History

In the summer of 1998, five local leaders—Randy Pye, John Brackney, Brian Vogt, Ed Bosier and Pete Ross—gathered at a local pancake house to discuss the potential benefits of incorporating the City of Centennial. Together, they formed a volunteer group called the Arapahoe Citizens for Self-Determination and established a steering committee to lead the incorporation effort.

By October 1998, the group filed a petition in District Court requesting an election to determine whether the City of Centennial should be formed. When the court ruled the petition was invalid, they acted quickly to resolve the issue. On December 12, 1998, the group collected more than 2,500 signatures on a new petition, known as the "Centennial Petition," in just six hours.

Colorado Legislature Supports the Movement 

While the Centennial Petition was pending in District Court, House Bill 99-1099 was introduced to the Colorado Legislature to make it easier for large cities, like Centennial, to incorporate over smaller competing municipalities. This bill passed through both the Colorado House and Senate with minimal opposition and was signed into law by Governor Bill Owens on February 1, 1999, providing additional support to the idea of Centennial becoming its own city.

On April 8, 1999, the District Court ruled that the Centennial Petition was valid and took precedence over competing municipality proposals, allowing an election on whether Centennial should be incorporated. However, some interveners appealed the ruling and the case went directly to the Colorado Supreme Court.

On May 3, 2000, the Colorado Supreme Court heard oral arguments with Centennial volunteers turning out in force to support the self-determination and the formation of Centennial.

On July 21, 2000, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Centennial volunteers, confirming that an election should take place to determine if the City of Centennial would be incorporated.

A volunteer Election Commission for Centennial was formed and an election was scheduled for September 12, 2000, to determine if the voters within Centennial wished to form a city. On that day, 77% of voters approved the formation of the City of Centennial.

The first City officers were elected on February 6, 2001. Shortly afterward, on February 7, they took the oath of office, and Centennial officially became a City under Colorado law.

Randy Pye became the City’s first mayor, earning 81% of the vote. In that election, 30 candidates vied for eight council seats plus roles for mayor, treasurer, and clerk. The top vote-getters served four-year terms; the next highest served two years. Learn more about the elected officials on our History of Elected Officials page.

First Office Space

One of the City’s first actions after incorporation was securing office space for its new operations. The City leased a temporary office from Arapahoe Bank & Trust for just $1. The space included a separate entrance, three offices, a reception area, and access to a conference room.

Tax payers Bill of Rights (TABOR) is an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that requires governments to return unspent revenue unless voters agree to let the government keep it through what are commonly known as "de-Brucing" measures.

In 2006, 73% of Centennial voters approved a "de-Brucing" measure allowing the City to keep $2.2 million in tax revenue collected between 2005 and 2007. The City maintained this authority until 2013. As the 2013 deadline approached, the City placed another TABOR exemption, Ballot Measure 2D, on the ballot in 2012. Voters approved the measure, allowing the City to retain and spend revenues from all current and existing funding sources.

Rented Office Space

In 2006, the City leased a larger office space at 12503 E. Euclid Drive (right), conveniently located off Arapahoe Road in the center of the City.

In 2007, the City launched its first strategic project: Our Voice, Our Vision, Centennial 2030, a community-driven effort in which residents helped create a 20-year strategic plan for the City's future. The plan outlined ideas for improving infrastructure, enhancing safety and supporting the community's long-term growth.

The City transitioned from renting office space to purchasing property for the Centennial Civic Center and the future Centennial Center Park.

In 2008, the City purchased a 34,000 square-foot building at 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd. for its Civic Center (right) along with the adjacent 11-acre open space to develop into a park. As a debt-free City, nearly $7 million was allocated for the purchase and development of these community assets. 

The founding vision for Centennial emphasized limited government, a lean staff and cost-saving contracts for a variety of services. To achieve this, the City adopted a contract model that relies on public and private companies to provide many essential services, including public works and public safety. In addition, the City partners with a several special districts that deliver services such as water, sanitation and fire protection partnerships which remain in place today.

Land Use Brought In-House

In 2008, the City of Centennial determined it would be more cost-effective to manage land use services internally-rather than through an outside company. As a result, City Council ended a four-year contract with URS, an engineering, design and construction firm that provided those services. This transition created 10 new City positions and gave the City greater control over land use decisions.

