David’s lifetime of service is defined by fighting for Equity of Opportunities. Whether he was helping Katrina evacuees resettle, creating educational exchanges and economic opportunities in his work at the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Development, fighting for improved care and rehabilitation for service members and veterans suffering from spinal cord injuries, or advocating and lobbying for veterans and those with disabilities at the Colorado State Capitol; his servant leadership has been and is founded in fighting for that Equity of Opportunities for all.
Physical therapy at Craig Hospital and access to the amazing adaptive sports programs that only the Colorado Rockies can provide gave David his life back after his helicopter crash. After growing up an Air Force brat and an Army Aviator, Rep Ortiz knew that Colorado would be the place he would finally be able to choose to call a permanent home.
When David bought his first house, housing opportunities were relatively affordable and accessible. If he were to try and settle in his beloved community of Littleton now, he would not be able to afford the available housing opportunities. Providing a variety of opportunities for affordable/accessible housing is essential to ensuring we can continue to attract young professionals, new families, and allow our wise elders to age in place.
At the State Capitol, David helped pass Senate Bill 159 – the Revolving Loan Fund, which invests $150 million in affordable housing projects across Colorado. Working across the aisle, Rep Ortiz and all legislators also worked tirelessly to invest $550 million from ARPA funds on making housing affordable in Colorado.