Denver has emerged as one of the most dynamic American metro areas of the 21st century, with a steady stream of well-educated workers drawn to its extraordinary natural beauty and friendly, wide-open vibe. It drew the world’s attention in 2008 with a boldly staged Democratic convention that launched a candidate who seemed to mirror many of the host city’s own qualities: youthful, tech-savvy, optimistic, forward-looking, environmentally conscious, and just hip enough to stand out from the crowd.