The City continues to provide land use services through its in-house Community Development Department.

Public Works and Public Safety Contracts

Initially, the City had a contract with Arapahoe County to provide for Public Works and Public Safety services. In 2008, the City and Arapahoe County agreed to a short-term arrangement that created two separate Public Works and Public Safety contracts through July 1, 2008. Following that, in was considered to be the most significant public-to-private transition of its kind in the United States, the City transitioned its contract for Public Works to CH2M Hill. The new agreement established a fixed annual budget and specific performance standards.

At the same time, the City and Arapahoe County signed a new 10-year agreement for public safety services provided by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

Today, the City continues to provide Public Works services through a contract with Jacobs Engineering (formerly CH2M Hill) and Public Safety services through an ongoing partnership with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

Additional Contracted Services

The City contracts for a variety of other services as well. In addition to Public Works, Jacobs is the City's contracted provider for the 24/7 Call Center and Code Compliance services. In addition, Animal Services are available to Centennial residents through a contract with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR).

In 2001, Centennial started out as a statutory city governed by state laws. However, on November 6, 2007, Centennial citizen's elected 21 residents to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission to create a Home Rule Charter in 120 days. The new charter was approved on June 10, 2008 making it possible for Centennial to have control over local matters of local concern, including sales tax collection and audit. The approved charter serves as a “constitution” for the City.

Learn more about the Home Rule here.

In 2010, residents completed the first census since the City's incorporation. The official 2010 Census listed the City's population at 100,377, making it the 10th largest city in Colorado. Also, by reaching the 100,000 mark, the City was given entitlement status. The new position allowed the City to receive Federal grant funding without going through the County directly.

In 2020, residents completed the second census since the City's incorporation. With a self-response rate of 87%, Centennial finished with the highest response rate for a city with over 100,000 residents.

On April 27, 2012, Centennial Center Park opened to the public and serves as a central location to host events.

In 2012, the City purchased a second property at 7272 Eagle Street. The new facility was acquired to house the City's Public Works, Code Compliance and Animal Services contractors, and make available a rentable community room.

In 2013, Centennial voters overwhelmingly approved the City's initiative to develop a new fiber broadband infrastructure to improve internet access for residents and businesses. The approval of this ballot measure allowed the City to indirectly provide broadband services through competitive and nonexclusive partnerships with private businesses. Following the vote, City Council developed goals, adopted a Fiber Master Plan, and allocated $5.7 million to implement the City's Fiber Master Plan and began constructing a 50-mile fiber backbone.

In 2018, the City completed a 432-fiber strand backbone, connecting key City sites and enabling connectivity for community anchor institutions. Learn more on our FiberWorks page.

In 2019, the City launched a strategic planning process and City Council officially adopted the City's Mission, Vision & Values. The goals and strategies outline the immediate priorities identified by Council to advance the City's vision. Departmental and individual work plans reflect how each division and position contribute to achieving these strategic goals. View examples of department work plans tied to strategic objectives in the City's budget.

In 2021, City Council initiated a Housing Needs Assessment as part of the Housing Study and Policy Development Project to evaluate housing costs and availability across the community. The assessment was designed to gain a clearer understanding of the spectrum of housing challenges facing residents.

The Housing Needs Assessment identified a range of housing needs, including increasing overall housing production, expanding missing middle housing types, addressing gaps for low‑income renters and providing affordable options for the local workforce. These findings established priorities that informed future policy discussions and guided the City’s ongoing housing initiatives.

In 2022, the City reorganized municipal functions by bringing Building Services in‑house.

Centennial also completed its largest annexation with the addition of Dove Valley Regional Park, the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and nearby vacant land.

In 2023, the City created the Futures Committee, where City leaders, staff and community partners collaborate to anticipate what Centennial may face in the next 20 years. Through engagement with thought leaders and exploration of trends, this committee helps shape policies and environments that intentionally reflect the City's long-term vision. This forward-looking approach positions Centennial to respond to change and to actively design the future its residents desire, ensuring that the city remains vibrant, resilient and ready for generations to come.