Growth

The interrelated issues of growth and transportation have been a focus of the Metro Mayors Caucus since forming in 1993.

In the late 1990s, Colorado's rapid growth was a subject of growing public concern. Attempts to dramatically limit growth failed both in the legislature and at the ballot box. What was not well understood at the time was that the region had for several years been immersed in developing, and in 1997 adopting, the Metro Vision 2020 plan.

Long-Range Growth & Development

Metro Vision is the Denver Regional Council of Governments' integrated, long-range growth and development framework intended to limit the extent of urban growth, preserve community character, protect environmental resources including open space, and guide infrastructure investments. Metro Vision integrates traditionally separate plans for growth, development, transportation, and water quality management into a single, comprehensive guide for regional planning. The plan recognizes that community differences make our region interesting and vital and preserves each community's right to make its own decisions within a larger framework of regional principles. The Caucus was concerned that a legislative or ballot mandated solution would undermine Metro Vision and understood that it was critical to demonstrate the serious commitment of local governments from across the region to implementing the plan.

Mile High Compact

This was the catalyst in 2000 for the drafting of the groundbreaking Mile High Compact. The Mile High Compact, drafted by members of the Metro Mayors Caucus in partnership with the leadership of DRCOG, is viewed as a model for regional cooperation by other regions nationwide. In August 2000, 31 cities and counties in the region, comprising more than 79% of the metro area's population, executed the agreement. To date, 46 cities and counties that are home to more than 90% of the region's population have joined the Compact. The binding agreement commits communities to:

  • Adopt a comprehensive land-use plan that includes a common set of elements
  • Use growth management tools such as zoning regulations, urban growth boundaries, and development codes
  • Link their comprehensive plans to Metro Vision, which outlines regional growth management
  • Work collaboratively to guide growth and ensure planning consistency

To learn more about the Metro Vision plan, visit the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) website.

Primary Focus

The interrelated issues of growth and transportation have been primary areas of focus for the Metro Mayors Caucus since its inception in 1993. In the wake of failed legislative attempts to address growth statewide, the Caucus felt it was critical to build commitment and momentum for the implementation of the region's Metro Vision 2020 growth and transportation plan. In 2000, Caucus members conceived of, and in partnership with DRCOG, drafted and executed the groundbreaking Mile High Compact. In August 2000, 31 cities and counties in the region comprising more than 79% of the metro area's population executed the agreement. To date, 39 cities and counties comprising more than 85% of the region's population has signed on to the Compact.

Metro Vision, developed by the Denver Regional Council of Governments, is the Denver region's plan for future growth and development and provides the core of the Mile High Compact. Metro Vision integrates traditionally separate plans for growth, development, transportation, and water quality management into a single, comprehensive guide for regional planning. The plan contains strategies for preserving our region's high quality of life while also positioning it to benefit from growth. Metro Vision recognizes that community differences make our region interesting and vital and the plan preserves each community's right to make its own decisions within a larger framework of regional principles.

To learn more about the plan, visit the DRCOG website.