Swift Implementation of Green Infrastructure (SIGI)

Example of green infrastructure including boulders sitting in shallow water surrounded by rocks and plants

Program Overview

NEW! A Community-Centered Program at the Neighborhood-Scale!

The City and County of Denver is rolling out a new initiative to convert publicly owned pavement into high performing green infrastructure. The Swift Implementation of Green Infrastructure (SIGI) program rapidly turns paved, heat-trapping spaces into vibrant, stormwater-capturing landscapes.

Led by Denver's Division of Green Infrastructure (DGI), SIGI focuses on neighborhoods with vulnerable populations and high pedestrian demand that are most affected by:

Excess pavement and impervious cover
Impaired stormwater quality
Extreme heat

By planting trees, native grasses, and pollinator-attracting perennials in public rights-of-way, we create healthier, more resilient blocks—one neighborhood at a time.

What We're Looking For

City sidewalk with excess pavement that would be a good candidate for green infrastructure — pavement-1.jpg

(JPG, 354KB)

(JPG, 296KB)

(JPG, 263KB)

SIGI transforms spaces along city streets with excess pavement and a lack of tree canopy. We focus on right-of-way spaces with:

Excess or unnecessary pavement
Compacted gravel or rock
High temperatures
Lack of trees and vegetation
Localized flooding or ponding
Favorable drainage
Icy and slippery in winter
A general "need for green"

These redesigned spaces will clean stormwater runoff, cool the air, and expand pollinator habitats along our streets.

Where SIGI is Growing: Neighborhood by Neighborhood

SIGI is a yearly effort focused on neighborhoods with the greatest need for climate-resilient stormwater infrastructure. In each area, we work with community-based organizations (CBOs) to identify priority locations, connect with residents and businesses, and make sure the project reflects local voices.

Choosing Project Locations

Neighborhood Prioritization

After implementing pilot projects at 8th & Logan in Capitol Hill and W 14th Ave in West Colfax, SIGI transitioned to a neighborhood-level roll-out. DOTI prioritized neighborhoods for SIGI based on 3 factors: 1) Heat Vulnerability, 2) Water Quality, and 3) Pedestrian Demand. This ensures that SIGI prioritizes areas of Denver that benefit the most from rapid green infrastructure conversion projects. The GIS analysis shown below was conducted in 2024. Neighborhood selection criteria is subject to change as the SIGI program evolves.

Selecting SIGI Sites

SIGI projects must meet a set of feasibility and stormwater benefit criteria, while also being sites with express community value and impact. Through an iterative process, the city team collaborates with paid community outreach partners to map priority areas in the neighborhood, review for stormwater feasibility, gauge community and project neighbor buy-in, and prioritize the final sites.

SIGI 8th & Logan Pilot

In 2023, the first pilot of the SIGI program was implemented on the west wide of Logan St between 7th Ave and 8th Ave. Compacted gravel in the right-of-way was removed and replaced with drought-tolerant Colorado-adapted plant varieties.

8th & Logan

Before

After

Photo 8th and Logan after

SIGI W 14th Ave in West Colfax - Pilot

In 2024, DOTI and CASR partnered with West Colfax Association of Neighbors (WeCAN) and West Colfax residents to prioritize two intersections in West Colfax for SIGI conversion projects: W 14th & Perry St and W 14th & Lowell Blvd. Community priorities included providing a vegetated buffer between the roadway and sidewalk to promote pedestrian safety and expanding tree canopy. In total across the two intersections 18 trees were planted and 13,693 square feet of landscape converted in Fall 2024. Young adult participants in Groundwork Denver’s Green Infrastructure Training Program (GRIT) and with the Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) assisted with planting the trees, grasses, and flowering perennials.

SIGI Denver Water Chips Barry Pump Station

In 2023, DOTI partnered with Denver Water to convert water-thirsty turfgrass to a high performing stormwater landscape. The project converted 2,123 square feet of Kentucky Bluegrass to green infrastructure on the north side of E 11th Ave from Quebec St to Quince St. The project treats runoff from 4 acres of urban land and the plants are irrigated with recycled water.

11th and Quebec

Before

After

SIGI Five Points Neighborhood

In 2025, the program transitioned to a neighborhood-level focus. DOTI partnered with the Green Dot Coalition and Council District 9 with support from the Curtis Park RNO to identify and prioritize high-impact spaces across the Five Points neighborhood to remove pavement, replace with heat-mitigating landscape, and expand tree canopy. Neighborhood goals for site selection included co-locating with community-serving spaces, places of worship, and small businesses. In total, 11 sites across Five Points are being converted to green infrastructure between 2025 – 2026. Together, the SIGI sites in Five Points will treat stormwater runoff from 4 acres of urban area, remove 7,600 square feet of pavement, and plant 37 trees at locations with high community value.

Completed Spring 2026

26th St & Walnut St

Before

After

24th St & Champa St

Before

After

30th St & California St -- Mount Zion Church

Before

After

Construction Summer 2026

26th St & Welton St

26th St & Glenarm Pl

35th St & Larimer St

Construction Fall 2026

Downing St from 29th Ave to 30th Ave

31st & California – Black American West Museum

Curtis St from 29th St to 30th St

SIGI Neighborhoods Coming Soon

In 2026, DOTI begun site identification and community engagement processes with community outreach partners in three neighborhoods:

La Alma-Lincoln Park, with Groundwork Denver

Valverde, with The Park People

Westwood, with The Park People and Lupita’s Camino a la Esperanza

Sites in all three neighborhoods aim to be finalized in late 2026, begin construction in 2027, and complete construction by 2028.

Learn More: SIGI in the Media

Stay Connected

Let's Grow This Together!

The growth of SIGI needs your input. Whether you're a neighbor, business owner, or just passionate about green space and stormwater, reach out and share your thoughts with us.

Email:
green.infrastructure@denvergov.org

Tag us in your photos and stories of SIGI plantings!

Instagram: @DenverDOTI