The Denver Regional Council of Governments hosted its annual awards celebration on August 27 at the Seawell Ballroom in Denver under the theme, "Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate." The event was emceed by 9News consumer reporter Steve Staeger.

This year marks DRCOG’s 70th anniversary as the region’s federally designated metropolitan planning organization. In honor of this historic milestone, DRCOG recognized eight Metro Vision Award winners, six Distinguished Service Award winners and three Way to Go Awards. The evening culminated with the reveal of the 48th recipient of the prestigious John V. Christensen Memorial Award: Jackie Millet, the former mayor of the City of Lone Tree and the current chief operations officer for the Douglas County School District. Millet’s tribute video emphasized her 20 years of service and dedication to the City of Lone Tree and the Denver region.

The Metro Vision Awards recognize community projects and plans for excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership in problem-solving among communities and their partners. The 2025 winners are: 

• Denver People's Budget: City and County of Denver (video).
• Douglas County's Proposition 123 Collaboration: Douglas County, Douglas County Housing Partnership and local governments (video).
• East Colfax Mixed-Income Neighborhood Trust: East Colfax Community Collective (video).
• Legacy Transition: The High Line Canal: Arapahoe County, High Line Canal Conservancy and local governments (video).
• Meadowood Mobile Home Park Preservation: Meadowood Cooperative, Arapahoe County, City of Littleton and Thistle (video).
• Mobility and Access for All Ages and Abilities Plan: Boulder County Mobility for All (video).
• Parking Code Amendments: City of Longmont (video).
• Willoughby Corner Affordable Housing Project: City of Lafayette, Boulder County and Boulder County Housing Authority (video).

The Way to Go Awards celebrate commuters and organizations in the region that choose commuting options that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The 2025 winners are:

• Rising Star Award: Jordan Bailey (video).
• Employer Champion Award: Campus Cycles (video).
• Commuter of the Year Award: James Warren (video).

The Distinguished Service Awards honor individuals who have contributed to the success of DRCOG programs and initiatives to enhance and protect our quality of life. The 2025 winners are:

• Kathleen Bracke (video).
• Bill Haas (video).
• Michael Penny (video).
• Arleen Taniwaki (video).
• Jodi Waterhouse (video).
• Karen Worminghaus (video).

Visit DRCOG's awards celebration for more information. View photos from the 2025 event at DRCOG Flickr album.