Join us this December for SMPS Colorado’s exclusive luncheon event featuring a dynamic roundtable discussion with municipal leaders from across the Front Range. This unique opportunity brings together experts in economic development, planning, and public sector projects to share valuable insights into upcoming design and construction initiatives. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask direct questions, and connect face-to-face with key representatives from Colorado's cities and counties. Whether you're interested in learning about future projects or exploring how to collaborate with local governments, this luncheon promises an informative and engaging experience you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• Exclusive Project Insights: Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of upcoming public sector design and construction projects across the Front Range, to stay ahead of industry trends and opportunities.
• Direct Access to Municipal Leaders: This roundtable offers a rare chance to engage with key decision-makers from Colorado’s cities and counties, providing valuable networking opportunities and the ability to ask specific questions in a collaborative environment.
• Strategies for Public Sector Collaboration: Learn best practices for working with local governments, including tips on navigating procurement processes, building partnerships, and positioning your business for success in municipal projects.

Speakers:

Julie Jacoby
Deputy Director, Economic Development
City of Thornton

Julie Jacoby has served the City of Thornton for over a decade. As the Deputy Director of Economic Development, Julie oversees the retail attraction process which has included community-changing projects such as the Denver Premium Outlets, TopGolf, Main Event, King Soopers Marketplace, the newly announced Candlelight Theater, and Chicken N Pickle. Prior to joining the City, Julie’s extensive managerial and marketing career spanned a variety of industries, including retail, development, broadcasting, and hospitality. In 2011, Julie took her retail knowledge to the public sector, serving as an Economic Development Specialist for the City of Commerce City before joining her hometown team in the City of Thornton in 2014. Julie is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC), and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Julie holds degrees in communications and political science from Valparaiso University, and she has a CEcD certification in economic development from IEDC. She has lived in Thornton since 2001 with her husband, Jeremy, and two daughters, Jessica and Johanna.

Jacob James
Deputy Director of Public Works
City of Lone Tree

Jacob James is the Deputy Director of Public Works - Engineering for the City of Lone Tree, Colorado, where he oversees public works projects such as road construction, water management, and infrastructure maintenance. With over five years at Lone Tree, starting as City Engineer, and seven years prior as the Stormwater Utility Manager for Parker, CO, Jacob has extensive experience in water resources, drainage, and public infrastructure. His background includes engineering roles managing projects involving flood control, dams, and potable water systems, highlighting his commitment to sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Steve Art
Economic Development & Urban Renewal Manager
City of Wheat Ridge

Steve is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Wheat Ridge and the Executive Director for the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority. Steve works closely with the business and development community directing growth and real estate for the community while promoting the values of Wheat Ridge. He has been with the City for almost 14 years. Steve works regionally with the area Economic Development professionals where he is Immediate Past Chairperson for Downtown Colorado, Inc. and on the Governing Board for the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. In his spare time, Steve is a Scuba instructor and enjoys diving, golfing, and locating the best ‘hole in the wall’ eating establishments in the region. He is married to his wife Peggy and resides in Arvada.

Jansen Tidmore
President and CEO of Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation
Jeffco Economic Development Corporation

Jansen Tidmore is a seasoned economic development leader with a proven track record across three states, driving nearly $10 billion in industrial capital, creating 25,000 jobs, and facilitating over $300 million in downtown revitalization. A Dothan, Alabama native and Auburn University graduate with a Master of Public Administration, Jansen has led initiatives such as the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the Spartanburg Downtown Development Partnership, later serving as EVP of Corporate and Urban Development for the Economic Futures Group. Now based in Jeffco, Colorado, where he serves on various advisory boards, Jansen is known for his collaborative, data-driven approach to economic development. He enjoys outdoor activities and supporting his favorite sports teams alongside his wife, Laura, and their two children.

Vanessa Zarate
Economic Vitality Manager
City of Louisville

Vanessa Zarate is an accomplished economic developer with extensive experience in fostering strong, diverse, and sustainable communities through strategic partnerships with both private and public sector entities. Holding a Bachelor's degree in International Business from the University of Denver and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council, Vanessa also possesses a real estate license. Her expertise in analytical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, and social networking has been instrumental in attracting new businesses, supporting local enterprises, and facilitating site selection, development, and redevelopment projects. Vanessa’s commitment to collaboration and her work with utility operators, workforce development agencies, and quality-of-life businesses ensure that communities under her stewardship are not only welcoming but poised for long-term success and growth.

Tara Vargish
Director of Development Services
Town of Castle Rock

Tara Vargish has been the Director of Development Services for the Town of Castle Rock since June 2020, bringing over 20 years of experience in land development engineering and community planning within both municipal government and private civil engineering consulting. Since joining the Town’s Development Services Department in 2010, Tara has played a key role in transformative projects such as the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, Promenade at Castle Rock retail center, and the revitalizing Philip S. Miller Park and Rink at the Rock. A licensed Professional Engineer, she holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents, Tara, alongside her husband and three children, is committed to continuously evolving the Town’s services to meet the needs of its dynamic community.

Jim Katzer
Transportation Division Manager
Arapahoe County

After graduating college with an engineering degree, Jim started his career in transportation. His first job was designing bridges in Kansas for KDOT. In 2004, he returned to Colorado to further his career with Arapahoe County where he has been employed for 20 years. At the County, Jim has gained experience in road design, surveying, project management, government procurement, construction, infrastructure management, transportation planning, traffic operations, employee management, and relationship building.  During his time in Kansas, he obtained his professional engineer license.  Jim’s current title at the County is the Transportation Division Manager.

REGISTER

CEUs Available: 1, 3 Client & Business Development

Note: Only SMPS Members may register at member pricing. All ticket prices increase $25 on December 7.
Finding it difficult to allocate funds for SMPS programming and/or membership? The Colorado Believes page program is rooted in our core values of learning, commitment, and community through charitable giving, membership sponsorships, scholarships, and industry engagement. This program is also part of our efforts to help diversify membership and help provide opportunities for BIPOC individuals and DBE, WBE, MBE, VBR, and LGBTBE firms to elevate their marketing efforts while helping your company save. Please email SMPS Colorado’s admin for reduced pricing and scholarship opportunities.

If you are a member of another SMPS Chapter and would like a member rate, please email the admin. Job seekers, students, and other new professionals, please visit our Colorado Believes page for details on our student membership programs and professional development scholarship opportunities. Refunds are available if submitted to the admin one week prior to the event.