Charles Dukes

Why are you running for council?

I'm a Colorado native who found a home in Commerce City. My wife and I adore our community and neighborhood, but lately, my concerns have soared to an all-time high.

I worry that my children might not have the opportunities they deserve to thrive in the place we love. The more I talk with neighbors and fellow parents about the lack of gathering spaces for our kids and families and the limited restaurants and stores in Commerce City, the more I realize this is a significant community issue. This is our issue, the future of our community.

My background is in education where I’ve served in various roles such as a Governor Polis appointee to the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees and a Mayor Hancock Appointee to the Oversight Board for the Denver Early Childhood Council. However, I’ve also been deeply involved in Commerce City from serving as a host for National Night Out to serving on the Quality Community Foundation Board and the Commerce City Comprehensive Plan 2045 Advisory Committee. The future of our community and ensuring Commerce City works for all residents is important to me and a critical component of why I am running.

And that's why I decided to run for City Council. It's time to prioritize the needs of our community. It’s time to make sure the people of Commerce City have a say in the decisions that impact our neighborhoods. I want to raise our expectations and embrace our heritage of being hardworking and innovative, so we won't be left behind in economic growth by our neighboring cities.

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

The three most significant opportunities I see for Commerce City center around building a thoughtful city:

Embracing an asset-first mindset is a cornerstone opportunity for our city. We're strategically located, blessed with abundant natural resources, home to a professional sports venue, connected to two school districts, and boast a diverse population. Prioritizing our existing assets while meeting the needs of our community lays the foundation for sustainable and balanced growth. This approach is the key to creating a city that authentically serves its residents.

Commerce City holds the potential to evolve into a thriving economic hub. Drawing a diverse range of industries, spanning technology, manufacturing, arts, and culture, presents a significant opportunity. This diversification not only creates job opportunities but also fuels innovation. Furthermore, it keeps local funding circulating within our community, benefiting everyone.

Achieving balanced growth is paramount for our city's future. Expanding the decision-making table to ensure we implement sustainable urban development practices, including efficient public transportation systems and environmentally friendly construction methods, is an excellent opportunity. Additionally, our land-use flexibility positions us to expand and create a smart city with attainable goals, while other cities grapple with constraints. With a clear vision, we can craft a city that caters to the needs of all residents, ensuring a "Quality Community for a Lifetime."

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

The first significant challenge is striking the right balance in financing our city's growth. This balance is essential to ensure that our policies do not unreasonably increase costs for current residents or discourage future residents from choosing Commerce City. Urgently addressing this issue is key to overcoming obstacles such as attainable infrastructure development, housing shortages, and enhancing overall quality of life.

The second challenge lies in fostering economic development that benefits all residents, not just a few. We need to diversify our economic base, support local businesses, and create an environment that welcomes business sector partnerships. By doing so, we can keep funding within Commerce City and provide well-paying jobs for our residents. This shift also reduces our reliance on property taxes for essential services and infrastructure projects.

The third challenge involves promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. As our city grows, it's imperative that we incorporate sustainable practices into our development plans. This includes a focus on energy efficiency, the creation of green spaces, and the implementation of transportation options that reduce our carbon footprint. These efforts will not only benefit our environment but also improve our city's overall livability.

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

In essence, a "Quality Community for a Lifetime" is about creating a place where everyone can find opportunities for a fulfilling life, from owning/renting a quality home to raising a family, inviting friends over, supporting local businesses, enjoying clean water, walkable neighborhoods, and aging with dignity. This vision represents a city that cares for the well-being and happiness of all its residents, regardless of their age or circumstances.

What is your favorite aspect of the city?

My favorite aspect of the city is its strong sense of community. Commerce City is more than just a collection of neighborhoods; it's a place where people look out for one another, where neighbors become friends, and where we all share a common bond as residents. This sense of community is what makes our city special, and it's something I'm committed to preserving and strengthening as your City Councilor.