Denver and partners boost economic activity and safety downtown
Originally published by Denver Economic Development & Opportunity on August 29, 2022 City...
Safe, Welcoming and Inclusive
The Downtown Denver Partnership and Downtown Denver Business Improvement District are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all who live, work, and play in Downtown Denver.
As Downtown Denver has experienced record growth in years prior to the pandemic, more people than ever are living, working, and visiting the center city. The Downtown Denver Partnership and Downtown Denver Business Improvement District have long advocated for, and have an unwavering commitment to, ensuring we have the right policies, programs and resources in place to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for residents, employees and visitors alike. To create a safe and welcoming environment downtown, the Partnership and BID launched the Downtown Denver Security Action Plan in 2016 and have an array of programs and resources to support property and business owners, employees and the general public.
Downtown Denver Security Action Plan
Completed in January 2016, the Downtown Denver Security Action Plan is a comprehensive and holistic look at how the private sector supports safety and security efforts. The plan details more than 240 action items ranging from improved lighting and management of alleys to enhancing communication programs among property owners and businesses. The development of the Plan was led by the Partnership, with consulting support from KPMG and funding from the BID, the City and County of Denver, the Regional Transportation District and Brookfield Properties.
Since the implementation of the Downtown Denver Security Action Plan, more than 80% of Downtown stakeholders say they feel safety on the Mall has improved.
The Plan includes five focus areas: infrastructure and environment; communications, education and responsibility; regulation and enforcement; information and coordination; and strategy and management. Diverse in techniques and tactical approaches, more than 350 individuals and 2,500 survey respondents informed the development of the action items.
The Plan provides a structure to leverage the resources of all stakeholders to most efficiently address safety and security in Downtown Denver, including the 16th Street Mall, and to enhance overall consumer confidence in the space. Current funding for the Security Action Plan comes from the BID and VISIT DENVER.
We work closely with the Denver Police Department to ensure adequate numbers of officers are on duty to support safety and security Downtown, in addition to focusing on the following key areas:
Private Security Team
The BID deploys a private security team on the 16th Street Mall 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Private security officers welcome employees, residents and visitors while playing an ambassadorial role, help direct individuals in need of social services to the appropriate resources, and work closely with Denver Police Department officers and private businesses in addressing unlawful behavior.
It is all about the team! Gain perspective from a private security officer on how his efforts have created a safer and more welcoming Downtown Denver.
Read NowResources for those Experiencing Homelessness
Find access to shelters for families and individuals, pet shelters, medical and mental health services, and more. See the City of Denver’s resource page for those experiencing homelessness here.
In addition to the outreach provided by our BID Private Security, the BID partners with St. Francis Center to support outreach workers.
Creating Safe and Secure Alleys
15 alleys along the Mall are permitted to create an environment where only permitted uses will be allowed – such as emergency and trash collection – to support public health and safety, as well as support leveraging the alleys as public spaces. We have also funded the addition of lighting to nine alleys along the 16th Street Mall.
Business Owner Resources
We work closely with Downtown business owners to clarfy ordinances to help them better utilize resources available to them, and to support communication to and amongst business owners to share information, support advocacy and ensure a uniform understanding of rules and regulations.
Business Coalition on Homelessness
The Business Coalition on Homelessness was founded in 2019 by the Downtown Denver Partnership and business leaders to bring the resources, leadership, and voice of business together to collectively work with public and private sector partners, stakeholders, and the City to find and deliver solutions to homelessness. Learn more here.
Community Resources
Events and Activation
We know that the more positive activity we bring to our parks and public spaces, the better the experience for everyone. That's why the Partnership and the BID implement programs and events year-round throughout the center city. From Meet in the Street and other activations on the 16th Street Mall to the Beer Garden and ice skating rink in Skyline Park, Downtown events are a core component of our strategy.
See Something, Say Something
The Partnership joins the Denver Police Department in encouraging the community to report any issues that may threaten public safety anywhere in Downtown Denver. Situations should be reported immediately by calling 911 so that appropriate resources can be dispatched immediately.