Shawna for Arvada

12/05/2023

The op-ed I wrote was published in Newsweek, reflecting on 30 years ago when Don't Ask, Don't Tell was implemented:

As a bisexual woman, I know that policies against q***r people do not make us disappear, they determine how much we risk by being open about our identity.

11/20/2023

I honor that today is Trans Day of Remembrance for many of our families who remember and are rising up to protect the most vulnerable among us. I am also lifting up the Trans Day of Resilience art project which shows all the ways community can come together to protect us, especially in these times of attack on our self-determination. Please check them out at

This Trans Day of Resilience, we celebrate the love that makes our trans families bloom. We venerate the trans love that nurtures and protects our trans youth. And we honor the trans love that is rooted in the healing legacies of our transcestors.

11/14/2023

Here's a community survey for Arvada - share with your friends! And a note from our city manager:

The City of Arvada is conducting a survey of residents; please help inform community leaders in Arvada by participating.

The results will enable us to assess our performance across many City agencies and services; helping guide management decisions to inform budget development, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the best possible customer service to all residents.

We have asked an independent research firm – Probolsky Research – to conduct the community survey.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete. Your response to every question is very important to us and confidential.

If you would prefer to participate by phone, please call toll-free 877-886-0302.

If you have any questions about the survey, please call the City Manager’s Office at 720-898-7500.

I appreciate your taking the time to respond to the survey.

Sincerely,

Lorie B. Gillis
City Manager

Arvada Survey 2023.

11/13/2023

It'd be great to see you there tonight, 7pm!

The City of Arvada's newly-elected mayor and councilmembers will be sworn in at the council swearing-in ceremony at 7 p.m. tonight, Monday, Nov. 13, in Council Chambers. We will also be thanking the outgoing mayor and councilmembers for their service. Members of the public are invited to attend or view on KATV channel 8/880. If you cannot attend or view on Nov. 13, a video will be available tomorrow. https://arvadaco.portal.civicclerk.com/

11/13/2023

The top issue I heard from everyone was HOUSING! The city of Arvada is doing a housing survey - get your input in by November 24th!

Arvada, CO - The City of Arvada Housing Division launched a new survey on Monday, Oct. 30, to collect information about Arvada’s housing market, including the current housing needs of workers, commuters, and Arvada residents. The information obtained from survey results will help the City create p...

11/11/2023

It's hard to think that I enlisted in the military over 22 years ago. While that seems distant, the memories of my friends that we lost is as close as ever, those who didn't get to become veterans and those who couldn't get the help they needed when they came home. This day was originally a day to celebrate the peace after the sacrifice of so many military members, Armistice Day, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Thank you veterans for your service, and may there be a day when peace is all we know.

11/08/2023

Our city is a place to be proud of with incredible servant leaders and citizens who care about each other and what our future holds. I'm honored to share that this campaign won, and I'll be your next City Council representative for Arvada District Two. It was close, and I promise to serve all Arvadans no matter how you voted.

Deep thanks to all of the volunteers who canvassed, wrote postcards, put up yard signs, made calls, donated, and everyone who believed in this campaign. Especially my family - my husband Nick, kids Rose & Rex, my brother Stephen and mother Pam. Everyone's enthusiasm kept this campaign's momentum up and spirits high. Arvada is a better place because of how this campaign came together to envision what we can do in District 2 and across the city.

Also thanks to my opponent Mike, who is already a great public servant as head of the planning commission and ran a sterling campaign, and offered his full support after the election.

If you'd like to come celebrate this campaign, we are gathering tonight at Mi Tierra Caliente (near 64th and Sheridan) at 6pm. We'd love to see you!

11/08/2023

It's Election Day AND it's my mom's birthday (she says her birthday is on Election Day every four years or so. A big thanks to my mom for being a big supporter not only in this election, but my whole life. I know this campaign is something you are proud of, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (photo is my mom holding her first grandchild 19 years ago!)

11/07/2023

I'm grateful for supporters like Jon, who told me he can't believe he's voting for an openly q***r candidate like me when he had to hide his relationships while serving in the Air Force. There are so many stories like Jon's all over Arvada, and it's an honor to have your vote. Make sure you vote this Election Day!

11/07/2023

Hiii!! It's Election Day, let's vote everybody!! And easily triple the vote by talking to 2-3 neighbors to make sure they got their ballot in. We got this!

Check out RevShawna's video.

11/03/2023

In these last days before the election, we want to take a moment and thank EVERYONE who has endorsed Shawna for City Council!

Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, Brittany Pettersen for Congress
Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Congressman Ed Perlmutter
Representative Brianna Titone, Representative Brianna Titone
Representative Lindsey Daugherty, Representative Lindsey Daugherty
Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper, Lesley Dahlkemper
Senator Lisa Cutter, Senator Lisa Cutter
Commissioner Andy Kerr, Andy Kerr for Jeffco
Former JeffCo School Board Member Jill Fellman,
Westminster City Council Obi Ezeadi,
Lakewood City Council Candidate Isabel Cruz,
Harriet Hall, (former director of the Jefferson Center)
Esmeralda Tomayo, (Owner of Olde Town Nutrition)
Candidate Kyra deGruy Kennedy,
Ajax Garcia, (Owner of Mi Tierra Caliente)
Professor Rob Acker,
Arvadans for Progressive Action,
Vote Vets Foundation,
Climate Cabinet,
Denver Area Labor Federation,
CWA Colorado/Wyoming chapter and 9415,
SEIU Local 105,
Working Families Party,
Bold Progressives,
Run For Something,
Jefferson Democratic Latino Initiative,
Sheet Metal Workers Local 9,
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund,
Voter Pro Choice,
Colorado Blueflower Fund and the
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.