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

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic place names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

October 31 - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight