Visioning Study

Vision Statement

At the onset of the study, participants jointly developed a vision statement:

"A sustainable, efficient, well-connected, and globally recognized Aerotropolis that capitalizes on the economic opportunity surrounding the Denver International Airport through collaborative planning, development, and marketing."

Workshop photo

Major Components
  • Setting a collaborative vision
  • Comparing future growth with or without an Aerotropolis
  • Identifying a framework of collaborative infrastructure possibilities
  • Outlining a governance framework and implementation steps

Comparative Analysis

One of the objectives of the study is to provide an economic comparison of a potential Aerotropolis Development Scenario against a Current Development Trend Scenario.

Aerotropolis Scenario

The Aerotropolis Development Scenario represents a higher level of regional coordination relative to infrastructure and development surrounding DIA. It was largely compiled from information derived from master plans from each of the jurisdictions. It has the following assumptions:

  • Only 25 years into the future, there is available data for the 2040 horizon year. Note that DIA has now been operating for 20 years. It is recognized that a Colorado Aerotropolis will develop over several decades — for another 50 years and beyond. On the other hand, initial steps for the Colorado Aerotropolis development could take place in the next 10 to 15 years.
  • An executed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Amendment — additional on-airport development, shared revenues, and new accesses onto the DIA property.
  • The Aerotropolis attracts additional development from the region, the state, North America, and the globe.
  • Additional planned roadway improvements as identified.

Current Trends

The Current Development Trend Scenario represents a “business as usual” scenario relative to development surrounding DIA. It is based on the following assumptions:

  • Reflects the federally funded transportation network and socioeconomic dataset in the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Metro Vision 2040 Plan.
  • No amended IGA — therefore, no new on-airport nodes or accesses.
  • Limited local funds

Aerotropolis Area Study Map June Update