Denver Releases $935 Million Bond Plan Costs with Major Revisions
Denver officials have unveiled detailed costs for a sweeping $935 million bond proposal, outlining a revised list of infrastructure projects ahead of a potential voter referendum in November. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny from city council members over transparency and district representation.
The largest project under the proposed package is the renovation of the 8th Avenue Viaduct, which carries a price tag of $89.2 million. Three other major capital investments — each budgeted at $70 million or more — include the development of Park Hill Park, construction of the Marion Street Underpass serving Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, and a new First Responder Safety Training Center designed to serve the city’s police, fire, and sheriff departments.
While the overall package exceeds the city’s earlier estimate of $800 million, city officials confirmed the cost would still be covered by existing property tax revenue. Should voters approve the measure, tax rates would remain at current levels, avoiding a potential decrease.
The updated proposal includes $112 million set aside as contingency funding to address fluctuations in the cost of labor, materials, or real estate.
Alongside the financial breakdown, the city made several notable changes to the list of projects. The revised plan added 15 new projects — particularly in areas left out of the initial draft — following community feedback and council member concerns. Among the additions are four new projects in far northeast Denver, including upgrades at Montbello Civic Center Park and renovations at the Arie P. Taylor Municipal Center’s Senior Center.
The single most expensive addition is a $66.2 million line item for a recreation hub and skate park in District 4. This project includes both land acquisition for a new southeast Denver recreation center and the construction of a skatepark in the Kennedy neighborhood.
At the same time, four previously recommended projects were cut from the proposal:
A $20 million combination housing and city facility in District 2
A $3 million allocation for the city’s participatory budgeting program
A $9.25 million replacement of the Quebec Street bridge in District 8
A $6.75 million package of traffic signal upgrades for Districts 4, 6, and 11
Instead of scrapping traffic improvements entirely, the city restructured them into two separate projects: one focused on District 11 and another targeting Evans Avenue in Districts 4 and 6.
Several previously proposed items also saw reductions in funding. Notable examples include cuts to Sun Valley Riverfront Park improvements and trail lighting for the High Line Canal, which will now receive less funding than originally recommended.
As the revised package advances, negotiations are expected to continue. Denver City Council will soon have the opportunity to make amendments and possibly include additional projects. The deadline to finalize the proposal for inclusion on the November ballot is August 25.
Several council members have expressed concerns about the process, particularly regarding equitable distribution of projects and transparency in decision-making. Without substantial changes, some members have indicated they may oppose moving the measure forward.