Join us for the next Scrivner Policy Roundtable, an event series designed to build a collaborative research and learning network among local policy actors and the campus community. This roundtable is co-sponsored by the DU Center for Ethical Artificial Intelligence and coordinated in partnership with the Program on Law and Emerging Technologies. It will explore Colorado’s evolving approach to AI regulation, with a focus on the tensions shaping these policy efforts.

Presenters will provide an overview of AI‑related themes emerging from the current legislative session and discuss the considerations and challenges influencing AI regulation in the state. Topics will include balancing ethical AI guidelines and consumer protection priorities with industry competitiveness and innovation, questions of regulatory capacity and political feasibility, sweeping versus incremental policy approaches, legal tensions among various stakeholders, and the complex dynamic between state interventions and federal pushback.

Learn more about Colorado's AI policy landscape from experts with a pulse on legislative, industry, and legal perspectives, and take part in discussions on the many complex considerations at play.

Presenters include:

• Jonathan Iwry, Fellow, Wharton Accountable AI Lab
• Stefani Langehennig, Assistant Professor of the Practice + Lead Director for the Center for Analytics and Innovation with Data (CAID), Daniels College of Business
• Dhivahari Vivek, AI and Technology Policy Fellow, DMNS Institute for Science and Policy
• Benjamin Xie, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science

Join the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the Korbel School for a policy dialogue with the two leading Democratic candidates for the next Governor of Colorado, diving into key state policy issues, including affordability, federal-state relations, and rural economic development.

After the dialogue, stay, socialize, and discuss the issues with other attendees and our guest speakers. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Registration is required.

This event is open to the Scrivner Institute, Korbel School, and DU communities. We kindly request that you do not circulate this registration to others.

Agenda

• 11:30am - Doors open
• 12:00pm - Dialogue begins
• 1:15pm - Pizza and meet and great

Please note that the event is open seating and if the room reaches capacity, guests will be directed to an overflow room with a closed-circuit, live stream of the dialogue.

Join the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy for the next Scrivner Policy Roundtable. This edition will feature The Colorado Project, a program convened by the Korbel School that brings together a politically and geographically diverse group of civic, political, and private‑sector leaders to address Colorado’s most pressing policy challenges.

At this roundtable, you’ll learn about Colorado Project 2.0: Rural Renaissance, which focuses on elevating the experiences and perspectives of rural communities in shaping policy opportunities for economic thriving. A 2025 Rural Learning Tour, which included site visits to the Northeast Plains, the San Luis Valley, and the Yampa Valley, allowed the project team to engage with local leaders and understand the challenges and innovations unique to these rural communities.

You’ll hear directly from participants about their insights from the site visits and take part in dynamic discussions on policy priorities for an inclusive and sustainable state economy.

Light breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP for more details.

Join the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy and Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy exactly one year after the inauguration for a discussion with our faculty experts to reflect on the first year of the second Trump Administration. Our faculty panelists from Korbel and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) will explore key developments in domestic and foreign policy, shifts in political norms and dynamics, and the broader implications for governance and society. Audience questions are welcome and encouraged.

Event moderators will include Professors Naazneen Barma and Rachel Epstein, and panelists will include Professors Deborah Avant, Seth Masket, Martin Rhodes, and Rachel Sigman.

Food provided - casual dinner.

Doors will open at 5pm for food and seats to be taken; discussion will begin at 5:30pm.

Tariffs have been at the forefront of President Trump's first year in office, creating uncertainty for consumers, businesses, international trading partners, and the global economy. The sweeping tariff policy also poses pressing questions — currently on the Supreme Court’s docket — about the limits of executive power. This discussion will explore the evolving impact of the Trump Administration’s tariff policies on global trade and international relations, as well as examine the economic, constitutional, and political stakes in the United States.

Denver Dialogues is an event series hosted by the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, in partnership with premier American think tanks, to model civil discourse about major issues facing the nation and the world. 

Registration required. Please register here. 

Over three immersive days in the Yampa Valley in northwestern Colorado, community leaders from across the state gathered for the final stop on the Colorado Project’s Rural Learning Tour. Convened by the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, the Colorado Project is a statewide effort to advance shared prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in every region of the state. The Yampa Valley convening offered a clear view of both the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. Guided by the project’s cornerstones—sustainability and resilience, economic mobility and workforce, cost of living, and entrepreneurship and innovation—participants engaged directly with local partners who are shaping the Valley’s future. 

The convening kicked off in Craig with a site visit to Fitch Ranch Artisan Meat Co, where we learned about small-scale meat processing supporting local ranchers. That visit was followed by a roundtable with local leaders including the City of Craig, the Small Business Development Center, and Memorial Regional Health, framing the region’s need for economic diversification, small business vitality, and healthcare access. 

