Jefferson County Highlights How Lakewood and Arvada Turn Tourism Into Economic Growth
Lakewood is one of five Jefferson County municipalities described in the article as turning visitor spending into local revenue. As the county’s largest municipality, it draws on a mix of shopping, events, outdoor recreation and hotel stays rather than a single tourist destination. Belmar, Lakewood’s open-air downtown district, brings together shops, restaurants and a movie theater complex. Art festivals, outdoor movie nights and seasonal ice-skating rinks give visitors additional reasons to spend time there. The article links that activity to sales tax revenue from purchases at local businesses. Bear Creek Lake Park provides a different source of revenue. Regional visitors come for outdoor recreation, while vehicle entrance and camping fees bring in money beyond nearby retail sales. The park is part of Lakewood’s appeal to people seeking a stop close to the Denver area and the mountains. Lakewood’s hotels also serve more than one type of traveler. Properties along commercial routes such as 6th Avenue and Interstate 70 accommodate corporate visitors and vacationers heading toward the mountains. Their stays generate lodging tax revenue throughout the year, while shopping and dining generate sales taxes. At Bear Creek Lake Park, visitors also pay vehicle entrance and camping fees.
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