Jay Bouchard, Digital Assistant Editor

Jay writes and edits stories for 5280.com and assists the digital team with social media and online strategy. He studied English and political science at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Before coming to 5280, Jay was an editorial fellow at Outside magazine in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he covered topics including South American kayaking, marathon training, and the climbing season on Mt. Everest. Born and raised in New Hampshire with roots in the west, he is an avid skier, a neurotic Chicago Cubs fan, and a connoisseur of gas station hotdogs.

Author Article Archive

The Best Spots to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks Around Denver

Don't let the big crowds dampen your Independence Day celebrations. Here are few spots where you can see Mile High fireworks—and have a little breathing room while you do it.

By Jay Bouchard

Why the Fate of Yates Theater Hangs on a Liquor License

Efforts to reopen Yates Theater in Berkeley hinges on the ability to secure liquor and cabaret licenses. But for neighbors who oppose the project, blocking those licenses is one of the surest ways to sink the development.

By Jay Bouchard

With the Drought Over, Will Prescribed Fire Be a Priority?

After a big winter and wet spring, one might think Colorado has the perfect conditions for increased prescribed burning. Turns out it's more complicated than that.

By Jay Bouchard

Dog-Friendly Denver: Rules for Bringing Your Dog to Restaurants

So you want to bring Lassie out for a beer and a bite? Here's what you need to know.

By Jay Bouchard

Is Breckenridge Brewery’s Founder Forcing the Company Out of its Home?

The original outpost of the iconic brewery has been operating in the same building since it was founded 29 years ago. Now, employees say the landlord wants it gone.

By Jay Bouchard

Denver Runoff Results: Hancock Hangs On, City Council Shakes It Up

After a long and contentious race, Mayor Michael Hancock defeated challenger Jamie Giellis to win a third term as Denver's mayor on Tuesday night, while a handful of new names were elected to City Council.

By Jay Bouchard

What Social Media Tells Us About Denver’s Mayoral Runoff Race

Here are some of the most important tweets, comments, and questions about the race to become Denver's next mayor.

By Jay Bouchard

A Guide to Denver’s 2019 Runoff Election

Ballots are in the mail and the much-anticipated June 4 runoff election is heating up. Here's what you need to know.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s 2019 Mayoral Runoff: A Q&A with Incumbent Michael Hancock

The two-term incumbent mayor is making the pitch to Denver voters for four more years while facing criticism about growth, sexual harassment claims, and a lack in cohesive strategy.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s 2019 Mayoral Runoff: A Q&A with Challenger Jamie Giellis

A new name in politics, Giellis wants to use her urban planning experience (she was president of the RiNo Art District) to “reimagine” the city, but is facing criticism from her opponent about the way her campaign has navigated racial issues.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s 2019 Mayoral Runoff: The Race Heats Up

Will the incumbent hold on for a third term or will a first-time candidate unseat him? Here's what you need to know.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver Police Don’t Ticket People Who Ride Scooters on Sidewalks—at Least Not Yet

According to court records, no one in Denver has been cited for operating an e-scooter on the sidewalk, despite a new law that bans such behavior in most parts of the city.

By Jay Bouchard

Denver 2019 Election Results: Everything You Need to Know

More than 150,000 (and counting) Denver voters cast ballots in Tuesday's election, which saw close races in many city offices and the major defeat of one closely watched ballot initiative. Next up: a series of runoff races on June 4.

By Jay Bouchard

Denver Clerk and Recorder: A Guide to the Race You Didn’t Know Was Happening

We spoke with the three candidates on the May 7 ballot for the Denver County Clerk and Recorder race. Here's what they had to say about voter turnout, public records, and more.

By Jay Bouchard

Your Simple Guide to Denver’s 2019 City Council Races

From why their representation matters to an introduction to each candidate, here's your guide to the Mile High City's 2019 City Council election.

By Jay Bouchard, Jerilyn Forsythe

Denver’s 2019 City Council Race: District 4

A primer on the issues and candidates in District 4, ahead of the 2019 municipal election. (You can vote by mail or in-person on May 7.)

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s 2019 City Council Race: District 5

A primer on the issues and candidates in District 5, ahead of the 2019 municipal election. (You can vote by mail or in-person on May 7.)

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s 2019 City Council Race: District 1

A primer on the issues and candidates in District 1, ahead of the 2019 municipal election. (You can vote by mail or in-person on May 7.)

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s 2019 City Council Race: District 2

A primer on the issues and candidates in District 2, ahead of the 2019 municipal election. (You can vote by mail or in-person on May 7.)

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s 2019 City Council Race: District 3

A primer on the issues and candidates in District 3, ahead of the 2019 municipal election. (You can vote by mail or in-person on May 7.)

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s 2019 City Council Race: District 6

A primer on the issues and candidates in District 6, ahead of the 2019 municipal election. (You can vote by mail or in-person on May 7.)

By Jay Bouchard

Woman Sought in Threat to Metro Denver Schools Found Dead

After more than 24 hours searching for a Florida woman who traveled to Colorado and threatened Denver area schools, she was found dead near the base of Mt. Evans on Wednesday morning.

By Jay Bouchard

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Gentrification and Displacement

As Denver grows, gentrification remains a point of citywide contention. We asked the candidates about the impact of one of the city’s most ubiquitous problems.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Education

While the mayor doesn’t have a lot of control over Denver Public Schools, education—especially after the recent teachers’ strike—has been at the forefront of the candidates' minds.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Public Safety

There’s a new police chief in town, violent crime in Denver is increasing, the sheriff’s department is under scrutiny—and that’s just the start of the discussion about criminal justice, safety, and reform.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Immigration

While not technically a “sanctuary city” (Denver doesn’t have laws on the books saying we won’t comply with federal immigration laws), current leaders have made it clear the city won't comply with certain federal policies targeting undocumented immigrants.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Environment

Voters are asking questions about the national Green New Deal, the recent approval of plans for the Green Roof Initiative (or rewriting of, depending on whom you ask), and the return of the Brown Cloud.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Infrastructure

Denver residents spend a lot about time thinking electric scooters, potholes, mass transit options, bike lanes, broken sidewalks, and, of course, stalled traffic. Here's what the candidates had to say about the path forward when it comes to mobility.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Initiative 300

If passed, Initiative 300, also known as the “Right to Survive Initiative,” would end Denver’s urban camping ban and change the way the city addresses homelessness. We asked the candidates to weigh in.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Housing

Yes, Denver’s real estate market isn’t as red-hot as it once was, but increases in housing prices in recent years have left renters, owners, sellers, and buyers reeling.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner