Adams County - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Adams County, established in 1902, is the fifth largest county in Colorado, serving over 540,000 residents within the Denver metropolitan area. It blends suburban and rural environments, encompassing cities like Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, Thornton, and parts of Arvada, Aurora, Lochbuie, and Westminster, along with unincorporated communities such as Henderson, Strasburg, and Watkins. The county's mission is to responsibly serve its community with integrity and innovation. Its vision is to be the most innovative and inclusive county in America for all families and businesses, a guiding principle adopted by the Board of Commissioners on January 18, 2012. Adams County is a key economic and residential hub within the state, focused on sustainable growth, economic vitality, and enhancing the quality of life for its diverse population.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Adams County's strategic focus is primarily centered on enhancing the quality of life for its residents through diverse initiatives and thoughtful governance.

Core Objectives

Economic Prosperity: Attracting new businesses that offer quality compensation, retaining existing enterprises, and fostering the robust growth of small businesses. This includes creating and leveraging economic opportunities and supporting programs that develop a skilled and educated workforce.

Strategic and Thoughtful Growth: Emphasizing smart, sustainable, and responsible development. This encompasses the sustainability of development, preservation of natural resources, and the creation of interconnected, multimodal transit systems.

Environmental Sustainability: Engaged in stewardship, preservation, conservation, protection, restoration, and rehabilitation efforts to safeguard the natural environment.

Infrastructure Development: Focusing on essential infrastructure including power, water, wastewater, and stormwater systems as integral components of future planning and responsible growth.

Economic Vitality and Workforce Readiness: Aiming to enhance the county's positive image and cultivate a viable economic environment that supports a ready workforce.

Community Vision Planning: Guiding future land uses, housing and population growth, natural and built environments, economic development, cultural heritage, and corridors through comprehensive plans like the "Advancing Adams Comprehensive Plan 2022".

Specialization Areas

Adams County specializes in providing comprehensive governmental services that enhance community well-being and economic stability. Key areas of expertise include urban and rural planning, infrastructure management, public safety, social services, and economic development. The county's unique value proposition lies in its commitment to balancing rapid growth with sustainable practices and preserving its diverse community fabric.

Target Markets

The primary target market for Adams County's services and strategic initiatives is its resident base of over 540,000 people, encompassing families, individuals, and businesses across its suburban and rural landscapes. Its market positioning strategy is to be a responsive and innovative governmental body that fosters both economic growth and a high quality of life for its constituents.

2. Financial Overview

Adams County maintains a robust financial framework, managing significant annual budgets to support its operations and strategic initiatives.

Funding History

The 2026 budget was adopted at nearly $900 million, representing a $45 million increase from the 2025 budget of $837.0 million.

The 2025 budget included an operating portion of $760.0 million and a capital improvement portion of $61.2 million. The General Fund budget for 2025 was $341.5 million.

The property tax mill levy remained unchanged for 2025 at 26.779 mills, with an abatement levy of 0.165, totaling 26.944 mills.

Primary funding sources include property taxes, though future revenue decreases are anticipated due to state legislation (HB 24B-1001) capping property tax revenue growth for local governments.

The county also anticipates potential federal cutbacks to programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, housing assistance, public health, and community development grants.

In 2024, the county secured a Certificate of Participation for over $100 million.

Grant funds contribute significantly to revenue, with notable increases in the Headstart-HHS Grant, Community Services Block Grant, and HUD-CDBG in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024.

Impact on Company Growth

The secured Certificate of Participation for over $100 million directly funds critical projects, including improvements at Riverdale Regional Park, flood mitigation efforts, and major road and bridge construction. The adopted five-year Capital Improvement Plan allocates $48 million for capital projects and $13 million for major maintenance projects beginning in 2025, totaling $61 million. This consistent investment in infrastructure and community amenities directly supports the county's growth trajectory and enhances resident quality of life. The 2026 budget also allocates $1 million for homelessness reduction initiatives and $3 million for parks and open space projects, including Riverdale Bluffs and land acquisition.

3. Product Pipeline

Adams County is actively engaged in numerous development and capital improvement projects, outlining a proactive approach to enhancing its infrastructure, services, and community spaces.

Key Products/Services

Federal Boulevard Corridor Plan

Description: This plan, developed in partnership with Bohannan Huston and Economic & Planning Systems, Inc., evaluates and recommends improvements for corridor aesthetics, land uses, infrastructure, multimodal transportation, and economic development.

Development Stage: Ongoing evaluation and recommendation phase.

Target Market/Condition: Unincorporated Adams County along Federal Boulevard, targeting economic development and infrastructure enhancement.

Key Features and Benefits: A comprehensive approach to revitalize a key transportation and economic corridor, improving connectivity and aesthetics.

Strasburg Subarea Plan

Description: A 20-year collaborative planning initiative between Adams and Arapahoe counties for the Strasburg area.

Development Stage: In progress.

Target Market/Condition: Strasburg community, focusing on future development and regional coordination.

Key Features and Benefits: Long-term strategic planning for sustainable growth in a shared jurisdictional area.

Advancing Adams Comprehensive Plan 2022

Description: An overarching plan guiding future land uses, housing and population growth, natural and built environments, economic development, cultural heritage, and corridors throughout the county.

Development Stage: Approved and implemented.

Target Market/Condition: All of Adams County, guiding holistic long-term development.

Key Features and Benefits: A unified vision document for comprehensive and sustainable county development.

