Introduction to A View of the Rockies: A Regional Economic Development Blog for Denver

“A View of the Rockies: A Regional Economic Development Blog for Denver,” by Jeff Kraft, is a discussion of economic development issues impacting the Denver Metropolitan Area and beyond in the Rocky Mountain West. This blog seeks to offer commentary and analysis from the perspective of a native son of Colorado who has been “living abroad” on the American coasts but retains a deep passion for Colorado (and is a life long Colorado Buffaloes and Denver Broncos fan).

The foundational belief of this blog is that the overwhelming majority of technological, intellectual and cultural innovations occurs within the confines of urban centers which enable and inspire creativity and spawn economic growth. Denver has a key role to play in the economic life of the United States as the hub of economic, transportation, communication, financial, cultural, governmental and intellectual activity in the Rocky Mountain West. The economic health and future prosperity of the entire Rocky Mountain region is closely tied to Denver’s economic success.

The perspective taken here is that Denver, gateway to the Rockies, with unique assets in its population, location, history and economic base, has always been an “aspirational” city with visions for a grander future. In recent years Denver has discovered its urban soul, in striving to create a vital, livable, walkable and sustainable built environment and unique sense of place supporting a multitude of diverse lifestyles. The City of Denver’s movement in the direction of infill construction, new urbanist re-development, public transportation build outs, 24 hour activity and investments in public infrastructure are positive trends which need to be encouraged and coordinated through public policy and the actions of private and non-profit participants. Denver can take pride in its achievements over past two decades and in the fact that the city is approaching a tipping point toward becoming a desirable and vital urban center. However, now is not the time for the Denver community to rest on its laurels. Instead the city must seize the moment and define a path to the future leading to economic prosperity, resource sustainability, cultural vitality and the achievement of its aspirations.

In a world of intense global economic competition, local quality of life issues become critically important in attracting and retaining footloose international capital, talent and enterprises. Local issues both shape and are shaped by global trends and forces which, in turn, can either reinforce or undermine local economic competitive advantages. It has become a cliché, but Denver is not just competing with Seattle and Atlanta but also with Dublin and Bangalore. Denver and the surrounding region needs to think strategically in making decisions and investments which impact the entire Rocky Mountain West’s global competitive standing and economic health.

Frequently Asked Questions About “A View of the Rockies”

Q. How Can You Provide Commentary About Economic Development Issues in Denver and the Rocky Mountain Region When You Don’t Live Here?

A. Although I have not lived in Colorado full time for the past twenty years, I have been following the development of economic, transportation and cultural infrastructure in Denver while living in the San Francisco Bay and the New York Metropolitan areas. From growing up in Colorado, regular visits back home, on-going conversations with residents, intensive on-line research and with the vantage point of living in distant and unique metropolitan areas, my goal is to offer a useful and distinct perspective on economic development issues in the Rocky Mountain West. My hope is that my perspective as a very interested but distant observer over an extended period of time, can contribute, in a small way, to the strategic dialog about Denver and Colorado’s economic and cultural future.

Q. This Blog mentions “the City of Denver,” “the Denver Metro Area,” “Colorado” and “The Rocky Mountain West”. What Geographic Area Does this Blog Cover?

A. "A View of the Rockies" is primarily concerned with economic development issues in the City and County of Denver and the Denver Metropolitan Area. There are a number of ways to define metro areas including definitions provided by government agencies (Metropolitan Statistical Areas or MSAs defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget), private companies (Major Trading Areas defined by Rand McNally) and others. These definitions can be based on economic activity, commuting patterns or governmental jurisdictions. For purposes of this blog, unless specified otherwise, I am defining Metro Denver the same way the regional association of local governments does, as the nine country region which makes up the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG http://www.drcog.com/) including Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson counties and the municipalities inside them. However, because of the economic interdependency between Metro Denver, the State of Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain Western Region, the blog will sometimes venture into discussions and analysis involving these wider geographic areas.