The Downtown Denver Partnership’s Downtown Denver Leadership Program (DDLP) has been instrumental in shaping Denver’s emerging leaders through its collaborative curriculum, which includes project-based experiential learning and dynamic opportunities to develop leadership skills.
During the last nine months, the Downtown Denver Leadership Program Class of 2024 completed three different projects that contributed to the reopening and reactivation of the newly renovated 16th Street.
Participants heard from local leaders about the complexities, challenges, and visionary goals of this bold and ambitious project. Through guided group discussions, participants selected and accomplished the following projects that complemented their skills and passions and strategically aligned with the Downtown Denver Partnership’s priorities for a thriving downtown.
metaMORPHosis Project Group
With the revitalization of 16th Street, the Downtown Denver Partnership has made significant efforts to incorporate public art and experiential placemaking. To support this goal one project group decided to pursue a new art installation for 16th Street. The group designed a call for proposals, conducted a thorough selection process, and ultimately purchased “Morph” using funding that was earmarked for public art and placemaking. “Morph,” created by Grand Junction-based artist Ken Cable, is a five-foot-tall Monarch butterfly representing rebirth, transformation, childlike joy and hope, which resonated with this group as they see downtown currently experiencing its own transformation. The group is continuing to help the Downtown Denver Partnership select Morph’s final location on 16th Street and is also helping us establish key community partnerships to support future activations around Morph.
Outer Space Project Group
This project group led the revival of Outer Space, a Downtown Denver Partnership-managed public space at 16th and Welton. After conducting significant research, including engaging with local business owners and scoping a variety of potential improvements they could make to the space, the project group ultimately chose to invest in better infrastructure to improve the user experience at Outer Space. The team coordinated and secured a generous donation of new tables, chairs, and trashcans from elements and Emu Americas. They also refurbished the Outer Space sign, designed a new brand, and developed a set of recommendations for future site improvements.
Storytelling Project Group
This project group sought to tell the story of 16th Street as new blocks opened and celebrated the businesses on the street. They led a social media campaign that was targeted towards families and downtown employees to demonstrate life in downtown for both audience groups. They created five reels that featured downtown employees exploring and enjoying our center city, a Saturday family fun day, and the opening of one of the 16th Street blocks. They also coordinated four giveaways on social media that supported 16th Street restaurants and businesses and encouraged people to come downtown.
Congratulations to the DDLP Class of 2024!
- Abigail Branch, Tryba Architects
- Adam Rice, BrightView Landscape
- Alissa Skinner, Alpine Bank
- Amanda Miller, Downtown Denver Partnership
- Anthony Pilla, Turner Construction
- Anthony Aragon, National Western Center Authority
- Arnaldo Colon, Lyft
- Benjamin Rance, Emerge
- Brian Lopez, OZ Architecture
- Brittany Eroen, City and County of Denver, Division of Small Business Opportunity/ DEDO
- Bruce Margoshes, EXDO Group Companies
- Casey Alexander, Shears Adkins Rockmore Architects
- Charlie Robben, Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
- Christopher Brueckner, Dig Studio
- Colleen Sacco, Select Building Group Commercial
- Diana Devot, Sherman & Howard LLC
- Dianne Criswell, Special District Association of Colorado
- Drew Allen, AECOM
- Emilie Forbes, Sasaki
- Eric Berglund, PCL Construction Services, Inc.
- Eric Andalman, Hogan Lovells
- Haley Shilts, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
- Hannah Seely, Hensel Phelps
- Heather Howerton, DMCAR
- Jadon Wiens, FirstBank
- Jennifer Knight Lang, Fennemore Craig PC
- Jennifer Ramsey, City and County of Denver, Community
- Jessica Marsh, Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson
- Jonathan Bonkoski, Mortenson
- Jonathan Colarelli, City and County of Denver, Department of Housing Stability
- Joshua Kenney, City and County of Denver, Department of Finance
- Joshua Palmeri, City and County of Denver
- Kate Lucks, Cushing Terrell
- Kate Boren, Husch Blackwell
- Kaylee Lino, ULI Colorado
- Lauren Falcon, Stantec
- Lukasz Dubaj, Mortenson
- Malisha Nickels, PNC Bank
- Mary Gangel, NINE dot ARTS
- Matt Palumbo, Cumming Group
- Nessa Mogharreban, Denver Urban Gardens
- Paul Leasure, RATIO Design
- Peter Lubembela, City and County of Denver, Mayor’s Office
- Peter Hamberger, Ballard Spahr
- Robin Becker, Auraria Higher Education Center
- Rodi Liv, The Hive
- Ryan Shaaban, Tryba Architects
- Sara Bonacquist, Design Workshop
- Sara Van Hatten, MAINSPRING
- Sarah Tough, JE Dunn Construction
- Tyler Marr, The Weitz Company
- Vincent Springer, Bank of America
This year’s Leadership Sponsor was Husch Blackwell, a long-time supporter of the program. Community Sponsors were Cumming Group, Alpine Bank and Lewis Roca. This year’s Mobility Sponsor was Lyft.
Applications are now open for the 2025 DDLP program! Apply here.
