Announcing our 2026 Ballot Guide
At the Downtown Denver Partnership, we know that elections - no matter the size or scale - have the power to significantly impact our city and state. We believe it is critically important for voters to cast an educated vote in every election. The Partnership publishes this ballot guide to help you navigate the ballot questions and issues you'll be asked to vote on during this election.
The Downtown Denver Partnership prioritizes ballot measures that could significantly affect the center city. For measures that meet this threshold, The Partnership evaluates each proposal through the lens of its Policy Priorities, with particular consideration given to potential impacts on Downtown Denver and economic competitiveness. This approach led to a focus on ten local and state measures on the November 2026 ballot.
With 21 state and local measures on this year's ballot, we strongly encourage our members and the downtown community to carefully consider each and every issue before casting a vote.
Our Positions: November 2026 State & Local Elections
The Downtown Denver Partnership has taken positions on two state and local ballot questions this election cycle:
Local Measures:
Referred Question 2H - Wage and Worker Protection Charter Amendment - EDUCATE
Referred Question 2I - Biennial Budget Charter Amendment - EDUCATE
Referred Question 2J - Civil Service Commission Modernization Charter Amendment - EDUCATE
Referred Question 2K - Xcel Franchise Agreement - SUPPORT
Initiated Ordinance 311 - Prohibit the Force Feeding of Birds - OPPOSE
State:
7A / Colorado Connector Passenger Rail Sales Tax Measure (Front Range Passenger Rail District) - EDUCATE
Proposition NN - TABOR Revenue Cap Increase for K-12 Education - EDUCATE
Proposition 132 / Initiative 85 - Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes - EDUCATE
Amendment 87 / Initiative 195 - Graduated Income Tax - OPPOSE
Proposition 136 / Initiative 232 - Income Tax Rate Cap - SUPPORT
Our Process:
Guided by our annual Member feedback survey, our Policy Committee thoroughly evaluates and recommends positions to the Board of Directors. Evaluation is also informed by our unique subject matter expertise in transportation, urban planning, economic development, public health and safety and good governance. We also engage with community and interest groups to understand a variety of perspectives on each issue, and ensure balanced viewpoints are factored into decision making.
Educate Position:
An educate position from the Downtown Denver Partnership is not an endorsement of or opposition to a ballot measure. Instead, it serves as a resource for our Members and Denver voters, offering clear information about how the measure could affect downtown and the broader city, and what questions are worth considering before casting a vote.
Support Position:
The Downtown Denver Partnership fully supports the measure and will advocate for its passage.
Oppose Position:
The Downtown Denver Partnership opposes the measure and includes the rationale and potential impacts on downtown for voter consideration.