Colorado Air and Space Port Subarea Plan (CASP)

Description: Development of CASP as a hub for commercial space transportation, research, and development. It has achieved FAA recognition as a "National" airport.

Development Stage: Ongoing development and operational advancements.

Target Market/Condition: Commercial space transportation industry, aerospace research, and related businesses.

Key Features and Benefits: Positioning Adams County at the forefront of the commercial space industry, attracting high-tech businesses and economic growth. The port recorded 127,777 takeoffs and landings in the past year.

Water Master Plan

Description: A comprehensive plan initiated with a Water Baseline Assessment completed in 2023.

Development Stage: Ongoing with baseline assessment completed.

Target Market/Condition: Entire Adams County, ensuring sustainable water resources.

Key Features and Benefits: Long-term water resource management and planning for population growth.

Riverdale Regional Park Improvements

Description: Includes ongoing projects for Riverdale Bluffs Open Space, Wayfinding Signage, Riverdale Regional Park enhancements, South Platte Whitewater Improvements, and Riverdale Golf Course improvements.

Development Stage: Ongoing.

Target Market/Condition: Residents and visitors utilizing recreational facilities and open spaces.

Key Features and Benefits: Enhancing public recreational opportunities and preserving natural areas.

Digital Evidence Project

Description: The District Attorney's office received $350,000 in funding for this project.

Development Stage: Funded for 2025 implementation.

Target Market/Condition: Local law enforcement and judicial systems, improving evidence management.

Key Features and Benefits: Modernizing evidence processing and improving efficiency within the justice system.

Homelessness Reduction Initiatives

Description: The 2026 budget includes $1 million for initiatives like rental assistance.

Development Stage: Funded for 2026 implementation.

Target Market/Condition: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Key Features and Benefits: Providing critical support and resources to address homelessness within the county.

Long-Term Recovery & Resiliency Strategic Plan

Description: Approved in May 2025, coordinated by the Office of Strategic Partnerships & Resilient Communities (SPARC), this plan aims to enhance the county's ability to respond to and recover from disruptions. The plan is organized around five core themes: Organizational Capacity, Communication, Education, and Awareness, Stakeholder Engagement, Funding and Finance, and Data Utilization.

Development Stage: Approved and being implemented.

Target Market/Condition: Entire county, enhancing preparedness and response to various crises.

Key Features and Benefits: A proactive framework for disaster recovery and community resilience.

4. Technology & Innovation

The Information Technology & Innovation (ITi) Department is a cornerstone of Adams County's commitment to modernization and efficient service delivery.

Technology Stack

Core Platforms and Technologies: The ITi Department is driving digital transformation through a cloud-first strategy, moving away from traditional IT infrastructure. This approach aims to reduce capital expenditures and allow staff to focus on value-added services.

Proprietary Developments:

AI and Automation: The Platforms & Innovation division within ITi is actively deploying AI and automation technologies to improve operational efficiency and is exploring emerging technologies through pilot projects.

Data Governance: A robust AI and data governance framework is under development by the ITi Department to ensure data integrity, security, and ethical use.

Digital Services & Data Management: This division is responsible for designing secure, accessible data architecture, developing business intelligence tools for insightful analytics, ensuring application reliability through DevOps practices, and enforcing strict data governance policies.

ClearPoint Dashboard: A new public-facing dashboard providing residents with transparent updates on the county's strategic priority projects and initiatives.

Website Accessibility: Adams County is committed to providing an accessible website, advancing technology accessibility in accordance with Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities, HB 21-1110.

Technical Capabilities: The ITi Department evaluates proposals, budgets, technical plans, and strategies from service providers, develops policies for maintaining county-owned computer assets, assesses security measures, and monitors the effectiveness of ITi initiatives.

Broadband Infrastructure: A significant capital project is underway to expand fiber optic networks in underserved areas, particularly eastern Adams County, including communities like Strasburg and Bennett, to enhance digital connectivity for residents and businesses.

5. Leadership & Management

Adams County's government is structured with a Board of County Commissioners as the governing body and a County Manager overseeing daily operations.

Executive Team

Board of County Commissioners
The Board consists of five elected members who collectively manage county affairs.

Julie Duran Mullica, Commissioner, District 1

Professional Background: Elected as Commissioner for District 1, she was sworn in for a new four-year term in January 2025. She has been a key contributor to budget decisions and navigating fiscal challenges.

Kathy Henson, Commissioner, District 2

Professional Background: Sworn in for a new four-year term in January 2025.

Emma Pinter, Commissioner, District 3

Professional Background: As of January 2025, she served as the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners and has been involved in challenging budget decisions.

Steve O'Dorisio, Commissioner, District 4

Lynn Baca, Commissioner, District 5

Professional Background: Sworn in for a new four-year term in January 2025. As of July 2025, she served as the board's chair and has been instrumental in leadership appointments and strategic plan approvals.

County Manager's Office
The County Manager's Office is the executive arm, responsible for implementing policies, managing daily operations, and overseeing county departments.

Dionne Stroter, County Manager

Professional Background: Appointed as County Manager on July 1, 2025, after serving as interim manager since June 14, 2025, and as Deputy County Manager since 2024. She brings over 20 years of public administration experience. Before joining Adams County, she was Deputy Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), managing over $1.5 billion in federal stimulus funds and leading initiatives for communications and digital accessibility. Her prior roles include Executive Director of Denver's Office of Children's Affairs and leadership positions in Denver's Departments of Finance, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and General Services. She is a strong advocate for cultural arts, education, and underserved communities.