful state and enjoy an exceptionally high quality of life. Yet, businesses are relocating out of Colorado at an alarming rate. Service businesses are closing and, for the rst time in many years, people are moving to other states.

e simple answer is that Colorado is not friendly for creating and maintaining primary jobs. Primary jobs are in agriculture (farming and ranching), extraction (mining, oil, and gas) and manufacturing — the conversion of natural resources to useful purposes. Primary jobs are critical for the health of Colorado’s economy because each job creates as many as two to ten4 additional jobs to support them.

Colorado features a wonderful variety of professional, white-color, jobs. In May 2024, e Denver Post published a list of Colorado’s best large companies to work for. e list includes real estate, insurance, nancial services, municipalities, technology, health care and tourism. ese industries create indirect jobs — jobs that are dependent on other industries and individuals being able to purchase their services.

But what about primary jobs?

Colorado is losing small businesses. Companies like BCA, QuietKat, Niner and Guerilla Gravity, all manufacturers of

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SPEED for BEAD bill is bad for local internet service

GUEST COLUMN

outdoor recreation equipment or bikes, are no longer in Colorado. Chris Romer of the Vail Valley Partnership observed “ … the ght to keep businesses local is a perpetual challenge as housing prices soar and rural supply chain issues spike costs.”

From 1976 to 2023, Boulder County maintained a 1% growth cap to limit the construction of new homes. About 20 years ago, the state legislature passed construction liability laws that caused builders to curtail construction of multi-family units. ese types of policies make it harder to build homes and increase the price for homebuyers. With too few units available and a growing population, prices rose sharply. Add zoning restrictions imposed by municipalities and business growth becomes restricted or is precluded from locating into some cities.

Controversial regulations, like restricted gun magazine sizes, drove Magpul, a formerly proud Colorado manufacturer of rearms accessories, to relocate over 200 jobs to Wyoming and Texas. It’s notable that the Colorado Legislature just doubled down on this issue by seeking to completely outlaw rearms with detachable magazines.

Colorado has a wealth of natural resources, but restrictive environmental regulations often prevent their extraction. For example, the Piceance Basin in northwest Colorado and Utah holds massive reserves of natural gas but extraction has been severely restricted. Could we have more, betterpaying jobs and lower energy prices if we were allowed to develop our natural resources?

What about the ranchers?

e State of Colorado is receiving nearly $1 billion in federal funding from former President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill to build out reliable high-speed internet service in Colorado’s unserved and underserved locations. ose funds are now at risk of being diverted to satellite companies under proposed legislation from Republican Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina. Hudson, a Republican from North Caro-

State regulation to reintroduce wolves on the western slope has resulted in wolves killing livestock. is is not just a loss to ranchers. It hurts everyone in the state because the state is liable to pay the ranchers for the dead cattle out of our taxes. Government’s heavy-handed management of the pandemic caused many restaurant closures but it’s the State’s imposition of mandatory minimum wages that has made running many of these businesses una ordable. In addition, “ ... (t)he Colorado Restaurant Association also cites Denver’s lengthy and costly licensing process as a reason for restaurants eeing out of the city. More than 90% of businesses that have applied for a retail food license have an active or pending application, according to Denver7. What do soaring housing prices, mandated wages, and controversial laws have in common? ey are all caused by excessive government regulations brought about by Colorado Democrats, who have total control of Colorado State Government. Colorado has been under predominantly Democrat control for the last 50 years. Colorado is among the small group of states that is still supporting a restrictive, progressive agenda, and it is past time to push back. What would less government interference do? It would create lower unemployment, higher wages, reduced housing and energy prices, and a more secure and robust future. Isn’t that just common sense?

Don Ytterberg is a former four-time chair of the Je co Republicans and former twotime vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party. He has been a candidate for the Colorado Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. He and his wife Kim have been residents of Je erson County since 1987 where he has been a business owner since 1990.

lina’s 9th district, has recently introduced legislation that could limit families and businesses in rural areas of Colorado to satellite internet service, which is much less reliable than ber internet. e SPEED for BEAD bill would make it easier for internet companies to use cut-rate contractors when building broadband service and cause delays in broadband builds by forcing states to revisit their plans.

