DenverUrbanism

A lively chat about giving existing buildings new life through adaptive reuse. They explore which structures are best suited for conversion and how neighborhood character shapes outcomes. Listeners hear local Denver examples and current office-to-housing projects. The conversation also covers climate benefits, practical barriers like pollution and codes, and policy tools to make reuse happen.

Discover the fascinating history behind why Denver became Colorado's capital and the failed contenders like Colorado City and Golden. Dive into the implications of hosting the capital, from economic boosts to everyday challenges like policing costs. Explore how Denver's capital status has shaped its neighborhoods and attracted investment, while examining the governmental dynamics that come with it. Tune in for quirky comparisons with Rome and the unique opportunities urban planners have in this capital-centric environment.

Ho ho ho! Enjoy our end of the year episode where we don't try very hard! Hope you're having a good holiday and we'll see you for more urbanism in 2026!

James Flattum and Emma Griffin, co-founders of Greater Denver Transit, discuss their mission to advocate for improved transit in Denver. They explain the founding of GDT, focusing on inclusive advocacy that connects riders and professionals. Key topics include their campaign efforts to influence the RTD board and the importance of a strong service mindset to attract choice riders. The duo also highlights low-cost network modernizations and crucial upgrades needed for the A-Line, aiming to enhance rider experience and increase transit usage.

The hosts dive into the recent Denver elections, analyzing the impressive bond measures that passed. They discuss why urbanists should pay attention to municipal bonds and explore the public's appetite for infrastructure and park funding. Notably, they reflect on the emotional appeal behind children’s services financing and the significance of libraries and cultural centers gaining support. With a mix of wins and losses, they highlight community sentiments shaping future city planning and address the implications for local zoning and impactful projects.

James and Andy sit down with Jill Locantore of the Denver Streets Partnership to talk about the bold idea for making transit fast, frequent, and reliable - A Vision for Transit in the Denver Region.You can read more about that here: A Vision for Transit in the Denver RegionPlease donate to DSP here! - Denver Streets Partnership – Streets are for people

Wes Marshall, a Professor at CU Denver and author of Killed by a Traffic Engineer, discusses critical urban safety issues in Denver. He highlights the tragic pedestrian fatality on a notorious street and the complexities of advocating for pedestrian safety. The conversation dives into Denver’s Vision Zero program and the need for better funding and innovative traffic accident analysis. Marshall also explores automotive safety design challenges, proposing innovative solutions to enhance visibility and improve road safety through collaboration and inspiration from global practices.

Chuck Marohn, founder of Strong Towns and an advocate for financially stable cities, discusses ways to strengthen urban landscapes like Denver. He explores the tension between large developments and incremental growth, emphasizing community engagement in planning. Marohn highlights the importance of integrating transit with development to create thriving neighborhoods. He tackles current challenges, such as high office vacancies and budget issues due to remote work, and presents strategies for repurposing vacant spaces to promote urban vitality.

Dive into the architectural landscape of Denver and discover why its buildings share a similar aesthetic. The discussion reveals how building codes, material availability, and profit motives shape design choices. Explore the evolution from traditional sod houses to modern mass production techniques, and consider the influence of zoning laws on architectural uniformity. Most importantly, the conversation highlights the need for designs that prioritize community needs, showcasing efforts to create functional spaces like health clinics and affordable housing.

Andy Cushen and James Warren talk about the hottest news in town - the revocation of parking minima from the zoning code. Technically these went into effect yesterday (8/11/25) but what are we, competent hosts?!To learn more, check out these books from your local library: The High Cost of Free ParkingPaved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World