A Mayor Who Rose to the Occasion

Mayor Michael B. Hancock reminisces on past, looks forward to future as he leaves office

By Christen Aldridge & Ruby Jones

July 17th marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new start for the city of Denver. Mike Johnston will be sworn in as the new mayor, and Mayor Michael B. Hancock will leave the city’s highest elected station, as his third and final term comes to an end.

Hancock finishes 12 years of leadership on a high note, and reflects on his incumbency as a challenging but monumental time. He says, “The people will look back at this administration and say, ‘Whatever happened we rose to the occasion.’”

Elected as Denver’s 45th mayor in 2011, Hancock became the second AfricanAmerican mayor to lead the Mile High City, following Wellington Webb’s 12-year term from 1991 to 2003.

Born in Texas, Hancock was raised in Denver and graduated from Manual High School in 1987. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Hastings College, then attended the University of Colorado, Denver, where he earned a master of public administration. Shortly after completing his education, he got his first taste of politics as a city councilman.

At the end of his second term on council for northeast Denver’s District 11, his childhood dream came true when he was elected mayor of Colorado’s capitol city in 2011.

Crediting the people of Denver for the inspiration that ignited his fire to run for office, he says, “The people of Denver will forever be in my heart for giving this young boy, who grew up in the Five Points/Whittier, Cole, and sometimes Park Hill and Montbello neighborhoods, a chance to live his dream of being mayor.”

Denver has experienced major changes since 2011. With a rapidly growing population and a plethora of economic and technological advancements, Hancock was given the unique opportunity to elevate the city in many ways. “The work we did allowed Denver to become globally present and globally competitive. We spent a lot of time building our global network, attracting direct foreign investment, and growing jobs. I am very proud of that work,” he remarks.

The job market expansion following the city’s efforts to position Denver as a hub for technology and commerce benefited businesses and residents alike.

At the start of Hancock’s career as mayor, the Denver metro area experienced a population increase of nearly 3%. The upward trend continued steadily, then skyrocketed in 2012, after Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 legalizing retail marijuana for recreational adult use. Denver welcomed approximately 500,000 new residents over the course of his tenure.

Infrastructure was at the top of his agenda to contend with the population boom and make the best use of opportunities that accompanied major growth. In addition to several road projects improving the commute for Denver drivers, he championed efforts to improve conditions for all Denver residents, with special accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists; updates to storm and sewer infrastructure; the creation of safer neighborhoods and public park spaces; and the incorporation of environmentally friendly improvements to city structures.

To make Denver a more attractive destination for tourists and visitors, numerous construction projects were launched under the Hancock administration. The expansion of the Colorado Convention Center is expected to be complete in late 2023. The National Western Complex received updates needed to sustain the growing attendance of the Stock Show, which brings millions of dollars in revenue to the city each year. Efforts to revitalize downtown Denver are underway, with projected transforma- tions for city sports complexes and educational institutions.

Hancock gave close consideration to changes needed at Denver International Airport to accommodate international travelers. “We are more connected around the world with 17 to 19 new international flights, and seven new international carriers at DIA. These are a direct result of our efforts to make Denver more globally competitive,” he says.

In 2015, he awarded the biggest minority-owned business contract in Denver’s history to Burgess Services for the construction of an on-site hotel transit center. Then in 2016, his ambitions to make Denver a “smart city” resulted in the launch of the Regional Transportation District’s A-Line commuter “Train to the Plane.” Ongoing construction projects to revamp the Great Hall and modernize terminals will continue to increase the efficiency of one of the world’s busiest airports.

Delighted with improvements that will positively affect Denver families for generations to come, Hancock boasts, “I’m proud of the work we did to make the city more friendly and adaptable for children who are growing up in Denver. I am very proud of our My Denver Card initiative that gave over one hundred thousand children access to our recreation programs. We created more afterschool programs for youth and we have worked to address young people going to school hungry.”

With more demand for housing and community services, he and his administration worked to meet the needs of people living in Denver. “There is a new Department of Housing Stability, with a new chief housing officer and an entire department focused on allocating $254 million to supporting affordable housing and people experiencing homelessness in the city of Denver,” he exclaims.

To ensure that residents have the tools they need to live and thrive equitably, he advocated for the intensification of outreach from community resources. The Office of Social Equity and Innovation provided local agencies with training to inform programmatic decisions related to racial equity, social equity, and social justice.