Jim Roome

Don Ytterberg

LETTERS

As a telecommunications worker, I know what reliable, long-lasting internet service looks like and it isn’t satellite. Fiber optics is a one-time infrastructure investment with decades of lifespan, but the low-earth-orbit satellites that are used for internet service have a lifespan of approximately ve years. ese satellites require signi cant long-term spending on launches, maintenance and user equipment upgrades just to keep the current service running. Internet speeds drop as more users connect to the satellite network, making large-scale adoption impractical. Even worse, satellites face disruptions due to weather, while ber is largely immune to this.

anks to the historic infrastructure bill under former President Biden, millions of dollars in federal funding is coming into our state to build broadband infrastructure. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make sure every home and business has access to true high-speed ber internet service. But, Hudson and the Trump administration now want to divert those funds to satellite companies. One can’t help but think Elon Musk and his Starlink satellite company have something to do with this. It would be a shame to see these funds lining the pockets of the richest man in the world when hardworking Coloradans are ready to build out a ber optic infrastructure.

Gov. Jared Polis and our state’s broadband o ce need to stand by their plan for a statewide ber buildout and push back on e orts to change the program to lower standards.

Anthony Scorzo, President, Communications Workers of America Local 7777, Lakewood

Pickleball: How seniors can play safe, have fun, stay ﬁt

Pickleball has taken the tness community by storm, o ering a fun, low-impact

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way to stay active and socialize. Preventing pickleball injuries is particularly important for older adults playing the sport. According to some estimates, the number of pickleball players is expected to grow 150% this year to 22.3 million, and onethird of those who play at least eight times per week are older adults.

In Colorado, our population is getting older. e number of people in the state who are 65 and older will increase by 35% over the next decade, a signi cant shift. With new pickleball facilities opening up across the Front Range, here are a few reminders to Colorado’s active seniors who are looking to take up the sport.

Top ve safety tips for playing pickleball:

#1 Check in with your doctor: Doing physical activity that requires moderate e ort is safe for most people. But if you have been inactive, are not too t, have any underlying health conditions or are overweight, it is safest to discuss this with your doctor.

#2 Start slow, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen: Start slowly and work your way up to more time or more challenging activities. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

#3 Proper equipment: Wear proper shoes, eye protection, and use appropriate equipment.

#4 Be aware of your playing area and any obstacles, including avoiding wet pickleball courts.

#5 Have a plan in case of an emergency on the court.

While embracing the fun and tness bene ts of pickleball, overall, it’s important for all new players – particularly seniors – to prioritize safety on the court. For all of Denver’s active seniors, I encourage them to exercise, train and stay healthy so they can play pickleball and other sports while reducing the likelihood of injury. Plus, when playing pickleball safely on a regular basis, the sport can potentially contribute to improved brain health, weight management, mitigation of the risk of diseases, strong bones and mus cles, and enhance overall everyday func tionality.

Dr. Charles Litch (DO), Arvada

Tage J “TJ “ Fogg

September 6, 1934 - April 28, 2025

T.J. Fogg of Evergreen CO went to Heaven April 28th 2025. He was 90 years old. His was a life well lived.

T.J. was born in Cody, Wyoming and grew up on a cattle ranch. He started herding cattle at 6 years of age and by the time he was 12 years old he was spending his summers by himself on top of a mountain herding cattle by himself. At the age of 7 years T.J. knew he wanted to be a Veterinarian. us, the course of T.J.’s life was set

T.J. attended Colorado State University and graduated from CSU School of Veterinary Medicine at the age of 23 years.

He quickly became the Deputy Wyoming State Veterinarian spending his days (and nights) helping ranchers with animals in distress or need of treatment. He then heard of a job for a Veterinarian in New York City, applied for the job and got it.

T.J. worked in the Time & Life Building in Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. It was at this point T.J. was instrumental in the invention of the

rst ea collar. It was sold as the Shell Flea Collar and later sold to Hartz and became the Hartz Flea Collar. e component of the ea collar that got rid of and kept away eas later came to be used in the exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution. T.J. proceeded to invent medications for dogs, cats, horses, pigs and cattle. As T.J. needed to go where the research was the family lived moved to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.

In 1979 the Fogg’s moved to Evergreen CO where T.J. had the Veterinary Practice Bergen Park Animal Clinic for 37 years. He loved every moment he spent helping animals and getting to know the pet’s owners. T.J. retired in 2016 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife Elaine and daughter Stefani. He was predeceased by son Troy (19632020), grandson Chase Fogg- ompson (19922012), brother Woody and parents Forest and Dorothy.

