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Denver bets on a vibrant future through new public works

NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSING | In Mar Lee, Harvey Park, and Bear Valley. (Foto/ Vibrant Denver Bond Campaign)

BOND PACKAGE 2A–2E WOULD FUND 200 PROJECTS WITHOUT RAISING TAXES

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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Residents of the City and County of Denver will decide on November 4 whether to approve the bond package known as the Vibrant Denver Bond, which groups five proposals—from 2A to 2E—to finance essential infrastructure without raising local taxes. The nearly $1 billion investment aims to modernize streets, parks, libraries, health centers, and affordable housing.

“In a time of economic uncertainty, this package acts as a stimulus,” said Mayor Mike Johnston, who views the measure as a strategic investment to keep Denver “safe, competitive, and socially equitable.” Municipal bonds like this one allow cities to fund public works through long-term debt without relying on new taxes.

Denver apuesta por un futuro vibrante con nuevas obras públicas

AFFORDABLE HOUSING | Investing in land acquisition and site preparation for housing construction.

Previous experience

Denver has successfully used this tool before, as seen with the Elevate Denver (2017) and RISE Denver (2021) bonds. Now, the Vibrant Denver Bond proposes more than 200 projects across five priority areas. Proposal 2A, focused on transportation and mobility, authorizes $441 million to repair bridges, viaducts, and intersections, and to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.

HEALTH INVESTMENT | Denver Health Sam Sandos Westside in Sun Valley.

Among the major projects are the reconstruction of the 6th and 8th Avenue viaducts in the Lincoln Park and Sun Valley neighborhoods, and a new underpass in Marion that will connect Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea. Meanwhile, proposal 2B, dedicated to parks and recreation, allocates $175 million to upgrade public spaces, swimming pools, and trails.

It includes the construction of the new Aztlan Pool in Sunnyside, the restoration of Sloan’s Lake, and the creation of a riverfront park in Sun Valley.

Health and recreation

Proposal 2C, centered on health and human services, provides $30 million for new clinics and community care centers. These include the new Denver Health Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center in Sun Valley and the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center, focused on supporting vulnerable youth.

Proposal 2D, directed toward libraries and municipal facilities, allocates $244 million to renovate libraries such as Montbello and Green Valley Ranch, and to fund a new joint police and fire training facility. Finally, proposal 2E addresses housing and shelters, with $59 million to improve emergency shelters and expand access to safe, affordable housing.

RECREATION | Construction of the Aztlan pool in Sunnyside.

Supporters and critics

Supporters of the package argue that the investment would create nearly 7,000 jobs and generate more than $400 million in wages for Colorado families. Each dollar invested, they say, would produce $1.80 in economic activity, benefiting many locally owned small businesses, including those owned by Latinos.

However, some city council members and community groups have voiced concerns over the prioritization of projects and the total debt, which could double once interest is included. Still, proponents maintain that the cost of inaction would be higher. Without the bond, many projects would be delayed for years, leaving the city’s infrastructure to further deteriorate.

“Without this bond, there will be no new parks, recreation centers, shelters, or road improvements,” Johnston emphasized. “It’s a direct investment in Denver’s present and future.” While the five measures can be approved separately, the mayor’s vision is unified: “We want to keep Denver functional, modern, and equitable—without raising taxes,” he concluded.