View photos from the event, provided by Dave Anderson at InSync Photography + Design.
DENVER, CO, JULY 29, 2026—Metro Denver city council members, county commissioners, former and current mayors, and 500+ business and community leaders discussed topical issues impacting the region during the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC)’s annual State of the Cities, sponsored by United Airlines.
The event featured a mayoral panel covering collaboration between cities, as well as small tables conversations between businesspeople and lawmakers.
The mayoral panel was moderated by President and CEO of the Metro Mayors Caucus and Executive Director of Civic Results, Heidi Williams. The panel featured Greeley Mayor Dale Hall, Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon, Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter, and Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg.
Throughout the discussion, the mayors emphasized that strong partnerships between local governments and the business community are essential to building thriving communities. While each city approaches growth through its own unique lens, the leaders shared a common message: local governments want to work alongside businesses to create environments where businesses, residents and communities can succeed.
"We're here because we want to be partners with you," said Mayor Harmon, encouraging businesses to engage with local leaders early and become active members of their communities. Mayor Schlachter echoed the sense of regional collaboration, noting, "We can have communications between our communities... we want to make sure we know what other communities are doing." Mayor Weinberg encouraged business leaders to participate in long-range planning efforts, saying that aligning with a city's future vision creates stronger outcomes for both businesses and the communities they serve.
The conversation also explored one of Colorado's most pressing challenges: housing. The mayors agreed that while zoning and land use policies play an important role, they represent only one piece of a much larger equation. Predictable development processes, local flexibility and collaboration between municipalities, developers and nonprofit partners were identified as critical to creating housing that meets the needs of growing communities. Mayor Harmon highlighted Lone Tree's diverse housing options as the result of thoughtful local planning, while Mayor Schlachter emphasized that simply zoning land for housing does not guarantee it will be built.
A recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of predictability, transparency and efficient local government processes. Mayor Weinberg highlighted Golden's efforts to simplify the business experience through new tools guiding entrepreneurs through the city's startup process, while Mayor Hall shared Greeley's commitment to timely development reviews, noting the city's goal of completing approvals within 90 days.
Closing the conversation, each mayor expressed optimism about Colorado's future, pointing to a shared willingness to collaborate across jurisdictions and sectors. "We are better together," Mayor Harmon said. "When we come together, we create a better, more well-connected Colorado." Mayor Hall echoed that sentiment, highlighting the opportunity for Colorado's agricultural communities, mountain towns and growing cities to work together rather than compete. Mayor Weinberg praised Colorado's openness to new ideas regardless of where they originate, while Mayor Schlachter expressed confidence in the business and civic leaders committed to working together to solve the state's biggest challenges.
Following the mayoral panel, attendees participated in facilitated table discussions led by community leaders from across the region, creating an opportunity for business leaders, local officials and community influencers to continue the conversation. Building on the themes of partnership and collaboration highlighted throughout the panel, participants shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping their communities, including housing, infrastructure, business-friendly policies and regional growth. The discussions reinforced the value of bringing together public and private sector leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and identify collaborative solutions that support Colorado's long-term economic success.
President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber, J. J. Ament, closed out the event with, “Real progress has never been the work of one city, one organization, or one individual. It happens when we recognize that our communities are connected. A family's decision about where to live, a company's decision about where to invest, or an entrepreneur's decision to start a business doesn't stop at city limits. Our success is shared.”
The presenting sponsor for this event was United Airlines. Additional support came from platinum sponsor, Cherry Creek North; and gold sponsors, Delta Dental of Colorado and FBT Gibbons.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
