In Denver, political activity is notably subdued ahead of this year’s election.
Unlike 2024, there isn’t a presidential race or a lengthy state ballot, leading to a quieter atmosphere around town.
This November, Denver voters will play a vital role in deciding on significant local issues.
Among these are the state’s free school lunch program and the nearly $1 billion Vibrant Denver Bond.
To assist voters in making informed choices, this article outlines the key measures that will appear on ballots in Colorado and specifically Denver County.
Colorado State Ballot Measures
Proposition LL: Retain Money for the Healthy School Meals for All Program
Voters will encounter a question related to whether the state may maintain tax revenue generated by the 2022 voter-approved tax deduction limits.
The question reads: “Without raising taxes, may the state keep and spend all revenue generated by the 2022 voter-approved state tax deduction limits on individuals with incomes of $300,000 or more and maintain these deduction limits in order to continue funding the healthy school meals for all program, which pays for public schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade?”
The measure addresses funding for the Healthy School Meals for All program, established in 2022 by Proposition FF.
This initiative ensures that all K–12 public school students in Colorado can receive free breakfast and lunch, irrespective of their family’s income.
The program is funded through tax deduction limits imposed on households earning over $300,000 annually.
However, due to rising inflation and increased student participation, the current tax revenue is insufficient to cover the program’s costs.
Under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), voter permission is needed for the state to retain funds exceeding initial estimates, totaling about $12.4 million.
If Proposition LL passes, this money will be allocated to the Healthy School Meals for All program while maintaining the current tax deductions.
Conversely, if voters reject the proposition, the excess funds will be refunded to high-earning households, who will then see reduced taxes in 2026.
The early outlook for Proposition LL is positive, reflecting the successful passage of Proposition FF in 2022, which received about 57 percent approval.
Proposition MM: Increase State Taxes for School Meals and Food Assistance Programs
Another measure appearing on the ballot is Proposition MM, which proposes an increase in state taxes.
The question posed to voters reads: “Shall state taxes be increased by $95 million annually…to support access to healthy food for Colorado kids and families, including the Healthy School Meals for All program?”
Proposition MM outlines plans to raise state income taxes for households making $300,000 or more annually by limiting tax deductions.
This would average an increase of $327 for single filers and $574 for joint filers, potentially affecting six percent of Colorado households.
Should this measure be approved, extra funds generated would also be utilized to assist with costs relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If Proposition MM does not pass, existing state income tax levels will remain unchanged.
Furthermore, if both Proposition LL and MM fail, the Healthy School Meals for All program will cease in January 2026, limiting free meal access to only low-income students.
Support for both initiatives is primarily focused on funding the Healthy School Meals for All program.
Keep Kids Fed Colorado, the committee backing them, has raised considerable funds leading up to the election, although organized opposition appears minimal.
Vibrant Denver Bond
On the local front, voters in Denver will also consider the Vibrant Denver Bond, encompassing ballot issues 2A through 2E.
This package is significant, potentially incurring around $1 billion in debt, payable through property taxes over several decades.
The projects funded by this bond cannot be used to address Denver’s budget shortfalls, as property taxes are strictly designated for general obligation debt repayment.
**Ballot Issue 2A**:
The largest portion of the Vibrant Denver Bond is allocated to transportation and mobility infrastructure under ballot issue 2A.
It aims to raise $441.42 million, with the possibility of accruing up to $464.58 million in interest, leading to a total repayment of about $906 million.
This funding will address crucial transportation needs, including the repair and reconstruction of the 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue bridges near I-25, which collectively handle nearly 80,000 vehicles daily.
Other notable projects funded by this issue include a $75 million underpass to connect the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods and enhancements in the Sante Fe Arts District for public spaces and wider sidewalks.
A comprehensive list of all transportation-related projects can be viewed on the city’s website.
**Ballot Issue 2B**:
This issue, costing $174.75 million and potentially totaling $357 million with interest, focuses on improving Denver’s green spaces.
A highlight of 2B is the proposed $70 million renovation of Park Hill Golf Course into the city’s fourth-largest urban park.
