What Is the Vibrant Denver Bond? | 2025 General Obligation Bond Overview

The Vibrant Denver Bond Program is a proposed 2025 general obligation bond package from the City and County of Denver. This bond would allow the city to issue debt, backed by property taxes, to fund a list of designated public infrastructure projects. The proposal is expected to appear on Denver’s November 2025 ballot.

The bond focuses on citywide capital improvements such as facilities, parks, streets, and shelter infrastructure. Notably, no new bike lanes are included in this package.

Understanding General Obligation Bonds in Denver

A general obligation bond (GO bond) is a financing tool used by local governments to fund long-term public infrastructure projects. GO bonds are repaid over time through property tax revenues and require approval from city voters.

In Denver, GO bonds are a common method of raising funds for capital improvements like:

  • Road resurfacing

  • Fire station repairs

  • Park upgrades

  • Homeless shelter expansions

These funds cannot be used for operational costs, maintenance, or private development.

Vibrant Denver Bond: Project Categories

The proposed Vibrant Denver Bond Program 2025 outlines investments across four main areas. The full list is available in the official bond project PDF.

1. Public Safety and Civic Facilities

  • Upgrades to Denver Police Department buildings

  • Modernization of fire stations

  • Improvements to the Denver Animal Shelter

2. Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Sites

  • Renovations at Harvard Gulch and Hiawatha Davis Jr. recreation centers

  • Infrastructure improvements in public parks

  • Capital support for the Denver Zoo and Botanic Gardens

3. Transportation and Street Infrastructure

  • Repaving of roads and rehabilitation of bridges

  • Curb ramp construction to support accessibility

  • Sidewalk reconstruction and safety enhancements

🚫 Note: This bond does not include funding for new bike lane projects.

4. Housing and Homeless Services

  • Expansion of shelter capacity and transitional housing facilities

  • Facility upgrades to support housing assistance and service delivery

Vibrant Denver Bond Program: Key Facts

  • Funding Source: Voter-approved general obligation bonds repaid via property taxes

  • No Tax Rate Increase: Structured to fit within existing debt service limits

  • Timeframe: Multi-year project schedule dependent on city planning and readiness

  • Ballot Timing: Expected to be presented to voters in the November 2025 municipal election

Learn More About the 2025 Denver Bond Package

For full project details, budget summaries, and location-specific breakdowns, refer to the official city document:

👉 Download the Mayor’s Proposed Vibrant Denver Bond Package (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will the Vibrant Denver Bond raise my taxes?
A: The proposal is designed not to increase the city’s property tax rate. Debt repayment would be covered within the current tax structure.

Q: What types of projects are included?
A: Civic buildings, parks, streets, bridges, and shelter infrastructure. No new bicycle infrastructure is included.

Q: When will the projects begin?
A: Timelines vary, with projects scheduled based on readiness and available bond proceeds.

Q: What happens if voters turn down the bond?
A: The projects are not funded, and the Mayor and City Council would have to go to voters again with another list of projects that they think would be more politically viable. Check out this Denverite article with more details.