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 on the 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 transitioned to leadership within 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

In 2021, Mayor Piko launched an impactful tree planting program to mark Earth Day, and since then, the city has seen incredible growth in its sustainability initiatives. This year, Centennial residents participated in these efforts, including the electronics recycling initiative, which collected 27 tons of electronics and as a part of that effort 1,269lbs of donated food was collected for the Salvation Army. This program provides residents with opportunities to dispose of old electronics responsibly while promoting a cleaner city. 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.

Mayor Piko serves on workforce development in the electric vehicle space through her involvement with the 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.