Denver council approves stadium financing package, prompting debate over $70M in public capital and bond interest use

Denver City Council on Monday approved a set of bills and a rezoning that together clear the way for a purpose‑built National Women’s Soccer League stadium at the former Gates Rubber Company site, despite sharp debate over the use of city capital dollars and bond interest.

Council voted to pass a block of bills (Council Bills 15‑52, 15‑53, 15‑54 and 18‑50) tied to intergovernmental agreements with Broadway Station Metropolitan District No. 1 and other project elements, and separately approved Council Bill 15‑41 to change zoning for 709 S. Delaware St. The block of bills passed with a recorded tally of 10 ayes; the rezoning passed 11–1.

Why it mattered: Supporters argued the package brings long‑delayed redevelopment, prevailing‑wage jobs and a community benefits agreement (CBA) negotiated by neighborhood volunteers. Opponents warned that the city is reallocating roughly $70 million in capital improvement funds and using bond interest earnings (the administration has estimated roughly $65 million in Elevate bond…