This project will involve several enhancements, including irrigation, landscaping, parking lots, a playground, sports facilities, picnic spaces, and even a dog park.
Additional funding will support the acquisition of land for a new recreation center in southeast Denver, construction of a skate park, renovations at Aztlan Recreation Center, and revitalization of Echo Lake Lodge in Idaho Springs.
**Ballot Issue 2C**:
Appropriating $30.1 million with a maximum repayment amount of $57 million, this ballot issue will fund two critical health projects.
The funding will go toward establishing a new Denver Health Westside Family Health Center and expanding the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center.
The new health center will enhance access to various medical services, while the advocacy center aims to streamline care for child abuse survivors by providing essential services in one location.
**Ballot Issue 2D**:
With an estimated cost of $244.43 million and a maximum repayment of $485 million, 2D emphasizes public safety and cultural improvements.
A key component of this measure is a $75 million training facility that will consolidate resources for the Denver Sheriff, Fire, and Police departments, which currently operate from separate locations.
Additionally, Red Rocks Amphitheatre will receive $35 million to update its backstage areas to meet ADA compliance standards.
Three further projects are also included, each budgeted at $20 million, focusing on renovations to Boettcher Concert Hall, the Denver Animal Shelter, and the construction of an American Indian Cultural Embassy.
More details can be found on the city’s website.
**Ballot Issue 2E**:
The final measure in the Vibrant Denver Bond seeks to address affordable housing needs within the city.
A total of $59.3 million is on the table, which could potentially accrue maximum interest of $34.7 million, leading to a total repayment of approximately $94 million.
Around $45 million of this funding will be dedicated to purchasing land and redeveloping existing properties into affordable housing options.
Additional funds will support ADA-related improvements and facilitate the construction of a combined library and affordable housing complex in east Denver.
Despite being part of a unified bond package, it’s important to note that these five ballot issues can be voted on separately.
This allows for the possibility that some elements may gain voter approval while others do not.
The Denver City Council unanimously endorsed the proposal in August, making it the first major bond initiative put to Denver voters in four years.
In 2021, similar efforts were met with success, with voters approving four out of five Rise Denver bond measures, totaling $260 million.
Other Denver County Measures
Beyond the Vibrant Denver Bond, voters will face additional measures on their ballots.
**Referred Question 2F**: Changing the Name of the Department of Excise and Licenses
The question on the ballot states: “Shall the Charter of the City and County of Denver be amended to change the name of the Department of Excise and Licenses to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection?”
This straightforward measure proposes a name change to better reflect the department’s functions, including issuing licenses and conducting background checks.
There would be no associated costs with this name modification.
**Referred Question 2G**: Changes to At-Large City Council Elections
This question asks voters if they support amending the charter to alter the election method for the two at-large councilmembers.
Currently, the top two candidates in a single election secure these seats.
Passing 2G would mean designating separate races for Councilmember-at-Large seat A and seat B, mirroring the election methods for other council positions.
This change aims to ensure that candidates earn their seats more directly through majority support, as some have criticized the current system.
The measure passed with a narrow margin in the City Council through a 7-6 vote, with certain council members opposing it.
**Referendum 310**: Retaining or Dropping the Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products
Lastly, voters will decide the fate of ordinance number 24-1765, which bans flavored tobacco products.
The question on the ballot asks: “Shall the voters of the City and County of Denver retain this ordinance, which prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products?”
If passed, Denver will maintain its ban on flavored tobacco to safeguard against youth addiction to these products.
Meanwhile, opponents argue that the ban could adversely impact local businesses.
In conclusion, while political activity has decreased compared to previous election cycles, the upcoming November ballot presents crucial opportunities for voters in Denver.
From funding for school meal programs to an extensive bond for infrastructure and community improvement, the decisions made at the polls will significantly impact the future of the city and its residents.
As Election Day approaches, it is important for citizens to engage with the ballot measures and understand the implications of their votes.
Civic involvement remains a cornerstone of democracy, and each vote will contribute to shaping Denver’s path forward.
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