Services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park on North Turkey Creek in Evergreen on May 15th at 4:00PM. Reception to follow.

Thomas Ian Simonich

September 2, 1975 - April 16, 2025

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omas Ian Simonich, age 49, of Evergreen Colorado, passed away at St Anthony Hospital as a result of pancreatic cancer on April 16, 2025. Tom was a lifelong resident of Evergreen. Graduated from Clear Creek High School 1994, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Regis College and earning Teaching Credentials from Metro State University. Tom loved music of all types and was an avid fan of the Avalanche, Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Rapids.

In Loving Memory

Simonich of Evergreen. Survived by his father Ronald Simonich of Evergreen, brother Eric Simonich, Anchorage, AK, sister-in-law Beth Simonich, Anchorage, AK, and niece, Lily Simonich, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Tom’s name to the American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign= honormemorialbutton&lang=en SIMONICH

FOGG

The 2025 Evergreen Rodeo Returns to El Pinal LIFESTYLES

AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY

On Father’s Day Weekend and Pays Homage to Evergreen’s 150-Year (Sesquicentennial)

By Jo Ann M. Colton Special too Lifestyles

e annual Evergreen Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) event returns to Evergreen’s El Pinal Rodeo Grounds on Saturday/June 14 and Sunday/June 15. e 2025 Evergreen Rodeo theme celebrates and pays homage to Evergreen’s 150th (Sesquicentennial) anniversary marking the community’s rst post o ce, which was established in 1875. Next year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Evergreen Rodeo Association and the 50th anniversary of the acquisition of the Evergreen Rodeo Grounds.

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Evergreen, Colorado has a uniqueness all its own—breathtaking views, abundant wildlife and incredible residents who over the years have helped shape it to become the thriving community we know and love. Evergreen is rich in history, and for the past 59 years Evergreen Rodeo has been an integral part of that history. is annual Father’s Day tradition celebrates professional rodeo as an exciting sport that features many events that have evolved from cattle ranching.

is year, for the rst time, the annual Rodeo Weekend Kick O Party will be held on Friday/June 13 at El Pinal Rodeo Grounds under the big tent, 29830 Stagecoach Boulevard. e event, open to the general public at $25.00/person, includes VIP on-grounds parking. ere will be rodeo activities onsite in the a ernoon from 4:00-7:00pm. e concert (7:00-10pm) in the VIP tent features the high-energy bluegrass/Gypsy jazz/ swing music of Rapidgrass Band. On Saturday/June 14, the annual rodeo parade managed again by Parade Chair Kit Childers commences at 10:00am

Photo by Michael Pintar

and marches through downtown Evergreen as a forerunner to Saturday evening and Sunday a ernoon rodeo performances. Larry Olde of Olde’s Garage (3639 Hwy. 74, Evergreen) is the rodeo’s 2025 Grand Marshal. Herman Olde opened Olde’s Garage as a lling station/automotive repair shop in downtown Evergreen in 1921. Its original location is now occupied by Creekside Cellars, Evergreen’s local winery. e 2025 Evergreen Rodeo introduces and showcases national top rodeo professionals who will demonstrate their skills at riding broncos, barrel racing, roping calves, wrestling steers, and more. A Break Away Roping event on Saturday and Sunday will spotlight women’s calf roping. e event features quality-bred livestock from the Cervi Ranch in Eastern Colorado. On a sad note, 89-year-old Mike Cervi, a long-time rodeo supporter, passed

away about a month ago. e Ranch operation continues to be steered by his sons Chase and Binion.

Since the Covid Pandemic, based on both ticket sales and sponsorships (its primary sources of revenue), 2024 was another record-breaking year. Evergreen Rodeo experienced exponential attendance growth over the last few years with ever-increasing attendance records exceeding over 6,000 people.

Evergreen Rodeo sponsorships surpassed $100,000 in 2022; $140,000 in 2023 and $199,000 in 2024. At the same time rodeo production costs have increased signi cantly. In 2019 the total cost was $135,000 and from 2023 forward production costs are now in excess of $280,000. However, even with these cost increases the rodeo is su ciently pro table continuing to address deferred maintenance items on the grounds with ongoing capital projects, while also focusing on improving

Photo

RODEO

From Page 18

and the rodeo pre-show.

