DCI Champions Equity in Colorado Communities

How can communities promote equity and encourage civic engagement?

Elected officials and local government staff from across Colorado come together each year to address these and other pressing state issues at the Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) annual In the Game conference. This year's conference focused on stewardship, diversity and handling unintended consequences.

These concepts are particularly important for Colorado. Though its economy ranks first in the nation (discloses US News and World Report), the Centennial State is experiencing growing pains. This population boom surfaces challenges old and new, including accommodating the needs of an aging population, protecting environmental resources, addressing homelessness and fostering inclusion of diverse demographics across the state.

In these ten presentations, DCI conference speakers address several of Colorado's current issues and describe how local communities are coming together to solve them.

See NRC's DCI 2019 Conference Photo Album

The Downtown Colorado, Inc. Conference Begins

DCI Executive Director Katherine Correll opens the 2019 annual conference in The City of Aspen, CO with welcoming remarks.

Welcome to Aspen

Aspen City Manager Sara Ott and Aspen Chamber Resort Association CEO Debbie Braun welcome conference attendees and share what the City has done to attract and educate area visitors.

Building in Equity

Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler discusses the history of racism, diversity and equality in the U.S. She offers insights into how communities in Colorado and beyond can create equity for all citizens. She also addresses the 20/60/20 rule and diversity fatigue. Nita is the Chief Catalyst and Founder of The Equity Project, LLC.

Building Equitable Place-Based Economies

Eric Kornacki, a social entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Re:Vision, speaks about altering the conversation and perspectives surrounding racism and equality. Re:Vision is a non-profit organization that strives to cultivate thriving, resilient local communities.

Colorado Briefs: Engaging Downtowns

Clark Anderson, Executive Director of Community Builders, and Cole Judge, Senior Associate for Progressive Urban Management Associates, provide perspectives on how to bring communities together to address local issues and create a vibrant downtown district.

Colorado Briefs: Enriching the Roaring Fork Valley

CEO of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority Dan Blankenship, President and CEO of the Aspen Music Festival and School Alan Fletcher and Michael Monroney, a history coach and community trainer for the Aspen Historical Society, share stories of the Roaring Fork Valley. They explain how their respective Aspen non-profits and public-sector organizations enhance life in the region.

Building the FUN Experience and Products Made for Purpose-Driven People

Founder of Futures United Network (FUN) Brian Corrigan's interactive presentation focuses on ways to utilize creative forces at work in your community to foster economic growth and inclusion. He provides tools for community leaders to create their own FUN experiences.

Previous Challenge Studio Updates

Community leaders from La Junta, Red Cliff, Brush, Sheridan and Lamar discuss how their past participation in DCI's Challenge Studio has impacted their communities. They provide overviews and updates on their respective projects.

Examining Public Opinion on Today's Safety Priorities

National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) Vice President Michelle Kobayashi shares results from The National Police Services Survey™. This recent analysis reveals what US residents think about safety and policing within their own communities.

Booming, but Not Better (Yet)

Scott Wasserman, President of Bell Policy Center, focuses on the barriers and opportunities that must be considered to ensure that Colorado's economic mobility is sustainable, so all residents can benefit from the state's boom.

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• In The Game with Downtown Colorado, Inc.
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