Adams County staff outline Strasburg subarea plan, set adoption target for early 2026

Adams County planning staff on Monday presented a final draft of the Strasburg subarea plan, summarizing community engagement, a revised future‑land‑use map and an implementation matrix that staff said they will bring forward for adoption as a comprehensive plan amendment in early 2026.

The presentation, led by Jenny Hall, Community and Economic Development Director, and Ella Gleason, Senior Long Range Planner, said the county began the update in July 2024 to replace the 2002 plan and to guide investment over the next 25 years. Staff described the update as an in‑house, cross‑departmental effort coordinated with Arapahoe County and shaped by public outreach, including 262 survey responses, two open houses and a 12‑member steering committee.

Staff highlighted several major recommendations: lowering residential densities within Strasburg’s planning area to preserve rural character (locally limiting residential low density to about one dwelling unit per acre), capping proposed mixed‑use development on a 200‑acre master‑plan parcel at 14 dwelling units per acre while requiring commercial frontage, and connecting floodplain corridors to create public open space. The plan also recommends a defined downtown square and placemaking strategies to promote a small‑town main street on East Colfax Avenue.

East Colfax Avenue — a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)‑owned highway that functions as Strasburg’s main street — drew detailed attention. Staff said CDOT coordinated proposed cross‑sections that would add 13–16 feet for pedestrian space, include 5‑foot minimum sidewalks with furnishing zones and angled on‑street parking, and introduce curb and gutter where missing. Staff said they will pursue an overlay and coordinated design standards with Arapahoe County so the corridor reads consistently on both sides of the highway.

Ethan Ross, who described the neighborhood economic development strategy tied to the plan, said market research shows higher median incomes in the planning area and strong out‑commuting to Denver and Aurora, creating an opportunity to capture more local spending by improving downtown commercial capacity and workforce‑linked development. The strategy recommends forming a downtown business association, pursuing revitalization tools and strengthening workforce partnerships to attract businesses that match local talent.

Staff said the implementation matrix identifies near‑term, five‑year actions and longer‑term items; they mailed 422 notices to property owners affected by proposed land‑use changes and will open an application window and formal public hearings required for adoption. A graphic designer is finalizing an ADA‑compliant version of the plan for formal submittal. Staff recommended annual check‑ins across county departments and with Arapahoe County after adoption to track progress.

Commissioners praised the outreach and the plan’s practical emphasis. Several urged staff to maintain clarity on which changes are imminent versus aspirational and to continue coordinating with CDOT on funding and timing. The board provided no formal votes at the study session; staff said they will return with the final document for adoption proceedings in 2026.