The Only Constant

If anyone needed proof that Denver is changing on myriad fronts, this past month’s runoff election provided it. Although voters returned Michael Hancock to the mayor’s office for a third term, the transformation of the City Council was arguably a better indicator of voters’ mindsets. Three incumbents lost their bids to remain on the legislative body, and much of the dialogue around the municipal races centered on the Mile High City’s growth and development; specifically, many residents aren’t thrilled with what they’re seeing. Not coincidentally, that unease figures heavily into two of the stories in this issue. In “Navigating Central 70”, features editor Kasey Cordell examines the massive interstate reconstruction project that will, in the short term, at best inconvenience metro area residents and at worst potentially endanger people living in Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and other north Denver neighborhoods. Across town in Sun Valley, another ambitious redevelopment initiative promises to remake the poorest census tract in the entire state. Senior staff writer Robert Sanchez spent several months reporting in the area in an effort to learn how current residents view the coming changes. The resulting story, “The Valley In The Shadow”, looks at the metamorphosis of this part of Denver through the eyes of an 11-year-old boy who’s spent most of his life in Sun Valley’s public housing projects. Each of these pieces portrays a city in flux. But will these undertakings ultimately make Denver a more livable, more inclusive city? It depends on whom you ask. Given the results of June’s election, Denver’s voters seem to think the answer is a resounding…maybe.