The director of Denver’s Office of Economic Development is leaving his post.
John Huggins told his staff Wednesday that he would stay on until Mayor John Hickenlooper names his replacement.
Huggins said he would continue to contract with the city on a part-time basis to work out the major details of the Union Station development. Eventually, he plans to move back to the private sector.
“John Huggins is responsible for many of our most important accomplishments over the past three years,” Hickenlooper said in a release. “He led the reorganization and refocusing of the Denver Office of Economic Development, enhancing our ability to foster a healthy business climate in our community.”
Huggins has played integral roles in the city’s major developments, including the Gates Rubber plant redevelopment and Union Station. He played a leadership role in negotiating with United Airlines to recommit to Denver International Airport after United entered bankruptcy.
Huggins was also a leader in creating Denver’s new Construction Empowerment Initiative, which – among other things – helps woman- and minority-owned businesses.
His replacement will be one of a number of new appointees as Hickenlooper nears the end of his first term. The mayor has replaced positions including city attorney and chief of staff.
“We have lost another one,” said Councilman Charlie Brown, who called Huggins “a real asset” to the city. “The pattern seems to be developing early. Most folks wait until the beginning of the second term.”
Tami Door, president of the Downtown Denver Partnership, said Huggins will be missed. “We really value the private-sector and public-sector experience that he brings,” she said.
Hickenlooper set a goal of creating 25,000 jobs during his first four years in office. From July 2003, when Hickenlooper took office, through November, an additional 24,409 people found employment in the city, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
“I am deeply grateful to Mayor Hickenlooper for giving me a wonderful opportunity to serve him and the people of Denver,” said Huggins, who also worked as economic development director under Mayor Wellington Webb.
Staff writer George Merritt can be reached at 303-954-1657 or gmerritt@denverpost.com.
