Editor’s note: We asked former Mayor Federico Peña to join the discussion on Denver’s future. He picked four areas for improvement and shared the thoughts that follow.
Colorado will add at least 1 million new residents in the next 25 years, and most will live in metro Denver. If we prepare for the challenges this poses, the future of Denver is brighter than ever. We can grow from being the regional hub of the Rocky Mountains to becoming the outright capital of the region. To do so, we must double our efforts in four critical areas: Education, alternative energy, regional cooperation, and international trade.
Education. Denver has a goal of improving its public education system and making it the nation’s finest. We can afford nothing less. We must invest in education and encourage innovation in our schools. We cannot rely on importing human capital from elsewhere to provide an educated workforce. We must eliminate high dropout rates, especially among minority students, and make post-secondary education possible. Demographic changes in the next 25 years require us to place special focus on Hispanic students as their numbers explode.
Energy. We have the opportunity to become the Silicon Valley for clean, renewable energy and to develop a whole new sector of our economy. Colorado’s new energy collaboration between NREL, CU, CSU, and the School of Mines is a good start. Alternative energy companies like Vestas, Range Fuels and other clean-energy companies seek to partner with state and federal agencies and grow into a robust economic engine.
Regional Cooperation. Many of our successes – our miles of light rail and stellar cultural and sports venues – resulted from cities and counties working together. With a million new people anticipated, we must act regionally to meet the demands this will place on our cities’ infrastructures. Additional metropolitan-wide entities, sharing of sales-tax revenues, and greater cooperation in sharing growth and planning schemes will be essential.
International Trade: Even in today’s world economy, Denver must not wait for a global recovery. It must act now to further diversify its economy by expanding international trade and tourism. Our geographic location, Denver International Airport, and our quality of life give us an inherent advantage to capitalize on this opportunity.
Throughout her history, Denver has set her sights high. By focusing on education, energy, regional cooperation and international trade, Denver can surge even higher and emerge as the cultural, economic, and energy capital of the region.
