Centennial's 25th Year Anniversary!

Every community has a beginning—ours started with a breakfast table and a bold idea: creating a City that reflects the values of its community. Learn how five neighbors—Randy Pye, John Brackney, Brian Vogt, Ed Bosier and Pete Ross—sparked the movement that led to Centennial’s official establishment on February 7, 2001.

Learn more about our founding and history on our History Webpage.

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; Centennial Center Park opens as the City’s first signature park.
• 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.

Centennial’s story is best told through the people and moments that define it. Browse our photo gallery for a look back at community gatherings, big milestones and everyday snapshots that remind us how special 25 years of Centennial have been.

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Discover more by visiting our Flickr Gallery.

Local and national stories have highlighted Centennial’s growth, innovation and community spirit. Revisit features that shine a light on our people, our progress and the pride we share in calling Centennial home.

• Denver7’s Your Voice series highlights what makes Centennial special—our people. Watch Centennial is an intentional community shaped by the residents themselves and celebrate with us as we mark 25 years together.
• Denver7’s Your Voice series is sharing Centennial’s story as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Watch Centennial prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary to see how far we’ve come and what makes our community shine.

Centennial’s first 25 years were about building a strong foundation—our next 25 will be about shaping what’s possible. From reimagined spaces to new opportunities for connection, Centennial continues to plan boldly for the future.

Explore the videos below to see what’s on the horizon and how you can play a part in creating the next chapter of our community.

Centennial's Ready: Prepare. Innovate. Succeed.

Midtown Centennial: The Future of Centennial's Core