DENVER — After securing a third term in a runoff election in June, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock was officially sworn in Monday morning in a ceremony on the steps of the City and County Building.
Hancock, a two-term incumbent, failed to win the 50% plus one vote needed to win the May 7 election, instead receiving 38.65%, causing a runoff against challenger Jamie Giellis, who earned 24.88% of votes in May.
He ultimately won the runoff on June 4 with about 56% of the vote. This will be Hancock's final four years as mayor due to term limits.
Following his swearing-in, Hancock delivered his inaugural address where he touched on issues like diversity and affordable housing, something which is a hot button issue within the city as home prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
"Protecting and improving the affordability of our homes is the guiding principle that informs and shapes all our work and our policies," Hancock said. "The American Dream should be a dream for all, and when the market refuses to respond, we must step in to ensure that it becomes an attainable reality for all."
He also pledged to support smart growth while protecting the character of communities.
"Growth should be directed to where it makes sense, while empowering our neighborhoods to have a greater say in what affects the character and design of their community," Hancock said.
"And at the heart of our community are our parks. Why else would so many of our neighborhoods be named after them? If we truly are a city within a park, we must ensure that every resident, from our youngest to our oldest, lives within a 10-minute walk of a park; that our investments reflect the values of our city and neighborhoods; and that our natural places – our rivers, creeks and open spaces – are restored, protected and preserved."
The city's five new city council members were also sworn into office. They include Candi Cdebacca (District 9), Amanda Sawyer (District 5), Chris Hinds (District 10), Amanda Sandoval ( District 1), and Jamie Torres ( District 3).
The inauguration will be followed up Monday evening with a community celebration and concert at Denver Botanic Gardens. It's set to begin at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Grammy-winning artist Babyface is scheduled to perform.
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