Rick Garcia knew that jobs and small business development are at the heart of building strong Northwest Denver neighborhoods. That's why he backed the West Colfax BID, the Tennyson Streetscape, and brought $15M in private capital to community development.
| Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|
| West Colfax BID | Established Business Improvement District; Small Area Plan approved |
| Tennyson Streetscape | Retail streetscape program for the Tennyson corridor |
| Federal Blvd Task Force | Revitalization with Main Street zoning potential |
| CDFI Capital | $15M in new private capital to community development projects |
| Business Liaison | Created neighborhood liaison for Denver CVB and Office of Economic Development |
"Your safety is JOB #1."
It's the little things that make up quality of life. Garcia's office led the way in responding to Northwest Denver's everyday needs.
Co-chaired task force for 16-acre campus redevelopment after hospital relocation
Design Review Committee that prevented WalMart from entering the neighborhood
Secured funding to pave alleys — 25-30 per year in District 1
Co-chaired initiative on the growing foreclosure and abandoned property crisis
Curb and gutter improvements throughout the Sunnyside neighborhood
Led cleanup efforts, resolved parking issues and problem properties
Created alliance with graffiti prevention program
Served as member addressing homelessness in Denver
In Denver, residents take pride in the beauty of their parks. Garcia knew they need stewardship and planning to serve the community well.
Op-Ed by Rick Garcia, March 2007 — published in North Denver News
As a former RTD Board Commissioner who helped bring credibility and stability to the board ahead of the FasTracks vote, Garcia championed the Gold Line commuter rail study as critical infrastructure for Northwest Denver's future — connecting residents to jobs and economic opportunity along the corridor. Policy analysts would later cite the Gold Line as a model for transit-oriented neighborhood development.