Denver Voters Approve Downtown Revitalization Bonds

The city wants to bring new projects and residents to the downtown core, where 13 million feet of vacant office and retail space await new tenants.

1 minute read

November 11, 2024, 10:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Downtown Denver as seen from behind Union Station roof sign.

Foot traffic in downtown Denver, Colorado has only recovered to 67 percent of pre-pandemic levels. | mgfotos.com / Adobe Stock

Denver voters approved a $570 million bond measure aimed at revitalizing its downtown district. “The city plans to use the money — approved by over 80% of voters — to invest in housing, support local entrepreneurs, revitalize public spaces and bring in new businesses,” explains Ysabelle Kempe in Smart Cities Dive.

Denver’s downtown, like others around the country, suffered an economic decline during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with foot traffic at 67 percent of 2019 levels and 13 million square feet of vacant office and retail space that could be converted to new uses.

The city will vote on expanding the Downtown Development Authority’s boundaries and the proposed downtown area plan in December.

Friday, November 8, 2024 in Smart Cities Dive

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