Oct 17, 2024 - News

1-minute voter guide: Denver's Ballot Measure 6A

Esteban L. Hernandez

A massive, gray brick building with the words UNION STATION and TRAVEL BY TRAIN written in large, orange letters. — Denver Union Station. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post

A small number of eligible voters will decide whether to expand the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA), which serves the city center.

Why it matters: DDDA wants the city to borrow $570 million and use the money to pay for improvements, public spaces and other major development and infrastructure projects — both public and private.

Zoom in: Revitalizing downtown is a major goal for Mayor Mike Johnston, who supports the measure.

Since 2008, the DDDA has been used to reimagine Union Station by paying for its massive renovation.

How it works: Voting yes would extend the authority toward Colfax Avenue, west toward Speer Boulevard, and east up to Grant Street.

Context: DDDA raises money through tax increment financing, meaning it takes a percentage of what property owners and businesses within its boundaries pay in property and sales tax.

By expanding its footprint, more revenue could be generated.

Between the lines: Most Denver voters will not see this measure on their ballots.

It's limited to 1,954 voters who are part of the DDDA, which is mainly around Union Station, per 9News.

Go deeper: How Union Station could serve as a model for downtown Denver's revival

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1-minute voter guide: Denver's Ballot Measure 6A

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