place
an efficient and predictable development pattern
desired outcomes
The region is comprised of diverse, livable communities.
The Denver metro region will continue to embrace its diverse urban, suburban and rural communities. Varied housing and transportation options, access to employment and a range of services and recreational opportunities will promote livable communities that meet the needs of people of all ages, incomes and abilities.
Through a coordinated effort between DRCOG and local communities, new urban development occurs in an orderly and compact pattern within regionally designated growth areas.
A process to identify local and regional urban growth priorities helps the region manage the growth of the region’s urban footprint. While locally adopted policies and market demand determine the location of urban development, local commitments to coordinate and collaborate on the expansion of urban growth lead to better use of regional resources for infrastructure, reduced regional vehicle travel and conservation of open land.
Connected urban centers and multimodal corridors throughout the region accommodate a growing share of the region’s housing and employment.
The location and context of each center define its unique character. They are transit-, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly places that contain a diverse mix of land uses and are denser than their surrounding areas; and are designed to allow people of all ages, incomes and abilities to access a range of housing, employment and services without sole reliance on having to drive. Urban centers provide public spaces where people can gather; help reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption; and respect and support existing neighborhoods. The region includes a wide array of urban centers including, but not limited to traditional downtowns, transit station areas, employment centers and smaller scale compact mixed-use development in suburban settings.
Denver Public Library: Community Connection and Lifelong Learning for Older Adults
Metro Vision supports livable communities that meet the needs of residents of all ages, incomes and abilities. Through the Older Adult Services program, the Denver Public Library provides a range of opportunities for lifelong learning, intergenerational experiences and community connection for a diverse population of older adult residents. In 2019, the library launched a research-based, inclusive curriculum specifically designed to enhance quality of life of the older adults it serves.
performance measures
Performance measures are critically important in monitoring the region’s progress toward Metro Vision themes and outcomes. They are used to obtain regular measurement of outcomes and results. They also generate reliable data to help local governments and partners evaluate policies, programs and initiatives. As part of its reporting on plan progress toward an efficient and predictable development pattern, DRCOG will use the performance measures outlined below.
urban center housing
share of total housing units
2014 Baseline | 10.0%
2019 Observation | 11.6%
2040 Target | 25.0%
urban center employment
share of total employment
2014 Baseline | 36.3%
2019 Observation | 37.8%
2040 Target | 50.0%
regional population - weighted density
people per square mile
2014 Baseline | 4,850
2019 Observation | 5,087
2040 Target | 25%
increase from 2014
comprehensive performance measures status report
discover more
Find current and past plans, data, research, reports, presentations and events to improve your ability to get involved and stay active in creating and sustaining an efficient and predictable development pattern.
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