From commuting to culture, how the region works together was the topic of discussion at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City on Tuesday.
And it’s the challenges around those issues that has led leaders to stand together and find solutions.
“It is your willingness to get involved that makes a difference,” Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough told 500 business and civic leaders at the luncheon, sponsored by J.P. Morgan Chase.
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock highlighted regional projects from aerotropolis to investing in the redevelopment of the National Western Stock Show, as well as the challenges in the city and the region—in particular housing and addressing construction defects litigation.
“Nothing scares me more than this great city missing it’s calling for the time,” Hancock said. “I believe we are living in one of the greatest transformational moments of our time.”
A panel shared how key projects—the Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver International Airport, FasTracks and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District—have improved the region individually and collectively.
Each panelist had his or her own advice and lessons about regionalism and collaboration.
Amenities make a difference. With a focus on attracted top talent, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Chancellor Don Elliman, Jr., said that it’s amenities like ease of travel and cultural facilities that not only help attract that talent but keep them in the region. “It is the regionalism of this community that is our number one selling point,” Elliman said.
It takes time. These projects don’t happen overnight, it’s persistence that pays off, said Arvada Mayor Marc Williams. “You have to have patience,” he said when discussing the commuter project FasTracks. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
You’ve got to build trust. For Adams County Commissioner Charles Tedesco when working with other cities and counties on the original and the new agreement for Denver International Airport, there were challenges but in those struggles they built trust for these future negotiations to benefit all parties. “The only thing we can do with this agreement is raise all boats,” Tedesco said.
Business has a role to play. The business community is responsible for advancing not just the economy but the quality of life and should get involved, said Cathey Finlon, former owner of McClain Finlon Advertising and former Denver Art Museum president. “Business has a huge role at the table,” she said.
In addition to discussing regionalism, The Denver Foundation President and CEO David Miller was recognized with the Monte Pascoe Civic Leadership Award.
Read more coverage from this event:
Mayor Hancock enlists business support for fall ballot measures, The Denver Post
Mayor sees Denver at a moment of transformational change, needs taxpayers to agree, Denver Business Journal
Sara Crocker is communications manager for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.