Downtown Denver Partnership and City & County of Denver Unveils Bold 20 Year Vision to Transform Downtown into Complete Neighborhood

The City and County of Denver’s Department of Community Planning and Development and the Downtown Denver Partnership today released an ambitious new vision for Downtown Denver, that prioritizes the future of downtown as a central neighborhood that is the epicenter of economic activity, a cultural and community hub and a place that is celebrated for generations to come.   

Over the course of the last ten months, with thousands of community touchpoints and dozens of meetings, the next iteration of the Downtown Area Plan emphasizes bold and actionable priorities that reflect the vision of a vibrant, healthy and complete downtown. 

“We are at a pivotal time in our downtown's history, and this plan provides an opportunity to guide the next decade of progress that strengthens Downtown Denver as a complete and connected neighborhood,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “Through this unified and cohesive vision for downtown, we are excited to see increased investment and activity that catalyzes economic impact and increased social wellbeing."  

Downtown Denver is a significant economic driver for Denver, the Front Range and Mountain West region. Despite accounting for only 1.8% of Denver’s land area, Downtown Denver represents 30% of all Denver jobs, 21% of retail and lodging sales, 20% of taxable property value, and 17% of city’s sales and use tax revenue. Yet, the area like many other downtowns has faced challenges including high office vacancies, declines in foot traffic and a need for multi-use districts.   

"Denver's Downtown is more than a business district, it's where our city comes together to live, work, celebrate and connect," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This plan is about ensuring our downtown grows into a place that serves all people – families, workers, artists and entrepreneurs. We are taking bold steps to make our city center welcoming, vibrant and resilient, driving economic growth and improving quality of life." 

A main theme of the Plan, “When Denver Goes to Play,” envisions downtown as the hub for outdoor adventure, cultural celebrations, and multi-generational neighborhood amenities.   

"This plan recognizes that a strong Downtown is essential to the future of our entire city," said City Councilman Chris Hinds, representing District 10. "But it also recognizes something more important — that Downtown must be for everyone. That means building more housing, creating welcoming spaces, and making our city center a place where people want to stay, not just stop by." 

The 20-year roadmap includes ambitious targets: reducing up to 7 million square feet of vacant office space through strategic redevelopment, doubling downtown's population with over 2,000 new housing units in Upper Downtown, revitalizing public spaces like Civic Center Park and Skyline Park, and creating signature play features designed for all ages and abilities. 

"Play is more than fun — it's freedom, creativity, connection, and access," said Brad Buchanan, Interim Executive Director of Community Planning and Development. "This plan is about embracing what makes Downtown Denver great and ensuring that energy is felt on every block, for everyone." 

The release of the Downtown Area Plan comes one week after the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) Board announced $100 million in DDA funding for a range of Downtown Denver projects, including new housing, business support, redevelopment efforts and park improvements.  

Ready to see the full vision? The draft plan is now available for public review and comment. Visit denverdowntownareaplan.com and share your feedback on this transformative vision for Denver's urban core.