As is tradition, the Mayor of Denver, Michael B. Hancock will give the opening "kick-off" speech for our City Club program year. On July 18, 2011, Michael B. Hancock was sworn in as the 45th Mayor of Denver. In his first year in office, Mayor Hancock has begun to set a foundation critical to maintaining the City’s momentum and delivering long-term success. Throughout his first year, Mayor Hancock has refocused Denver’s efforts around several key initiatives, including delivering more opportunities for all of Denver’s children, spurring new economic opportunities for the city, making Denver’s streets safer, strengthening the safety net, transforming city government to provide the highest quality services at the lowest possible cost and championing innovation. The Mayor will discuss the current state of the City and the continued challenges of leading the city during the economic downturn. He will also discuss his vision for Denver’s future including the Aerotropolis, education and public safety and he will answer questions from the audience.