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Arapahoe County proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and April as Fair Housing Month
Summary
At its March 10 meeting the board unanimously approved proclamations recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March 2026) and Fair Housing Month (April 2026), highlighted county housing investments and nonprofit partnerships, and heard family testimony on inclusion.
The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted two proclamations at its March 10 meeting: one designating March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and another declaring April 2026 as Fair Housing Month.
Commissioner Warren Gulling read the developmental‑disabilities proclamation, which cited county support for programs and services and thanked community organizations. Matt Van Auken, executive director and CEO of Developmental Pathways, described the nonprofit’s work serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and said Developmental Pathways supports more than 8,100 Arapahoe County residents. Parent Erin York told commissioners the proclamation matters personally and said inclusive services make community participation possible for families.
The fair‑housing proclamation noted the Fair Housing Act’s April 11, 1968 enactment and local housing data cited in the proclamation: an average one‑bedroom rent of $1,789, a statement that under the rent‑as‑30% rule $71,560 per year would be needed to afford a one‑bedroom, and references to county initiatives — a 168‑unit affordable project at The Reserve at South Creek, a proposed 147‑unit complex on Colfax and Havana, zoning updates to encourage higher density near transit, and a dedicated $4,000,000 in the 2026 budget plus $1,200,000 for ongoing rental assistance. Commissioner Baker highlighted a forthcoming permanent supportive housing project and credited prior leadership on the initiative.
Cathy Smith, director of the county’s Community Resources Department, explained the department’s role in fair‑housing outreach, complaint guidance to HUD and the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and cited Wagner On The Creek, a supportive housing project focused on justice‑involved populations that is expected to break ground in 2026.
Both proclamations were adopted by unanimous voice vote. The proclamations were ceremonial recognitions; no formal policy action or budget appropriation beyond items already in the county budget was taken during the meeting.
The board invited Developmental Pathways and Community Resources staff and advocates to take photographs after the meeting.
