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Registration Requirements and Information
Who must Register
A lobbyist is any person, including an attorney at law, who is self-employed or employed by another person or organization for the purpose of engaging in lobbying or whose scope of work occasionally requires them to lobby. (D.R.M.C. 2-301(6) and 302)
Exceptions
A person does not have to register as a lobbyist if their activity is limited to one of the exceptions below. (D.R.M.C. 2-301(5) and 305)
- Any person who submits a written request to a covered official for a revocable permit pursuant to DRMC 3.2.7 or a written request for vacation, easement, or dedication of a public right-of-way.
- Any person who appears to give testimony or provide information to city council or at a public hearing, or to give testimony or provide information at the request of a public official or employee. Any person in this category must clearly identify themselves and the interest for whom they are testifying or providing information.
- A newspaper or other regularly published periodical, radio or television station which, in the ordinary course of business, publishes news items, editorials or other comments or paid advertisements which directly or indirectly urge action upon municipal decisions.
- Any individual communicating and/or appearing on their own behalf or without compensation or consideration on behalf of an ad hoc committee, with respect to a legislation decision pursuant to a procedure mandated by state or federal law or local ordinance or rule or regulation, for levying an assessment against real property, for any rezoning proposal, for any comprehensive plan or amendment or any proposal for a landmark designation.
When to Register
Lobbyists must register with the City Clerk within five days after first engaging in lobbying. An individual lobbyist will be considered registered if their employer is registered and lists the individual as a lobbyist on the employer’s registration or amendment thereto.
All lobbyists must renew their register annually with the City Clerk and pay the associated fee. The deadline for the annual registration statement is January 15 of the current calendar year.
How to Register and Registration Fees
To register as a lobbyist, the organization or individual must complete the lobbyist registration form and submit the registration fee listed below. Registration fees are not prorated. All amendments to registration must be reported within five days of the change, see “Change or Cancellation of Fees” below.
Fees (D.R.M.C. 2-311)
- $50- Individual: One person acting as a lobbyist and who does not employ other lobbyists or people who may act in a lobbyist capacity.
- $75- Organization: A person or organization that employs one or more lobbyists and/or persons who may act in a lobbyist capacity.
Fees should be submitted through the Clerk and Recorder’s SearchLight invoice system or by check either in person or via mail to:
Denver Clerk and Recorder
201 West Colfax Ave., Dept. 101
Denver, CO 80202
Reporting Requirements and Registration Fees
All lobbyists registered with the City Clerk are required to submit a bi-monthly report by the 15th of each odd numbered month (January, March, May, etc.) listing all lobbying activities from the previous two (2) months. The report is an itemized list and estimated value of all gifts, entertainment, and direct or indirect expenditures to, on behalf of, or benefiting a covered official for lobbying purposes. The covered gifts include, but are not limited to: monies, tickets, gratuities, transfers, loans, advances, deposits, promises, expressed or implied agreements, or any tangible or intangible thing of value. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, reports are due the next business day. (D.R.M.C. 2-303)
Fees
- Late reports are charged $15 per business day until the report is submitted.
- Late fee accrual is capped at $1,000.
- Late fees should be submitted through the Clerk and Recorder’s online payment portal or by check either in person or via mail to:
Denver Clerk and Recorder,
201 West Colfax Ave., Dept. 101
Denver, CO 80202.
- No further bi-monthly reports, change forms, or other reports will be accepted until late fees are paid in full.
Change or Cancellation of Registration
Any currently registered lobbyist needing to amend their registration in one (or more) of the ways listed below should fill out a change form.
- Add or Remove a Lobbyist
- Add or Remove a Client
- Change the registered lobbyist organization name, address, contact information etc.
- Change the lobbyist status from individual to organization ($25 fee required)
- Terminate registration (no refund of fees)
Inspection of Public Records
All information submitted on lobbyist registration forms and bi-monthly reports are considered a public record and will be made available on the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s website. (D.R.M.C. 2-303(c)(3)).
Compliance and Penalties
All organizations or people lobbying in the City and County of Denver must comply with all requirements in the D.R.M.C. Article XIII – Regulation of Lobbyists. The City Clerk will investigate the activities of any person who is or has allegedly engaged in lobbying in violation of Article XIII. If an apparent violation is found, the City Clerk will issue a written warning or a cease and desist order. The City Clerk may also report the violation to the Denver City Attorney for consideration of criminal prosecution. (D.R.M.C. 2-309)
Contact Us
If you are using assistive technology and are unable to access the content of the reports, or for any other questions, please contact the Denver City Clerk.