The Chamber Engages with City Council Candidates
The Chamber is committed to deepening our relationship with Denver’s municipal leaders. We invited all of the candidates running for Denver City Council to the Chamber in an effort to explain what we as an organization do and who the Denver business community is.
We want to thank the candidates that joined us for a three-hour deep dive into economic competitiveness, leadership development, business policy and economic growth. These candidates made a significant investment of their time in the heat of campaign season to learn more about Denver’s business ecosystem. We look forward to working with them again in whatever leadership roles they might serve. We also asked each attendee if they wanted to share a thought with our members.
- Will Chan | At-Large
- “From growing up watching my family working tirelessly in our restaurant to now working in economic development for the City, I’ve seen how businesses are the backbone of our community. However, our policies need to be mindful to not create a monolith for business. Like the diversity in our neighborhoods, business policies need to reflect the diversity of our industries, the workforce, and the size of our businesses. We need business at the table and I look forward to strengthening that partnership for Denver’s future.”
- Dominic Diaz | At-Large
- Tim Hoffman | At- Large
- Janelle Jenkins | At-Large (write-in)
- Travis Leiker | At-Large
- Jeff Walker | At-Large
- Marty Zimmerman | At-Large
- Ava Truckey | District 1
- Chris Herr | District 2
- Tony Pigford | District 4
- Diana Romero-Campbell | District 4
- Councilman Paul Kashmann | District 6
- Flor Alvidrez | District 7
- Guy Padgett | District 7
- Briana Spainhour | for Adam Estroff, District 7
- Councilman Chris Hinds | District 10
- “District 10’s priorities are very similar to the Chamber’s: ensuring our city center is a welcoming experience for everyone: people who live, work, and shop downtown. I’m looking forward to partnering more with the Chamber and its members as District 10’s map shifts to include the city center.”
- Margie Morris | District 10
- “Inspired by so many stories, from small and large business leaders alike, about the many ways DMCC supports their success and elevates CSR initiatives across Denver.”
Denver Municipal Campaigns and the Future of Denver: City Council District Races
In our last policy update, we touched on the race for two seats as an At-Large member of Denver’s City Council. This week, we have information on all of the other candidates running to hold a district-specific seat. As a reminder, Denver redistricted in accordance with new Census data, so maps for this election are slightly different. To find out which district election you will be voting in, you can click here and enter your address.
Cash on hand and total reported fundraising numbers are based on the most recent fundraising reports. The reported fundraising total is comprised of Fair Elections Fund dollars, direct contributions, and independent expenditures in support of the candidate. They recently had a fundraising deadline and will file updated campaign finance reports by March 6.
We will continue dedicating space in our policy updates for relevant updates on Denver’s municipal elections until voting day! Also stay tuned for our comprehensive guide to this election.
District 1:
Neighborhoods: Berkeley, Chaffee Park, Highlands, Jefferson Park, Regis, Sloan’s Lake, Sunnyside, West Highland.
Amanda Sandoval*
Cash on Hand: $82,144.72
Reported Fundraising: $84,533.00
Occupation: City Councilwoman
Notable Endorsements: Former Speaker of the House, Crisanta Duran; Former Mayor Federico Peña, Former Mayor Wellington Webb
Policy Issues:
- Encourage community centered development
- Increase budgets for first responders
- Increase the minimum wage
Sarah “Ava” Truckey
Cash on Hand: $956.53
Reported Fundraising: $960.00
Occupation: Small business owner
Policy Issues:
- Increase access to social services
- Increase food access
- Rezone to support the growth of ADUs
District 2:
Neighborhoods: Bear Valley, College View- South Platte, Fort Logan, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South, Marston, part of Mar Lee.
