Why Mike
Go for Griffith!
Community-Driven Values.
Mike Griffith is a trusted public servant and seasoned professional with a long history of getting things done for Arvada. With a background in urban design, years of public service, and a deep commitment to building a stronger city, Mike brings the leadership and experience needed to meet Arvada’s challenges head-on.
Real Experience. Proven Impact.
Mike has held multiple leadership roles across city boards and commissions, including:
Chair of the Arvada Planning Commission – guiding development reviews and advocating for growth that benefits the whole community.
Chair of the Arvada Board of Adjustment – reviewing zoning appeals and ensuring fair application of the city’s land use code.
Board Member of the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District (BID) – enhancing community spaces and saving public dollars through smart design leadership.
Land Development Code Advisory Committee- modernize zoning to make the process clearer for both developers and residents.
Other City of Arvada involvement includes:
Volunteer for the Arvada Resiliency Task Force
Member of Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce
Member of Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis
A Designer of Better Places.
As a licensed Landscape Architect and Urban Designer, Mike has worked with teams across Colorado to build spaces that prioritize people, safety, and community. His past projects include:
Brighton Boulevard, South Federal, 16th Street Mall, and Auraria’s 10th Street – reimagined corridors that connect neighborhoods and improve how people move.
South Sloan’s Lake – Colorado’s highest-rated LEED-ND Gold development, with affordable housing and strong community integration in the planning and development process.
McGregor Square – downtown Denver’s largest public plaza, now a vibrant gathering space for locals and visitors.
Over 500 trees planted across the Front Range through a mix of public and personal efforts to strengthen urban canopies.
Mike also led the Arvada Transportation Study, the city’s first comprehensive mobility plan, focused on creating safer, smarter connections across town.
Committed to Arvada.
Mike has always shown up for his neighbors—from helping small businesses, adapting public spaces, to helping his neighbors plant trees, fix their cars, and develop plans to build ADU’s in the their own backyards.
Mike teaches graduate students at CU Denver, helping the next generation of designers find their path—with a 100% job placement rate among his students.