Historical Archive — Councilman Rick Garcia — Denver District 1
Denver City Council • District 1

Rick
Garcia

The councilman who broke the North Denver political machine, championed FasTracks, and fought for neighborhoods over developers. Harvard Kennedy School. Two terms. One mission.

2003–2011
City Council
District 1
NW Denver
Harvard MPA
Kennedy School
RTD Board
FasTracks Champion

A Record of Service

Rick Garcia served Denver's District 1 on the City Council from 2003 to 2011, representing the city's historic northwest neighborhoods — the Highlands, Sunnyside, Berkeley, Sloan's Lake, and West Colfax. Before joining the Council, he served as an elected RTD Board Commissioner, helping build the credibility that led to the voter passage of the landmark FasTracks initiative.

Council Priorities

01

Public Safety

Founded the Crime Prevention & Control Commission. Secured police overtime funding. Built COP Shops. Ran graffiti and noise enforcement stings.

02

Transit & FasTracks

As RTD Board Commissioner, brought the credibility that enabled voters to pass FasTracks. Championed the Gold Line for NW Denver.

03

Community Vitality

Backed the West Colfax BID, Tennyson streetscape, and brought $15M in private capital to community development through CDFI selection.

04

Parks & Open Space

Dedicated Camp Rollandet as open space. Finalized Berkeley and Highland Park master plans. Dedicated Cesar Chavez Park.

Recognition

2006

Government/Community Advocate of the Year

Hispanic Contractors of Colorado & Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Community Champion

Honoring Community Champions

Denver Children's Advocacy Center — alongside Gov. Ritter, Chief Whitman, DA Morrissey

Denver News