Conference Presentation, Panel, Fireside Chat
Managing Through Change: Mayors Weigh In
- Denver is forecasted to be one of the first cities to emerge from the pandemic economic slowdown, with recovery viewed as certain and the primary focus shifting to the manner of recovery.
- Public health officials in Denver anticipate 2022 will be the final phase of the pandemic, intending to redirect efforts toward addressing mental health, addiction, and crime issues that surfaced during this period.
- Denver plans to allocate $190 million this year specifically to address homelessness and housing challenges while implementing strategies to prevent involuntary displacement and gentrification.
- The city intends to pair affordable, accessible transportation with affordable housing, including using federal dollars to complete a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) design for the Colfax Avenue project and stimulate commercial property redevelopment.
- Denver anticipates that public sector investment with appropriate strategies will trigger a 5-to-10 fold follow-on investment from the private sector to redevelop areas and create opportunities.
- Kansas City has pre-established plans ready for immediate execution upon the arrival of federal funding, aiming to sustain recent growth trends despite ongoing challenges.
- Federal funds in Kansas City are earmarked for deploying workforce opportunities, ensuring community representation, and supporting small businesses, with a specific focus on those operated by women and people of color.
- Infrastructure projects in Kansas City are designed to address historic discrimination, such as the impact of roads constructed through Black communities, with tangible results expected "in the years ahead."
- Kansas City is pursuing a zero-fare transit initiative and plans to continue expanding its healthcare, mental health services, and homelessness strategies using a "housing first" approach.
- Local officials in both cities expect businesses to be eager to resume in-person operations as the region recovers from the pandemic, with Kansas City specifically targeting the use of convention and tourism facilities following the Omicron wave.
- Collaboration is a central theme for both municipalities, with Denver planning to work with bracketing cities along Colfax Avenue and considering the inclusion of rural areas, while Kansas City intends to build relationships with state governors and suburban communities.
- Both Denver and Kansas City intend to present infrastructure projects as beneficial economic developments to state leaders to secure further support and funding.
- A shared expectation exists to shift the economic curve in 2022, with Denver relying on a new state bill for additional transportation infrastructure funding and Kansas City anticipating excitement from the business community regarding reopening.