Regional Governance: Local Planning and Development Implications in Denver, Colorado

Abstract

In the absence of broad planning authority the Denver region is taking a collaborative approach to regional governance. Metro Vision’s designation of ‘urban centers’ -areas slated to develop as dense nodes of mixed-use development- is explored to determine regional planning influences on local programs and policies. Based on a review of regional plans, content analysis of eight local plans and interviews with six local planners, I examine how the centers policy is being implemented at the local level across five cities. I found that a combination of financial incentives, transit investment, and opportunities to promote commercial and residential redevelopment support regional buy-in for implementation of centers policy.