'Aerotropolis' Plans Taking Off for Denver International Airport

Denver has plans to create an "aerotropolis" in the vast plain surrounding Denver International Airport.

2 minute read

January 7, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Denver International Airport

Arina P Habich / Shutterstock

"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.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 in The Denver Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

View of cars in traffic from behind with visible tailpipe emissions

House Moves to Rescind California’s Emissions Standards

The state has been allowed to set its own emissions goals, including a mandate to transition to electric or zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog California

View of Portland skyline with green trees in foreground.

Portland Proposal Would Suspend Development Fees to Spur Housing Construction

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their policy plan Thursday, with the goal to jumpstart housing construction.

May 5 - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Honolulu Community College building.

Honolulu Community College Celebrates Culture and Sustainability

Honolulu Community College brought together more than 320 students, staff, and community members for a day of Hawaiian cultural activities, music, and sustainability-focused learning at its annual Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.

May 5 - University of Hawai'i News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO