Changing Factors in Derby Resource Center (Commerce City)

Commerce City applied to Suncor Energy for additional 3 year renewal of Derby Resource Center position. Suncor Energy has communicated a corporate shift in its community investment philosophy. Although Suncor’s new community investment strategy is not finalized, they’ve expressed interest in funding initiatives rather than one time projects. As a result, Suncor did not fund the grant that previously paid for the Derby Coordinator.

Derby remains a top priority for the City, Commerce City staff has formed a strategy to continue to support Derby without a full-time position (Team approach utilizing existing City staff from multiple departments).

Commerce City staff will prepare and present to City Council a long term strategy for Derby’s success in the next 12 to 18 months.

According to Commerce City: "The Entire Community Can Celebrate Successes"
•Completion of Derby Diamond intersection
•Completion of Derby Resource Center facade renovation
•Catalyst program promoted improvements
•Public, private, non-profit and community collaboration
•Private reinvestment in Derby
•Urban Gardens (AC Head, Anythink Library and Partnerships for Healthy Communities)
•Improvements to Joe Reilly Park
•New businesses!

Background: Three years ago Suncor Energy awarded a grant to Commerce City to promote a partnership focused on redeveloping the Derby Business District. As a result of this public/private partnership a lot of improvements have been made including the development of a Derby Business Association, the acquisition and renovation of the Derby Resource Center and also the renovation of the intersection at 72nd Place and Monaco St. Suncor Energy is in currently in the process of reevaluating their community engagement strategy across their organization and have decided not to continue to fund the previous partnership at this time.