Strong Denver is a community-driven group advocating for a better Denver through resilient land use and thoughtful urban planning. We believe that anyone who shares in that vision deserves a place in our movement. So when people let us know they feel unwelcome, we take that to heart.
This week, we’ve heard from several community members and partner organizations who have raised questions about a relationship held by Chuck Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, the national nonprofit which formally recognizes Strong Denver as a local chapter. Specifically, some were troubled to learn that he has advised the American Solidarity Party—a political party whose platform includes policies that would restrict LGBTQ+ rights and limit access to reproductive healthcare.
Marohn’s involvement with the party is limited to advising about the Strong Towns approach on matters of land use, transportation, infrastructure, and public investment.
Marohn has also advised Democratic and Republican elected officials at every level of government on land use, transportation, and infrastructure; and even partnered with Democratic Socialists in Minnesota to advocate for Strong Towns policies.
Nevertheless, we want to state, emphatically and unequivocally: Strong Denver and Strong Towns are not affiliated with the American Solidarity Party – or any political party – in any way, and its platform has no bearing on our work, values, or mission.
Local zoning, infrastructure, and land use reform require broad coalitions across the political spectrum, and partisan division and national-level political disputes can easily derail our progress toward these shared goals. That’s why we’re a locally-focused, staunchly nonpartisan organization.
As a bottom-up organization, we welcome people across all races, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Denver is only as strong as its residents, and we believe that inclusive, respectful civic spaces are essential to a thriving community. Strong Denver will continue to engage and utilize our diverse community of volunteers and partners to make Denver the strongest city it can be.
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