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STATEMENTS

CAMPAIGN PRESS RELEASES

PRESS STATEMENTS

Neighborhood Plan

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

01.25.2023

Kwame Spearman announces new policy proposal; a “Neighborhood for Denver.”

Denver, CO—Today, mayoral candidate Kwame Spearman unveiled his ambitious policy proposal to address the unique needs of Denver’s 78 neighborhoods, called the “Neighborhood Agenda.” The agenda fundamentally reorients Denver’s city government to prioritize the unique needs of each of Denver’s neighborhoods. Spearman’s Neighborhood Agenda will require the municipal government of Denver to create plans for all of Denver’s neighborhoods, beginning at the city council district level, and require city agencies to tailor their policies and operations to the unique needs of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods.

​

“Denver’s one-size-fits-all approach to governance has become outdated as the city has grown and become more diverse. Our current system is not meeting the unique needs of each neighborhood,” said Spearman. “And it has become necessary to make city government work for each neighborhood. As part of my Neighborhood Agenda, my office will work with council members, local community leaders, and people in the neighborhoods to identify policy priorities for every neighborhood of Denver, and as mayor, require Denver’s department policies tailored to the priorities and unique needs of each of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods.”

 

During the announcement, Spearman pledged to visit all 78 neighborhoods during the course of his campaign, to ensure that the voice and unique needs of every neighborhood is heard and represented. Spearman went on to explain, “from policing, to zoning, affordability, local economies, and beyond, it is imperative that neighborhood needs drive city policy, and not the other way around.”

​

Spearman acknowledged the efforts of current mayor, Michael Hancock and his administration, who launched Denver’s Neighborhood Planning Initiative in 2017. “I believe that the Neighborhood Planning Initiative launched by Mayor Hancock is a step towards addressing the needs of Denver’s neighborhoods. While progress has been made, it is unfortunate that more progress hasn’t been made, and our neighborhoods face even greater challenges as Denver emerges from COVID-19. I want to improve and build on this work and make sure that each neighborhood has a plan and go further than this, to ensure that the entire city government is responsive to specific neighborhood needs,” said Spearman.

​

Spearman specifically emphasized that what sets his Neighborhood Agenda apart is its focus on making neighborhood needs central to the policies and operations of all government agencies in Denver, not just a separate initiative or program, as well as his focus as Mayor on identifying the key policy needs of each of Denver’s neighborhoods.

 

“As someone who was born in Denver and raised in the Montclair neighborhood and who now operates business locations in McGregor Square and on Colfax, I understand the unique needs and characteristics of Denver’s neighborhoods,” said Kwame Spearman. “I know firsthand that the needs of Montclair are vastly different from those of McGregor Square, and as owner of Tattered Cover, I have seen the diverse needs of our city’s small businesses and the impact that government policies can have on them.”

​

Spearman specifically emphasized that what sets his Neighborhood Agenda apart is its focus on making neighborhood needs central to the policies and operations of all government agencies in Denver, not just as separate initiatives or programs. Additionally, he highlighted that the Mayor’s office would be working with neighborhoods to identify priorities, not siloed in any single city department.

​

“My Neighborhood Agenda requires all of the agencies of Denver’s government to align their policies and operations with the specific needs of each neighborhood,” said Spearman. “As mayor, I will make it a matter of policy to require government agencies to align with the Neighborhood Agenda, putting the neighborhoods of Denver first, and aligning all government policy with neighborhood needs,” said Spearman.

​

Spearman believes that this comprehensive neighborhood-based approach is essential for the future of Denver, “I believe that as Denver emerges from COVID-19, revitalizing and renewing neighborhoods and a sense of community in Denver is essential to rebuilding not just the economy, but also its spirit. We need to restore the sense of community we’ve lost in Denver, especially in our neighborhoods.”


Spearman highlighted that there is a lot of existing infrastructure that can be used to kickstart his Neighborhood Agenda for Denver. He plans to work with city council members and the city council community meeting process to directly get input from neighborhoods, as well as community boards, registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), local business organizations, and other key stakeholders. He also emphasized the importance of creating more inclusive and local forums to give the neighborhoods of Denver the ability to direct how the city government works for them and their needs.

​

Spearman declared his desire to be the “Neighborhood Mayor,” emphasizing his commitment to prioritizing the needs of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods. “It’s time for a new approach to governance in Denver,” said Spearman. “I am committed to being a mayor for all neighborhoods, not just a select few. With my Neighborhood Agenda, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the unique needs of every neighborhood are heard and represented” said Spearman.

​

“I understand that Denver has gotten bigger, and with all of its success has come growing pains. We need to restore a sense of community and get the neighborhoods back,” said Spearman. “With a Neighborhood Agenda, as the next mayor of Denver, I will be better able to deliver smart, effective government that will restore both a sense of local community and build a better Denver.”

