CHUN Appoints New Executive Director

John Deffenbaugh has been appointed Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' next executive director effective June 1, 2022. 

John brings a solid experience in architecture, urban planning, and public policy. His passion lies at the intersection where architecture, planning, and landscape meet to create walkable and livable cities. In this part time role, John will oversee the day-to-day programs, activities, and operations that will further CHUN’s mission and vision throughout greater Capitol Hill and Denver.  

John started his career as a qualified architect working on affordable housing projects in Edinburgh, Scotland, but was keen to explore the wider policy context that shapes the spaces and experience around us. He transitioned to the public sector, working in the planning and development departments of the cities of Edinburgh and then London, where he led award winning development of area-wide masterplanning proposals and public realm projects.

John moved into airport planning and construction, first as Design Leader and then Commercial Planning Manager for London Heathrow’s $3.5 billion Terminal 2, the Queen's Terminal, voted best terminal in the world 2018. After nine years in airport design, John moved back to the sector he loves, community-led urban planning and now works as Strategy & Projects Director for RiNo Art District.

A dual national of the United Kingdom and United States, John is a Denver East High School alumnus and graduate of the University of Dundee and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and is completing an MBA at Colorado State University. He is a 5 year resident of the greater Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

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CHUN Endorses Denver Expanding Housing Affordability Plan

CHUN has endorsed the City and County of Denver's proposed Expanding Housing Affordability Plan. Our organization is committed to working with the myriad stakeholders to onboard more affordable housing, and we are focused on encouraging multifamily development near and along major transit corridors. This plan, coupled with our own track record in neighborhood planning and development, will help Denver achieve these shared policy priorities. Read our letter to the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development. 

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION AND REPORTING

• Learn more about the plan on the City and County of Denver website HERE
• Reporting from Denverite can be accessed HERE
• Reporting from the Denver Gazette can be accessed HERE and HERE
• OpEd published in the Colorado Sun can be read HERE

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