Chris Erickson, president of Banc of California’s Colorado Region, is leading Banc of California’s strategic expansion across the Rocky Mountain region. With more than 25 years of experience, Chris and his team have deep market expertise and are known for building strong, lasting relationships with their clients.
With over $34 billion in assets, Banc of California delivers a full suite of loan and deposit solutions that drive economic growth across the Rocky Mountain Region. From the bank’s Denver office, Chris and his team offer Commercial Real Estate Banking, Venture Banking, Asset-Based Lending, Small-Business Lending, Community Banking, and Treasury Management. These services have been instrumental in revitalizing downtown Denver and will continue to support Colorado’s growth and long-term success.
Q: The business community is playing a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of Denver’s downtown in connection with the $500 million investment led by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). How has Banc of California been involved, and why is this project so important?
The revitalization of downtown is critical to building a more vibrant and resilient community where people and businesses can thrive. Downtown Denver accounts for 30% of the city’s jobs and 21% of retail and lodging sales, despite occupying just 1.8% of the city’s land—making it a powerful economic engine.
Since Banc of California opened its office in Denver in 2018, we have financed projects that have strengthened Denver’s core. An example is Populus Denver, the nation’s first carbon‑positive hotel—which we financed. When Urban Villages came to us with the project, we were so inspired by the vision. Being a relationship bank, we knew we could help Urban Villages bring it to life.
The hotel has been open for just over a year and is an anchor for sustainable hospitality downtown and a visible example of how innovative, environmentally responsible development can catalyze activity in the urban core.
Banc of California is committed to financing projects like this that create a lasting impact in our communities.
Q: What successful downtown revitalization models have you been involved in or observed that could be adapted now in downtown?
We don’t need to look far—we can look to Denver and Coors Field. It was a catalyst. When it opened in 1995, it transformed the area from a neglected warehouse district to an area filled with foot traffic, bars and restaurants. We need to build another Coors Field-style anchor—a major destination that draws in locals and tourists.
Q: Denver has made affordable housing a priority, but like most urban areas, there’s a housing crisis here. What is Banc of California doing to support affordable housing?
Banc of California is deeply committed to supporting affordable housing and being part of the solution. We’ve supported the Denver Housing Authority to finance projects across the city, helping expand access to quality housing. To date, we’ve provided more than $500 million in funding for approximately 3,500 multifamily units—895 of which are designated as affordable housing, representing $216 million in investment.
Q: The Denver Broncos announced that they plan to stay in the Mile High City and build a new, privately funded stadium at Burnham Yard, in the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood. How significant is this development, and how can it become a catalyst for the rest of downtown’s revitalization efforts?
It’s huge—look at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It created a major entertainment district. The Burnham Yard stadium will do the same for the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood, which is next to downtown. This type of development often spurs additional private investment, which can accelerate Denver’s efforts to reimagine its central, underutilized areas into vibrant, year-round destinations—not just for sports fans but for residents and visitors alike.
Q: Community is a key part of strengthening the urban core and the greater Denver region. In what ways is Banc of California supporting the community?
Banc of California is deeply committed to supporting the community. We partner with incredible organizations like the African Leadership Group, Brent’s Place and Dry Bones, among others. Whether it’s teaching financial literacy, supporting families in medical crisis or empowering communities, we’re proud to stand alongside nonprofits that are doing the real work on the ground.
Personally, I serve as president of the board of directors for Developmental Pathways, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through various programs, services and community resources in Arapahoe and Douglas counties.
Q: Downtown Denver closed 2025 on a high note with strong recovery indicators. What do you expect for downtown’s trajectory in 2026, and how will recent successes shape future priorities?
The progress in 2025—marked by near pre-pandemic pedestrian traffic, robust hotel performance, and significant residential growth—sets a solid foundation for 2026. We anticipate continued momentum driven by mixed-use development, adaptive reuse of office space, and the development of public areas. With the DDA’s $500 million financing capacity coming online, we expect strategic investments in housing, retail and cultural amenities to accelerate. These efforts will not only sustain recovery but continue to position downtown as a vibrant, resilient hub for business and community. I’m bullish on what’s ahead—and Banc of California will be on the field, financing the projects that turn this momentum into measurable wins.