Onsite parking, which constitutes approximately 200 parking spaces, will be reserved for event sponsors only. However, there will be more shuttles than ever before to move visitors to-and-from the free o site parking areas located at the U.S. Bank Center at 2922 Evergreen Parkway; Evergreen’s Big R Store at 30931 Stagecoach Boulevard; the Medical Center at 30960 Stagecoach Boulevard just west/south of the Big R Store; and the NAPA/ Lazy Butcher parking lot across from Big R. Rodeo fans are strongly encouraged to minimize parking concerns by using the free o site parking/free shuttle service and thereby maximize their rodeo experience. Visit the

rodeo website (https://evergreenrodeo.com) for up-to-the-minute parking/shuttle information.

Evergreen Rodeo Association’s approximately 200 volunteer members work diligently year-round to ensure the rodeo (a nonpro t event) puts on the best possible show for our incredible community.

“We could not produce the Rodeo and Parade without our dedicated members, volunteers, and sponsors,” said Bryan McFarland. “We are extremely thankful to each and every one of our volunteers, contributors, and sponsors/returning sponsors who have supported us over the years enabling us to make this rodeo such an enduring community event.”

For a comprehensive list of Evergreen Rodeo Sponsors, details about the event and/or sponsor information visit the website (https:// evergreenrodeo.com).

e Evergreen Rodeo is held in Evergreen, Colorado at El Pinal Rodeo Grounds, 29830

Stagecoach Boulevard. Ticket prices (via the Evergreen Rodeo website) are $22 for adults and $14 for kids ages 6-12, kids 5 and under are free. Buy your tickets online to avoid lines on the grounds! Tickets can also be purchased at various locations throughout Evergreen.

e Evergreen Rodeo is a rain-or-shine event; so be prepared for our ever-changing Colorado weather. All rodeo seating is General Admission (no refunds!). Many people bring blankets and sit on the hill above the bleachers. Food is available for purchase onsite and the former VIP area within the rodeo grounds is now a saloon—and it is open to the public. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the rodeo grounds. PETS and COOLERS are not permitted at this event.

Evergreen resident Michael Pintar (Michael Pintar Photography/ https://www.pintargraphy. com) maintains his role as Evergreen Rodeo’s PRCA-accredited rodeo photographer. In addi-

tion, merchandiser Katy Seelho will return to showcase lots of exciting o erings, including clothing, sundries, and other rodeo-related items

From East: travel I-70 West from Denver to Exit 252, Evergreen Parkway (Hwy 74). Evergreen Parkway is about 5.7 miles to Stagecoach Boulevard. Turn Le on Stagecoach Boulevard to the Rodeo Grounds.

From West: travel I-70 East towards Denver to Exit 252, Evergreen Parkway (Hwy 74). Evergreen Parkway is about 5.7 miles to Stagecoach Boulevard. Turn le on Stagecoach Boulevard to the Rodeo Grounds.

Whether you enjoy horses/riders, bucking bulls, rodeo clowns, barrel racing, and/or anything and everything else in-between, the 2025 Evergreen Rodeo o ers something for just about everyone. Mark your calendars for Evergreen Rodeo days on June 14-15 (and the kick-o party on June 13) and plan to attend.

Photos by Michael Pintar

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Justine Williams came to Colorado from England, she pursued horse therapy for people with disabilities.

“As a kiddo in England, I was one of those kids who asked my mom and dad if I could ride horses, and I’ve always loved horses. So, they bought me a horse for my birthday, and I took 10 riding lessons and worked at the barn to pay for my riding lessons,” Williams said. Williams said that when she was 11 years old, her friend had a stroke, so she grew up with her childhood friend being disabled.

“By the time I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to work with people with disabilities, and I found out about therapy horses,” Williams said.

Williams went to Budapest to train in conductive education at the Pet Institute.

“It’s where I learned about therapy and horses,” she said.

She ended up getting married and then came to the U.S., moving to Colorado in 2001. With her passion and education as a therapist, she started her Rhythm of the Horse therapy services in Fort Lupton in 2021. Williams works with children with di erent types of disabilities, such as kids with autism, who don’t speak much.

“With training, I initiate a lot of language when they are on the horse. I teach them to say ‘go’ or ‘stop’ with my horses, Chloe or Gus,” Williams said. “It could be overwhelming to make the horse move, which is what they want, but they need to say something. So, they’re motivated to say something,”

She also works with children and adults with cerebral palsy.

