Denver wants the public to decide how to spend $2 million
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Ready to cast another ballot?
Driving the news: The city of Denver wants your help deciding how to spend $2 million in taxpayer money for city projects.
- Funding for the Participatory Budget comes from the city's $1.66 billion spending plan, which Denver City Council approved Monday.
Why it matters: The pilot program gives residents a chance to speak directly to Mayor Michael Hancock's administration about new infrastructure for the city and across its neighborhoods.
- The program focused on investing in historically underserved areas to make sure the city heard from people who don't always participate in local government.
By the numbers: The city received 1,176 project ideas from 1,094 residents this summer via door-to-door and neighborhood canvassing, Denver finance department spokesperson Kiki Turner says.
The $2 million is split into four areas, with $1 million directed toward projects with citywide impact and the remaining funds going into three neighborhood pots:
- $400,000 for Montbello or Green Valley Ranch;
- $300,000 for East Colfax, Montclair, Hale or South Park Hill;
- $300,000 for City Park, City Park West, Congress Park, Cheesman Park or Capitol Hill.
Between the lines: Residents can pick and choose projects in order of preference.
- The proposed citywide project list includes building wider, more accessible sidewalks, adding drinking fountains in northwest Denver parks and constructing tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness.
What to watch: Turner said the deadline to vote has been extended to Nov. 30.
- Residents and people who go to school in Denver are eligible to vote. Those under 18 and undocumented people living in the city are eligible as well.