The 2025 State of the County address wasn’t just a presentation, it was an experience that invited families, residents, and community partners to see how Weld County is living up to its mission of leading with responsive, innovative, and cost-effective services.

To start the event, the county held its first ever Touch-a-Truck display, where residents of all ages could learn about the vehicles the county uses to serve the community every day: patrol cars, snowplows, work trucks, and even the county’s new public health mobile unit.

Inside the venue, the lobby was filled with conversation as attendees stopped by displays from each county department outlining how Weld County staff works to make a difference through everything from public health programs to major road improvements.

The State of the County Remains Strong

"Every day, the employees in our departments work hard to bring the best services, opportunities, and information to you in cost-effective and responsive ways,” said Perry Buck, Weld County Commissioner Chair “We are proud of the work they do, and we are excited to tell you the state of the county remains strong, and your board of commissioners remains committed to working responsibly and efficiently as we lead Weld County into the future.”

Those were the words that kicked off an evening highlighting how county departments excel in leadership, innovation, and providing cost-effective services — something that residents expect from local government.

District 1 Commissioner Jason Maxey explained, “During this year’s legislative session, the Weld County Board of Commissioners remained focused on local policy and took an active and engaged role at the state level.

“Whether introducing legislation, testifying on proposed bills, or collaborating with other counties, the board, alongside other elected officials and department leaders, worked diligently to ensure the voices of Weld County residents were represented at the State Capitol. Our ask — don’t make decisions for us. Make them with us.”

And that ask is being heard. 

“Our investment in air quality coincides with our long-held believe that we are better equipped than the state to judge health, safety, and welfare standards in Weld County,” Maxey said. “In the past, we’ve had disagreements with the state on air quality and its local and regional effects. However, our work is finally being recognized. In August, we reached an agreement for our air monitoring data to finally be housed on CDPHE’S website.”

District 3 Commissioner Lynette Peppler focused her comments on the county’s responsiveness to residents and staff. The opening of a new southeast Weld County health clinic, as well as the launch of the new mobile health unit, which brings health care to the community, marks two milestone projects that reflect the county’s responsiveness to residents’ needs.

“The Southeast Weld County Public Health Clinic has quickly become a vital resource for residents,” she said. “Before opening, the team focused on hiring Spanish-speaking staff and building relationships with community partners to create effective referral networks. In the past year, the clinic has seen a consistent 5 to 10% increase in monthly appointments.” 

As the county focuses efforts on being responsive, it also continues to embrace innovation, whether through technology or thoughtful partnerships and collaborations.

To illustrate this, Commissioner Kevin Ross, who represents residents At-Large, spoke of the county’s deliberate and thoughtful use of artificial intelligence to increase efficiency of services for residents as well as the county’s work with the City of Greeley and the Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority.

“We believe improvements (to airport infrastructure) will position the airport to meet growing transportation needs in the county and regionally,” Ross said.

This effort, which began with lengthy discussions and the signing of an intergovernmental agreement in 2024, has already led to meaningful improvements.

“We’re excited to see how these improvements expand transportation in the future and even more excited that we’ve been able to innovate quickly, while working alongside Greeley to create the best benefit possible for residents, businesses and all who will use the airport moving forward,” Ross said.

The speech concluded with perhaps the most important message for county residents: all of the work the county is undertaking — from day-to-day services to new projects such as the Weld County Judicial Center — have one thing in common. The county remains true to its goal of being as cost-effective as possible.

“Yes, it’s a major undertaking,” said District 2 Commissioner Scott James, in speaking about the new judicial center. “We need more courtrooms to meet state mandates. And once again, we’re doing it the Weld County way — just like we did with County Road 49 and the expansion of the jail: carefully, responsibly, and cost effectively.

“We’re structuring it in multiple projects so that future boards have flexibility – those off-ramps – to pause or adjust if the economy changes and to keep us fully in line with our Home Rule Charter.”

And with that nod to the county’s commitment to do what it does best, lead with innovative, responsive and cost-effective services, the second annual Weld County State of the County concluded.