Mayor Michael Hancock said Monday that he will commit $15 million to build more affordable housing in Denver as he was sworn in for his second term as Denver’s mayor.
Hancock was easily re-elected in May with 80 percent of the vote and on Monday he was sworn in to a second four-year term. He won his first term in 2011 by defeating former state Sen. Chris Romer in a runoff.
During his inaugural address, Hancock committed to building 6,000 units of affordable housing as the city's booming economy has raised housing costs to record levels.
“Denver needs more solutions and we need them now. In my 2016 budget proposal I will more than double this year’s commitment allocating some $8 million to preserve and build affordable housing,” Hancock said.
The mayor also highlighted his commitment to police body cameras in the city, as part of a strategy to improve safety in the city, as well as accountability.
"When we came into office in 2011, we vowed there would be a new day for the Denver Police Department. That day has come," he said. "Body cameras signify increased accountability and transparency, and nearly all officers on patrol will be wearing them by 2016. New means of communication have expanded our ability to provide you with real-time information. Finally, by hiring more officers and boosting neighborhood patrols, we are fostering stronger relationships between officers and the communities they serve.