Designing Inclusion: Insights from Englewood City Manager Shawn Lewis

U@C Episode 17: Designing Inclusion: Insights from Englewood City Manager Shawn Lewis

Shawn Lewis never imagined a small-town train would bring tears to his eyes. But when the historic Belleview Park train in Englewood, Colorado welcomed its first wheelchair rider after accessibility renovations, the city manager witnessed firsthand the profound impact of universal design. This moment encapsulates the heart of Lewis’s approach to community building – creating spaces where everyone belongs.

Drawing from experiences from his childhood in rural Texas, Lewis shares his journey to becoming a city manager who champions both physical accessibility and human connection. His insights reveal Englewood’s unique character as a first-tier suburb balancing the needs of established seniors with the third-highest concentration of millennials in Colorado.

Beyond discussing infrastructure challenges, Lewis illuminates how cities develop their own distinctive cultures and vibes. He explains how Englewood funds critical accessibility improvements through innovative mechanisms like their concrete utility fee, allowing systematic upgrades to sidewalks and public spaces.

Whether you’re interested in accessibility, community development, or leadership, this conversation offers valuable insights into how smaller cities can leverage their intimate scale to create places where everyone can dance as if nobody’s looking.

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