Kevin Flynn*
Cash on Hand: $137,679.72
Reported Fundraising: $160,650.00
Occupation: City Councilman, formerly a journalist for Rocky Mountain News
Notable Endorsements: Former Mayor Federico Peña, Former Mayor Wellington Webb, Denver Metro Association of Realtors®, Denver Firefighters IAFF Local 858
Policy Issues:
- Help local businesses with zoning, licensing, and legislative proposals
- Bolster the Denver Ethics Code
- Develop affordable housing strategies that consider fees, taxes, and utilities costs
Tiffany Caudill
Cash on Hand: $19,528.38
Reported Fundraising: $64,327.00
Occupation: Organizer, Customer Service Representative
Notable Endorsements: Denver Democratic Socialists of America; Colorado State Reps. Lorena Garcia, Javier Mabrey, Steven Woodrow
Policy Issues:
- Strengthen tenant protections and develop social housing
- Prioritize harm reduction tactics
- Increase micro-transit
Chris Herr
Cash on Hand: $18,217.83
Reported Fundraising: $28,365.00
Occupation: Director of Sustainability for the Auraria Campus
Policy Issues:
- Combine affordability and sustainability strategies
- Increase ADUs
- Reduce police interactions in routine traffic stops through technology solutions
District 3:
Neighborhoods: Auraria, Barnum, Barnum West, Lincoln Park, part of Mar Lee, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, Westwood.
Jamie Torres*
Cash on Hand: $70,338.11
Reported Fundraising: $87,035.00
Occupation: City Councilwoman, Council President
Notable Endorsements: Former Mayor Wellington Webb, Former Colorado State Senator Lucia Guzman, Colorado State Senator Julie Gonzales
Policy Issues:
- Increase food access
- Allow mobile home residents to renovate or replace their units
- Ensure affordability alongside new development
David Roybal did not qualify for the ballot but is running as a write in candidate. He has no financial disclosures reported.
District 4:
Neighborhoods: Goldsmith, Hampden, Hampden South, Kennedy, University Hills, Southmoor Park, Wellshire.
Diana Romero Campbell
Cash on Hand: $80,179.09
Reported Fundraising: $119,204.19
Occupation: President & CEO of Scholars Unlimited
Notable Endorsements: Councilwoman Kendra Black, Colorado State Rep. Meg Froelich, SEIU Local
Policy Issues:
- Work with law enforcement and co-responder programs rather than defunding the police
- Develop transit-oriented housing in district
- Protect neighborhood trails and outdoor spaces
Tony Pigford
Cash on Hand: $89,082.97
Reported Fundraising: $157,673.23
Occupation: Educator
Notable Endorsements: Denver Democratic Socialists of America, Progressive Democrats of America, Former Mayor Wellington Webb, Rep. Steven Woodrow
Policy Issues:
- Expand safe outdoor sites and safe parking sites
- Use city funding to created city-owned and managed housing
- Expand the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program
Councilwoman Kendra Black is not seeking reelection.
District 5:
Neighborhoods: Cherry Creek, Country Club, Hale, Hilltop, Lowry Field, part of Washington Virginia Vale, Windsor.
Amanda Sawyer*
Cash on Hand: $38,464.72
Reported Fundraising: $51,932.05
Occupation: City Councilwoman, attorney
Policy Issues:
- Increase traffic safety
- Create design standards through a zoning overlay of Colfax
- Increase notifications to RNOs (Registered Neighborhood Organizations)
Michael Hughes
Cash on Hand: $44,004.53
Reported Fundraising: $65,810.00
Occupation: Business owner, Hughes Collaboration
Policy Issues:
- Reform regulation to increase housing development
- Develop Transit-oriented housing
- Make communities more walkable
District 6:
Neighborhoods: Belcaro, Cory- Merrill, Indian Creek, University, University Park, Virginia Vale, part of Washington Virginia Vale, Washington Park
Paul Kashmann*
Cash on Hand: $135,995.68
Reported Fundraising: $105,014.00
Occupation: City Councilman, former community journalist
Policy Issues:
- Reduce the speed limit on neighborhood streets
- Increase Denver’s tree canopy
- Increase large vehicle fines
District 7:
Neighborhoods: Athmar Park, part of Capitol Hill, Baker, Overland, Platt Park, Rosedale, Ruby Hill, Speer, Washington Park West.
