Molly’s farewell: Cheers to more than six years together

By Molly McKinley

I’m writing to share some bittersweet news. After over six years with Bicycle Colorado and the Denver Streets Partnership, I’m moving onto a new role where I’ll be staffing the National Campaign for Transit Justice and other transportation campaigns around the country. My last day at DSP will be this Friday, September 27—but I’ll be sticking around Denver.

I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together to build a more equitable and vibrant Denver where human dignity is the guiding principle for our transportation system, including:

• Stopping the proposed expansion of I-25 through Sun Valley and diverting funding to transit projects
• Passing a ballot measure that will generate $40 million/year to build out and maintain a complete, accessible sidewalk network in Denver
• Securing tens of millions of dollars a year in new state funding for public transit service
• Supporting policies that expand access to housing options near public transit and reform parking policy, to help cut down on the top two household costs for most families
• Advocating for a groundbreaking state transportation greenhouse gas planning standard, which is now a model for states around the country
• Pressing elected officials to prioritize people over cars and fighting for roadway improvements and policies that make our neighborhoods safer, without increased law enforcement
• Speaking up at a lot of public meetings
• And so much more that I can’t add here or no one will finish reading this email—stick with me!

I-25 Expansion Press Conference, May 2022

All of these moments are part of a movement in Colorado for a more just future where all Coloradans, regardless of their zip code, race, or income, have access to safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable transportation choices.

None of this progress is possible without a deep bench of people who really care about improving people’s lives and building a better future—which has made saying farewell an emotional process. It’s difficult to find the words to express my deep gratitude to all of you—DSP staff members, coalition partners, grassroots leaders, and elected leaders—you made Colorado feel like home from the minute I arrived and inspired me to keep showing up, even on the most difficult days. A few special shoutouts:

• To everyone who supported Denver Deserves Sidewalks in any capacity—I owe you one. Whatever it is, I got you. Running that campaign from signature collection to Election Day was the most difficult thing I’ve done as a professional and it truly would not have been possible without your support (material or emotional). We changed the future of Denver forever and I’m so dang proud of us.
• To DSP’s Advocacy Academy graduates—having the opportunity to get to know y’all and support your growth as advocates was a gift that filled up my cup as an organizer. It’s a joy and inspiration to see all of the ways that y’all are organizing in Denver.
• To my colleagues and coalition partners—Coloradans are lucky to have such a dedicated, sharp, fun, strategic group of people fighting for a more just transportation system. I’m so grateful for your friendship, support, leadership, and inspiration. You are leading the charge on this work nationally and I’ll always be rooting for y’all.
• To DSP staff—people are always surprised when I tell them how few people there are on our staff because of the impact that we have. It’s no surprise to me though, because I know you’re a scrappy, stand-out bunch of people who really care. Thank you for your support, years of laughs, and your dedication to this city. Denver is a better place because y’all do this work.
• And, last but not least, to Jill—your personal commitment to this work is unmatched and backed up by years and years of progress. Thank you for your support, partnership, and trust over the years. It has meant so much to me.

Celebration of Denver Deserves Sidewalks initiative getting on the ballot, August 2022

I do this work because of people. To me, this work is about bringing community members, advocates, policy nerds, and decision-makers together to advance policies that improve people’s lives. That’s what keeps me going when we lose a fight, when a bill hearing goes into the wee hours of the morning, and when the best-laid plans go completely by the wayside. I hope that in your own advocacy journey you get to connect with people who care deeply and give you the energy to fight for what you believe in, too—I know that’s what will carry me forward on my next adventure.

For a better Denver,

Molly McKinley, Policy Director

P.S. While we’ve made a lot of progress, there’s still a lot of work to be done to realize the future we want to see. It would mean a lot to me if you could join me in making a donation to DSP so they can continue to carry out this important work.