I created piece during the Wellington Webb Artist Residency, a program led by the City of Denver’s Public Art Program. I was one of six artists selected through a public process to collaborate with City employees and create artwork inspired by their work and its impact on Denver’s communities.

Throughout the residency, I spent time learning from employees in the Auditor’s Office, the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Office of the City Forester, and the Department of Housing Stability. These conversations gave me a closer look at the people, processes and responsibilities that keep Denver moving.

Civic invites players to step into the shoes of Denver’s public servants. The game presents public service as it often feels: incremental, human, collaborative and deeply meaningful. Players navigate the systems, delays, victories and responsibilities that shape the daily work of local government.

Movement around the board is intentionally slow, reflecting the realities of bureaucracy, process and accountability. Along the way, players encounter situations inspired by city work—from audits and media attention to community praise, infrastructure challenges and meaningful moments of progress. Through play, Civic offers a new way to understand the often unseen work—and the people—behind a functioning city.