Officials hope to announce finalists for Jefferson County manager before the end of the year. Commissioners are conducting phone interviews with six candidates in the coming days.

After at least one round of phone interviews, the commissioners will host in-person interviews.

Deborah Churchill, chief of staff to the commissioners, said recruitment firm Raftelis received 52 applications. They were reviewed for completeness and the candidates' qualifications and experience. The firm then presented its findings to the commissioners on Nov. 29, who then decided which six candidates to interview.

Candidates are expected to meet with community stakeholders, including business, nonprofit and municipal leaders. The county's leadership team will also will spend time with each candidate.

Deputy County Manager Kate Newman is the interim manager. Don Davis resigned July 1 to take a similar role in Broomfield.

District Attorney’s Office launches new diversion program

The 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office has launched the Pathways diversion program to connect individuals suspected of low-level, nonviolent crimes with treatment, social support and other resources.

The DA's Office has launched a Pathways office in Lakewood. The program started earlier this year and has already served more than 500 clients.

The previous adult diversion program required a guilty plea before participation, but Pathways can help get individuals into treatment even before charges are filed, diverting people from the criminal justice system.

It offers four "pathways" or programs: Safe and Licensed Driver; Substance Intervention; Encourage; and Engage. Each uses a collaborative, strength-based approach with clients and community resources to provide targeted services and a path toward compassionate accountability, according to the DA.

“Expanding our diversionary options for individuals who are low-risk and who can be stabilized in our community, is essential to community safety and well-being,” District Attorney Alexis King said. “I am proud to have delivered a program that is and will continue to positively impact our community.”

The DA’s Office has planned a Dec. 6 grand opening for its Pathways building at 405 Urban St., Suite 120 in Lakewood.

For more information on Pathways or other DA’s Office resources, visit firstda.co or call 303-271-6800.