LAKEWOOD — Three metro-area mayors joined a congressman, a state lawmaker and a new federal employee Tuesday to tout pending federal legislation that would help local governments take a “holistic” approach to planning.
They held a news conference in Lakewood, sandwiched between the St. Anthony Hospital under construction and a light-rail line that, once it opens, will help patients from throughout the metro area get to the facility.
U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a Golden Democrat, in February introduced legislation that would provide grants to help local governments develop comprehensive regional plans that look at transportation, housing, community and economic-development and environmental needs — a holistic approach, he said.
The word “collaborative” was repeatedly stressed, by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy and Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer. Also present were Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, and Rick Garcia, the new regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
