By Jessica Vargas, Program Manager
Almost five years ago, I started working for WalkDenver as only its third full-time employee. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was being welcomed into this small but dedicated team of advocates who wanted to create a more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable city by making it easier to walk. At that point, I was still fairly new to Denver and it was through this work that I had an opportunity to go to different neighborhoods, learn about what makes them special, and meet the people who cared about them. Since then, I’ve been lucky to be a part of the organization’s growth and evolution, and the City’s along with it. Now, as I’m preparing to move on from the Denver Streets Partnership and return to my hometown, I’ve had some time to reflect on my seven years in Denver and the work I’ve been doing to make it an even more amazing place.
I’ve walked and talked with people all over the city—parents and teachers who wanted their kids to have a safe place to walk to school; residents who needed an obstacle-free way to reach the bus stop in their wheelchair; and employees looking for a healthier and more environmentally-friendly commute to work. I’ve also been able to collaborate with people who, like me, were actively working and planning on ways to improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of our transportation system. From fellow advocacy organizations to our longtime partners at the Denver Community Active Living Coalition to local neighborhood groups, I was always grateful that there were so many smart, motivated people with whom I could work and brainstorm, even paint and dance!
These experiences are what I thought of when we officially merged with Bicycle Colorado to create a fully-staffed Denver Streets Partnership and focus our advocacy on “people-friendly streets.” This human-centered approach to advocacy, public policy, and city street design is how I was drawn to this work and will, I hope, ultimately lead to a more liveable, healthier, and happier city. I am so proud of what our team has been able to accomplish over the years, and that I was able to contribute to it. Thank you to my Denver colleagues, partners, and friends who made my time here so special!