Brighton, Colorado, wouldn’t be the city it is without its amazing residents, thriving businesses, abundant attractions, and the Brighton Economic Development Corporation, which strives to make the area the very best it can be for both locals and visitors.
Conveniently located just 20 miles north of downtown Denver, Brighton attracts residents who want to feel like they’re part of a small town while having access to the amenities of larger urban areas, making it the ideal location for its nearly 50,000 inhabitants.
“Brighton is a vibrant, close-knit community where neighbors take pride in the city’s unique character and longstanding traditions,” says Mayor Greg Mills of the City of Brighton. “Its deep agricultural roots continue to shape local identity, from multigenerational farms to seasonal celebrations that bring residents together.” The community recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the beloved Festival of Lights Parade, an event that captures the small-town feel of Brighton, he adds.
Brighton EDC’s vision embraces its aims to enhance the city’s quality of life by fostering and supporting economic growth to ensure it’s an ideal place to live, work, learn, and play, striving to accentuate its many attributes and abilities, and also strengthening public-private partnerships to drive economic growth.
Brighton EDC, a public-private partnership operating as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the economic future of Brighton. With the city itself as its largest investor, Brighton EDC is guided by a board of investors composed of influential local and national business leaders representing companies of all sizes.
Funding from these investors enables Brighton EDC to attract new businesses to the area and develop innovative programs and services that support the growth and success of the local business community. Brighton EDC’s impact is amplified through strong collaborations with key community partners, including School District 27J, Adams County Government, Adams County Workforce and Employer Services, North Metro Fire District, the North Metro Small Business Development Center, State and Regional Economic Development offices, and the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
In addition to these public and nonprofit partnerships, Brighton EDC is supported by private investors such as Vestas, a global leader in wind turbine manufacturing; Wells, a nationally recognized building design and architecture firm; Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital; regional utility providers United Power and Xcel Energy; as well as national and local banks, developers, and small business owners. These partners all bring valuable expertise and insight, helping Brighton EDC identify and address business challenges, foster meaningful connections, and create opportunities that enhance the region’s overall business climate.
“Brighton EDC takes pride in the synergy and relationships cultivated through its economic development efforts, which continue to strengthen Brighton’s position as a vibrant and thriving community for businesses and residents alike,” says Martinez. The city also prides itself on its many unique attributes, including how it values its history and agricultural roots while embracing progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The city’s commitment to honoring its past is also reflected in the recent addition of BJAA Park to the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, a recognition that celebrates not only the park but also the resilience, community spirit, and lasting contributions of Brighton’s Japanese American families, whose history is woven into the very fabric of the city.
At the same time, Brighton celebrates progress and innovation through thoughtful planning, investment in modern infrastructure, and a focus on sustainable growth. The city continues to look to the future while adhering to its heritage, whether it be by promoting ecologically conscious development, enhancing mobility alternatives, or supporting renewable energy initiatives. City Manager, Michael Martinez, adds, “It’s this balance of preserving heritage while welcoming new opportunities that makes Brighton a unique place to live, work, learn, and play.”
The city’s location has also served to attract residents who want to feel like they’re part of a small town while still having access to the amenities of larger urban areas. In fact, Brighton’s convenient location has long been one of its greatest draws for both residents and businesses. Situated just a short 20-minute drive from Denver International Airport and with easy access to major highways like U.S. 85, E-470, State Highway 7, and I-76, Brighton offers quick, seamless connectivity to the Denver metro area, regional job hubs, and a wide range of urban amenities.
“With its unique combination of accessibility, community charm, and outdoor recreation, Brighton is quickly becoming a top choice for individuals and families looking to relocate,” Mayor Mills says, with residents able to enjoy the relaxed pace of small-town living while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Brighton’s historic downtown district, known for its locally owned shops and diverse dining options.
