FOR THE LOVE:
Erica Jagger
Occupation: Public Relations & Marketing Manager
I’ve been fortunate to build my career working with local restaurant groups and major art museums across Colorado. Now, I have the privilege of representing Rooted in Littleton—an organization I’m truly proud to support, given my deep ties to the community.
What part of Littleton are you from?
Born and raised near historic downtown Littleton.
How long have you lived in Littleton?
I grew up in Littleton and graduated from Heritage High School before spending time in Boulder and Denver throughout my twenties. I traveled quite a bit and even spent some time in Florida—but no matter where I go, Littleton will always be home! I am happy to be back and start a new chapter here with my husband.
What do you love most about the charm and beauty of Littleton?
I love how Littleton has held onto its small-town charm while continuing to grow in the best ways. The historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks make it such a special place. I’ve also been loving all the new local businesses popping up—I cannot wait for Mango Tree Coffee to open!
Is there anything you’d like to see change in Littleton?
I’d love to see smart growth that keeps Littleton’s unique character intact. Preserving green spaces and ensuring development benefits the people who actually live here is so important. More community-driven projects, local businesses, and places that bring people together would make it even better.
Please share a favorite memory of Littleton.
Western Welcome Week was always a highlight! I loved being in the parades as a kid and later representing Heritage High School. The fireworks at Sterne Park afterward were the perfect way to end the night. So many of my best childhood memories were made right here, and it’s been amazing to see Littleton grow while still feeling like home.
Skip Mawell
I first moved to the Denver metro area in 1982. I knew right away that Littleton was where I wanted to live. Being a young and aspirational carpenter it was a dream that seemed to be out of my reach. I tended to move frequently from one house that I would fix up to the next. Living in a state of constant remodeling came with stress and strife but it also gave me joy that things were improving.
My dream finally came true in 2017. As much as I enjoyed the houses that I lived in in the unincorporated parts of Littleton, they just weren’t “home”. I wanted a home in a real vibrant community with neighbors who knew and cared for one another. Fortunately for me, we found a house that needed a lot of work. It was within our budget. We did the hard work to make it our lovely home. We had built our “forever” home.
Then the City came up with a grand plan that would change our land use codes. Grand plans generally lose sight of granular details. One granular detail of interest to me is Aberdeen Village. Our home is in that community. Our community would be threatened by this grand plan. Our small community is an excellent example of how to create a desirable place to live.
It has been done over the last 65 years without the use of restrictive covenants. Without the use of gates to keep out the others. Without the isolation for wealth and privilege. But by being part of a vibrant and diverse community close to the city center. Our area is possibly the most economically and racially diverse part of our city. We treasure the relationships that we have built by being right in the middle of all of that.
The people from all walks of life who stop on their evening walks to chat with me as I tend to my garden or my bees. People who want to find out what a lifetime of carpentry has taught me. People who may take home just a bit of what I tell them and apply it to their homes. People who tell me how their dream is coming true through their efforts.
Yes Aberdeen is an aspirational community and yes, it is worth it to have kept a hold of that dream for 35 years. Yes, I want that dream to come true in time for so many of the young aspirational carpenters who follow me. And for so many of them I know it will happen. I want to be part of something that ensures that the dream is still available past the next 35 years.
