This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Mayor Michael Hancock held a press conference Tuesday to discuss the strategy for Denver’s economic recovery in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can watch a replay the news conference above.

Hancock and his administration rolled out strategies addressing three main issues in Denver’s pandemic recovery: economy, unhoused residents and community safety.

“Our goal in recovery is to surpass where we were before COVID-19 set us back – to build back in a way that creates a broader foundation for more people to prosper and seize opportunities,” Mayor Hancock said. “We’ve faced these challenges before and come back stronger, and we can do it again.”

Hancock plans to send a proposal to Denver City Council for a $400 million bond package. The package would invest in infrastructure projects, accelerate already existing city projects, support Denver neighborhoods and communities and help local businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The mayor and his administration plan to collaborate with Denver City Council and city residents to make decisions that will harbor the largest and longest lasting economic impacts.

“We need to seize this opportunity to kickstart our recovery and sustain it. Simply put – infrastructure creates jobs, supports communities and grows the middle class,” said the Mayor.

The Mayor plans to pay close attention to industries that were hit hard during the pandemic like construction, hospitality, restaurants and tourism.

Dependent on funds from the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan, the Mayor will invest in human infrastructure to support the people and families of Denver. By the end of 2022, the Mayor’s administration hopes to create 40,000 jobs for Denver residents. 

Denver’s Rebuilding for an Inclusive and Sustainable Economy plan or RISE Denver will focus on five strategic areas and tactics:

  • Bring back and enhance lost jobs. Create new jobs.
  • Strengthen small business and nonprofit growth and resiliency
  • Revitalize Denver’s neighborhoods through​ targeted community support and placemaking
  • Make it easier to do business with Denver
  • Accelerate public investment​​

“From the President to the Governor and State Legislature, to right here in Denver, every level is moving swiftly and boldly to get this country, our state and our city back to work. I look forward to engaging with our residents on what’s to come, hearing their feedback on these proposals, and getting our city up and running again,” Mayor Hancock said.

You can watch a replay the news conference above.