Steve Douglas

Age: 62
Occupation: King Soopers 46 years / United Power 5 months
Years lived in Commerce City: 20
Years lived in Colorado: 61
Phone: 720-379-6919
Website:
SteveDouglas4CCMayor
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Email: stevedouglas4ccmayor@gmail.com

Why are you running for council?

I appreciate the chance to serve as the future Mayor of Commerce City. Many of you may recognize me from the King Soopers on 104th & Chambers, and some may have supported my candidacy as the new United Power East District Director in April 2023. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Commerce City holds immense personal importance for me, and I'm deeply committed to ensuring that our community is led by the right leadership. Although I lost council bids in 2007 and 2009, I was elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. I also ran for Mayor in 2019 and came in second in a five-person race.

Even after the 2019 race, I stayed engaged—attending City Council meetings during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. I’ve seen firsthand how strong leadership helps communities recover and grow.

I’m concerned about redevelopment-driven gentrification, such as at Mile High Greyhound Park, where home prices start at $500,000. I support smart growth, but not at the expense of equity. We must ensure affordable housing and avoid giving developers disproportionate advantages.

We’re also facing increased industrial traffic and unclear urban renewal plans that favor rentals over ownership. I support growth—but not lopsided growth. We need primary employers that will help Commerce City become a model for others.

If we promise a "Quality Community for a Lifetime," then we must work together to deliver it. I look forward to leading that charge.

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

1. Transportation: The I-270 corridor expansion should include multi-modal lanes—high-speed rail and bus rapid transit options. This future-forward transportation system would better connect our city to the metro area and DIA.

2. Economic Development: With 70,000 residents, we have shovel-ready opportunities—especially in the Northern Range. It’s time to shed the “bedroom community” label and become a destination city, offering retail, industry, and tech hubs.

3. Public Safety: We must address growing crime and theft with stronger prevention policies and improved collaboration between state and federal law enforcement. Safety and fairness in justice systems must go hand in hand.

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

1. Homelessness: Gentrification and rising costs leave many vulnerable. We need programs that combine housing with skill-building and employment pathways. People want to thrive, not just survive.

2. Affordable Housing and Gentrification: I advocate for policies that support low-income residents and hold developers accountable. We must push for mixed-income developments and preserve affordability in URA projects.

3. Metropolitan District/Service Plan Reform: Metro Tax Districts are financially burdensome for residents. Some homeowners see taxes rise from $1,200 to $7,500 due to developer-controlled boards approving multi-million-dollar bonds. I support reforming this system to protect residents and stabilize city budgets.

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

It means people of all backgrounds and ages can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and eco-conscious environment. This includes access to housing, education, healthcare, jobs, and community connection—all throughout every life stage.

What is your favorite aspect of the city?

I love the diversity of our community. My work and civic involvement have allowed me to form lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. Even when we don’t speak the same language, we connect as neighbors.

I also miss the community outreach events that used to bring us together with free food, live music, and city staff engagement. I’d love to bring those back—we’re a city that thrives on connection.