Growing Denver
The Smart Way
The best way to smartly grow
a rapidly expanding metropolitan city for everyone
Urbanization refers to the process by which large numbers of people become permanently concentrated in relatively small areas, forming cities. Over the last 200 years, the United States has transformed from a predominantly rural agricultural nation into an urban, industrialized nation. Much of urban migration is driven by rural populations’ longing for the advantages that urban areas provide. Some of these advantages include greater opportunities to receive education, healthcare, and other things you may not get in rural areas, like entertainment.
What is the problem with such rapid urbanization? This leads to urban sprawl with negative economic, social, and environmental consequences. Some common things accompanied with rapid urbanization of an area can include poor air quality, an increase in substandard housing with poor living conditions, an increased demand for water, poor water quality, decreased walkability and an overall worsened quality of life.
To grow Denver smarter, we need to focus on the most important stakeholders, the community members. Having them in the forefront of decision making will improve neighborhoods and the quality of life. We want to focus on walkability in those neighborhoods, because when you can walk to anything you need, there's less traffic, less pollution, less strain on the city, and more.
About Us
Katie Mahoney
Hi, my name is Katie and I am a graduate student earning my Master’s in Real Estate and the Built Environment. During my undergrad, I studied finance at the University of Denver while also being a member of their Division I volleyball program. I am from the suburbs of Chicago, IL. When I'm not playing volleyball, I am normally in the mountains skiing or hiking. My favorite place to go is Steamboat Springs, CO. After I graduate with my Master’s from DU next August, I hope to pursue a career in real estate development in Denver . Most of my summers have been spent on campus working out while working volleyball camps. When I didn't have to be on campus, I would be helping out at my dad's law firm in Illinois.
Allison Parnell
Hi, my name is Allison and I am a graduate student in the Master’s in Accountancy program at the University of Denver. In May of 2020 I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of St. Thomas is St. Paul, MN which is also my hometown. During my undergrad, I played four years of varsity hockey for UST, and was an active member of the accounting club. When I wasn’t at school, I loved spending time on the lake with family and friends, rollerblading, and trying out new restaurants!
Abby Simpson
Hi, my name is Abby and I am a senior studying Finance at University of Denver. I am from Napa, California where I grew up on a family owned and operated winery. In my spare time I like to play with my dog, Luna, read, and knit. I am interested in getting my master’s degree at DU in Real Estate after I graduate. I am involved in Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity on campus and I have worked as a Wine Promotions Specialist in Denver since moving here.
