Denise Vargas
Candidate for Arvada City Council – At-Large

2025 – Answered the following questions from APA:

Learn more about Denise Vargas at deniseforarvada.com

What is your plan to help the city reach 100% renewable energy use by 2035? What are some other initiatives you would champion to help Arvada become more sustainable?

Vargas: I absolutely support renewable energy, and I believe we should be moving in that direction as quickly and responsibly as possible. That said, I also want to be realistic. I’m not an energy expert, and I would lean heavily on people with deep knowledge in this field to help guide decision-making. My role would be to ask the right questions, push for transparency, and ensure Arvada is doing its part without overpromising or underdelivering. I’d also love to see the city explore more green building incentives, increased tree planting, and community education around sustainability.

What does the city need to do to address the 24/7 year-round shelter needs of the homeless in Arvada, without putting the burden only on Mission Arvada?

Vargas: No one organization should carry the weight of addressing homelessness alone. I believe the city should partner with local nonprofits, regional governments, and the private sector to expand shelter options and invest in long-term housing solutions. This includes mental health and substance use support—issues I’ve worked closely with for over 15 years. We need a compassionate, coordinated approach that centers on dignity and real pathways out of homelessness.

Walk-ability and bike paths are increasingly popular. What are your ideas to increase the walk-ability of neighborhoods and assist the ease and safety of bicycle riders?

Vargas: I’d love to see us create more safe, well-connected walking and biking routes between neighborhoods, schools, and public areas like parks and libraries. Arvada has incredible green spaces, and making it easier to access them without a car would improve health, safety, and community connection. I’d also suggest for more lighting, signage, and community input on where the gaps in access and safety currently exist. Regardless, I love my morning walks and the paths are already gorgeous!

How will you promote fair and equitable treatment of diverse and marginalized communities in terms of fair policing, economic advantages, and employment?

Vargas: We need to be intentional about inclusion and equity. That means supporting policies that increase transparency in policing, ensuring local government contracts and economic programs are accessible to minority-owned businesses, and expanding workforce opportunities for all residents. I’ve spent my career working with people who’ve been excluded, overlooked, or underserved, and I will bring that lens to every conversation.

What is your opinion about citizen-initiated resolutions presented to the council for adoption?

Vargas: I believe community voices matter—and I love seeing residents engaged. I’m always open to hearing ideas brought forward by the people who live here. At the same time, not every resolution may be practical or actionable, so it’s important to weigh feasibility and broader impact. But the short answer is: yes, citizen-led initiatives deserve serious attention.

What should be done about short-term/vacation rentals in Arvada?

Vargas: I don’t currently have a strong opinion either way. I understand both sides—residents trying to earn extra income and neighbors concerned about turnover or disruption. I’d want to hear more from the community and look at data before making any big decisions. As with most things, balance is key.

What would you do to improve the physical and mental health of Arvada residents?

Vargas: This is where I bring a lot of lived and professional experience. I’d advocate for increased access to mental health resources, more community-based wellness programs, and citywide support for safe recreational spaces and events that bring people together. Connection is a powerful health tool—and I’d love to see Arvada invest in building stronger, more supportive neighborhoods.

Neighborhood schools strengthen communities. How would you work with Jeffco School District to ensure equitable access to neighborhood K-12 schools, preschools, and other educational opportunities in all areas of the city?

Vargas: As a parent with kids in Jeffco schools, I know firsthand how important it is to have strong neighborhood schools. I’d be a bridge between the city and the district—advocating for resources, making sure infrastructure supports our growing neighborhoods, and listening to families about what they need. Access to early childhood education and after-school programs should also be prioritized.

The recent announcement of numerous new business enterprises (Quantum Commons, Electra Steel, an aerospace industry, a massive AI data center at NREL Flatirons campus, etc.) will cause an influx of population and traffic. What specific steps should the City of Arvada take to update policies to meet the rental and ownership housing needs (both affordable and market driven), transportation, and infrastructure needs of west Arvada/Jeffco’s current and future workforce?

Vargas: We need a plan that grows with intention—not just reacting to change but preparing for it. That means updating zoning policies to encourage a mix of housing types, working with regional transportation partners to improve access and reduce congestion, and making sure infrastructure like water, roads, and internet can handle new demand. I’m excited about Arvada’s future—but we’ve got to grow smart.

Parking is an issue in Olde Town, there is ample parking in the RTD garage, how can the city make parking in the garage more attractive and useful? What is your position on parking fees for the close in lots and spaces in Olde Town?

Vargas: Olde Town is such a gem, and I’d love to see the RTD garage used more. I think the city could do more to make it inviting—clearer signage, better lighting, maybe even incentives for using it. When it comes to parking fees, I’d want to hear more from local businesses and residents. If fees are introduced, they should be fair and used to support accessibility and downtown vibrancy.