Day two in Hayden focused on infrastructure solutions, economic development, and workforce needs. A visit to the Yampa Valley Regional Airport showcased the need for creative transportation options to the region, which is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Denver’s airport. An opening conversation with the Yampa Valley Community Foundation at the historic Hayden Granary grounded participants in regional history and values, and an economic development and workforce panel explored career pipelines, employer needs, and regional collaboration opportunities. A Hayden Heritage Walking Tour showcased main street revitalization efforts and community-led placemaking. 

The final day underscored the valley’s creative and systems-level approaches. Site visits to Steamboat Creates and the Yampa Valley Foods Marketplace highlighted how arts, culture, and local food systems contribute to economic resilience. A session on mental and behavioral health support examined cross-organization coordination to improve access and outcomes. A cost-of-living panel with representatives from Colorado Mountain College, the City of Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Housing Authority, Northwest Colorado Health, and Routt County surfaced strategies around attainable housing, childcare, and workforce stability. The convening concluded with a collaborative session focusing on key takeaways from the Rural Learning Tour and exploring next steps for the Colorado Project, with participants affirming their commitment to continue engaging.

The Yampa Valley convening underscored that rural Colorado is actively building solutions, linking energy transition and infrastructure planning with workforce pathways, pairing cultural and agricultural assets with entrepreneurship, and aligning local leadership around attainable housing and community wellbeing. As the Rural Learning Tour concludes, lessons from the three convenings—Northeast Colorado, the San Luis Valley, and the Yampa Valley—will inform the Colorado Project’s evolving roadmap for inclusive and resilient growth, ensuring that rural ingenuity remains central to Colorado’s future. Stay tuned for the project’s next steps!

This reflection was written by current Korbel graduate student, Erin Mitchell (Master of Public Policy, 2026).

On October 7, 2025, I had the distinct honor of attending the Axios Denver Newsmakers event, hosted by Korbel’s own Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, and sponsored by The Denver Foundation. The event featured an engaging and insightful question-and-answer session with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, focused on the proposed Vibrant Denver Bond, a five-part, $950 million general bond question that will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. Beyond listening to the discussion, I also had the incredible opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Johnston, gaining firsthand insight into how local leaders approach complex policy challenges.

The event began with an overview of the proposed bond, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about how public financing can shape the city’s future, which provided a rare opportunity to hear directly from the mayor about one of the most significant public financing proposals in Denver’s recent history. The Vibrant Denver Bond is designed to fund critical capital improvement projects across the city, addressing infrastructure, housing, and community development needs. Mayor Johnston emphasized that the bond’s five components, affordable housing, transportation and mobility, parks and recreation, public facilities, and economic development, represent strategic investments in Denver’s long-term vitality and inclusivity.

During the conversation, Johnston highlighted the city’s urgent need to expand affordable housing and improve public spaces to maintain Denver’s quality of life as the population continues to grow. He explained that the bond would not increase property tax rates but would instead reauthorize expiring debt, allowing the city to reinvest in essential infrastructure without overburdening taxpayers. This approach, he argued, reflects responsible fiscal management while ensuring the benefits of growth are broadly shared.

Following the bond discussion, the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions, which touched on issues such as homelessness, climate resilience, and economic equity. Mayor Johnston spoke candidly about balancing Denver’s rapid development with sustainability and social responsibility. He stressed the importance of public engagement and voter participation, noting that every Denver resident has a stake in shaping the city’s future.

This event truly reflected the civic spirit of collaboration between local government, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations. Axios Denver’s format, focused, conversational, and journalistic, allowed thoughtful dialogue rather than scripted speeches. This approach ultimately led myself and several other graduate students having the unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with Mayor Johnston about the upcoming ballot issues and other pressing policy issues affecting Denver and the state of Colorado.

Mayor Johnston spoke openly and enthusiastically with us about everything from our future career goals to local development projects, including plans for the new Mile High Stadium and its role in Denver’s economic and recreational growth.

As a Public Policy student, I spend much of my time studying elected officials, their policies, and their impact on society, but I never expected to speak face-to-face with one. Korbel made that possible by facilitating these conversations with the mayor. His friendly, down-to-earth demeanor quickly put our group at ease, and as we stood on the Sie Complex balcony chatting as equals, it struck me that elected officials are, at their core, people like us. That moment brought to life what our work in public policy is all about: creating meaningful connections and striving, regardless of affiliation, to make our communities stronger and more equitable.

For me, attending the Axios Denver News Makers event was both informative and inspiring. It underscored the importance of civic participation and policy literacy, reminding attendees that democracy functions best when communities are informed and engaged. As Denver prepares for the upcoming vote, the discussion served as a timely reminder that the city’s growth and vibrancy depend on the collective choices of its residents. For me, as a student, it was a rare chance to witness these principles in action and to see firsthand how public policy shapes real communities, and it was a reminder that our studies are not just theoretical but are preparing us to actively contribute to the future of the city and the world around us.

