State court assessment highlights need for new justice center

Published on June 11, 2026

Safety, accessibility and evidence storage issues were a few of the concerns outlined in the Office of the State Court Administrator’s report released to the county late last month.

“The Weld County Facility and Space Needs Assessment with 20-Year Projections” provides Weld County Commissioners with documented information about items the current Weld County court facilities adequately meet as well as numerous areas of concerns the state has regarding current and future court facility requirements.

While the information in the assessment is not new to county commissioners, it confirms what county officials, including their owner’s representative and design firm, learned through numerous interviews, conversations, and research with 19th Judicial District court staff, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.

Some of the items highlighted in the assessment as areas of concern include:

• Lack of secure paths of travel for judicial staff, including judges

• Lack of necessary separation between public, private, and secure paths of travel

• Lack of ADA accessible witness boxes in all courtrooms

• Lack of adequate number of restrooms (and accessible restrooms)

• Lack of adequate parking for jurors

• Lack of adequate storage for exhibit/evidence items

With this information, the county will be able to design and build court facilities that not only meet the needs and expectations of the public but also meet the requirements of the state.

The public is invited to read the entire report.