Environmental Leadership
As Centennial continues to grow, Mayor Stephanie Piko has been at the forefront of ensuring that the city's development aligns with environmental sustainability. Over the years, her leadership has driven significant strides in natural resource protection, water management, and sustainability programs. By fostering collaboration, supporting green infrastructure, and empowering community-driven initiatives, Mayor Piko is setting Centennial on a path to a cleaner, greener future. Her approach is holistic, focusing not just on immediate action, but also on long-term resilience for the environment and future generations.
Protecting Natural Resources for Future Generations
Under Mayor Piko’s leadership, Centennial has made significant strides in natural resource protection. She served as chair of the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority Board, working to maintain the health of Cherry Creek Reservoir and protect its water quality.
Efforts have focused on safeguarding riparian corridors and ensuring the stability of water ecosystems, even as urbanization continues to impact the natural environment. By advocating for these vital resources, Mayor Piko has emphasized the importance of protecting Centennial’s natural beauty and resources for future generations.
Comprehensive Water Management for Public Safety
Water management has been another priority under Mayor Piko’s leadership. She served on the Southeast Metro Storm Water Authority from 2013 to 2017 and now serves as chair of the Mile High Flood District. Under her guidance, the city has integrated stormwater management with public safety, preventing flooding while ensuring the protection of Centennial’s infrastructure.
Additionally, Mayor Piko’s efforts have turned flood control infrastructure into recreational amenities, providing residents with both safety and quality outdoor spaces.
Empowering Communities Through Sustainability Programs
Early in her tenure, Mayor Piko signed up the city to be part of Xcel Energy’s partners in energy program which is designed to help citizens make their homes more energy efficient. Additionally, she’s supported impactful Earth Day initiatives through the private sector partnership she’s established to host Centennial’s electronics recycling program. This pioneering recycling program provides residents with opportunities to dispose of old electronics responsibly while promoting a cleaner city. This past year, Centennial residents participated in the program, which collected 27 tons of electronics and 1,269lbs of donated food was collected for the Salvation Army. Additionally, as of 2021, Centennial has allocated a total of $290K in grants to assist 30 neighborhoods in beautifying their communities, with an additional $100K set aside for projects in 2025. These grants have funded projects ranging from tree plantings to neighborhood entrance improvements. As Mayor, Stephanie has continued to support the tree planting program and the addition of a solar parking structure to provide energy for City Hall.
Mayor Piko also serves as Co-Chair on EV Workforce Development Collaborative for electric vehicles through her involvement with the National Governer’s Association and the National League of Cities
Collaborative Regional Environmental Solutions
Mayor Piko understands that environmental challenges extend beyond city borders. That's why she has focused on building regional collaborations to address environmental concerns that impact multiple municipalities. By working together with neighboring cities, she has helped to create integrated strategies for environmental management. This collaborative approach is essential for mitigating the impact of urban development on Centennial’s natural areas, ensuring that future growth doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.