Colorado – From October 8–10, 2025, a diverse group of leaders from across Colorado will convene in Northwest Colorado’s Yampa Valley as part of the Colorado Project’s Rural Learning Tour. The Colorado Project is a statewide initiative designed to advance shared prosperity and inclusive, sustainable growth in all regions of Colorado. It is convened by the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the University of Denver.

Now in its second iteration, the Colorado Project is focusing on the distinctive challenges rural communities face and the innovative, locally driven solutions they are generating. The Learning Tour seeks to elevate this ingenuity, highlighting creative interventions in sustainability, economic mobility, and entrepreneurship.

The Yampa Valley convening will spotlight local leadership in climate action, housing affordability, workforce development, and economic diversification, with site visits across Craig, Hayden, and Steamboat Springs. Participants will learn about the Hayden Geothermal Industrial Park, explore collaborative land-use and downtown revitalization efforts, and engage with community-driven initiatives like Steamboat Creates, the Yampa Valley Food Marketplace, and the Yampa Valley Housing Authority.  

Tammie Delaney, co-host in Hayden and community leader, emphasized the unique nature of the Valley: “The Yampa Valley is at the crossroads of tradition and transition. From ranching to renewables, we are learning how to preserve what makes this place special while preparing for the future. The Colorado Project gives us a chance to connect these efforts to a broader statewide conversation.”  

Tim Wohlgenant, co-host and President and CEO of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, highlights the importance of the Learning Tour coming to the Valley: “This tour is about elevating local voices and making sure rural Colorado is not left behind. By bringing people together across sectors, from housing and healthcare to energy and the arts, we’re building the partnerships that will shape a resilient future.”

Participants will also engage in panels on economic development and workforce, explore mental and behavioral health systems collaboration, and discuss collaborative solutions to address the Valley’s rising cost of living. The convening will close with a session dedicated to actionable next steps and commitments to align local solutions with statewide strategies. 

 The Yampa Valley is the final visit in the 2025 Colorado Project Learning Tour. It follows successful convenings in Northeast Colorado (June) and the San Luis Valley (August). Although this Learning Tour is drawing to a close, the project will continue to highlight success stories that lead to actionable policy solutions for the state. 

Over three immersive days in the San Luis Valley, community leaders from across Colorado gathered for the second stop on the Colorado Project’s Rural Learning Tour. Convened by the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, the Colorado Project is a statewide effort to advance shared prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in every corner of the state. The San Luis Valley convening offered a vivid look at both the opportunities and challenges in rural Colorado. Guided by the Colorado Project’s four cornerstones — Colorado’s Promise, Sustainability and Resilience, Economic Mobility and Workforce, and Cost of Living — participants engaged directly with agricultural entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit leaders, and civic partners who are shaping the future of their communities. 

From the outset, the convening highlighted the Valley’s spirit of collaboration and resilience. At Adams State University, participants heard from President Dr. David Tandberg and community leaders on how educational institutions serve as an anchor for economic mobility across the region. Conversations at the Valley Roots Food Hub revealed the importance of strengthening local food systems and connecting family farmers to markets. At the Center Viking Youth Club, youth leaders and educators shared how mentorship and career-connected learning are expanding opportunity for the next generation. Tours of White Rock Specialties and discussions at the Colorado Farm Brewery demonstrated how creative agriculture ventures can drive economic growth. 

The final day brought innovation to the forefront. Participants began with a field demonstration of Barn Owl Precision Agriculture’s Autonomous Nano-Tractor, an AI-powered robot designed to help farmers and producers weed their crops in a more sustainable way. The demonstration offered proof that cutting-edge technology can support agricultural producers in ways that increase productivity while prioritizing sustainability and saving costs. At the Ski Hi Complex in Monte Vista, The Attainment Network’s San Luis Valley Career-Connected Partnership outlined pathways for training the local healthcare workforce, highlighting how collaboration between institutions can prepare local students for in-demand jobs while addressing pressing community needs. The day concluded with a panel hosted by the LOR Foundation, which highlighted their unique approach of listening locally, acting quickly, and investing in community-driven ideas to create lasting change in rural communities. 

The San Luis Valley convening underscored that rural Colorado is not waiting on solutions, it is creating them. From agricultural innovations to career-connected education and community-led philanthropy, the Valley’s leadership is creating models that can inform the rest of the state. As the Colorado Project continues its Rural Learning Tour with an upcoming stop in the Yampa Valley, these lessons will carry forward as a roadmap for statewide prosperity. The San Luis Valley left participants with inspiration to honor the ingenuity of rural communities and ensure their innovations are woven into Colorado’s future.