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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 43 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

Nearly 58.3 million passengers traveled through Denver International Airport (DEN) in 2016, marking the third consecutive year of record-setting traffic in the airport's history. DEN is the sixth-busiest airport in the nation and 18th 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.

DEN served 181 destinations around the world during 2016. Additional new, international nonstop flights recently announced:

  • Sun Country Airlines announced in September 2017 a new, seasonal nonstop service from Denver to Mazatlán, Mexico. 
  • WestJet announced in August 2017 it will begin serving DEN daily from Calgary International Airport (YYC) starting March 8, 2018. 
  • In celebration of United's 80 years of service in Denver, the airline announced the launch of daily nonstop seasonal service in July 2017 between DEN and London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) beginning March 24, 2018 through October 26, 2018.
  • Mayor Michael B. Hancock, DEN, and Norwegian announced in July 2017 that the airline will begin offering nonstop service from Denver to Paris, France. The twice-weekly service from DEN to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) will begin on April 9, 2018, making this the fourth, new international destination in three months. 
  • Edelweiss Air announced in July 2017 its plans to begin twice-weekly service from Denver to Zurich beginning on June 4, 2018.
  • In May 2017, DEN celebrated Air Canada’s first nonstop flight to Vancouver, Canada, a new destination for the carrier from Denver. 
  • In April 2017, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, DEN, and Norwegian Airlines announced that the airline will begin offering nonstop service from Denver to London/Gatwick beginning Sept. 16, 2017. This is the first time since 2012 that DEN has announced a new foreign-flag carrier.
  • DEN announced in April 2017, that starting Dec. 11, 2017, Copa Airlines will begin nonstop service four times a week between Denver and Panama City, Panama.

Passenger growth spurs expansion

DEN's new, $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.

Now, DEN is beginning a $1 billion renovation of its Great Hall, with plans to move security screening to Level 6 of the airport. The expansion will allow for a host of new traveler amenities including shopping and restaurants. 

Travelers from around the world have voted Denver International Airport (DEN) as the top U.S. airport serving 50-60 million passengers per year, according to the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards. 

DEN was named the No. 3 best airport in the world serving 50-60 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: