Urban Renewal Groups Defended

"Across Colorado, Urban Renewal Authorities are providing the means for communities to achieve measurable benefits to residents and businesses," says the study's author, Jesse Silverstein. "The public/private partnerships that are forged between Urban Renewal Authorities and private developers provide a unique opportunity to improve not only the economic situation of a community, but also the quality of life for residents." The study, which outlines the economic benefits of urban renewal projects across the state generally, also provides specific case studies from communities including Arvada, Delta, Denver, Estes Park and Pueblo.

Concern over a few isolated cases has led state lawmakers to consider limiting the powers of Urban Renewal Authorities. House Bill 1203 would significantly restrict the use of eminent domain, a tool of urban renewal that is used in rare and exceptional cases to make difficult projects work.

"As this study shows, urban renewal—including the limited use of eminent domain—is an important, proven mechanism of redevelopment throughout Colorado," says Barbara Silverman, Executive Director of the Colorado Community Revitalization Association. "Clearly, a good deal of emotion and controversy has arisen over a few isolated cases. But we trust that legislators will review this study and consider the issue of urban renewal in its broad perspective before there is any rush to judgment." Adds Silverman: "The bottom line is that urban renewal has played a key role in revitalizing communities of all sizes in every part of Colorado."