Centennial Earns Statewide Recognition for Economic Development Excel
Published on October 01, 2026
The City of Centennial was named Large Community of the Year and Economic Development Specialist Veronica Mata received Rookie of the Year at the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s (EDCC) annual EDIE Awards. Denver South nominated both recipients for their contributions to economic development.
The City’s award recognizes its work to support local businesses, advance redevelopment, invest in infrastructure and strengthen regional partnerships.
“We appreciate Denver South for recognizing the work of our Economic Development team and the contributions they make to Centennial,” said Centennial Mayor Christine Sweetland. “Our partnership with Denver South and other regional partners is an important part of our efforts to create an environment where businesses can grow, investment can thrive and our community can continue to evolve. Together, we are advancing Centennial’s economic development priorities and strengthening the regional economy.”
Among the accomplishments highlighted in Centennial’s nomination was the adoption of the Midtown Centennial Sub-Area Vision Plan. The plan establishes a long-term vision for transforming the office and business park around I-25 and the Dry Creek light rail station into a connected, mixed-use district with employment, housing, retail and public spaces. The City has dedicated $400,000 toward advancing Midtown planning, mobility, placemaking, infrastructure and development concepts.
The nomination also highlighted Centennial’s partnership with Denver Summit FC and Cherry Creek School District to bring Colorado’s first National Women’s Soccer League to Centennial. The project includes the 20,000-square-foot CommonSpirit Performance Center and a 12,000-seat interim stadium, which opened for the 2026 season.
Additional accomplishments included transportation infrastructure investments, small business support through SPARK Centennial, updates to land-use regulations that support redevelopment, retail revitalization efforts and regional collaboration.
Mata’s Rookie of the Year award recognizes her contributions since joining the City in August 2025, including her leadership of SPARK Centennial, the City’s small business accelerator program. Building on the program’s previous success, Mata expanded programming, hands-on support and opportunities for participating businesses to connect. For the 2026 program, she increased events and participation while bringing program coordination in-house, directing resources previously used for an outside consultant toward the program and participating businesses.
“Veronica has quickly become a valuable part of the Centennial organization and economic development team,” said Neil Marciniak, Economic Development Director. “Her initiative, enthusiasm for supporting our businesses and ability to build meaningful connections have already made an impact in our community.”
About EDCC and the EDIE Awards
The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) hosts the annual EDIE Awards to recognize individuals, businesses, communities and partnerships contributing to economic development across Colorado.