Flor Alvidrez
Cash on Hand: $73,905.27
Reported Fundraising: $108,065.67
Occupation: Small business owner
Notable Endorsements: Denver Firefighters Local 858, Former Colorado State Senator Lucia Guzman, Former Colorado State Senator Polly Baca
Policy Issues:
- Clean the Platte River and expand parks and open spaces
- Incentivize buying and doing business locally
- Increase housing affordability
Guy Padgett
Cash on Hand: $34,729.05
Reported Fundraising: $42,823.99
Occupation: Formerly Mayor of Casper, WY
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Prioritize police patrols on foot, bicycle and horseback for community engagement
- Activate underutilized spaces to increase density
- Continue investments in Denver’s marquee infrastructure projects
Adam Estroff
Cash on Hand: $56,627.64
Reported Fundraising: $92,069.00
Occupation: Productivity Solutions Consultant, Pax8
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Use city land and resources to develop housing for public employees and essential workers
- Move homeless encampments that pose a safety risk
- Support replacing grass with native plants
Nick Campion
Cash on Hand: $53,054.31
Reported Fundraising: $75,064.39
Occupation: Former software CEO and member of the Colorado Air National Guard
Notable Endorsements: Byron Kominek, Owner & Manager of Jack’s Solar Garden
Policy Issues:
- End homeless sweeps
- Create more safe outdoor spaces and tiny homes
- Promote residential adoption of heat pumps and solar panels
Arthur May
Cash on Hand: $271.94
Reported Fundraising: $510.00
Occupation: Software Developer
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Enforce Denver’s urban camping ban while engaging church communities for homelessness support
- Evaluate efficacy of Denver’s e-bike rebate program
- Prioritize the financial accountability of local government
Councilman Jolon Clark is not seeking reelection. Dawn-Janel Hurwitz did not qualify for the ballot.
District 8:
Neighborhoods: Central Park, East Colfax, Northeast Park Hill, part of Montbello.
Brad Revare
Cash on Hand: $126,440.66
Reported Fundraising: $155,290.00
Occupation: Nonprofit work
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Increase youth programs and investment into youth enrichment facilities
- Dedicate protected lanes for cyclists and busses
- Incentivize Community Land Trusts
Leslie Twarogowski
Cash on Hand: $39,964.74
Reported Fundraising: $65,561.00
Occupation: Executive Director of the Federal Boulevard Business Improvement District
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Improve transportation and evaluate the city’s relationship to RTD
- Create a historic cultural district in Park Hill
- Curate roads, sidewalks, pathways and highways
Shontel Lewis
Cash on Hand: $9,942.45
Reported Fundraising: $52,142.00
Occupation: RTD Board Member
Notable Endorsements: Denver Democratic Socialists of America
Policy Issues:
- Create city owned and operated affordable housing
- Facilitate adaptive reuse of commercial spaces for housing
- Shift traffic enforcement duties away from law enforcement
Tyler Drum
Cash on Hand: $14,196.37
Reported Fundraising: $35,640.00
Occupation: Fundraiser for the Jewish Community Center
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Prioritize housing first for people experiencing homelessness
- Increase ADU zoning allowances
- Create educational programs for residents to access city programs
Christian Steward
Cash on Hand: $1,200
Reported Fundraising: $1,200.00
Occupation: Small business owner
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Study property tax and rental price caps
- Build strong community coalitions
- Incorporate mental health resources into temporary housing
Councilman Chris Herndon has reached his term limit. Rita Lewis did not qualify for the ballot but is running as a write in candidate.
District 9:
Neighborhoods: part of City Park and City Park West, Clayton, Cole, Elyria Swansea, Five Points, Globeville, North Park Hill, Skyland, South Park Hill, Whittier.
Darrell Watson
Cash on Hand: $165,594.57
Reported Fundraising: $223,963.74
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Notable Endorsements: Former Presidents of the Denver City Council Elbra Wedgeworth, Mary Beth Susman, Joyce Foster, Ramona E Martinez; Denver Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 858; YIMBY Denver
Policy Issues:
- Target affordable housing by area median income (AMI)
- Increase funding for homeownership programs
- Reform Registered Neighborhood Organizations
Kwon Atlas
Cash on Hand: $18,018.61
Reported Fundraising: $56,160.22
Occupation: Executive Director of the Federal Boulevard Business Improvement District
Notable Endorsements: Colorado State Representative Shannon Bird, Civil Rights & Education Leader Anna Jo Haynes, Community Leader Khadija Haynes, African Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maya Wheeler
Policy Issues:
- Enforce Denver’s camping ban
- Create more racial equity through economic mobility
- Incentivize the conversion of rental units to homeownership opportunities
Candi CdeBaca*
Cash on Hand: $116,495.74
Reported Fundraising: $159,413.20
Occupation: City Councilwoman
Notable Endorsements: Denver Democratic Socialists of America, Working Families Party, Colorado State Representative Lorena Garcia
Policy Issues:
- Establish more community land trusts
- Ensure new jobs pay livable wages
- Found a public bank
District 10:
Neighborhoods: part of Capitol Hill, Central Business District, Cheesman Park, part of City Park and City Park West, Civic Center, Congress Park, North Capitol Hill, Union Station.
