Lisa Calderón, one of Denver’s most prominent political figures and a constant enemy of Mayor Michael Hancock, is stepping down from her post in city government to become executive director of Emerge Colorado, an organization that trains women Democrats to running for public office.

“We haven’t had a senator who’s a woman from Colorado yet, and it’s 2021, so that’s on the to-do list. We have an additional seat in Congress, so our eyes would be focused on that,” said Calderón, who will step down as chief of staff to city councilor Candi CdeBaca to take up the post of executive director of Emerge Colorado on July 12.

Emerge Colorado alumni hold elected positions at the local and state levels. In addition to focusing on federal seats, Calderón wants women to be better prepared to challenge other Democratic primary candidates.

“In metro Denver, it’s not necessarily against Republicans, it’s against other Democrats. We also need to find another way to challenge this one-party system, as if we all think the same. way, ”Calderon says. “And meanwhile, we have these pressing issues exploding in our state around the lack of housing affordability, the homelessness issue, the rising cost of living, and our politicians are often deaf to the needs that disproportionately impact women and families.This is an opportunity to really raise those voices across the state for bold visionary and progressive women to also enter the arena in a new way that says our priorities aren’t just about building taller skyscrapers or more construction projects. “

Calderón ran for mayor in Denver in May 2019, placing third behind Hancock and Jamie Giellis, who then lost a second round to the now limited-term Hancock in June.

In that same run-off, CdeBaca replaced District 9 council holder Albus Brooks, a close ally of Hancock. In July 2019, when CdeBaca was sworn in, Calderón joined his team as Chief of Staff.

Calderón played a key role in the policy initiatives emanating from the CdeBaca office. In particular, Calderón pushed for the transformation of the Denver sheriff’s post from a mayor-appointed role to an elected official. Ultimately, Denver City Council sent back a measure in the November 2020 ballot requiring council approval for top appointed mayors, including the sheriff; it was co-sponsored by CdeBaca and City Councilor Amanda Sawyer. Voters approved the proposal.

Speaking frequently during public comment periods at council meetings, Calderón has consistently criticized Hancock for various of his policies, including his continued reliance on homeless camps. Calderón is also fighting Hancock and other city officials in federal court in an ongoing lawsuit against the city sweeps.

Recently, Calderón advocated for Save Open Space Denver, which is trying to prevent development of the 155-acre Park Hill golf course. She is particularly proud of the work the CdeBaca office has done to push Denver City Council to divest itself of the private prison companies involved in the city’s halfway houses, she adds.

Leaving this office is bittersweet for Calderón.

“It’s not only leaving a supervisor I work for, but also leaving a friend and sister in the day-to-day movement to do our work together. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to go far,” Calderón said.

In fact, Calderón, who replaces Michal Rosenoer, an Edgewater city councilor who served as executive director of Emerge Colorado from March 2018 to April of this year, plans to move Emerge Colorado’s office from Edgewater to District 9 in Denver.

And Calderón envisions plenty of Emerge alumni vying for Denver city council spots and even the mayor’s seat in 2023.

“I think the best way to bring about change is to multiply and get reinforcements from all levels of city government, and [Hancock is] on her way, “she says.” We have developed some really key relationships with members of her administration who are genuinely interested in working in partnership, and I think the ‘Open for Business’ sign is going up to take names for those who want to to be the head of the city. “