DENVER (July 20, 2016) – The Downtown Denver Partnership recognized the success of its place-based economic development strategy at the organization’s 61st Annual Meeting today, also outlining strategic initiatives for the coming year and honoring outstanding contributions by its leaders and members. The annual meeting, presented by Grant Thornton, is an opportunity for the Downtown Denver Partnership (Partnership) to showcase activities that align with the high-impact strategies outlined in the 2007 Downtown Area Plan and report on progress toward building a healthy and vital Downtown Denver. More than 900 civic and business leaders were in attendance.
“The Downtown Denver Partnership leads the private sector to build Downtown Denver as the premier economic hub of the region,” says Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “We have a bias for action through results-driven planning and execution, and our impact on the center city is significant. We appreciate the opportunity to come together with our more than 720 member organizations each year to celebrate our success and look forward to the impact we will make in the coming year.”
The Partnership reported on accomplishments over the past year, which are detailed in the organization’s 2015-16 Annual Report, and announced several priorities for the upcoming year, including:
· Advancing implementation of the Downtown Security Action Plan, including hiring a private security team for the 16th Street Mall (Mall) and establishing a security command center to coordinate information sharing and implementation of the plan.
· Launching an interactive Arapahoe Square Property Owner Map to allow developers, investors and City agencies to see parcel-specific information regarding ownership, improvements and zoning. Arapahoe Square is one of the seven transformative projects in the Downtown Area Plan, and the Partnership is also leading several initiatives to spur catalytic investment in this area including developing a brand vision to best tell the story of Downtown’s Next Great Neighborhood.
· Leading marketing efforts to recruit senior developers to Downtown Denver to expand Downtown’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and meet the growing demand for top talent.
· Advocating for affordable housing options while balancing business and property owner interests, including evaluating funding sources, uses and governance for the City’s proposed dedicated revenue fund for affordable housing.
· Working with public- and private-sector partners to develop a competitiveness report that, with the support of a national consultant, will define key indicators to inform policy decisions including tax initiatives, business incentives and infrastructure investments.
· Defining a clear vision for the future of the Mall, in collaboration with the City and County of Denver and the Regional Transportation District, through The Mall Experience study.
· Developing a strategic plan for economic development for the Mall that will emphasize retail and development opportunities, and take into account amenities that support visitors, workers and residents.
· Pursuing a Local Maintenance District for Skyline Park to provide additional private sector support of maintenance, infrastructure and programming.
· Establishing the vision and course for the Downtown Loop, an urban trail that will weave through the center city to connect cultural destinations, attract visitors, and represent Denver’s outdoor, environmental and artistic values.
· Engaging with the City to update the Downtown Multi Modal Access Plan to advance the use of emerging transportation technologies, choices in mobility and a network of options to support how people move in cities.
The Partnership also recognized the leadership of outgoing chairman of the Partnership, Joe Vostrejs, partner of City Street Investors. Walter Isenberg, president & CEO of Sage Hospitality, was elected as chairman of the Partnership for 2016-17. In addition, Rob Cohen, CEO of The IMA Financial Group, Inc., was elected for a second term as chairman of Downtown Denver Inc.; Trinidad Rodriguez, senior vice president & managing director, Public Finance of D.A. Davidson, was elected chairman of Denver Civic Ventures; and Bill Mosher, senior managing director of Trammell Crow Company, was elected chairman-elect of the Partnership.
Several members were also recognized for their significant contributions to the Partnership’s efforts in the urban core:
Honorary Partner Award: Presented to a member who exhibits strong leadership and engagement in the Partnership for a period of at least ten years
· Cole Finegan, Regional Managing Partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP
Peter Bowes Award: Presented to a member who exemplifies the legacy of Peter Bowes, past chairman of the Downtown Denver Partnership
· Brandy Bertram, Director of Development, Colorado Open Lands
Volunteer of the Year Awards: Presented to members who have made significant contributions to the Partnership’s programs and initiatives over the last year
· Tom Carroll, Associate, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
· Kevin Kelley, Office Managing Partner, Husch Blackwell
· Wendy Williams, Director of Property Management, Vector Property Services, LLC
Click here to read more about the award winners. For more information, including to view the 2015-16 Downtown Denver Partnership Annual Report visit downtowndenver.com.
About the Downtown Denver Partnership
The Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. partners with public, private and non-profit entities to implement high-impact strategies, outlined in the organization’s long-term strategy the 2007 Downtown Area Plan, to support its vision for an economically healthy, growing and vital Downtown Denver. For more information, visit www.downtowndenver.com.
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