Guest Columnist - Rise up, Denver – and have hope

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By Michael Hancock/ Mayor of Denver

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Going to the gym or rec center for a workout or yoga class. The morning stroll to drop off our kids at school. Happy Hour, Saturday date night at the DCPA, dinner at a favorite restaurant or the weekend ski trip to Winter Park. Opening Day at Coors Field. We used to take these for activities for granted – especially now that our daily routines and lives have been disrupted by COVID-19.

It all seems bleak today, but I want Denver to know how we are going to get back to normal.

Relying on medical experts, we took the unprecedented step of imposing a “stay at home” order to slow the spread of the virus. The impacts are devastating. Thousands of people losing their jobs, and hundreds of businesses in jeopardy. The decisions Governor Polis, I and others made weren’t easy. The Governor’s partnership has been invaluable in this rapidly evolving situation. And there is no greater responsibility I have as Mayor than protecting the health, safety and well-being of every Denver resident and visitor. Your health takes precedence.

I am committed to being thoughtful and assertive in our efforts to protect every Denverite.

Through it all, I remain optimistic that we will rise up and overcome this pandemic to restore the vibrancy and economic strength of our city. Each day, I witness the dedication of 13,000 city employees working around the clock to serve our people. First responders are going above and beyond, while putting themselves in harm’s way. I’m humbled by the business leaders who offered themselves and their resources to help or committed to keeping employees on payroll, even though they’re closed. I’m inspired by the thousands of you who’ve donated or helped a neighbor in need. Doctors, nurses and grocery workers are nothing short of heroes.

Recreation centers, libraries and DMVs may be closed, but we’re still serving you. Our Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated and staffed to help manage the response. 90 percent of city employees are now working from home, and we’ve made as many services as possible available online. Police and Fire are still responding to emergencies. Trash is still being picked up and paving and street sweeping season is underway. And for our residents experiencing homelessness, we set up auxiliary shelters, additional temporary housing and respite beds for those exhibiting symptoms.

To begin to blunt the economic impact and save jobs, we just sent out $2 million in grants and loans to local small businesses. We launched virtual job fairs and deferrals of fines and interest for late payment of sales, use and property taxes. We’ve deployed rental assistance to help keep people in their homes. We’re engaging the private sector to amplify our relief fund, and our economic development team is setting and implementing strategies for economic stabilization and recovery with the support of a new Denver Economic Relief and Recovery Council and securing relief from Congress’ stimulus package. There’s more to come.

Denver is rising up in so many amazing ways, and brighter days are coming. I’ve always said, a great city cares for her people. I’ve seen what great people do: stay calm, show patience, give generously of time and resources, reconnect with love ones, volunteer, even donate blood. And they stay at home! This is how we will rise up, Denver.