In recent times, downtown Denver has found itself at the center of criticism, especially from recent college graduates facing the city’s soaring cost of living, residents navigating construction congestion along Colfax Avenue, and certain political figures leveraging the city’s struggles in debates regarding Venezuelan refugees.
However, the reality is that Denver remains a dynamic and attractive city, grappling with its share of imperfections like any major metropolitan area or, for that matter, any small town.
A recent in-depth initiative by The Denver Post examined the state of downtown Denver and highlighted the substantial hurdles the city faces as it seeks to bounce back from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as vacant buildings, a drop in tourism, and dwindling tax revenues have compounded the city’s challenges.
Yet, those who haven’t visited recently may be surprised by significant positive developments.
One of the most notable changes has been the cleanup of homeless encampments in downtown Denver. While there are still individuals sleeping on the streets between Park Avenue and Speer Boulevard, the presence of large temporary structures, marked by tarps, tents, and grocery carts, has been notably diminished.
This revitalization effort was spearheaded by Mayor Mike Johnston, who allocated millions of dollars to transition individuals from encampments into temporary housing. Although expensive, the results have justified the investment. Prior encampments were not just unsightly; they posed public health concerns and attracted criminal elements.
A recent survey of Denver’s homeless population showed that while the total number of unhoused individuals increased, the number of those unsheltered—sleeping on the streets—dropped by a striking 35% compared to previous statistics collected in 2024.
Mayor Johnston deserves acknowledgment for this impressive turnaround, and he has expressed confidence in the progress made thus far.
“We set this crazy, ambitious goal to end street homelessness in [my] first term,” Johnston shared with The Denver Post. “And to be almost halfway there, almost halfway through term 1, I think reaffirms that’s not an impossible dream.”
Despite the wave of restaurant closures that has swept through downtown, numerous beloved dining establishments continue to flourish, with new culinary spots emerging consistently.
Mary Nguyen, the owner of the popular Olive & Finch, believes strongly in downtown’s revival.
“There’s a narrative that downtown is dead, that it’s not safe. But I’m here all the time. I see something totally different. There are new restaurants opening, the streets are active, there are interesting people looking for things to do,” Nguyen noted.
Nguyen, a Denver native, emphasizes her commitment to contribute to the vibrancy of downtown.
“If I want to see a vibrant, activated downtown, then I’m going to help make that happen. I’m not waiting for someone else to do it,” she declared.
She encourages all Denver residents to support well-regarded establishments like Olive and Finch, especially as the city invests heavily in its downtown.
“No other city in America is spending $600 million to revitalize their downtown,” Nguyen remarked. “Honestly, I think I’ve done a great job coming in at the beginning, because in 10 years – actually, probably just two years, or even one – Denver’s going to come back.”
Local entrepreneurs like Nguyen and Ibotta CEO Bryan Leach are making bold commitments to downtown. “We’re proud to have signed a 10-year lease in a moment where the city really needs us, where only a third of the occupancy is there,” Leach explained.
He reinforced the importance of maintaining a thriving downtown area, stating, “I never considered leaving downtown. It is important to have the downtown area of your community be a thriving place where people live and work.”
For those who cherish Denver or once did, now is an opportune moment to rediscover the city’s offerings.
The third insight about Denver is that it is on a path to a robust recovery. The Denver Post’s investigation uncovered that one of the most significant challenges for the central business district has been the high rate of vacant office spaces, highlighting an issue of an “all work and no play” atmosphere that has persisted for too long.
However, a shift is occurring, and vibrant areas where residents can live and enjoy recreational activities are currently thriving. This revitalization will inevitably extend from neighborhoods like Union Station and River North into the central business district as time goes on.
Moreover, the completion of the 16th Street Mall construction project is anticipated to be a turning point, closing the chapter on what has been seen as a poorly timed undertaking.
With any luck, the new owners of the Denver Broncos will heed the civic enthusiasm expressed by Nguyen and Leach to invest and stay committed during this critical moment for the city.
Despite the challenges faced, Denver’s spirit of resilience remains palpable, proving that the city is far from being lifeless.
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/06/15/downtown-denver-revitalization/
