The view of 2016

By Jan Wondra
Depending upon the type of business you’re in, the view of the year ahead for you may differ from that of other business leaders. But the perspective on the Denver south area is remarkably consistent—we are heading into what most leaders see as a very good year. While every year comes with challenges and opportunities, a cross-section of leaders has some things to say about the year ahead.

Robert Olislagers, Executive Director, Centennial Airport

“One big challenge I see as a member of the Colorado Aeronautics Board is low oil prices, which reduces the number of funds we have to distribute to airports. Additionally, as aircraft become more efficient, that too reduces revenue. Both are good for the economy, but also put pressure on the economy. Consumers benefit from low fuel prices, and reduced fuel consumption is good for the environment, but not for revenue going back to airports. We’re doing very well as an airport, even though Centennial Airport depends on the oil business for a good part of its income. I foresee a little bit of decline in activity in that regard, but not too significant. Our challenges for 2016 remain with noise and security concerns.”

Tucker Hart Adams, Economist, Summit Economics

“Our greatest challenge is pessimism. We read constantly that the middle class has disappeared, the recovery is anemic, everyone is getting poorer, etc., etc. If we say it often enough, we may be able to make it happen. People ignore the data, which show very low unemployment, an expanding economy, record auto sales, etc., etc.

“Our biggest opportunity is Colorado’s workforce. Millennials are the largest segment of our population. Many are well educated and technology savvy. Let’s use them to continue to grow the kinds of businesses that keep the state and the country successful. We need to remember that we’re much more likely to be killed on the highway on the way to work than to be blown up by terrorists. We need to keep our perspective and keep moving ahead.”

Tom Tobiassen, Chair, RTD Board

“From a transportation perspective, we are the most exciting city in the nation, right now. The I-25 and I-225 corridor-share is a model. The other model program is our public-private partnership. Colorado was the first in the nation to develop private sector partnerships for transportation.

“2016 will be a big year for RTD. We’re opening five new lines; four rail lines and the fifth is a bus-rapid transit line. The southeast area is so progressive; the R-line is going to allow the people in the southeast area to connect to the airport and an easy commute to downtown. We’re starting the planning phase for the southeast extension into Douglas County and April 22 will open the line from downtown to DIA. Balancing the needs of consumer groups is necessary. We’re not private sector and we can’t charge private sector fees for transportation. Businesses along the corridor have contributed a significant amount of money to make this happen. Without the collaborative partnership with the private sector, it wouldn’t happen. We’re delivering transit mobility options and it’s exciting.

“Besides congestion, which is what we’re trying to alleviate, the ‘last mile connect’ is the challenge, whether it’s sewer or water lines, telephone or transportation. We get people to the drop, but then they have to walk, bicycle or shuttle to work or home. So we work with the local communities for the greater public good.  We have to deliver it in a way that is fair to everyone. It’s a numbers game.  We have to have rider numbers and we can’t play favorites.”

Sherri Kroonenburg, SVP, Fidelity Investment

“Our challenge and our opportunity are the same. It’s talent. When I look at 2016, in order to deliver growth and maintain the customer experience we have to ensure that we are able to acquire the talent with the right skills, mindset, passion, and skills. The Denver south area is so important to us. We’re adding 300 additional employees and opened our third floor on Jan. 20.

“The other challenge that all businesses are beginning to face here is affordable housing, both for the talent here and those we attract from out-of-state. Keeping a lid on the cost of living, housing, transportation, is critical to growth. We’d love for cities to participate and step up and provide multifamily housing options, and accessible, entry-level homes, for employees. We’re hearing from employees that they are being outbid by investors. We’re seeing people come in, but you do wonder at what point we’re going to hit the tipping point.”

Amy Ford, Communications Director, CDOT

Under the leadership of new Executive Director Shailen Bhlatt, the Colorado Department of Transportation is aggressively addressing Colorado’s transportation issues.

“The opportunity is the variety of choices we’re developing for how people can travel, including technological advancements, and some of those will soon be launched in the south I-25 corridor.

“Our challenges are funding and safety. Road fatalities are up nationwide. DUIs are only a third of that number. With the combination of low gas prices and the economy getting better, people are driving more, increasing mileage. A huge number occur due to distracted driving, texting and talking on phones. Here’s the shocking statistic, the nation has a significant number of unrestrained fatalities; 50 percent die because they are not belted in.  We were pleased because our seatbelt rates went from 85 to 87 percent, but this year is the 50th anniversary of the seatbelt, so we’re going to focus on their use.”

Becky Takeda-Tinker, CEO, CSU-Global

“Our biggest opportunities and challenges revolve around our willingness to adapt to the dynamic marketplace environment. Connecting and utilizing the potential of the people in our growing community will play a vital role in our ability to thrive.”

Jim Gunning, Mayor, Lone Tree

“The opportunities we see are so rooted in transportation, the southeast extension and the east line for Douglas County, and it’s been funded, which removes a huge roadblock. Mobility is a huge topic for Lone Tree, and we’ll be hosting a mobility summit in April.”

Lone Tree is about to release the County Line Study, which lays out improvements to traffic patterns and access in the areas around and along Park Meadows and the Inverness office park.

“We’ll be looking at changes to improve traffic and access, especially around Park Meadows Mall on Park Meadows Center Drive, adding turn lanes and access roads to improve traffic flow. We’re fairly bullish on this year. With the light rail extension, the Arapahoe Road interchange about to start, the County Line work that is going to happen, it’s great for business and great for the quality of life. Yes, we’ll have short-term inconvenience while construction goes on, but for long-term benefit, it’s rewarding to see the years of work begin to become reality.”

Lynn Meyers, SVP, Denver South Economic Development Partnership

“We’re No. 1 in collaboration. Besides all the amenities and the new buildings, everybody is pulling the same way and working together. We have a highly educated workforce with great opportunities. As to challenges, we’re doing a lot of things right, we’re in a really good place, we just don’t want any fires or floods or bad headlines. The challenge and the opportunity are getting ready for a change. We’ll be adjusting to different transportation patterns and more transportation options. I am so optimistic about transportation. With the light rail line opening this year, getting to DIA will be a breeze.”