Developmental Pathways tells Arapahoe County mill‑levy funds supported services for more than 7,400 residents; commissioners praise local programming

Developmental Pathways, the county’s designated community‑center board and case‑management agency for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services, reported to Arapahoe County commissioners that county mill‑levy funding supported services for more than 7,400 county residents during the previous fiscal year.

Matt Van Auken, Developmental Pathways’ chief executive officer, and staff described how roughly $14.6 million in last‑year mill‑levy funds were used across three program pillars: early intervention (0–3 years), long‑term care and case management, and local IDD programming such as respite, scholarships, provider grants and unmet‑needs assistance.

Staff said about 50% of levy dollars went to care coordination, nearly 35% to direct community programming (provider grants, scholarships and unmet‑needs), and the rest to administration and fund balance. Staff reported there is no county wait list for Arapahoe County residents who meet the local eligibility thresholds: about 1,200 families were served last year through the community outreach wait list that provides interim supports for people who do not yet qualify for a waiver or who are in between services.

Darcy Tibbles and Dinah Fry described examples of county grants and scholarships that paid for therapies and recreational programming families could not otherwise afford. One family’s note in the agency report said therapy funded by the levy gave a child increased communication, confidence and the ability to try activities such as gymnastics and cycling. Developmental Pathways staff said the county‑level wraparound work includes crisis teams, provider support and systems navigation to reduce administrative barriers for families.

Van Auken said the agency has expanded significantly since a state restructuring, growing to serve roughly 24,000 people across multiple counties while remaining focused on the Arapahoe County levy’s intent. Van Auken and staff emphasized that local levy funds are increasingly important given pressure on state and federal funding streams; the agency reported a fund balance intended to preserve service continuity if larger funding reductions occur.

Commissioners thanked staff and praised services; several asked about triage and how the agency prioritizes funding when demand outstrips resources. Agency staff said they prioritize health and safety, maintain a funding hierarchy that uses federal and state dollars first and the local levy as a last resort, and seek to steer families to existing coverage before using mill‑levy funds.

Ending: Developmental Pathways asked the board to continue advocacy for state and federal funding while allowing the agency to steward local mill‑levy resources. Commissioners and Developmental Pathways staff agreed to continue quarterly coordination and to share a county mini‑report summarizing local impacts and spending.