Updated Feb. 26: Denver City Council confirmed Jaime Lewis to serve on the RTD board at its Feb. 26 meeting. Lewis will serve in the role until a new board member is elected in November 2024 and sworn in January 2025.
Our original story follows below.
Mayor Mike Johnston has nominated disability rights activist Jaime Lewis to join the Regional Transportation District's board representing District A, which includes a wide swath of Denver. Former board member Kate Williams resigned in January over "serious health issues."
"Jaime is a forward-thinking and respected member of our community who brings a deep understanding of the transportation challenges facing our city," Johnston said in a statement Thursday. "I am confident Jaime will bring a fresh perspective and play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of our residents are met."
Lewis, who uses a wheelchair, is known for his work as a transportation advocate with the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition and with the Phamaly Theater Company and Access Gallery, a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities in the arts. He recently spoke at an RTD board meeting pushing the board to rename Civic Center Station after disability rights activist Rev. Wade Blank. Lewis is also an ordained minister, and served as a City Councilmember and Mayor of Salida from 1998 to 2001.
If approved, Lewis will represent Glendale, Capitol Hill, Downtown Denver, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, Hilltop, Lowry and part of Arapahoe County.
Lewis said his main goals during his 10-month term would be to improve safety, retain drivers and conductors retention and improve service reliability.
"If people don't feel safe, they're not gonna use transit. Whether that's paratransit or regular bus and train, people have to feel safe," Lewis said.
He also plans to continue being a voice for Denver's disability community. He plans to dedicate his term to Kevin Williams, a disability rights attorney with Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, who died on Tuesday.
"There's always ways to improve service, so that's where I'm kind of like the eyes and ears to make sure that's not forgotten," Lewis said.
Lewis told Denverite he will not run for the seat in the fall.
The nomination is pending approval from Denver City Council. Since the role is appointed, Lewis will serve until a new director is elected in November of 2024 and sworn in in January of 2025.
"If a Mayor or Governor appoints somebody for 10 months, then that person is kind of favored for the next election," Lewis said, adding that he promised Johnston and two candidates running for the seat that he won't seek election.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Lewis, and to correct a spelling of Lewis' name.
