Let’s not leave our future to chance: what economic development really means

Commerce City is a community with a rich history and an exciting future. When it incorporated in 1952, there were about 1,200 residents and the city covered 3 square miles. Today, Commerce City covers nearly 41 square miles and has a population of about 54,000 residents. By 2014, it will cover 52 square miles (with available land to grow to 64 square miles) and be home to nearly 68,000 residents.

A recent Denver Post article carried the headline: Commerce City enlists firm to help cast off grimy image. This is an unfortunate misrepresentation of the article, which reported on the city’s contract with AngelouEconomics and what they will actually do for the community and its citizens.

Look up the phrase “economic development” in the dictionary, or in today’s world on www.dictionary.com, and you will find it is “the development of economic wealth of countries or regions for the well-being of their inhabitants … From a policy perspective, economic development can be defined as efforts that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by creating and/or retaining jobs and supporting or growing incomes and the tax base.”

Commerce City has been able to create a stable base for smart, sustainable economic development while preserving its entrepreneurial past. For more than 20 years, the city’s balance of residential, commercial and industrial areas has allowed it to maintain its quality of life without raising property taxes. In addition, capital improvement projects, such as roads, are funded without sacrificing community needs. The city certainly wants to see that trend continue.

While city staff does not take lightly the expenditure of $80,000 of tax-payer money, we are certain it is a very good investment in something as important as the economic well-being and quality of life for our community. AngelouEconomics is one of the most respected consultants in this arena in the country. Simply said, AngelouEconomics makes communities more competitive.

We are proud of what our city has been, what it is today, and where it is headed tomorrow, but we will not leave our future to chance. We will work with AngelouEconomics in the coming months to build on the foundational strengths so the city and its residents can achieve a higher quality of life and sustained economic opportunities. As leaders in this community, that is our obligation and our opportunity.

Submitted by Kim McCarl, marketing and public relations manager, City of Commerce City. Please call 303-289-3719 for further information.