Inside the Big, New Plan To Save Downtown

Downtown Denver has seen better days. A new Gensler survey shows only 55% of Denverites reported having a “great experience” downtown in 2024, down from more than 70% in surveys conducted in 2021 and 2023. But construction on the 16th St. Mall is supposed to be finished soon! And the mayor has a big, complicated plan to give the recovery an even bigger boost. So host Bree Davies is sitting down with Brad Segal, the founder and president of PUMA, a real estate economics and planning firm that consulted on the plan, to explain how the Denver Downtown Development Authority is supposed to bring life back downtown — and why its success matters to all Denverites.  It’s time for our spring membership campaign! Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  You may remember Brad from his previous appearance on City Cast Denver discussing downtown’s many empty office buildings and the prospect for converting them into housing. Brad discussed how “tech-heavy” downtown business is and that particular industry’s recent dynamics. For more on that, check out this episode with our favorite local tech analyst Jeff Casimir.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the state of downtown Denver? Are you optimistic about the mayor’s plan? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off! Denver Art Museum Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices