Denver council approves amended $950 million "Vibrant Denver" bond, sends package to voters

Denver City Council on Aug. 4 approved an amended $950 million bond package, referred to as the “Vibrant Denver” bond, sending the measure to the November ballot. Council approved a set of companion ordinances that split the overall package into thematic bond questions after several amendments restored funding for affordable housing projects and shifted other line items. The council passed the companion ordinance package by recorded votes; the principal package (Council Bill 25‑10‑60, as amended) passed on a 13‑aye call for final passage earlier in the meeting and related transportation, parks, housing and infrastructure pieces were approved in subsequent votes.

The package had been reworked during council debate to increase the housing bond allocation through amendments adopted on the floor. The largest floor amendment moved tens of millions of dollars back into a housing line item and added language that funding should “support projects that provide affordable housing and mitigate residential displacement.” Other amendments reduced…