Weeks in the talking stage, members of the Denver City Council have now approved putting on the November ballot a historically large bond proposal that will fund any number of infrastructure, facility, and maintenance projects across the city.
What is being called Vibrant Denver will ask voters to approve a series of proposals that will total up to $950 million in debt. Those proposals will fund everything from the building of new recreation centers, a public safety staff training center, and upgrades to aging bridges.
In a statement, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the proposal is “about delivering new results for Denverites, including safer streets, better parks, and stronger neighborhoods.”
Added Johnston: “Each project in this package reflects what Denver residents told us they want and need most. This is how we build a more vibrant, connected, and inclusive city together.”
Some of the more notable items on the list of projects to be funded via the Vibrant Denver proposal include $20 million for the design and building of what is officially referred to as the American Indian Cultural Embassy; another $20 million for repairs and upgrades to the Boettcher Concert Hall; and $10 million for renovation work to the Denver Animal Shelter.
Transportation projects include $50 million for a comprehensive upgrade to the busy 6th Avenue Viaduct; $29.3 million for the removal and replacement of the 6th Avenue Bridge and Lincoln Street Bridge, both spanning Cherry Creek; and a big $75 million for the building of the Globeville/Swansea underpass.
Denver voters have previously proven receptive to big bond proposals. In 2017 they gave their approval by a general margin of two-to-one to a series of ballot questions totaling $937 million in what was called Elevate Denver bond program.
August 8, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
