Metro Denver is home to companies large and small, representing a healthy cross-section of industries, including aerospace, biosciences,software development, financial services and energy.

The area’s economic engine attracts a young, diverse and talented workforce, including educated high-tech professionals. These employees are one of the reasons Colorado is the only state to appear on a national honor roll for economic strength and growth potential for 10 consecutive years.

Local employees can establish careers and keep their skills fresh through a multitude of educational resources and professional associations, including 12 four-year public and private colleges and universities, five two-year community colleges and 170 vocational/ technical schools.

Looking to the future, metro Denver voters in 2004 approved FasTracks—a $6.1 billion transportation initiative, which will shape the way the metro area grows and will improve mobility. This 12-year plan will expand the entire metro Denver light rail system, adding six new lines and extending existing routes, and expanding the regional bus network.

According to a recent economic impact study, in the long term, FasTracks will create many new jobs and could bring 250,000 to 300,000 new housing units within a half-mile of light rail stations and 10-20 million square feet of commercial space in new urban villages.

Denver International Airport also serves the transportation needs of the region. Located 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver, the $4.2 billion airport celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2005 and is the only major airport to be constructed in the United States in the past 25 years.

Thirty commercial airlines provide nonstop service from metro Denver to more than 130 domestic and international destinations. The airport is the fifth busiest airport in North America and the 10th busiest in the world.