Meeting the comprehensive needs of Denver’s changing com- munities was one of Hancock’s priorities, as he worked with community leaders and resource providers to ensure access to program supports. “I am proud of the Neighborhood and Equity Stabilization efforts that push back against the metrics and forces that create gentrification and involuntary displacements in our city,” he says, citing the work of behavioral health resources and city partnership in the Blackled Goodr food program. “We now have more free stores for children to access groceries for their own families when they are experiencing challenges with food insecurity.”

More than 35 international companies set up headquarters in Denver since 2018, establishing a healthy landscape for job and financial stability for local residents and business owners. When the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 threatened the

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We provide valuable resources to prepare you for the most important investments in your life—your home and your future. We appreciate the opportunity to get to know you.

Mayor Michael B. Hancock

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Individuals and business are working to recover what was lost during the pandemic, and his administration remained dedicated to finding solutions to ease the unprecedented burden.

The city of Denver invested $308 million from the COVIDera American Rescue Plan Act to support city, community, and business recovery through grants and technical assistance. The city didn’t stop there; creative solutions like the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Pop-Up Denver program grants small business owners and entrepreneurs with three months of free rent for storefronts in areas that are experiencing high post-pandemic vacancy rates.

Excited about Denver’s potential, Hancock points to the Herman Malone Fund that will set aside 1% of revenue from marijuana sales to help minority businesses.

Recognized as an active participant in the community, Hancock frequented local events to show support for the hard work of service providers and stakeholders. He wants to be remembered for his commitment to community. “This is an administration that did not sit still. We didn’t sit idle for 12 years. We did a lot to build for Denver’s future, and we showed resilience that no other administration has had to show,” he proclaims.

Amid Denver shuttering its doors during the pandemic shutdown, he and other city leaders around the nation grappled with demonstrative protests following the heinous killing of George Floyd in the summer of 2020. Then a wave of migrants began crossing into the United States from Mexico and making their way to Colorado, ultimately challenging city resources and creating a crisis that demanded the mayor’s response. Hancock found humane ways to address each dilemma.

“What makes me most proud is that every time we were called upon, we rose to the occasion. My heart is with my appointees and employees of the city and county; there is a lot we have to be proud about. When I think about all the things we’ve done, we have begun to shake up the systems that drive the inequities and disparities in our city,” he acknowledges.

When asked if he wishes for more time to complete some projects, he immediately refers to the issue of homelessness that has persisted throughout his mayoral career. During the pandemic, rates of homelessness surged nearly 13%, leaving city leaders scrambling to find solutions. Safe outdoor camping sites, hotel sheltering, increased warming centers, and conversion of the Denver Coliseum into an emergency homeless shelter are just some of the resources used to keep everyone safe. Still, he wishes he could have eliminated the problem altogether.

“I think we have come a long way in understanding the models that are effective in the city. We have populated the tool chest, and the next administration will have a lot of tools to fortify their efforts towards helping those who are unsheltered in our community,” he says.

He goes on to note some of the most critical aspects in finding lasting solutions, “I wish we could have completed all of it. There remains a need for a strong system of comprehensive care around mental health, sobriety, rehabilitation, and familial reconnection.”

Hancock extends support and optimism to his successor as he prepares to leave office. He wishes Johnston the best, and encourages him to put his love for the city and the people of Denver first. “They are the institution that will make you get up every day and fight. They will make you want to travel around the world for them – but not as the mayor, as the representative of the people.”

Thankful for the support of Denver residents, Hancock recalls growing up as a little boy with a big dream. “The people of Denver helped me realize my dream. They blessed me with the honor and privilege of serving: not once, not twice, but three times. They stood with me as we built this city through challenges and opportunities. I’m walking out humbled by the opportunity to serve my city.”

As Denver prepares to say goodbye to its esteemed leader, he is preparing for the next stage in his life. “For 30 years I have never not known what was next. I really don’t know what’s next this time, and that’s energizing to me,” he says. After taking some time off, he looks forward to helping businesses and administrators near and far as a consultant, and hopes to devote time working on corporate boards.

“I want to work toward my future and be a blessing to my children as they build their own families. I’ve got work to do. My faith has never wavered, and God has never left me. I am blessed to have the opportunity to think about what’s next,” he adds.

To celebrate 12 years of service, the “Thank You, Denver,” community concert was held at Denver Botanic Gardens in

June, featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright and singer Patti LaBelle. Hancock’s final farewell will be celebrated with a goodbye at his high school alma mater in early July..

Editor’s note: Denver Urban Spectrum thanks Mayor Hancock for his commitment to the advancement of Denver communities, and for turning the town we love into a world-class city.