Hickenlooper Leads Delegation Members in Letter Supporting Colorado’s Bid to Host ‘Summit of the Americas’

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper was joined by Senator Michael Bennet and Representatives Diana DeGette, Doug Lamborn, Ed Perlmutter, Ken Buck, Jason Crow, and Joe Neguse on a bipartisan letter to President Biden in support of Colorado’s bid to host the 2022 Summit of the Americas.

The Summit of the Americas is the only event that convenes heads of state from North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. In 2022, the U.S. will be hosting the Summit of the Americas for the first time since the inaugural event in Miami in 1994.

“From the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, Colorado is making significant investments in innovative industries that will define the future, and our workforce will lead the way. Our state has a rapidly growing technology sector and the highest concentration of aerospace workers in the country… We are proud to represent a resilient, forward-looking, and inclusive economy—situated in the heart of the United States yet intimately intertwined with the wider world,” wrote Hickenlooper and the members.

“We believe Colorado is uniquely equipped to host an event of this size and import. We invite your administration’s serious consideration of the proposal.”

Text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear President Biden:

We write as representatives of the Colorado delegation in the U.S. Congress to express our unequivocal support for the State of Colorado’s proposal to host the Ninth Summit of the Americas.

The Summit of the Americas is the only event that convenes Heads of State and Government from North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean to articulate shared values and identify opportunities for collaboration. In 2022, the U.S. will be hosting the Summit of the Americas for the first time since the inaugural event in Miami in 1994. This milestone presents a unique opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and expansive beauty that makes the United States so unique. We believe Colorado is the perfect candidate to tell this story to the world.

From the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, Colorado is making significant investments in innovative industries that will define the future, and our workforce will lead the way. Our state has a rapidly growing technology sector and the highest concentration of aerospace workers in the country. We expanded broadband to reach all 64 counties, which in turn has supported the development of businesses both along, and beyond, the I-25 corridor. Our outdoor economy brings over $12 billion in value to the state, with visitors savoring Colorado’s natural wonders all year round. Our state offers other diverse cultural assets, including museums, sporting venues, and culinary establishments. We are proud to represent a resilient, forward-looking, and inclusive economy—situated in the heart of the United States yet intimately intertwined with the wider world.

Colorado is also a beautiful place to spend time. With awe-inspiring mountains, sweeping plains, alpine lakes, and lively rivers, our state perfectly captures the majesty of the American west. Our community is eager to welcome the attendees of the Ninth Summit of the Americas to experience this microcosm of all that our country has to offer.

For these reasons and more, our state is also no stranger to hosting big events with significant lodging needs and security requirements. From annual events that attract tens of thousands of attendees, such as the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, to high-profile, one-time gatherings such as the 1997 Summit of the Eight, Colorado routinely and readily accommodates visitors for events of this scope. Hosting is made easier by the proximity of Denver International Airport, which is conveniently connected to downtown Denver via public transportation and offers nonstop flights to 27 international destinations, including cities across the Americas. We believe Colorado is uniquely equipped to host an event of this size and import. We invite your administration’s serious consideration of the proposal.

Sincerely,