If downtown Colorado Springs had its own mayor, her name might be Susan Edmondson. After more than 10 years, Edmondson is stepping down from her role as president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership.

Edmondson will be missed and difficult to replace. Under her leadership as a tireless advocate, downtown has transitioned from sleepy to vibrant — bustling with new apartment complexes, hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, two new athletic and entertainment complexes, the new state-of-the-art U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and too much more to list.

Amid the commercially progressive vibe, nearly 30 businesses opened in downtown just last year. The past year also saw the opening of 431 apartments with nearly 2,000 more under construction.

Downtown’s economic and population growth is occurring amid public art displays, clean sidewalks and the omnipresence of law enforcement.

Under Edmondson’s leadership, the partnership has played a key role in transforming dark, dingy, unwelcoming alleyways — replete with crumbling asphalt and drainage problems — into welcoming, pedestrian-friendly plazas. Gone are the dumpsters and grease containers, making way for murals, sculptures and gardens.

“Her first year at Downtown Partnership was the same year I opened my business downtown, and it has been a joy to witness her leadership over the years,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, as quoted in a Gazette news article.

“Her passion for small business, the arts, and culture have led to a vibrant downtown corridor for all, as well as an impressive and historic $2.3 billion investment into downtown over the last decade. The city of Colorado Springs will continue to support Downtown Partnership in this transition period as we work together to build and maintain the economic, cultural and civic heart of our city.”

For the Partnership’s board of directors, finding the right new leader is crucial to the future of the city. Given its trajectory, downtown could become the business, cultural, entertainment and arts district other cities only dream of matching.

The potential of downtown is limitless, given its location at the foot of Pikes Peak — America’s Mountain — and the allure of Colorado Springs among young professionals nationwide.

A Brookings Institute study in 2018 found Colorado Springs as the most popular metro area among millennials. State demographers say the Springs will be Colorado’s largest city by 2050.

The city routinely tops the list of “most desirable” cities, compiled by U.S. News & World Report. A better climate is hard to find, and we can think of few other large cities that can put downtown residents and businesses within proximity to mountain trails and limitless outdoor recreational amenities.

It is important to remember that none of our city’s natural assets magically caused downtown’s success. It took the work of Edmondson, the Partnership and investments approved by the City Council and mayor to leverage those blessings in a way that makes the district attractive to commercial and residential development.

The Partnership’s new CEO should bring a creative and ambitious vision for creating North America’s downtown of the future. The leader should have indefatigable enthusiasm and the business acumen to visualize goals, define them and see them to fruition.

Edmondson long will be honored for her significant role in downtown’s revolution. Let’s support her successor in making downtown a world-class experience with something for everyone.