And despite its small-town atmosphere, Brighton has all the amenities of a metropolis, including shopping, entertainment, and business prospects both inside the city limits and in neighboring metropolitan cities. Outdoor enthusiasts are especially drawn to the area’s expansive recreational offerings, with the city boasting more than 43 developed parks, 29 playgrounds, and 48 miles of open trails, making it a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike. “This balance of lifestyle, location, and livability continues to position Brighton as a desirable and growing community in Colorado’s Front Range,” says City Manager Martinez.
When it comes to Brighton’s quality of life as it relates to business attraction, they both play an important role in bringing new businesses to the community. The city offers a welcoming, family-friendly environment with safe neighborhoods, excellent parks and open spaces, and a calendar full of community events that foster strong connections among residents. Additionally, its unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities creates a place where residents and employers can thrive.
Economic Development Director, President, and CEO, Robin Martinez, emphasizes that “this high quality of life is a major advantage for employers. Brighton’s affordability and close proximity to the Denver metro area attract a growing, skilled workforce that benefits businesses.” Additionally, the city’s dedication to sustainable expansion and easily accessible transportation options makes it simpler to draw in and retain talent.
New businesses are met with a level of support that sets the city apart when they consider setting up shop in Brighton, with the EDC leading a collaborative effort that unites key community partners and city workers to offer potential business prospects a full-service concierge approach. This essential support ensures that companies receive prompt and comprehensive guidance on municipal, county, and state development processes, licensing requirements, and permits. “The objective is to streamline the process of establishing operations in Brighton, lowering obstacles and expediting timelines,” Robin Martinez explains.
The city also provides individualized support in addition to competitive incentive schemes designed to save development time and expenses, with a dedication to creating a business-friendly atmosphere and attracting investment that supports its strategic growth objectives.
The EDC continues to establish the city as a top location for companies looking for opportunity, efficiency, and long-term success by taking a proactive stance and fostering strong community partnerships, and, according to Martinez, the EDC celebrates significant economic achievements while addressing growing pains, working hard to ensure that growth is in line with both industry trends and the long-term objectives of the community as Brighton continues to expand.
Working with other municipal departments to develop a comprehensive and achievable growth strategy that will benefit businesses and citizens for many years to come is also key. “The long-term supply and demand of essential resources like water and power is one of the most pressing challenges facing Brighton—and many communities across Colorado,” says City Manager Martinez. “The city of Brighton is taking preemptive measures to ensure its future since pollution and climate change are endangering the state’s water reserves.”
The construction of a new water treatment plant, designed to meet the community’s needs for the next 25 years, is now in progress with a significant investment. In order to guarantee that new and growing businesses have dependable access to power, Brighton EDC is also collaborating closely with local energy providers. This innovative strategy draws businesses looking for long-term sustainability and reliable infrastructure.
The announcement of Trader Joe’s new Colorado primary distribution center, which is scheduled to open in September 2026, is one of Brighton EDC’s recent achievements. The Lovett 76 Logistics Center, a 613,758-square-foot Class A industrial complex, was purchased by the well-known grocery chain for $69.35 million, representing a substantial investment in Brighton’s economy and demonstrating the EDC’s dedication to promoting sustainable growth and establishing the city as a competitive location for businesses and cutting-edge industries.
In addition to all of these accomplishments, the city offers a wide and engaging variety of outdoor activities, restaurants, and special events designed to draw both locals and visitors. Mayor Mills cites iconic events like Summerfest, the Festival of Lights Parade, the Turkey Trot, and Art in the Park, which draw thousands of people for music, art, and family-friendly fun. “Brighton offers a lively mix of events and attractions that draw both residents and visitors year-round,” she says.
In addition, the historic Armory Performing Arts Center hosts plays, concerts, and community events in a small, exquisitely renovated space, and the city offers free movies and music in the park all summer long.
Not only is there plenty in Brighton to see, do, and experience now; there’s also much more to come in the years ahead. Mayor Mills says, “These events and amenities create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists, especially when combined with Brighton’s beautiful parks, trails, and an increasing number of local restaurants and breweries.” Brighton’s future looks bright indeed.