“I also work with disabilities from stroke, ADHD, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, anyone with neuro-motor dysfunction, and I also work with other neurodivergent issues such as autism (and) sensory processing disorder,” Williams said.

Rhythm of the Horse also has a program for horse reading for children who are new readers or struggling readers, and can learn to read with a horse.

“So, they’re learning to feel more comfortable and con dent about reading by partnering with the horse. It’s very special,” Williams said.

William said Rhythm of the Horse also o ers its Equine Assisted Learning Program for people who may be overwhelmed in life or have relationship issues.

e children and adults can choose which horse they want to work with and eventually build a bond with that horse to get through their fear, anxiety or whatever they are experiencing.

Rachel Sartucci, who has cerebral palsy, comes once

Karen MacDowell, a volunteer with Rhythm of the Horse

a week for training for up to an hour. Her mom, Elizabeth Robinson, said Rachel, who is now 30, started the program when she was 21.

“I think the program is helping her not get old and tight as quickly. She has cerebral palsy, a type that makes her muscles contract and not go back out. Her right side is weaker, so when she’s on the horse, it relaxes her muscles,” Robinson said.

Karen MacDowell is retired, and has been volunteering with Rhythm of the Horse for about ve years.

“I’ve been working with Rachel the whole time I’ve been here. It’s important work, and it makes you feel good to help others,” MacDowell said.

Colleen Larson is also retired and has been volunteering for four years, helping Williams with the clients.

“What Williams does with the horses and with riders is amazing. When they get on and o the horse, it’s nothing short of miraculous,” Larson said.

Rhythm of the Horse is a nonpro t and o ers scholarships based on nancial need. e organization applies for grants and fundraises.

“We are looking for volunteers to come and help with the di erent programs. We welcome high school students or adults — anybody who is interested,” Williams said.

Evergreen girls soccer clinched the Class 4A Je co League title on Tuesday, April 29. The Cougars defeated rival Conifer 9-0 at Evergreen High School in their conference

Evergreen girls soccer beats Conifer for 4A Je co League title

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Evergreen’s soccer program accomplished something on Tuesday night that escaped the Cougars last season.

Evergreen’s 7-0 victory against rival Conifer at Evergreen High School clinched the Class 4A Je co League title in the Cougars’ conference nale.

“We feel like it’s the best conference in the state. It is really challenging to win the conference,” Evergreen Coach Peter Jeans said of 4A Je co. “I think there will be six playo teams from our conference this year. Unbelievable accomplishment for these girls.”

Despite winning the 4A state championship a year ago, Evergreen didn’t win the league title. In 2024, D’Evelyn, Golden and Evergreen all nished with a 7-1 conference record. D’Evelyn won the threeway tiebreaker — goals allowed during league play — to win the league title.

“It feels great. 4A Je co is one of the hardest leagues in Colorado, hands down,” Evergreen junior Nadia Leunig said. “ ere are so many of us in the play-

o s each year. It feels good to put ourselves on top with good momentum going into the playo s.”

Evergreen (11-1-2, 9-0-1 in league) had back-to-back ties against North eld and Green Mountain over a month ago.

e only other blemish was a 4-1 loss to Ralston Valley, which is currently the topranked 5A team and 5A Je co League champions.

e Cougars are on a nine-game winning streak since the loss to Ralston Valley on March 31.

“ e big thing was the team culture and energy,” Leunig said. “At the beginning of the season, it is kind of hard and you start o slow. As the season went on, we got more con dent in each other. We had more trust in each other. at led to more victories that we really needed to win league.”

Evergreen ended up outscoring its league opponents 54-6.

Conifer (4-8-1, 1-6-0) only trailed 3-0 at halftime, but junior Cameron Wedding scored a pair of goals to open up the second half to extend the lead to 5-0.

An own-goal and a goal by senior Lucia

Spungin gave the Cougars the 7-0 win.

“Conifer is such a special game,” said Nuala Hart, who was one of six seniors recognized on Senior Night for the Cougars. “All the girls get to play. It is fun to see everyone touch the eld, especially for the seniors. Some of us have been on varsity for years, but some just came up to varsity this year.”

