When Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper came into office three years ago, many of us wondered whether the brew pub entrepreneur would really be eager to tackle Denver’s gritty urban issues: a major budget shortfall, deteriorating infrastructure and such deep-seated social problems as homelessness.
Today, the mayor likely will speak to these issues and many new ones in his annual State of the City address. The city will hear how the mayor will approach the bell lap of his first term, with a second term an all-but-certain proposition.
In previous years, Hickenlooper has provided a methodical rundown of Denver’s strengths and challenges, and he hasn’t been shy about problem-solving.
On taking office, Hickenlooper confronted a budget crisis, and in his first State of the City he showed that Hickenlooper optimism and pledged to overcome it. He certainly put a businessman’s shoulder into the task by making three rounds of budget cuts, including unpaid furloughs that avoided layoffs but diminished employee morale.
This year, with Denver’s economic resurgence, there is no large, looming shortfall for the first time in the Hickenlooper era. It is cause for relief and an opportunity for him to demonstrate that his vision for the city is more ambitious than an austerity budget.
In past speeches, the mayor spoke of the need for providing early childhood education for Denver children. Earlier this week, he announced a plan to ask voters’ approval for a small sales-tax hike that would put $12 million to the cause.
Another goal was to hire an independent police monitor in reaction to a string of controversial police shootings. Voters endorsed the plan, and in last year’s speech, the mayor touted its implementation.
Of course, there is much to be done.
In 2004, the mayor said he hoped to help return Colfax Avenue to its “historic glory.” But the rejuvenation of the road, much of it seedy and downtrodden, is far off.
The city is $300 million behind in capital spending with such unmet needs as replacing park irrigation systems and alley paving.
Perhaps the mayor’s most ambitious social effort is his 10-year plan to end homelessness, begun last year. We are eager to hear the mayor’s early report card.
As we pause to consider the civic condition, Mayor Hickenlooper has amassed enormous political capital – he’s so popular, he hasn’t got an opponent for re-election.
Voters will be listening in to hear how he plans to harness the entrepreneurial spirit for year four and beyond.
