In 2008,
Richard Florida — creative class and cities guru — wrote an op-ed for the
Rocky Mountain News touting Denver as one of the
top destinations for 21st Century talent. In the article, he said Denver is one of few regions that has all the happiness factors that attract transplants. These include good public transportation, economic security, good schools and community leadership. Because of these qualities, Florida heralded Denver as a mega-region, or an area that attracts talent, changes ideas and drives economy.