Regionalism

Metro Denver is a national model for regional cooperation in economic development, political action, culture, and sports.

Our region has a long history of getting big projects done. In the last three decades, the region diversified its oil and gas-dependent economy, spearheaded construction of the nation’s only new airport in the past 25 years, and rolled on the nation’s largest, single transit buildout.

Workforce

It’s no secret that Metro Denver attracts talent. More than 41 percent of our residents have a bachelor’s degree or better. While Metro Denver attracts workers from all over the world, it’s also growing its own energetic minds.

A robust educational system—from preschool to post-doctorate—prepares a workforce that’s well matched to the evolving needs of today’s workplace.

Innovation

Our state is second to none in concentrated talent, making Metro Denver a crucible for innovation and entrepreneurism. Partnerships among our research universities and national laboratories and the business community breeds company success.

Our entrepreneurial business environment is propelling forward with dynamic industries, significant venture capital awards, and high concentrations of scientific and research talent.

Infrastructure

With a modern and efficient international airport, the Metro Denver region’s central location and growing economy combine to make the area one of the country’s most important transportation hubs.

Metro Denver is a model for the country when it comes to solving transportation challenges, taking steps to reduce sprawl, and create new neighborhoods along transit. We’re definitely keeping our eyes on the road ahead.

Health & Wellness

Metro Denver’s dynamic outdoor environment and emphasis on health combine to make it one of the healthiest regions in the United States.

It’s no secret Metro Denver is positively preoccupied with staying fit and healthy. Attribute it to our nearly 300 days of spectacular sunshine, exceptionally mild climate, or the Rocky Mountains in our back yard. The fact is Metro Denver has a balanced lifestyle where health, family, and career complement one another.

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Thinking big to develop a growing region

Denver International Airport poised for global expansion

More than 69 million passengers travel through Denver International Airport (DEN) each year. DEN is the fifth-busiest airport in the nation and 20th busiest in the world.

Opened in 1995, DEN is the only major airport built in the United States in the past 27 years. The $4.2 billion facility encompasses 53 square miles, making DEN twice the size of Manhattan Island.

During 2019, DEN’s airlines served 215 nonstop destinations, including 26 international destinations. The airport also welcomed Cayman Airways with the inauguration of new nonstop service to Grand Cayman and United added nonstop service to Frankfurt.

Domestically, DEN inaugurated nonstop service during the year to 15 brand-new destinations, securing its spot as one of the largest domestic networks. Furthermore, DEN’s airline partners added 21 additional nonstop routes to existing domestic destinations, providing DEN passengers with more carrier options.

In terms of passenger traffic growth, DEN saw an increase of 7.6 percent in international passengers in 2019 – slightly higher than the rate of overall passenger traffic growth of 7.0 percent. 

Passenger growth spurs expansion

DEN's $544 million Hotel and Transit Center includes a commuter rail station connecting the airport with downtown Denver. The University of Colorado A Line commuter rail from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport began service in 2016. The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel and Conference Center and its adjoining open-air plaza, opened in late 2015.

In the fall of 2017, DEN received approval for a $3.5 billion, five-year capital plan that includes growth to accommodate the added passenger traffic, and the traffic projected over the next decade or so. DEN is modifying the Great Hall and the sixth floor passenger drop-off curb, adding 39 gates by telescoping out each of the concourses, adding a train set to the train that connects the terminal and the concourses, reconfiguring and widening parts of Peña Boulevard and studying a seventh runway. 

Travelers from around the world have voted Denver International Airport (DEN) as the No. 2 U.S. airport in North America, according to the prestigious 2019 Skytrax World Airport Awards. 

DEN was named the No. 4 best airport in the world serving 60-70 million passengers, making it the highest-rated U.S. airport in that category. 

DEN received several other distinctions, including:

Reliever airports serve corporate business travelers

Colorado’s commercial and general aviation airports not only form a cohesive system for commerce and air travel needs, but generate a $36.7 billion annual impact according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Three strategically located airports serve as Metro Denver’s reliever airports: