Centennial's 25th Year Anniversary!
Centennial’s 25th anniversary is more than a milestone—it’s a reflection of what we’ve built together and a look at where we’re headed next.
Since 2001, Centennial has grown from a community-driven vision into one of Colorado’s most connected and thriving cities. That growth has been shaped by residents, businesses, partners and local leaders working together to create a community defined by intention, collaboration and opportunity.
As we celebrate 25 years, we’re also looking ahead to the Next 25—continuing to invest in the people, places and ideas that will shape our future.
Celebrating 25 Years
Join us in exploring Centennial’s story through a collection of videos highlighting our history, community milestones and vision for the future.
This playlist features stories, milestone moments, community events, special recognitions and reflections on the people and partnerships that have shaped our City since 2001.
From our founding to today, discover how Centennial has grown into one of Colorado’s most vibrant communities—and how we are building on that legacy for the future.
Celebrate With Us!
Centennial’s 25th anniversary is a celebration of the people, places and community that make our City what it is today.
Throughout the year, residents are invited to join us at signature events that bring our community together and highlight what makes Centennial a great place to live, work and play.
Chalk Art Festival
Join us for a day watching talented local artists bring their sidewalk chalk masterpieces to life.
- Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Streets at SouthGlenn
- Learn more and add this event to your calendar, visit our Chalk Art Festival page
25 Years of Centennial - A Connected Community
For 25 years, Centennial has been defined not just by growth, but by intention. A community built by residents, shaped by collaboration and focused on what comes next. Expand the accordion sections below to explore our milestones, memorable moments, news coverage and anniversary celebrations—or visit our About Us webpage to learn even more about our history and community.
How We Began
From grassroots vision to incorporated city
Every community has a beginning—and Centennial’s began with a simple idea and a shared commitment: creating a city that reflected the values of its residents.
In the late 1990s, a group of neighbors—including Randy Pye, John Brackney, Brian Vogt, Ed Bosier and Pete Ross—helped spark a grassroots effort to explore incorporation. What started around a breakfast table grew into a community-wide movement built on civic engagement, collaboration and a shared vision for local control.
That effort led to the official establishment of the City of Centennial on February 7, 2001.
Today, Centennial’s story continues to be shaped by the same spirit of community that launched it—residents working together to build a city that reflects who we are and where we want to go.
Learn more about our founding and history on our History Webpage.
How We Grew
25 Years of Milestones
From a grassroots movement to one of Colorado’s most connected, thriving communities, Centennial’s history is filled with defining moments. Explore the highlights that shaped our City—from incorporation to national recognition—and see how far we’ve come.
- 1998 – Pancake breakfast sparks the idea of incorporation. The Arapahoe Citizens for Self-Determination forms and quickly rallies thousands of petition signatures.
- 2000 – After a unanimous Colorado Supreme Court decision clears the way, 77% of voters approve forming the City of Centennial.
- 2001 – Centennial becomes official; first City Council sworn in on February 7.
- 2006 – Residents approve a TABOR exemption (“de-Brucing”), allowing Centennial to retain millions in local revenues for community use.
- 2008 – Voters approve a Home Rule Charter, strengthening local decision-making.
- 2010 – Census confirms a population of 100,377, making Centennial the 10th largest city in Colorado.
- 2012 – Fiber Master Plan adopted, paving the way for Centennial’s 50-mile fiber backbone.
- 2016 – Centennial named one of the Best Places to Live in America by Money Magazine.
- 2020 – Centennial celebrates its 20th anniversary online with residents during the pandemic and earns the highest Census self-response rate (87%) among U.S. cities over 100,000.
- 2025 – Ranked #1 Best Place to Live in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report.
These are just a few highlights from our journey—explore the full list of key moments on our Milestones page.
How We Connect
250 Years. 150 Years. 25 Years.
This year, we are recognizing three milestones that connect Centennial to a much larger story of place, people and progress.
Across the nation, communities are reflecting on 250 years of American history. In Colorado, we are also celebrating 150 years of statehood. And here in Centennial, we are proud to mark 25 years as an incorporated city.
While each milestone represents a different scale and moment in time, together they reflect shared values that continue to shape our communities: service, resilience, innovation and civic pride.
Centennial’s story is part of this broader continuum. It is shaped by the history of our region, the growth of our state and the intentional choices of residents who came together to create something new in 2001.
As we celebrate these milestones, we honor the people, places and decisions that brought us here—and we look ahead to the next chapter we will continue to build together.
Learn More About Each Celebration:
Our Future
Our Future Begins with What We Build Today Centennial’s future is being shaped by thoughtful planning, continued investment and strong community partnerships.
These stories highlight how Centennial is building on its first 25 years to shape what comes next.
The Next 25
Twenty-five years ago, residents came together to create a city built on local control, community values and shared vision. Today, we continue building on that foundation as we look toward the next chapter of Centennial’s story.
This video reflects on where we have been, what we have built together and how that foundation continues to guide our path forward.
Midtown Centennial
Midtown Centennial is a long-term vision for transforming key areas of our community into vibrant, walkable destinations that bring together housing, employment, parks, trails and local businesses.
This video reflects on our effort and commitment to intentional growth—focused on strengthening connections and supporting a high quality of life for current and future residents.
Denver Summit FC
Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team is coming to Centennial, marking a significant investment in athletics, partnership and regional opportunity.
This video reflects the future home of Denver Summit FC includes a new performance center and stadium that will support elite competition while contributing to broader community and economic impact.
Stay Connected - Be Part of The Next 25
The celebration doesn't stop here. Be the first to know about upcoming events, stories and ways to get involved:
Celebrating 25 years of Centennial—and looking ahead to the Next 25!