Section 3 - Examples of Emerging Integration Ideas community organization background and holistic focus. The Gates Family Foundation core strategies and values not only align well with CityCraft’s approach and values but align well with the regions needs and the skill set of The Denver Foundation. The Denver Housing Author ity is addressing transformation of public housing environments in one of the most holistic ways we have seen. Their approach at the project level is consistent with our approach at the systems scale level. They have a good reputation with the Federal government and are positioned well to attract additional resources. DHA’s experience and proximity to the DHA Mariposa project add to the list of strengths.!
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There are a variety of existing tools and funding models such as BID, MID, LID, TIF, and Economic Business Development Zones. The City is willing to be creative, flexible, and to try new approaches. There is a significant percentage of the Capital Improvement Plan annual fund that goes to capital maintenance. The Denver Transit Oriented Development funding model, to support access for affordable housing is unique nationally.!
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The City The Denver region is experiencing tremendous population growth. There is a strong sense of identity in the urban areas that have experienced the bulk of this growth, as well as neighborhoods with strong connections to their historic heritage. The city is diverse and is proud of their history while embracing the changing demographics and interactions with the global economy. The target area in West Denver is an ideal location to focus and integrate efforts, leveraging resources, driving efficiencies and creating a long-term strategy that addresses the social, economic, and environmental issues of the region. Light rail and connection to regional transit provides a valuable asset. The location, access and proximity to downtown, major roads, and highways is convenient for local businesses to conduct business anywhere in metro area. Sun Valley is primed to be a central physical location for West Denver and act as a main gateway to downtown. Morrison Road, West Colfax BID, and Saigon Business District efforts act as additional nodes in the target area to build off of. By joining forces at the scale in which the target area suggests, there is great mutual economic benefit. By sharing costs and lobbying together, resources can be leveraged and efficiencies improved. Moving forward will allow us to answer what cross sector integration looks like and how to create a sustainable partnering of resources. !
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Identify Challenges and Opportunities for Growth In addition to the numerous assets of West Denver, the community and stakeholder organizations have expressed an array of area challenges and opportunities that must be illuminated to paint a holistic picture of the target area.!
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The People A primary concern for residents is the realistic goal of inclusive gentrification and whether growth can be managed to benefit the existing residents. This goal is directly related to the future availability of affordable housing, particularly in transit-rich areas. Residents tend to have negative perceptions (often related to their lived reality) of local natural systems, safety and crime, access to health services and food, and the affordability and accessibility of transit. In order to leverage the residents’ voices in city and organization decision-making, community organizations need to be strengthened and unified. There is a lack of clear DRAFT Denver CityCraft Phase 1
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