Arapahoe County leaders say community resources face staffing, program cuts without stable replacement funding

Arapahoe County Community Resources Director Kathy Smith on Tuesday outlined a package of staffing and program requests the department will include in the 2026 budget process, saying most requests are meant to replace one‑time grant money with ongoing funding.

Smith told the Board of County Commissioners that “Most all of my requests are mainly to replace 1 time funding, with ongoing and secured funding.” She said the department is approximately 90% grant funded and several critical positions now supported by ARPA, CARES/HUD recovery funds and other temporary sources will be at risk when those dollars expire.

Why it matters: the department manages veteran services, affordable housing and homeless services, workforce programs, weatherization, senior services and grant administration. Smith warned that reductions to HUD, LIHEAP, WIOA and other federal/state programs would force cuts to positions and services the community has come to rely on.

Key requests and risks: Smith presented specific “have‑to” items that she described as essential to maintain current service levels. Highlights included: - Veterans Service Office: two ARPA‑funded veteran service officers…