📘 Frequently Asked Questions: Vibrant Denver Bond

Explore common questions and answers about the Vibrant Denver Bond Program, Denver’s proposed 2025 general obligation bond package.

❓ What is the Vibrant Denver Bond?

The Vibrant Denver Bond is a proposed $950 million general obligation (GO) bond initiative from the City and County of Denver. If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, it would fund infrastructure and capital improvement projects across the city.

❓ What is a general obligation bond?

A general obligation bond is a form of municipal borrowing that is repaid through property taxes. It is used to fund large-scale, long-term public projects like roads, buildings, parks, and cultural facilities. GO bonds must be approved by voters.

❓ What types of projects are included in the Vibrant Denver Bond?

The proposed projects are divided into several categories:

• Transportation: Street repaving, sidewalk reconstruction, bridge repairs

• Parks and Recreation: Renovations to rec centers, trail upgrades, public park improvements

• Public Facilities: Police and fire station upgrades, library enhancements

• Shelter and Housing Infrastructure: Supportive housing and shelter renovation projects

🛑 Note: The package does not include new bike lanes.

❓ What projects were left out of the bond?

Several high-profile community-requested projects were excluded, including:

• Bike lanes and neighborhood bikeways (e.g. North Broadway, Mississippi Ave)

• The Denver Zoo’s “Latin America Experience” (reduced from $50M to $3M)

• A new secure election facility

• Community land trusts and municipally owned social housing

Read more about excluded projects here.

❓ Why doesn’t the bond include new bike infrastructure?

Despite over 1,100 survey responses requesting bike lanes or biking infrastructure, the final bond package does not allocate funding for new bike lanes or traffic calming. City leaders prioritized other capital investments, such as roads and public facilities.

❓ How much of the bond is going toward transportation?

The bond allocates approximately $427.9 million (45%) to transportation-related projects. However, that funding is focused on street resurfacing, bridge improvements, and pedestrian infrastructure—not bicycle lanes.

❓ Will this bond increase my property taxes?

No. According to city officials, the bond is structured to stay within existing tax rates, meaning no new increase is required to repay the borrowed funds.

❓ How was community input gathered?

The City of Denver conducted:

• A public online survey (6,000+ responses)

• Community meetings and workshops

• Neighborhood engagement events

However, several community priorities—particularly around biking and safe streets—were not reflected in the final bond package.

❓ When will voters decide?

The Vibrant Denver Bond is expected to appear on the November 5, 2025 municipal election ballot. Final City Council approval of the ballot language is scheduled for August 2025.

❓ Where can I read the full bond proposal?

You can view the official document here:
📄 Mayor’s Proposed Vibrant Denver Bond Package (PDF)

❓ How can I share my opinion or get involved?

You can:

• Contact your City Council representative

• Submit public comment during bond hearings

• Follow updates on denvergov.org