Arapahoe County proclaims National Public Health Week and declares April 2025 Fair Housing Month

The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners on March 25 adopted proclamations establishing April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week and declaring April 2025 as Fair Housing Month.

The declarations, approved by unanimous voice votes, were followed by remarks from commissioners and presentations by county public health and community resources staff and an outside fair-housing advocate about health disparities, housing cost pressures and the county’s recent creation of a single-county public health department.

Commissioner Fields read the National Public Health Week proclamation and noted measures of local disparities cited in the document, including an average one‑bedroom rent of $1,835, a median renter household income of $65,484 and the proclamation’s calculation that a household would need about $73,400 annually to avoid being rent‑burdened at a 30% rent threshold. "Addressing health disparities and promoting health equity ensures that all people regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location have access to essential health care and resources," Fields read.

Commissioner Warren Gully praised the county’s new public health department, saying the county now "has our own public health department" focused on county-specific populations after separating from Tri-County Health. Jennifer Ludwig, identified as the county’s public health director, told the board Arapahoe County’s health staff had met expectations in the department’s first months and thanked commissioners for their support.

On the fair-housing proclamation, Commissioner Campbell — the board’s liaison to the community resources department — read the proclamation marking the 57th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act (April 11, 1968). The proclamation affirms the county’s intent to enforce fair housing laws and to support inclusive and affordable housing initiatives.

John Paul Marosi of the Denver Metro Fair Housing Center described the organization’s mission to eliminate housing discrimination and urged local action on inclusive zoning and on educating building inspectors and code enforcement staff about accessibility standards. "Over half of all fair-housing complaints filed nationally are filed by people with disabilities," Marosi said, and he encouraged continued local leadership and outreach.

Commissioners used the proclamations as an occasion to highlight the intersection of housing and health. Several commissioners said housing affordability and access to services remain primary concerns for constituents and noted ongoing cooperation with city and state partners and housing authorities to expand affordable options.

The board took photos after the remarks and then recessed briefly before continuing the meeting.