Governor Hickenlooper’s eight year reign is finally coming to an end. Now, let’s have a look and see what exactly is it that he did and didn’t accomplish through his two terms so we can determine what the next Colorado governor can learn.
Hickenlooper was thrust into politics in 2003 as Mayor of Denver, having switched from being a brewer and geologist. Interestingly enough, he is the first Denver mayor to be elected as governor in 150 years. He is also the first brewer since Samuel Adams in 1792. On top of that, he is the first geologist to become governor in the entire history of the United States.
Taken from his website, as a Democrat, his goals are to create a pro-business state government that also maintains environmental and ethical standards. Upon his inaugural speech in 2011, he stated, “We will measure everything we do and make changes where change makes sense. We will protect our land and water and preserve the natural beauty that helps define Colorado. Above all, we will focus on education as the social bedrock for the hopes and dreams of our children and the quality of their jobs.”
One of the most remarkable changes that has taken place is the implementation of FasTracks, which created 119 miles of extended and new commuter-train and light-rail lines. This is one of the largest regional transportation initiatives in U.S. history.
Searching beyond that, Hickenlooper enforced numerous executive orders to promote the environment. Some examples are: Extending Regional Air Quality Council, creating an Advisory Committee to the Director of the Colorado Energy Office on the Effectiveness of SB13-252, the Increase Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard so as to Encourage the Deployment of Methane Capture Technologies, and creating the Task Force on Wildfire Insurance and Forest Health. These orders were implemented in response to the increasing emissions of carbon through the transportation sector, the rise of wildfires and the dwindling amount of natural resources available.
One of the most anticipated topics is the legalization of weed that occurred under his first term. In 2012, medical cannabis was legalized, and in 2014 recreational marijuana was legalized. At first Hickenlooper was hesitant, but after his constituents swayed him otherwise, he agreed. It’s worth acknowledging the repercussions of this legalization. Although the economy evidently took off, it also had its side effects. One of those is an increase in car accidents. According to Lift&Co Magazine, in 2014, traffic accidents rose by 14 percent in Colorado, which can arguably correspond to the legalization of cannabis. Another effect is that the price of living in Colorado has risen due to the prospering economy and influx of people.
Most notably, the economy is absolutely booming. Construction is popping up everywhere. One cannot drive to downtown Denver without seeing multiple apartment complexes being built. In 2014 alone, Colorado received over $76 million in revenue, and $35 million of that went straight to the state’s education system. Total tax revenues from marijuana rose to over $135 million. As of July 2018, total marijuana sales rose to approximately $140 million. The trend is continuing upward.
It’s difficult to say how much of Colorado’s success was due to Hickenlooper. Nonetheless, in enabling the legalization of weed, and promoting sustainable, clean, and environmentally-friendly efforts, Hickenlooper was able to effectively guide this success in a good direction. A direction where Colorado is put on the national grid.
It appears valid to state that Hickenlooper did a good job as governor, as the prospering economy stands as evidence to his accomplishments. Future governors should look at what Hickenlooper did, because the trend that Colorado is following seems pretty optimistic.
