After 11 years in Arvada, City Manager Mark Deven announced his retirement from public service on Feb. 15. Deven’s retirement is effective Oct. 7. He will remain the city manager until that time while the city searches for a replacement.
Deven’s tenure as city manager began on Oct. 1, 2011. During his 11-year tenure, Deven oversaw a period of significant change in Arvada that included western expansion, increased urbanization and the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that time, that city executed the Ralston Road and W. 72nd Avenue bond projects, completed the West Woods Clubhouse remodel, completed the Olde Town Transit Hub, and oversaw various improvements to the water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
Arvada Mayor Marc Williams commended Deven for his service and congratulated him on retirement.
“Mark Deven has delivered excellent service to the Arvada community, our City Team and the City Council throughout his 11-year tenure with the City,” Williams said. “His passion for public service is evident every day. On behalf of the entire City Council, we wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Deven’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the formation of the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce, a collaborative effort between the city team, the chamber of commerce, the Arvada Economic Development Association and other partners. The Taskforce was named ‘Community Partner of the Year’ by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation.
Prior to becoming Arvada’s city manager, Deven was the city manager of Woodland, California from 2007 to 2011 and the assistant city manager of Concord, California from 2004 to 2007. Cumulatively, Deven spent 41 years working in local government.
Arvada’s City Council, along with the city’s human resources team, will begin a search processes for a new city manager with the hopes of announcing Deven’s replacement before he departs in October.