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.

Thinking big to develop a growing region

Mass transit on the fast track

The Regional Transportation District (RTD), funded by a one percent sales tax, provides mass transit services in Metro Denver. With the FasTracks multimodal transit system moving forward, Metro Denver is quickly transforming growing suburbs into teeming cityscapes.

RTD's $7.4 billion FasTracks project is building out Metro Denver's entire mass transit system, adding 122 miles of rail rapid transit as well as extending existing routes and expanding the regional bus network. FasTracks is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs during the height of construction, and will pump billions of dollars into the regional economy.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and area municipalities are coordinating transit-oriented development (TOD) plans throughout the region. Projects integrating job, housing, and cultural centers are taking shape in both urban and suburban areas – on infill sites and on vacant land.

  • Overall, up to 50 transit-oriented developments are planned along eight different light rail and commuter rail lines extending in all directions from the downtown core
  • Downtown's historic Denver Union Station is the central hub of the new regional transit system. The station fulfilled its original role as the "Grand Central Station" of Denver - the city's major ground transportation hub. AMTRAK and Light Rail arrive at an 8-track terminal behind the station, while express and local buses use a 22-bay underground complex.
  • Two lines opened in 2016: the A Line and B Line, as well as the Flatiron Flyer – all part of the FasTracks program. The University of Colorado A Line, opened in April 2016, carries passengers from downtown Denver to DIA in 37 minutes. The R Line, bringing light rail service through the heart of Aurora, opened in 2017. The G Line is planned to bring RTD service through northwest Denver, Adams County, and Arvada with the end-of-line stop in Wheat Ridge. 

To promote the use of mass transit, Metro Denver employers can purchase EcoPasses for their employees, which allow seven-day access to RTD services. RTD's FlexPass Program also offers employers and employees payroll tax savings, pre-tax savings, and transit pass discounts.