Finance and Business Committee advances $20M in Vibrant Denver funding for Westside Health Clinic

The Finance and Business Committee of the Denver City Council moved forward a funding assignment agreement on March 24 that would provide $20,000,000 of voter-approved Vibrant Denver bond proceeds to Denver Health to support construction of a new Westside Family Health Center in Council District 3. Chris Scott, chief operating officer at Denver Health, said, "This is certainly a pride project for Denver Health."

The agreement is the first contracting action under the Vibrant Denver ballot measure, which Patrick Riley of the Vibrant Denver bond program said passed with "over 70%" voter support. Riley described the FAA as one piece of a larger capital stack rather than the project’s full financing, saying the agreement "really just helps complete their capital stack."

City staff and Denver Health outlined the project scope: a new three-story clinic built on the existing Westside site that will nearly double current building area, add advanced services including physical therapy and an off-campus CT scanner, and replace the old clinic with a parking deck. Molly Scarborough, Vibrant Denver bond program, noted the project will adhere to DISBO supplier diversity goals, include a 1% public art contribution (about $580,000, as stated by staff), and carry a 10% woman- and minority-owned business enterprise goal. Denver Health estimated the total project budget at about $100,000,000 and gave an approximate building size of 82,500 square feet.

Councilmembers questioned logistics and finances. Councilmember Paul Cashman asked for total cost; Chris Scott responded that the overall project budget is about $100,000,000. Council Pro Tem Diana Romero Campbell sought clarification about the city’s contribution; presenters confirmed the City’s $20,000,000 contribution from Vibrant Denver is treated like a grant within the broader capital stack. On access during construction, Denver Health said the existing clinic will remain open and that shuttle service will be provided between the garage and clinic, and staff said they are coordinating weekly with Denver Human Services to minimize disruption and ensure ADA access.

A councilmember also requested a future briefing on the Vibrant Denver bond portfolio and the investment mix backing the bond proceeds; staff agreed to return with those details. Presenters said the legislative schedule calls for review at Mayor & Council on March 31, a first reading at City Council on April 6, and a second reading on April 13, with funding needed by May 1 to keep the project on schedule.

On the action item, Daryl Watson moved and Paul Cashman seconded advancing the funding assignment agreement; no roll-call vote was requested and the committee signaled assent by thumbs-up, so the item will proceed to the full council as scheduled. The chair then announced four consent items would move forward to full council and adjourned the meeting.