At Downtown Partnership, we strive to foster an environment that is genuinely welcoming of all people.
Creating a vibrant, inclusive place for shoppers, diners, entrepreneurs, students, investors, tourists, artists and people from all backgrounds and lived experiences is an ongoing, deliberative process – not merely a box to check as a task accomplished.
The recent turmoil on the School District 11 Board of Directors and the impact it has on our community and, especially, our young people, is concerning. As the city’s central school district, the success of D-11 students, the support of its teachers and support staff, and the comportment of its leadership matters deeply to Downtown Partnership. We also are proud that Palmer High School, one of the more diverse schools in the State of Colorado, is located in the heart of Downtown.
We know that to attract talent and retain local high school graduates entering the workforce, we as community stewards must authentically value diversity and inclusion – and commit to the work of equity, in word and action.
To all the students of D-11, the teachers and support staff, we say: You matter. You belong. You are welcome here.
We know we have a long way to go. All of us at Downtown Partnership will continue to do our part to advance efforts that foster a diverse and inclusive city center.