Program History

Public Input Graphic Header

Bonds have always allowed our city to invest in what matters — places, programs, and people. For decades, General Obligation bond (GO bond) programs improved Denver’s infrastructure and brought airports, fire stations, libraries, and more to the city. 

In November 2017, voters approved Denver’s most recent bond, the $937 million Elevate Denver Bond Program. However, this journey to the ballot began a year earlier in 2016 when the city engaged the community in a conversation about the improvements they wanted to see in their neighborhoods and throughout the city.

Through six public meetings, a map-based online tool, City Council engagement, and comment cards located at libraries and recreation centers across Denver, the city received more than 3,000 ideas. The stakeholder phase of the GO bond process saw an additional 1,000+ emails from residents advocating for projects. Each stakeholder committee meeting featured a public comment period for residents to voice their opinions as well. During the election, Denver voters passed all seven ballot questions for the bond package with overwhelming support. Voter support for the initiatives ranged from nearly 67 percent to 75 percentDenver voters spoke, and now the city is listening. Projects are underway and moving through development, design, and construction.


Project Timeline

  • 2015 - 2017: Project Development Phase
    • Elevate 2020 (Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan)
    • Departmental project priorities
    • City partner institutions and Denver Health
    • Initial city council project priorities
  • 2016-2017: Community Engagement and Project Evaluation Phase
    • Elevate Denver community engagement process
    • Eligibility review
    • Internal citywide value and technical project evaluation
    • GO Bond external Executive Committee review of project list and development of recommendations  
  • April 12, 2017: City council 2nd reading (referral to ballot)
  • August - November 2017: Ballot campaign and vote
  • November 2017: Voters approved measures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G with 67-75% approval
  • Spring 2018: First debt issuance for bond (city council approval required)