Leading Mobility and Transportation Advocacy as Downtown's Transportation Management Association

For nearly three decades, the Downtown Denver Partnership has served as the Transportation Management Association (TMA) for Denver's center city, advocating for innovative mobility solutions and sustainable transportation in the heart of the city.  

Understanding Transportation Management Associations 

Transportation Management Associations first emerged in the 1980’s as organizations dedicated to addressing transportation and mobility needs within specific geographic regions. These public-private partnerships unite diverse stakeholders, recognizing that effective transportation solutions require input from a wide variety of groups. TMAs serve as advisors on transportation projects, organizers that bring together necessary stakeholders and advocates for forward-thinking change. 

While TMA activities vary by region, common initiatives include promoting public transportation and rideshare programs, supporting active transportation, and working with employees to craft commuting solutions. Currently, eight TMAs operate throughout Colorado, primarily serving the Denver metropolitan area.  

The Partnership’s Role as Downtown's TMA

The Downtown Denver Partnership TMA, established in 1995, uniquely integrates mobility work into the Partnership’s broader place management role. This integrated approach allows for more holistic transportation solutions that consider the whole downtown ecosystem, setting us apart from traditional TMAs that focus solely on transportation issues.

In addition to key governmental agencies like the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Downtown Denver Partnership TMA works with a diverse array of stakeholders, including large corporations, local retailers, and non-profits. By facilitating discussions between these groups, we can incorporate a variety of needs and perspectives into our decision making, ensuring that downtown can be a place for everyone. Our work primarily focuses on three critical areas: air quality improvement, enhanced mobility options and improved access into and throughout downtown Denver.

Leading Through Data-Driven Advocacy and Employer Engagement

The Partnership has established itself as a leader in transportation advocacy through its commitment to data-driven solutions and tailored employer outreach. Each year, we conduct extensive data collection and administer travel surveys that track commuting trends and mode choice throughout downtown. For example, our most recent travel survey found that telecommuting has been declining post-pandemic, with rates of solo commuting simultaneously increasing. Additionally, transit use has remained relatively stagnant over the past few years, with only 13% of commuters regularly utilizing transit in 2024 compared to over 43% in 2019. These findings influence our other work and help to inform larger transportation planning decisions throughout the region.

To help address the rise in single-occupancy vehicle use as more employees return to the office, we work directly with many downtown employers to provide a range of services that support alternative commuting methods, including:

• Individual company Travel Survey reports that provide customized mobility insights

• Transportation benefits consultation to optimize employee commuting options

• On-site transportation fairs and presentations that educate and engage workers

• Commute trip planning services for new and current employees

• Transit Pass purchasing assistance to streamline access to public transportation

  
  

These initiatives help educate employees and support employers in making sustainable commuting choices easier and more accessible than ever before.

Leading the Future of Downtown Mobility

In addition to working with employers, we leverage our unique knowledge and experience to support wider transportation planning initiatives throughout the Denver metropolitan area, creating comprehensive reports and advising partner organizations on critical mobility challenges. Some of our current projects include collaborating with the City and County of Denver on the Downtown Area Plan, developing a secure bike parking hub at Plaza of the Americas, and supporting the development of the 5280 Trail. While a lot of this work relies on our specific knowledge of transportation and mobility, our success relies upon our wider experiences in city building and our strong network of stakeholders throughout downtown.

Check out our mobility reports:

• Downtown Parking Study Report (2024)

• Downtown Denver Travel Survey (2024)

• Smart Cycling Study (2023)

• Commercial Bike Parking Inventory (2022)

This article was authored by Isabella Smith, an Intern for the Downtown Denver Partnership's Planning & Community Impact Team. You can follow Isabella's work on her LinkedIn.