Senior Abby Atlas got the scoring going with a chip shot over Conifer freshman goalie Gemma Johnson in the 11th minute. Sophomore Elle Buenning scored in the 21st minute to give Evergreen a 2-0 lead. e rst of two own-goals pushed the lead to 3-0 in the 31st minute.

Evergreen has one more regular-season game on the road against Air Academy on Friday, May 2, in Colorado Springs before turning its attention to defending its 4A state title.

“It might be a little di erent,” Wedding said of being the defending state champions and likely being the No. 1 seed. “I’m sure we are going to get it really hard and try to win. We are a very strong team.”

Jeans is con dent in his team’s leadership, which includes several return-

ers from last year’s playo run. Leunig, Wedding and junior Gianna Weiner were three of Evergreen’s top four goal scorers a season ago.

“ ey know that we’ve been on top all year, but there are teams trying to knock us o the pedestal,” Jeans said. “We need to get better every day.”

Evergreen is currently No. 1 in the CHSAA Seeding & Selection Index. ere is a very good chance the Cougars will be the top seed when the 4A state bracket is revealed on Saturday, May 4.

“Last year was super special being a No. 14 seed,” Hart said of Evergreen’s run to the program’s third state title and rst since 1997. “ is year, coming in as the No. 1 seed, I don’t think we’ll feel pressure. We feel the con dence and we feel composed. We know what it takes to be there and play the top teams. We feel like we have the experience to go to that state championship game and win.”

First-round games are scheduled for Wednesday, May 7. ere is a good chance 4A Je co will have Evergreen, Green Mountain, Golden and Dakota Ridge all host opening round games.

ﬁnale.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS / JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Evergreen junior Nadia Leunig (left) races after the ball as Conifer sophomore Ava Gri n (12) defends during the Class 4A Je co League game on Tuesday, April 29, at Evergreen High School. The Cougars took a 7-0 over the rival Lobos.

1. U.S. STATES: Which state is last, alphabetically?

2. MOVIES: What does the acronym S.H.I.E.L.D. stand for in movies about Marvel characters?

3. LITERATURE: Who wrote the short story “ e Secret Life of Walter Mitty”?

4. GAMES: How many cards are in a standard deck?

5. TELEVISION: On which sitcom did the character Harry the Hat appear?

6. BUSINESS: When did the rst Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise open?

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many Nobel prizes are awarded every year?

8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was the shortest at 5 foot 4 inches tall?

9. ASTRONOMY: Who was the rst woman to travel into space?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby platypus called?

TrIVIa

Answers

1. Wyoming.

2. Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.

3. James urber.

4. 52.

5. “Cheers.”

6. 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

7. Six.

8. James Madison.

9. Valentina Tereshkova.

10. A platypup or puggle.

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and

DEER CREEK

county get the park open.”

A county geologist also assessed rockfall hazards.

In April, Je co Open Space, with help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, used helicopters to spread 10,500 pounds of grass and wild ower seeds, 60,000 pounds of straw mulch, and 84,000 pounds of pelletized hydromulch — a mix of water, seed and mulch — over about 50 of the most damaged areas. at’s intended to protect the most erosion-prone areas by stabilizing the soil.

An estimated 260 re ghters and other personnel, and multiple local and state

agencies eventually joined in ghting the 8-day re. e ground e ort drew reghters and equipment from as far away as Durango, and in the sky, air tankers from across the country dropped re retardant and water on the ames.

Nearly 600 area homes were evacuated. Inter-Canyon has since merged with North Fork Fire — which also played a lead role in ghting the Quarry Fire — as the Conifer Fire Protection District.

Shirlaw said the park’s reopening can also serve as an education for those who typically don’t see the aftermath of a wildland re.

“ is will be a good opportunity for people to see up close what re can do,” he said.

e park will reopen one hour before sunrise May 15, and a ceremony at 10:30 a.m.

statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Clear Creek County Board of County Commissioners, Clear Creek County, P O Box 2000, 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, Colorado, 80444-2000. Failure to file such verified statement or claim prior to final settlement will release the County and its

from any and

and for making

for such

to said contractor.

CLEAR CREEK REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY PROJECT LAUNCH LEGAL CONSULTING Request for Proposals Due May 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Project Overview

Clear Creek County and its four municipalities, Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Empire and Silver Plume, together have recently formed a multi-jurisdictional housing authority, the Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority (CCRHA). Clear Creek County, acting as Fiscal agent, and the four municipalities as co-applicants, have been awarded a Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Local Planning Capacity (LPC) grant. The Grant will fund two projects. One, that is a sister project to this RFP, is a general project to launch the project.