​

He concluded “the Neighborhood Agenda is about more than just policy, it’s about creating a government that is truly responsive to the needs of its residents and building a better Denver for everyone,” said Spearman. “With this in place, we will work together with the community to ensure that every neighborhood has a voice, and that no one is left behind.”

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

02.24.2023

Kwame Spearman announces new policy proposal; a “Neighborhood for Denver.”

Denver, CO—Having suffered under Donald Trump's punitive immigration policies, some Democrats are reluctant to even consider working with the federal government on immigration. But it’s a new day in America. We have a Democratic President who's made immigration reform a top priority.

 

Our broken immigration system isn't a red problem or a blue problem—it's an us problem. And together, we can solve it.

 

But that requires a top-line, coordinated response where cities like Denver lead and inform this solution with compassion and pragmatism. And it also requires a top-line, coordinated response across the federal, state, and local governments. That makes sense: We can't talk about fixing our broken system without everyone at the table. We need to know what the federal government is planning and doing - at the state level, and certainly at the city level.

​

“Denver’s one-size-fits-all approach to governance has become outdated as the city has grown and become more diverse. Our current system is not meeting the unique needs of each neighborhood,” said Spearman. “And it has become necessary to make city government work for each neighborhood. As part of my Neighborhood Agenda, my office will work with council members, local community leaders, and people in the neighborhoods to identify policy priorities for every neighborhood of Denver, and as mayor, require Denver’s department policies tailored to the priorities and unique needs of each of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods.”

 

During the announcement, Spearman pledged to visit all 78 neighborhoods during the course of his campaign, to ensure that the voice and unique needs of every neighborhood is heard and represented. Spearman went on to explain, “from policing, to zoning, affordability, local economies, and beyond, it is imperative that neighborhood needs drive city policy, and not the other way around.”

​

Spearman acknowledged the efforts of current mayor, Michael Hancock and his administration, who launched Denver’s Neighborhood Planning Initiative in 2017. “I believe that the Neighborhood Planning Initiative launched by Mayor Hancock is a step towards addressing the needs of Denver’s neighborhoods. While progress has been made, it is unfortunate that more progress hasn’t been made, and our neighborhoods face even greater challenges as Denver emerges from COVID-19. I want to improve and build on this work and make sure that each neighborhood has a plan and go further than this, to ensure that the entire city government is responsive to specific neighborhood needs,” said Spearman.

​

Spearman specifically emphasized that what sets his Neighborhood Agenda apart is its focus on making neighborhood needs central to the policies and operations of all government agencies in Denver, not just a separate initiative or program, as well as his focus as Mayor on identifying the key policy needs of each of Denver’s neighborhoods.

 

“As someone who was born in Denver and raised in the Montclair neighborhood and who now operates business locations in McGregor Square and on Colfax, I understand the unique needs and characteristics of Denver’s neighborhoods,” said Kwame Spearman. “I know firsthand that the needs of Montclair are vastly different from those of McGregor Square, and as owner of Tattered Cover, I have seen the diverse needs of our city’s small businesses and the impact that government policies can have on them.”

​

Spearman specifically emphasized that what sets his Neighborhood Agenda apart is its focus on making neighborhood needs central to the policies and operations of all government agencies in Denver, not just as separate initiatives or programs. Additionally, he highlighted that the Mayor’s office would be working with neighborhoods to identify priorities, not siloed in any single city department.

​

“My Neighborhood Agenda requires all of the agencies of Denver’s government to align their policies and operations with the specific needs of each neighborhood,” said Spearman. “As mayor, I will make it a matter of policy to require government agencies to align with the Neighborhood Agenda, putting the neighborhoods of Denver first, and aligning all government policy with neighborhood needs,” said Spearman.

​

Spearman believes that this comprehensive neighborhood-based approach is essential for the future of Denver, “I believe that as Denver emerges from COVID-19, revitalizing and renewing neighborhoods and a sense of community in Denver is essential to rebuilding not just the economy, but also its spirit. We need to restore the sense of community we’ve lost in Denver, especially in our neighborhoods.”


Spearman highlighted that there is a lot of existing infrastructure that can be used to kickstart his Neighborhood Agenda for Denver. He plans to work with city council members and the city council community meeting process to directly get input from neighborhoods, as well as community boards, registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), local business organizations, and other key stakeholders. He also emphasized the importance of creating more inclusive and local forums to give the neighborhoods of Denver the ability to direct how the city government works for them and their needs.

​

Spearman declared his desire to be the “Neighborhood Mayor,” emphasizing his commitment to prioritizing the needs of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods. “It’s time for a new approach to governance in Denver,” said Spearman. “I am committed to being a mayor for all neighborhoods, not just a select few. With my Neighborhood Agenda, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the unique needs of every neighborhood are heard and represented” said Spearman.

​

“I understand that Denver has gotten bigger, and with all of its success has come growing pains. We need to restore a sense of community and get the neighborhoods back,” said Spearman. “With a Neighborhood Agenda, as the next mayor of Denver, I will be better able to deliver smart, effective government that will restore both a sense of local community and build a better Denver.”

