Denver Regionalism Challenged

One of the significant assets of the Denver metro area has been its commitment to regionalism. Voters and leaders have supported the following initiatives:

• SCFD elections: 1998, 1994, 2004
• RTD: 1997, 2004
• Baseball: 1990; football: 1998
• Denver Metro Mayors Caucus (40 mayors, starts in 1993)
• Metro Denver Economic Development Cooperation (70 organizations, 1980s)

Challenges

But today, there are many challenges. The key will be how to maintain shared fortunes and futures:

• Core city population growth and economic viability (650,000), 3rd fastest growing state 2004, tops in job growth, 6th fastest growing city 2014
• Airport and tourism as shared regional assets
• Tamping down regional economic rivalries