The second, and subject of this RFP is a to seek legal services to advise and oversee the process described above.

The County, in its capacity as Fiscal Agent, is seeking a qualified attorney or firm as legal consultant to perform the following tasks for the Legal Consulting for Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority Launch Project:

1. Provide legal advice in the formation of a new government entity; the CCRHA

2. Observe the steps and work product of the CCRHA launch to ensure legal compliance

3. Assist with the identification of and or drafting of needed policy and procedure documents

This project is to provide legal advice on the launch of the Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority (CCRHA) including the development of identified policy and procedure documents. The project is funded by a DOLA Local Planning Capacity grant and has a budget of $60,000.

Background

In 2021, Clear Creek County started a process to better utilize and respond to the 2018 Housing Needs Assessment. This year-long community informed process resulted in the Clear Creek Housing Strategy, a report that was adopted in 2022. A key recommendation in that Strategy was, to better utilize the limited staff resources, spread across the county, Clear Creek County should pursue

the formation of a Multi-jurisdictional Housing Authority (MJHA).

Clear Creek County, Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Empire and Silver Plume have come together to form the Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority (CCRHA). CCRHA is a collaborative effort supported by an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) executed in November of 2024. It is a multi-jurisdictional housing authority that was formed as a recommendation of the 2022 Clear Creek Housing Strategy by the Clear Path Home Project. The Clear Path Home project identified three main goals for the Housing Authority:

1. Advance Affordable Housing

2.Provide Resident Services

3.Identify a Revenue Stream

This project seeks to build on the three goals identified in the Clear Path Home project and enable the CCRHA Board and Executive Director to lead and drive selected housing advancement tactics strategies, sustainably and in a community informed way.

Scope of Services

The Scope of Services desired includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Provide legal advice in the formation of a new government entity

a. Assist and advise as the CCRHA develops protocols, publishes notification standards, its website, adopts bylaws and other core tools

2. Observe the steps and work product of the launch to ensure legal compliance

a. Observe and participate as budget allows in the planning process to ensure legal compliance

b. Assist and advise with the creation of best practices in the development of day-to-day operations

3. Assist with the identification of and or drafting of needed policy and procedure documents

a. Proved knowledge and experience in the drafting and development of needed policies. practices and procedures, i.e. procurement polices, hiring policies, etc. that a new housing authority will need to function legally and effectively.

More Information

Full Request for Proposals (RFP): https:// www.clearcreekcounty.us/bids.aspx

Project Contact: Amy Saxton – asaxton@ clearcreekcounty.us 303-679-4238

Legal Notice No. CAN 1951

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 8, 2025

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Public Notice

May 5, 2025

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CLEAR CREEK REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY PROJECT LAUNCH LAUNCH FACILITATOR

Request for Proposals Due May 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Project Overview

Clear Creek County is seeking a qualified consultant to perform the following tasks for the Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority Launch Project:

1. Providing capacity for leading organization formation tasks like charter, bylaws, website, nuts & bolts

2. Managing a process to search for and hire an ED

3. Facilitating a planning process to determine organizational goals and priorities

4. Designing and conducting a community engagement process

This project is to facilitate, launch and create capacity for the Clear Creek Regional Housing Authority (CCRHA). The project is funded by a DOLA Local Planning Capacity grant and has a budget of $60,000.

Background

In 2021, Clear Creek County started a process to better utilize and respond to the 2018

Housing Needs Assessment. This year-long community informed process resulted in the Clear Creek Housing Strategy, a report that was adopted in 2022. A key recommendation in that Strategy was, to better utilize the limited staff resources, spread across the county, supporting housing concerns, Clear Creek County should pursue the formation of a Multi-jurisdictional Housing Authority (MJHA).

Scope of Services

The Scope of Services desired includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Providing capacity for leading organization formation tasks like charter, bylaws, website, nuts & bolts

a.Develop a Charter for the organization

b.Amend the bylaws if needed

c.Help develop content for a website

d.Lead a process to establish a mission and vision

e.Identify needed policies and procedures

2. Managing a process to search for and hire an ED

a.Assist the board with interviews, search and hiring

This map outlines the areas where Deer Creek Canyon Park will be partially reopened.