Contact: Mike Saccone, Communications Advisor, NWF Action Fund, SacconeM@nwf.org, 202-797-6634

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 29, 2019) — The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund today endorsed Denver Mayor Michael Hancock for his track record of success supporting wildlife conservation, acting on climate change, pursuing bipartisan and collaborative solutions, and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.

A run-off election is set for Tuesday, June 4.

“Throughout his time in office, Mayor Michael Hancock has been a national leader in securing and expanding open space and wildlife habitat, and developing recreational infrastructure that supports a growing Denver, for today and for future generations. He has consistently put the quality of life of Denver residents first and made Denver a world-class place to live and visit,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund.“Novelist and environmentalist Wallace Stegner challenged us to build communities to match our scenery. Mayor Hancock has done that and more — showing his peers in Colorado and beyond how to secure public safety, improve natural infrastructure, expand open space, and champion equity and inclusion.

“The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund is proud to endorse Mayor Hancock’s re-election.”

Since his election as Mayor in 2011, Hancock has worked to increase access to open space, improve existing parks, and restore waterways in communities across Denver.  In founding the bipartisan group Mayors for Parks in 2013, Hancock stated, “parks are vital not only to the health and wellness of our residents but also to our city’s economic vibrancy. Preserving and expanding our green, open spaces in Denver is not only smart, it is critical to the future success of our city.”  Hancock spearheaded the “Outdoor Downtown” master plan which will focus investment in Denver’s parks and public spaces, with a strong emphasis on equitable access for all communities – and a goal that every Denver resident should live within a 10-minute walk of a park.  In fall 2018 Hancock backed a new parks tax, supported by 61% of voters, which will invest as much as $30 million [check this!] to improve the city’s open spaces and recreational facilities.
Visit our website at NWFActionFund.org.

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The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund (501(c)4) works to raise the visibility of key conservation issues with voters and elected officials. Through grassroots action and focused legislative campaigns, the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund advocates for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life and political stripes to ensure they have a voice in the democratic process.

To ensure a big tent for our shared conservation values, we remain fiercely bi-partisan and put conservation of our air, water, land and wildlife above political party.  We believe in bi-partisan solutions, and welcome all who are stewards of the earth to join us. We advocate for natural resource protection, wildlife conservation and outdoor education to meet our top goals of protecting wildlife and wild places and connecting people with nature.

The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund is the sister organization to the National Wildlife Federation, (501(c)3) America’s largest wildlife conservation organization. The National Wildlife Federation has been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936, fighting for the conservation values that are woven into the fabric of our nation’s heritage.