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

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

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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

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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

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates on the Issues: Growth

Not surprisingly, many of the questions we asked the candidates led back to growth and how to plan for Denver’s future.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates 2019: Stephan “Chairman Seku” Evans

A brazen voice and champion for the poor, Chairman Seku is inherently skeptical of wealthy bureaucrats. The outspoken activist wants to see a complete overhaul of city business and return Denver to its Wild West roots.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

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Denver’s Mayoral Candidates 2019: Kalyn Rose Heffernan

The activist, musician, and artist started her campaign a year ago as a joke. But she's taken a serious turn. Now, she's "rolling for office" to help people experiencing homelessness and make the city more accessible to those with disabilities.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates 2019: Michael B. Hancock

Touting a record of stability and success, the incumbent is looking to secure his third term as Denver's chief executive. Though he faces loud critics and experienced opponents, Hancock doesn't think it's time for the city to change course.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates 2019: Penfield Tate III

The longtime attorney and legislator is taking aim at development and advocating for responsible growth. A vocal critic of Mayor Hancock, Tate says he'll be quick to address homelessness in Denver and will bring harmony back to a city that's losing a grip on its cultural past.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates 2019: Lisa Calderón

One of the mayor's most vocal opponents with years of experience in activism, Calderón helped organize the "Time's Up Hancock" rally a year ago. Now, she wants to bring equity, fairness, and justice back to the city's highest elected office.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

Denver’s Mayoral Candidates 2019: Jamie Giellis

Most well known for her work in RiNo, Giellis wants to introduce large-scale infrastructure reform. The urban planning expert has strong ties to the Zeppelin family and hopes to transform the way people live in and move around Denver.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

A Simple Guide to Denver’s 2019 Mayoral Election

Here's who is running for office and what they have to say about key issues facing Denver.

By Jay Bouchard, Natasha Gardner

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Will Colorado’s New Oil and Gas Law Really Destroy the Industry?

SB-181 is on the way to Gov. Jared Polis for signature, but the controversy over the sweeping oil and gas reform legislation is just heating up. Here, we look at what the new law means for the future of the industry in Colorado.

By Jay Bouchard

McGregor Square Is Expected to Transform the Ballpark Neighborhood

Named after the team's late president, the Rockies' mixed-use development will feature more than 100 private residences, nearly 200 hotel rooms, office space, restaurants, shopping, and more.

By Jay Bouchard

RTD Finally Announces an Opening Date for the G Line

After more than two years of delays, RTD is finally ready to open its new service from Wheat Ridge and Arvada to Union Station.

By Jay Bouchard

Colorado Has a New State Logo and Not Everyone Is a Fan

We asked our readers and our in-house designers what they think of the new state logo.

By Jay Bouchard

The Science Behind Colorado’s Historic Avalanche Activity

Colorado has seen an unprecedented number of large avalanches this winter. Is this a product of climate change, abnormal weather, or both?

By Jay Bouchard

Hickenlooper’s First Week as a Presidential Candidate Was Series of Highs and Lows

Making friends with McConnell. Rejecting labels. Playing the keys in Iowa. Here's a look at John Hickenlooper's first official week on the presidential campaign trail.

By Jay Bouchard

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Spring Reading

Adventure

6 Hikes We Can’t Wait to Conquer This Summer

By Natasha Gardner

Home

The Best New Perennials to Plant in Colorado

By Rebecca L. Olgeirson

Art

The Guide to Denver’s Art Museums

By Daliah Singer

Home

The Hottest New Garden Shop in the City

By Christine Deorio