Chris Hinds*
Cash on Hand: $144,279.60
Reported Fundraising: $161,745.45
Occupation: City Councilman
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Prioritize housing first for people experiencing homelessness
- Increase pedestrian friendliness
- Balance legislative powers with executive powers in Denver’s democratic process
Shannon Hoffman
Cash on Hand: $47,806.71
Reported Fundraising: $88,383.14
Occupation: Educator
Notable Endorsements: Denver Democratic Socialists of America, Colorado State Representative Javier Mabrey, Run for Something
Policy Issues:
- Use city funding to created city-owned and managed housing
- Overturn Denver’s urban camping ban
- Develop worker centers throughout Denver
Noah Kaplan
Cash on Hand: $64,164.34
Reported Fundraising: $96,372.00
Occupation: Educator
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Embrace accessory dwelling units
- Facilitate adaptive reuse of commercial spaces for housing
- Enforce Denver’s urban camping ban while pursuing emergency housing services
Margie Morris
Cash on Hand: $5,066.74
Reported Fundraising: $46,689.71
Occupation: Nonprofit founder
Notable Endorsements: Not listed
Policy Issues:
- Establish a city council committee exclusive to homelessness issues
- Identify temporary shelter or safe outdoor spaces
- Create a public dashboard to establish transparency in the city’s homelessness response
District 11:
Neighborhoods: DIA, Green Valley Ranch, part of Montbello.
Stacie Gilmore*
Cash on Hand: $92,231.65
Reported Fundraising: $68,250.00
Occupation: City Councilwoman
Notable Endorsements: Denver Area Labor Federation, YIMBY Denver, Homebuilders Association of Metro Denver, Former Mayor Wellington Webb, Former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, Former U.S. Senator Gloria Tanner
Policy Issues:
- Explore creating a workforce development training center in-district
- Preserve the culture and charter of Denver neighborhoods experiencing change
- Build a Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center indoor pool
The Fate of Fair Workweek
One of this session’s most contentious bills thus far, House Bill 1118 Fair Workweek Employment Standards, was in committee on Feb. 16. The bill would have required companies with 250 workers or more to provide schedules 14 days in advance, 12 hours of rest between shifts and additional pay for late schedule changes, among other things.
There was a huge outpouring of opposition during a marathon committee hearing last week. The Chamber opposed the bill and provided testimony during the February committee hearing.
This bill would have had a significant and widespread impact on thousands of public and private sector employers and employees across Colorado. The bill created new restrictions on scheduling practices, removed much needed flexibility in the workplace, and ultimately hamstrung those it was intended to help.
Creating an employee schedule takes time, elaborate coordination, labor demand management, and often negotiation between an employer and an employee about availability and preference. The bill demonstrated a dire misunderstanding of the way retail, food and beverage and related industries operate. As introduced, the proposed bill was entirely unworkable for Colorado businesses.
After many hours of testimony, Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez requested that the bill be laid over for action only to allow sponsors to work with stakeholders on amendments.
Ultimately no agreement could be reached, and the bill was brought forward again to the House Business Affairs & Labor on Thursday, March 2 with no amendments to the bill.
House Bill 1118 was Postponed Indefinitely by the House Business Affairs & Labor on a vote of 8-2, with all but two Democrats voting against the bill.
Bills We Took a Position On
Oppose
House Bill 1154 requires the director of research at the Legislative Council to prepare a preliminary report that provides an analysis on whether an initiative has a net change in greenhouse gas emissions that directly impact several sectors for ballot issues.
House Bill 1201 requires the amount of a prescription charged by the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) or carrier be equal to or less than the amount paid by the PBM or carrier to the contracted pharmacy.
House Bill 1209 requires the Colorado School of Public Health to study legislation creating a publicly-funded and privately-delivered universal health care model.
House Bill 1215 prohibits health care providers affiliated with a hospital from charging a facility fee for outpatient services provided at an off-campus location, telehealth or services identified by the medical services board that must be provided safely, reliably and effectively in nonhospital settings.
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