Denver withdraws support for National Western Stock Show Move

In a reversal of one of the strangest decisions of his predecessor's administration, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock today announced that Denver was withdrawing its support for a Regional Tourism Act grant which would have helped the National Western Stock Show move from Denver to Aurora, CO.

“Over the last several months, as we have worked with our partners at the Stock Show and listened to all interested stakeholders, it has become clear it is not in Denver’s best interest to remain a co-applicant,” Mayor Hancock said. “Especially in these tough times, we need to be thoughtful about what we ask from our taxpayers. That is why we are working closely with the Stock Show and all stakeholders to find a solution that benefits the Stock Show, the people, neighborhoods, and businesses of Denver.”

In late June, shortly before Hancock replaced Mayor Bill Vidal in office, representatives of the National Western Stock Show announced their intention to leave Denver and relocate to Aurora, near a proposed hotel development to be built by Gaylord Entertainment. Representatives of Mayor Vidal's office appeared at the presentation in support of the NWSS move.  Controversy has swirled since the June 28 announcement, and subsequent grant request which was endorsed by the then Mayors of both Denver and Aurora. At the time, Jack Finlaw, Denver Mayor Bill Vidal's Chief of Staff, was quoted as saying, 'While technically the stock show would be in Aurora, it still could be a Denver institution.'

Public opinion in Denver quickly formed against the proposal, as it required that the Stock Show break their lease with Denver, and would require a reported $150 million bond issue to be approved by Denver voters to facilitate the move.

Not sure how this one got through in the first place:  NWSS breaks its lease with Denver and moves the Stock show (including jobs and revenue) from Denver to Aurora, while Denver government supports a grant to make it happen and Denver voters pay $150 million. The Mayor's decision tooday to withdraw Denver's support for the RTA grant is a good step in seeking a better solution for the Stock Show.