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troutman · 10-19-2016, 08:50 AM

Denver and Calgary: A tale of 2 similar but very different cities

A look at past successes of the Mile High City, and what Calgary can learn from them

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...ison-1.3776682

Denver and Calgary have a lot in common. But while Denver is rising, Calgary is struggling.

Founded within 20 years of each other, both cities were 19th century western frontiers. Places built on railways, agriculture and oil. For decades, both cities followed a similar economic path — including the highs and lows of the energy industry.

But then, just a little more than 30 years ago, both cities faced a crisis. Calgary went one way, and is still riding the energy wave. Denver another, leading to a thriving economy.

Calgary could stand to learn a thing or two from Denver. Something that occurred to Calgary Economic Development, which recently sent someone down on a fact-finding mission to study the successes of the Mile High City.

Denver and its surrounding counties decided to stop competing against each other for new businesses and talent pools. Economic development funds sprouted up everywhere, and an agreement was struck on regional tax rates and recruiting key industries — like technology companies.

Even before the pact, Denver was building areas dedicated to specific industries.

"Our economy has been booming," said Makarewicz. "We recovered sooner than others from the recession and, since there was a very intentional effort to diversify the regional economy, we have the jobs."

Meanwhile, diversification in Calgary is back on the table in a big way.

10-19-2016, 08:50 AM	#1
troutman Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Crowsnest Pass Exp:	Denver's Lessons for Calgary Denver and Calgary: A tale of 2 similar but very different cities A look at past successes of the Mile High City, and what Calgary can learn from them http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...ison-1.3776682 Denver and Calgary have a lot in common. But while Denver is rising, Calgary is struggling. Founded within 20 years of each other, both cities were 19th century western frontiers. Places built on railways, agriculture and oil. For decades, both cities followed a similar economic path — including the highs and lows of the energy industry. But then, just a little more than 30 years ago, both cities faced a crisis. Calgary went one way, and is still riding the energy wave. Denver another, leading to a thriving economy. Calgary could stand to learn a thing or two from Denver. Something that occurred to Calgary Economic Development, which recently sent someone down on a fact-finding mission to study the successes of the Mile High City. Denver and its surrounding counties decided to stop competing against each other for new businesses and talent pools. Economic development funds sprouted up everywhere, and an agreement was struck on regional tax rates and recruiting key industries — like technology companies. Even before the pact, Denver was building areas dedicated to specific industries. "Our economy has been booming," said Makarewicz. "We recovered sooner than others from the recession and, since there was a very intentional effort to diversify the regional economy, we have the jobs." Meanwhile, diversification in Calgary is back on the table in a big way.