New Arvada Community Director Hired At 'Pivotal' Time

ARVADA, CO — Arvada announced Tuesday that its deputy director of Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods will now serve as the department's director after the previous director retired earlier this year.

The new director, Dr. Enessa Janes, has been working for the city of Arvada for five years and is a "professional certified planner" with experience in climate resilience, urban design and parks, according to a news release. Janes, who grew up and lives in Colorado, has worked in the non-profit, private and public sectors. Before working as the deputy director, she managed Arvada's Community Resilience and Emergency Management program.

"We are excited and pleased to have Enessa return to the City of Arvada," city manager Mark Deven said. "She is a strong leader and supportive manager who will build on the past success of the Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods team and support new initiatives that will serve our community in the future."

Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods include Parks and Urban Design, Parks Maintenance, Golf Course Management and Maintenance, Hospitality, Majestic View Nature Center, and Housing Preservation and Resources within its umbrella, according to the news release. Its mission is to "provide housing and homelessness resources, parks, urban design, golf, event, trails and environmental education services to the Arvada community and visitors."

"I’m incredibly grateful to serve my community and to support the work of our talented and dedicated City of Arvada team," Janes said in the news release. "This is a pivotal and exciting time for our community. I look forward to supporting Arvada on our journey forward."