On Wednesday, August 26, Angie Rivera-Malpiede was named the 49th recipient of the John V. Christensen Memorial Award at the Denver Regional Council of Governments awards celebration. The organization also bestowed 17 other awards.
Photo by Nicole Lovato/Denver Regional Council of Governments
Congratulations, winners!
On Wednesday, August 26, more than 500 people gathered at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to recognize the individuals, projects, programs and collaborations that have elevated quality of life in the Denver region.
Emceed by 9 News consumer reporter Steve Staeger, the gala honored 18 winners across four categories: Metro Vision Awards, Distinguished Service Awards, Way to Go Awards and the John V. Christensen Memorial Award.
Way to Go Awards
Each year, Way to Go recognizes commuting champions — people and companies who commit to reducing the number of people who drive to work alone. The 2026 Way to Go Award winners are:
- Rising Star Award: Melissa Hunter (video).
- Employer Champion Award: Food Bank of the Rockies (video).
- Commuter of the Year Award: Emily Kleinfelter (video).
Distinguished Service Awards
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes, honors and thanks people who have given their time, talents and skills to the Denver region, its communities and various regional programs and activities. The 2026 Distinguished Service Award winners include:
- Doug Genzer (video)
- Patrick Goff (video)
- Sarah Grant (video)
- Chris Lynn (video)
- Herman Stockinger (video)
- Roger Wadnal, posthumous (video)
Metro Vision Awards
The Metro Vision Award recognizes excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership in problem-solving among communities and their partners. Honorees bring business leaders, elected officials, community advocates and residents together to accomplish more than any partner could achieve alone. The projects recognized with a 2026 Metro Vision Award include:
- Bluff Lake Nature Center Campus Improvements (video)
- BoulderMOD: City of Boulder Housing & Human Services, Flatirons Habitat for Humanity, Boulder Valley School District (video)
- Brantner Gulch Floodplain Remediation: Adams County, Mile High Flood District, Muller Engineering (video)
- C3 Promise: Commerce City Economic Development, Community College of Aurora, Rocky Mountain Partnership (video)
- Clear Creek Trail: Huntsman Segment: Jefferson County Parks & Open Space, Colorado Whitewater Association, City of Golden (video)
- Greenland Wildlife Overpass: Douglas County, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (video)
- Safer Streets Practice Park: City of Littleton, East Community Center, Littleton Public Schools (video)
- We Are the Land: American Indian Life, Legacy and Future: City and County of Denver Landmark Preservation (video)
John V. Christensen Memorial Award
The John V. Christensen Memorial Award is DRCOG's highest accolade and has been presented since 1973. Established in memory of John V. Christensen, a DRCOG founder and Arapahoe County commissioner, it recognizes individuals who promote cooperation and collaboration for the benefit of the region.
Angie Rivera-Malpiede is the 49th recipient of this award. (video)
Questions?
Email the awards planning team.