Commerce City Economic Development Plan
Commerce City, Colorado engaged CAI to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Plan to chart a clear path for the city’s future growth. The plan reflects Commerce City’s unique position as one of the fastest-growing communities in the Denver metro area, balancing its industrial strengths with opportunities for commercial, residential, and mixed-use development.
CAI was tasked with updating Commerce City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan for balanced growth and long-term prosperity. Experiencing residential development pressure, along with community needs for additional services and amenities, and the desire to invest in the city’s historic core, the plan aims to foster a balanced, thriving, and inclusive economy that supports the growth, attraction, and retention of businesses. Developed through a visioning process enriched by extensive community engagement — conducted in both English and Spanish — the plan reflects the voices and aspirations of Commerce City’s diverse population. Contributors include Commerce City residents; businesses and community leaders; elected officials; city staff; and economic development organizations that serve Commerce City and the region. A comprehensive landscape assessment and SWOT analysis, combined with insights from stakeholder and community engagements, shaped the plan’s economic development priorities.
The goals of CAI’s plan link directly to the Vision for Commerce City’s future economy, while strategies and actions provide both immediate and long-term opportunities, focusing primarily on initiatives for the next five years. To support effective implementation, the plan includes a detailed matrix with key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring measurable progress toward the city’s economic goals.
KEY FINDINGS
- Population & Growth:
Commerce City’s population grew by 65% between 2010 and 2023, reaching approximately 66,000 residents, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the Denver metro area.The plan charts a clear path for Commerce City’s future, aligning industrial strengths with new opportunities in commercial, residential, and mixed-use development to ensure sustainable, diversified growth. - Employment & Workforce:
The city supports over 28,000 local jobs, with projected employment growth of more than 30% through 2033. The workforce participation rate exceeds 71%, higher than the statewide average. - Strategic Priorities & Implementation: Guided by a detailed landscape assessment and SWOT analysis, the plan establishes actionable five-year strategies focused on business attraction, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and neighborhood revitalization.
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