​

He concluded “the Neighborhood Agenda is about more than just policy, it’s about creating a government that is truly responsive to the needs of its residents and building a better Denver for everyone,” said Spearman. “With this in place, we will work together with the community to ensure that every neighborhood has a voice, and that no one is left behind.”

​

​

Giellis

GIELLIS ENDORSEMENT

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

01.11.2023

Jamie Giellis endorses Kwame Spearman in Bid for City Leadership, Joins Campaign as Treasurer.

Denver, CO—Today, former mayoral candidate Jamie Giellis announced her endorsement of Kwame Spearman’s campaign for mayor of Denver and officially joined the campaign as its treasurer.

 

“I’ve been watching the candidates in this race, Kwame is the only one who is truly focused on policy and solving the real problems Denver faces,” said Giellis. “Kwame is a unique candidate in this crowded race because of his policy-first approach and real-world experience in business and as owner of the Tattered Cover. He’s not just talking about problems, he’s proposing solutions and has a track record of implementing them. He is, by far, the most policy-oriented candidate in the race and has firsthand experience with the problems and key issues Denver is now grappling with.

 

Giellis also highlighted Kwame’s focus on neighborhoods as a key reason for her endorsement: “Kwame understands that Denver is a city of neighborhoods and that each one has its own unique needs and challenges. He wants to be the ‘neighborhood Mayor’ and is committed to engaging with citizens at a neighborhood level to create prosperous and safe communities for all residents.”

​

Additionally, Giellis noted Kwame’s leadership during the crisis at the Tattered Cover, a Denver bookstore, as evidence of his ability to navigate difficult situations and make tough decisions. “Kwame’s leadership during the Tattered Cover’s crisis is a testament to his ability to navigate difficult situations and make tough decisions. His experience in saving Tattered Cover from the brink of closure and turning it into a thriving business is the perfect experience needed to revitalize downtown and make Denver safe and prosperous again.”

​

“I am honored to have Jamie’s endorsement and support,” said Spearman. “Her leadership and dedication to Denver is invaluable to have as a resource on our campaign and I am excited to have her join the campaign as treasurer. Together, we will work towards a brighter future for our city and its neighborhoods.”

​

Spearman, who has a store in Downtown Denver has firsthand experience dealing with the issues facing the city’s center. “Every day I see more and more empty buildings as local businesses are failing. We have to have honest conversations about the challenges Denver faces, from affordability, safety, and more,” he explained. “What we can’t do is assume that the struggles downtown Denver sees are the same as that of North Park Hill, or Highlands or Sun Valley.” By involving residents and listening to the most important challenges their neighborhood faces, Spearman plans on piggybacking on the current city council structure to better allocate resources to make Denver’s many neighborhoods safer, more prosperous, and work for everyone.

 

“A city that isn’t keeping its residents safe and helping them prosper is failing at one of its basic functions,” said Giellis. “Kwame has a clear view on how to make the city work for each of us.”

LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

01.08.2023

Kwame Spearman Launches Campaign for Denver Mayor, Announces Plan to Revitalize City.

Denver, CO—Small business owner and Tattered Cover CEO, Kwame Spearman, has launched his campaign for mayor of Denver. Kwame Spearman announced his campaign to community supporters today and laid out his vision for Denver’s future. 
 

“I’m running for mayor to ensure we have a city government that works—not just for one part of Denver, but for all neighborhoods and every Denverite.” Kwame Spearman said. “As a Denver native, a proud product of the Denver Public School system, and now as a small business owner here in the heart of downtown, I can tell you that the stakes couldn’t be higher. We’re at a critical moment for our city, and politics as usual just won’t work given the big problems we’re facing. We need fresh solutions and a bold leader to tackle those problems and to lead Denver forward.”

 

Spearman’s campaign platform focuses on revitalizing Denver, and has made his policy proposals available in detail at kwamefordenver.com/issues. Spearman said his policies will help build a thriving local economy, prioritize community safety and neighborhood policing, and work to create a world-class education and workforce for Denver. Additionally, Spearman will focus on ensuring that all Denver residents have access to affordable housing and a transportation system that works for them.
 

“Denver needs to come together and directly address the challenges our city faces,” Spearman said, “I’m joining the campaign because this race needs to be about policy and talking seriously about the issues. I’m running to make a difference in the lives of the people of Denver, and to create a city that works for everyone, in every neighborhood.”
 

Spearman will be traveling across the city to meet with community leaders, small business owners, and everyday Denverites to hear their ideas and concerns, engaging with residents from all of Denver’s neighborhoods. “I’m excited to hit the ground running, and to listen to the people of Denver,” Spearman said. “I’m confident that by working together, we can create a city that is more inclusive, more prosperous, and works better for all of us.”
 

To read more about Kwame’s vision for Denver, visit the campaign website. To learn more about his plan to bring a neighborhood approach to city government, click here.

Launch

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