Flight & Fight: Denver’s Live Civic Debate + Wine Tasting
Denver’s newest civic event where you ask the questions, panelists debate them live, and every round is paired with wine.
Denver’s conversations about growth, housing, and the future are too important to leave to press releases and campaign stops. That’s why we built Flight & Fight, the civic event where you set the agenda.
Here’s the deal:
You bring the questions.
Our panel of leaders debates them live.
Every round is paired with a curated wine flight.
No scripts. No staged applause. Just real answers, poured straight.
This is where industry professionals, civic leaders, and residents meet. This isn't your dad's development event...It’s a civic salon with substance, wrapped in a tasting experience you won’t find anywhere else.
What your ticket includes:
Curated Wine Flight: Four 2.5oz pours selected by Champagne Tiger’s sommelier
Table-Side Food Pairings: Light snacks designed to match each wine
Live Civic Debate: Moderated conversation with political leaders and public voices
Audience-Driven Q&A: Your questions shape the discussion
Exclusive Swag & Early Access Offers: Limited-run branded gift and future event perks
Meet the People Behind the Conversation
On October 23, Flight & Fight brings together voices with real influence on Denver’s future. Former U.S. Representative Greg Lopez, Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez, and Broadway Merchant Association President Luke Johnson will take the stage with community host Rick Gonzalez guiding the night.
They will tackle your questions live, from housing and infrastructure to growth and investment, in Denver’s boldest new civic forum.
Stay tuned: our fourth and final panelist will be announced soon.
Learn More About Our Panelists & Host
From bold builders to civic critics, these panelists know what’s happening behind the scenes in Denver’s development landscape. You’ll hear their takes, their tensions, and their ideas for what’s next.
Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez
Flor Alvidrez is a Denver native, small business owner, and dedicated public servant who was elected to represent District 7 on Denver City Council in 2023. A lifelong advocate for working families, she brings the perspective of both a community organizer and an entrepreneur to City Hall.
As Councilwoman, Flor has focused her efforts on housing affordability, equitable development, and policies that strengthen South Denver’s diverse neighborhoods. She has championed initiatives that improve housing access, support small businesses, and increase community input in development decisions.
Before public office, Flor built her career as a business owner and community leader, serving on neighborhood boards and collaborating with local nonprofits. She is passionate about ensuring Denver’s growth benefits all residents, and she continues to push for transparency, accountability, and collaboration across city government.
Greg Lopez (Panelist)
Greg Lopez has built his life around service, leadership, and community. Born to a working-class family, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17, where he developed the discipline and commitment that shaped his future. After his service, Greg and his wife, Lisa, made Colorado their home, raising two children and building a life rooted in faith and family.
Greg’s career in public service began early. At 27, he was elected Mayor of Parker, guiding the town through one of the fastest growth periods in the nation. He later served as U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District and went on to lead organizations including the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Colorado office.
A veteran, small business owner, and proven leader, Greg has dedicated his career to listening, problem-solving, and building opportunity. Today, he is running for Governor of Colorado, committed to ensuring all Coloradans can thrive.
Luke Johnson (Panelist)
Luke Johnson is a fourth-generation Coloradan and longtime small business advocate. He is the founder of Luke & Company Fine Pet Supply, downtown Denver’s premier independent pet store, offering award-winning grooming, self-serve dog washing, and one of the city’s largest selections of quality pet products.
Since 2020, Luke has also served as President of the Broadway Merchants Association, a nonprofit representing more than 100 small businesses along Denver’s Broadway corridor. In this role, he works to strengthen local commerce, build community, and produce events such as the annual Broadway Halloween Parade.
Luke’s career spans public relations, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurship. Before launching Luke & Co., he was a Jimmy John’s franchisee, growing his store to record-breaking sales before selling in 2015. Passionate about community and small business, Luke continues to champion independent retailers while building connections across Denver.
Rick Gonzalez (Host)
Rick Gonzalez is a Navy Veteran and seasoned Realtor based in Castle Rock, Colorado. As Founding Director of the Real Military Division at Real Brokerage, he’s built a nationwide network of agents serving those who serve. Rick is also the creator of Mile High Insider, a fast-growing channel covering Colorado news and development, with over 1 million views and 7,500+ followers in just 60 days. He brings energy, humor, and a passion for Colorado’s future to every stage he steps on.
Developing Denver is an independent news and media platform focused on the projects, policies, and people shaping the future of our city. With a community of more than 90,000 across our social platforms, we break down complex conversations around housing, growth, and infrastructure into stories that are clear, accessible, and engaging.
Our mission is to connect Denver’s residents and professionals with the information that matters most, from new development projects to civic decisions that impact daily life.
Flight & Fight is the live extension of that mission: a space where our community can ask questions directly, hear unfiltered debate, and engage face-to-face with the voices shaping Denver’s future.
You’re not just buying a seat, you’re buying a front-row role in shaping the conversation about Denver’s future. It’s an evening smarter than a happy hour, sharper than a forum, and far more fun than a lecture.
Capacity is limited, but we still have a limited number of discounted tickets lets. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Media + Site Sponsor:
Denver Westword | @denverwestword
Champagne Tiger | @champagne.tiger
Community + Design Sponsors:
Chez mémé | @chezmemevintage
Designs by Sydney | @designsbysydneycoombes
Civic Centered Consulting | Visit their Website
We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors and partners who are helping bring Flight & Fight to life. Their support makes it possible to host a one-of-a-kind civic event and content series that engages Denver’s community in new ways.
Interested in getting involved? Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Explore the Add-on section on our Eventbrite page or reach out directly to team@developingmycity.com.
Expand your brand’s reach and sponsor this event!
Download our sponsorship guide to explore available tiers and benefits, and schedule a quick call to find the best fit for your brand.
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