Past, Present and Future Come Together
Reflecting on our city’s past while also planning for the future - that was Mayor John Hickenlooper’s message July 24, 2007 in his State of the City address. As the Mile High City prepares for its 150th birthday, the Mayor reminded Metro Denver’s Chamber of Commerce of just how far we’ve come since 1858… and of present-day efforts to re-build a sense of community - an area where public input and commitment are the keys to success.
“Over the past four years, we’ve created new vehicles for increased public input through series like Denver Listens, Partnership Denver and annual neighborhood conferences. We’ve heightened civic engagement through community-based efforts around public safety, homelessness, zoning reform, sustainability, election reform, graffiti and infrastructure needs", said the Mayor. "We don’t do it because it sounds good; we do it because it creates results.”
After taking a look at Denver’s past and its present, Mayor Hickenlooper talked about the need to develop resources today to ensure the city’s future.
“In order to be a great city we have to grow our children into great adults. This means making every effort and seizing every opportunity to provide them with educational activities. Our children deserve our support from the time they leave their doors at home until they return at night." stated Hickenlooper. "We have already begun this, with investments in early childhood education, before- and after-school programs, youth cultural enrichment, mentoring and expanded college access and scholarship programs.”