Supporting Small Businesses & Fiscal Responsibility
Over her years in office, Mayor Stephanie Piko has led Centennial with vision, pragmatism, and an unwavering focus on delivering results for residents and businesses. Grounded in a deep understanding of local government and informed by community input, her leadership has helped Centennial grow strategically while maintaining its fiscal strength, community character, and reputation as one of the safest and most innovative cities in Colorado. The City’s accomplishments reflect a shared commitment to excellence—and a future-ready mindset that puts people first.
Building a Strong, Sustainable Economy
Mayor Piko has prioritized business retention, sustainable growth, and long-term economic vitality throughout her tenure.
To support this growth, the City created incentive packages to attract and retain businesses, developed Midtown Centennial as a new economic development zone, and modified zoning to support business redevelopment. Strategic investments in local retail centers and key areas such as The District and The Streets of SouthGlenn have helped revitalize the local business ecosystem. These efforts are guided by data-driven decision-making and long-term economic planning, ensuring Centennial remains a hub of opportunity and innovation.
Regional collaboration has also been central to Centennial’s success. Mayor Piko has served on the board of Denver South, which is the regional economic development lead and allows for collaboration between cities and supports businesses.
Future-Ready Government and Responsible Finance
Under Mayor Piko’s leadership, Centennial has become a model for responsible fiscal management and government innovation. The City has consistently achieved clean audits, and operates with no debt. Centennial’s disciplined budgeting and transparent financial practices have earned multiple awards from the Government Finance Officers Association, reinforcing its reputation for fiscal prudence.
Beyond balancing the books, Mayor Piko has made strategic investments to ensure the city is ready for the future. This includes infrastructure enhancements to support business growth, improvements to digital services and permitting systems, and the adoption of paperless workflows to increase efficiency.
Centennial's investment in both transportation and digital infrastructure was balanced with a clear commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Strategic principles such as data-driven decision making, long-term planning, and support for the local business ecosystem have been central to the city’s operations. By fostering a government culture focused on accountability and performance, Mayor Piko has ensured that Centennial remains agile, resilient, and responsive.
Shaping Places and Strengthening Community
Mayor Piko’s commitment to building a sense of place and community pride has helped Centennial evolve while honoring its roots. She has supported inclusive design guidelines and sustainable development practices that reflect the city’s values. Through the Signature Centennial activities, the City has invested in brand building that inspires community identity and business development.
Centennial’s path toward a more walkable and connected future has been advanced through thoughtful planning and investments in multimodal transportation. Cultural programming, public art, and community events have all expanded under Mayor Piko’s leadership, reinforcing a sense of belonging and engagement among residents. By shaping vibrant, inclusive spaces and supporting local initiatives, Mayor Piko has strengthened the bonds that make Centennial a truly connected community.
