It's estimated that at least 70% of office growth comes from existing companies expanding, as opposed to new companies entering a market. Hickenlooper agrees.

"The majority of local jobs are created by small businesses, so our administration is maintaining a dedicated focus on retaining existing local businesses and ensuring that they survive and thrive here in Denver," the mayor says. "Mary Buckley's appointment and the tremendous public and private sector experience she brings, is evidence of our commitment to this goal."

Buckley, currently is the Deputy City Manger of Centennial, CO, Denver's newest suburb. She previously held economic development-related jobs with three state governments: Manager of the Economic Development Division for former Texas Comptroller John Sharp; director of planning for former Mississippi Gov. Roy Maybus; and Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment for former Colorado Gov. Dick Lamm.