'Aerotropolis' Plans Taking Off for Denver International Airport

"A consultant soon could begin drafting land use and transportation plans to map out an 'aerotropolis' surrounding Denver International Airport," reports Jon Murray. The work in planning the "aerotropolis" could continue despite ongoing negotiations with neighboring Adams County: "The planning process, outlined in a contract amendment under consideration by the City Council, may move forward while private mediation still is underway between Denver and its Adams County neighbors. They've wrangled over the city's aggressive plans for clusters of commercial development on DIA property."

The article includes a timeline of links to the background on the story and mentions this small bit of detail about the expected work of the consultant that will lay out the planning vision for the development: "A contractor would be hired to help mold the shape of future development, both on airport property and in surrounding areas, by preparing basic plans for land use, infrastructure and surface transportation."

As for which consultant is likely to win the contract: "A council summary document says DIA and CDOT will select one of the state agency's on-call planning consultants. Adams County, Aurora, Commerce City and Brighton — all of which have been at the mediation table — will help shape the consultant's resulting plan, the document says."

Atlanta made news at the end of December by releasing an RFQ in connection with plans for a so-called "Airport City" near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.