About CityUnite

CityUnite exists to help faith, government, and business leaders unite around common causes in the Denver Metro area. It was birthed in 2008 when a handful of local leaders began meeting in order to identify what they could do together that they could never do alone. We believe that relationships matter and that they are the key to building thriving communities. Over the years, CityUnite has helped to birth initiatives that address needs in schools, neighborhoods, foster care, and homelessness. Cross-sector partnerships take time, but they are worth it!

Our Team

Dave Runyon

Executive Director

Dave Runyon helps faith, business, and government leaders unite around common causes in the Denver metro area. He serves as the Executive Director of CityUnite and as a consultant for businesses who have a desire to make a positive impact in their communities. Dave helped to start a neighboring movement that has now spread to over 2,500 churches around the country. This experience prompted him to co-author “The Art of Neighboring,” which was published by Baker Books and has sold over 150,000 copies. He speaks locally and nationally encouraging leaders to collaborate for the good of their cities. Before founding CityUnite, Dave served as a pastor for ten years at Foothills Community Church and The Next Level Church. He graduated from Colorado State University where he studied history, economics, and education. Dave and his wife, Lauren, have four kids and do not plan to have any more.

Kevin Vargas

Director of Stakeholder Relations and Community Engagement

Kevin Vargas is a community advocate, public servant, and entrepreneur based in Aurora, Colorado. Over the last 9 years he has served in key roles with political figures like Senator John Hickenlooper, Congressman Jason Crow, and a variety of faith communities. Kevin bridges civic leadership and grassroots networks to build meaningful partnerships and lasting impact. A pastor’s kid with a deep love for Colorado, Kevin is actively involved in faith leadership at Lifegate Church, where he leads with others a young adults ministry. And if you ask him, he’s always happy to sit down and share a plate of tacos while talking about life and community.

Emma Kate Allen

Operations Manager

Emma Kate Allen has a deep commitment to hospitality, organization, and formation. She is a licensed mental health therapist who spent years working with individual and families involved in the justice system in Denver. Emma Kate has also spent time creating events and initiatives to build community, deepen culture, and improve operations across multiple organizations. Originally from the south, her hospitality roots run deep. Emma Kate, her husband Michael, and their very cute baby proudly call Denver home.