Craig Hurst

Age: 38
Occupation: Branch Manager, CDOT Freight Mobility & Safety
Years lived in Commerce City: 8
Years lived in Colorado: 8
Phone: 720-899-0808
Website: N/A
Email: craighurst4commercecity@gmail.com

Why are you running for council?

I am going to continue to fight for Commerce City by advocating for thoughtful policy that will promote balanced growth, invest in transportation infrastructure, expand youth programs, create a flourishing business climate, and provide the best public safety possible in all parts of the city.

What do you see as the three biggest opportunities for Commerce City?

Commerce City has the opportunity to draw in major business development near the airport that will add primary jobs and opportunities for all in Commerce City. Our business and industries are a major strength that we need to continue to build on. Due to our priority transportation location, we will continue to be in the top 3 of most valuable cities to the state of Colorado.

We have the opportunity to grow with a balanced approach. The north side of our city will continue to see commercial and industrial growth while adding housing and critical amenities such as restaurants, hotels, and maybe even a specialty grocery store. We can continue to upgrade our infrastructure that is aging in the south and add critical safety enhancements like sidewalks, lighting, and improved drainage. We must be careful that redevelopment does not drive gentrification, but we cannot shy away from redevelopment that provides new opportunities and amenities in the south.

I see an opportunity to build on our public safety focus. I believe in our new Chief and his team as they hire more police officers and build strong programs addressing our greatest public safety needs.

And I think we can continue to invest in the people that live and work in Commerce City. In my time on council, I have continuously been impressed with the variety of amazing people that live and work in this community. We can continue to build recreation and educational opportunities for our children and continue to work with both school districts on our ability to improve after school opportunities for all children. And finally, I think we can continue to make Commerce City a great place to work by honoring and respecting the expertise and efforts that our great staff represents this city with daily.

What do you see as the three biggest challenges facing the city?

As with all growing cities, we have many priorities and not enough resources to get everything done immediately. The challenges that I would like to continue to prioritize are improving public safety, improving affordability, and improving our transportation mobility. We need to focus on the fundamentals of local government and what we can control.

What does a “Quality Community for a Lifetime” mean to you?

Quality community for a lifetime means there is the opportunity to live and thrive in this city no matter what stage of life you are in. This means we support our families, schools, recreation programs and sports, business development and retention, public safety, medical access, active adult opportunities, and more.

What is your favorite aspect of the city?

I love the wide variety of people that I have had the opportunity to meet during my time on council. We have so much talent and experience in our community, and I hope we can continue to promote volunteerism and community development.

I also love the impact Commerce City has on the whole state. Many of the state’s critical industries that support Coloradans’ ability to live and thrive start here with the people and businesses in our city. If Commerce City shut down, the whole state would feel it within three days. Commerce City houses major aspects of many important supply chains and I believe that is something to be very proud of.