As we say goodbye to 2025, Gilpin County is reflecting on a year marked by meaningful progress, strong partnerships, and continued investment in the community. Across all departments, county staff and leadership worked to strengthen essential services, improve infrastructure, enhance public safety, and deepen connections with residents. (View our 2025 Year-in-Review video).
Investing in Infrastructure and Community Spaces
Several major infrastructure and facility projects moved forward this year, including the groundbreaking of the Community Annex, upgrades at the Community Center, new EV charging stations, and long-awaited improvements to the courthouse front entrance and signage. The County also advanced important long-range planning efforts, including the Rollinsville Infrastructure Study, the South Beaver Creek Engineering Survey, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan—laying the groundwork for future development and resilience.
The Community Center also expanded its hours and days of operation in 2025, increasing access to recreation, fitness, and community programming for residents across the county.
Strengthening Public Safety and Wildfire Resilience
Public safety and wildfire preparedness remained a top priority in 2025. The County allocated $150,000 for fire mitigation and completed county right-of-way treatments. Gilpin County also secured its first U.S. Forest Service permit, supported an Air Curtain Burner pilot program, expanded UASI fire sensor coverage, and added drones to the Sheriff’s Office to improve emergency response and situational awareness.
To further protect residents and roadways, the Board of County Commissioners adopted updated snow and ice control and truck-route ordinances designed to improve safety and reduce wear on county infrastructure.
Supporting Community Wellbeing
Gilpin County continued to invest in programs that support the health and wellbeing of residents. The County hosted five public vaccination clinics in 2025 and partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to offer free PFAS well testing for private well owners—helping residents better understand and protect their drinking water.
The County also secured a Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Challenge Grant for the Community Center and increased support for local childcare through partnerships with Gilpin Mountain Kids, the Early Childhood Council, and the Local Coordinating Organization.
In addition, the County expanded the Gilpin County Fair with partial funding through lodging tax revenues and secured a GROC grant for Parks & Recreation, which included funding for a new mini-bus to support community programming.
Expanding Engagement and Transparency
In 2025, Gilpin County strengthened its commitment to open government and public participation. The County launched an online budget book, completed a countywide public survey, hosted Cookies with the Commissioners, and continued improving transparency in budgeting, planning, and communications.
Commissioners remained active in legislative and advocacy efforts, working against unfunded mandates, supporting statewide coalitions, and ensuring Gilpin County’s voice is represented at the state level. This included service on the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, continued involvement with the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), and support for legislation authored by Gilpin County’s Coroner.
Maintaining Financial Strength and Supporting Local Business
On the economic and regulatory front, the County updated building and fire codes, extended its Enterprise Zone to support local businesses, and continued using lodging tax revenues to support housing, childcare, and infrastructure maintenance.
Through disciplined financial management, Gilpin County maintained healthy reserves, remained debt-free, and kept taxes among the lowest in Colorado. At year’s end, the County reported five months of operating reserves, $4 million in emergency reserves, and $2 million committed to water rights acquisition.
Looking Ahead
The accomplishments of 2025 reflect the dedication of county staff, elected officials, and community partners working together to serve Gilpin County. With strong financial footing, advancing infrastructure, and continued investment in public safety, health, and community services, Gilpin County is well positioned to build on this momentum in the year ahead.