Dear Mayor Hancock:
I respectfully resign from the position of Executive Director for the Office of HOPE, and Senior Housing
Policy Advisor effective March 2, 2018. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of Denver.
Working alongside you and the team over the last 13 months has been a tremendous experience. I have
seen a passion to make this city great, learned how this city brings people together to foster new ideas,
and observed your unwavering commitment to making Denver a global city. We both know and can feel
the struggles of residents in Denver, as the City faces enormous challenges on the issue of affordability
and housing. You asked me to join you in meeting these challenges by heading the Office of HOPE, to
lead housing policy, be your public voice on this issue, bring innovation, public-private collaboration, and
leadership to these issues. During my tenure, I answered your request and progress was achieved.
A strategy for looking at housing as a single continuum from homelessness to homeownership was
launched, an innovative program that brought foundations, employers and the city – LIVE Denver – was
created and announced, a successful eviction diversion mediation program was collaboratively designed
with the Courts and implemented, a comprehensive Tenant-Landlord Guide was produced, published
and announced, and a five year-housing plan, with unanimous consent of the Housing Advisory
Committee, laid a platform for implementing the strategy and changing the city’s approach to these
pressing issues. In addition, the coordination of departments for shelter improvements, support the
establishment of a tiny home village, and synchronizing eviction assistance programs across the agencies
laid a foundation for collaborative and impactful work.
I support the reorganization of the Office of Economic Development, and it will better position the city
to tackle complex issues, execute, and support initiatives in the Housing Plan to expand and preserve
housing affordability such as, LIVE Denver, Accessory Dwelling Units, Community Land Trust, and a
Preference Policy for Neighborhood Residents.
The challenges Denver faces in the near future are great, but so is the City, its residents who have been
here, and those who continue to come. The diversity, strength of neighborhoods, growth and prosperity
make Denver a city of hope.
As I pursue exciting opportunities in Denver, I offer to you my time, ideas, and energy toward continuing
efforts that will further your commitment to creating housing and opportunities for people everywhere.
I retain the hope for Denver I had on January 9, 2017 now and into the future.
I thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,
Erik Louis Soliván
February 12, 2018