Anxiety is rising among members of the Downtown Denver Partnership following the Denver City Council’s decision to delay a $1.7 million contract intended to help revitalize the city’s downtown area. Despite the setback, the organization remains hopeful that the funding will eventually be approved, allowing them to continue their efforts to rejuvenate the heart of Denver.
The $1.7 million contract, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is designed to support key areas within the 15-block retail space of downtown Denver as it gradually reopens after a massive $172.5 million construction project. The Downtown Denver Partnership aims to ensure a full and successful reopening of the 16th Street Mall, a central piece of the city’s revitalization efforts, which has been plagued by construction disruptions, office vacancies, and a growing perception of crime and open-air drug use.
Kourtney Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, emphasized the importance of the funding in maintaining the momentum of the mall’s reopening. “We are optimistic about the September 9 reopening and are anxiously waiting,” Garrett said. “These funds are crucial to helping Denver residents rediscover existing businesses and raise awareness of new ones, many of which have been neglected during the construction and the COVID-19 recovery period.”
The $1.7 million ARPA funding request outlines three primary solutions for improving the mall: a grant program for businesses to expand their patios or enhance their facades, initiatives to fill vacant spaces, and organizing block “activations” to draw people back to the area. Garrett noted that foot traffic in the sections of the mall that have already reopened has increased by 30% to 50%, but she stressed that additional support is necessary to repopulate downtown fully.
Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration has been aggressively pushing to transform downtown Denver into a vibrant city center, showing a strong willingness to invest in its revitalization. The city has already allocated approximately $4 million in ARPA funding toward downtown’s revitalization, according to the city’s dashboard.
However, not everyone is pleased with the delay. Councilmember Chris Hinds, whose district includes the 16th Street Mall, expressed frustration over the council’s decision to postpone the vote. “I’m not excited about a delay, mostly because these funds are meant to assist our businesses, not sit in committee,” Hinds said. He added that he would prefer members to vote “no” on the contract if they have concerns, rather than delay the process.
The legislative “shot clock,” a mechanism that automatically approves a contract or resolution within 30 days if the council does not act, is also causing concern. Hinds pointed out that while this process maximizes the executive branch’s power, it may lead the public to question the council’s role if members do not vote before the shot clock expires.
Despite the challenges, the Downtown Denver Partnership remains hopeful. The $1.7 million contract will be revisited by the council on September 9, just over a week after more blocks of the mall reopen. In the meantime, Garrett encouraged the public to attend a special celebration for the reopening on August 29, highlighting the ongoing efforts to breathe new life into downtown Denver.
“We need to continue to bring businesses back, support local entrepreneurs, and protect the success we have achieved,” Garrett said. “It is absolutely imperative that we solve for the vulnerabilities that still exist in our downtown economy.”