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DRCOG 2022 Awards Celebration

Envision. Engage. Empower.

Despite drastic changes to the daily lives of the residents of the Denver region over the past two years, its local leaders, residents and community partners remained united and steadfast in accomplishing the regional goals outlined in Metro Vision. 

Under the theme, “Envision. Engage. Empower,” the 2022 annual awards celebration honored those who have made the Denver region a great place to live, work and play. They’ve championed innovation in the areas of transportation and personal mobility, growth and development, transportation, and aging and disability resources.

Did you miss the celebration? Do the next best thing and watch the full celebration.

For more information, contact awards@drcog.org.

Way to Go Awards

Each year, DRCOG’s Way to Go program recognizes commuters – and organizations – in the Denver region that choose commute options that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.   

Way to Go Rising Star Award – Kelly Tomajko
Way to Go Employer Champion – City of Longmont
Way to Go Commuter of the Year – Avi Stopper
 
2022 Awards Celebration | Envision. Engage. Empower.
 
Distinguished Service Awards

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes, honors and thanks people who have given their time, talent and skills to the Denver region, its communities and various DRCOG programs and activities.

The 2022 honorees are:

Frank W. Bruno – Chief Executive Officer, Via Mobility Services
Therese Ellery – Chair, Changing the Narrative Advisory Council
Michael Finochio, PE  – retired Engineer Manager, Transportation Operations | System Operations, City and County of Denver
Jarett Hughes – Senior Policy Advisor on Aging, Office of Governor Jared Polis
Paul Jesaitis  – Colorado Regional Director, EST, Inc.
John Mackey – retired Chief of Police, City of Edgewater
Paul Teske – Dean, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver
Jonathan Wachtel – Sustainability Manager, City of Lakewood
 

Scroll through the album of the 2022 Awards Celebration.

2022 Awards Celebration | Envision. Engage. Empower.

Metro Vision Awards

The Metro Vision Awards recognize excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership in problem-solving among communities and their partners. Honorees include the programs, projects and plans that bring business leaders, elected officials, community advocates and residents together to accomplish more than any partner could achieve alone. 

The 2022 winners are:
City of Golden and Colorado School of Mines – “Autonomous Electric Vehicle Pilot” (Mines Rover project)
Changing the Narrative – “Age-Friendly Workforce Initiative”
City and County of Denver – “Energize Denver”
Regional Transportation District – “Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Policy”
Smart Commute Metro North and Adams County – “North I-25 Flexible Microtransit Service”
High Line Canal Conservancy – “High Line Canal Partnership”
Cities of Englewood, Littleton and Sheridan – “Tri-Cities Homelessness Plan”

Special tribute – "Champions of Older Adults"