Announcing Our November 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 to cast an educated vote every time. Each election cycle, The Partnership publishes a ballot guide to help you navigate the ballot questions and issues Denverites and Coloradans are being asked to vote on.
Looking at each ballot measure through the lens of our Policy Priorities and potential impact on downtown and our economic competitiveness, the Partnership has focused on ten local and state ballot initiatives this election cycle. In addition to outlining our positions, our ballot guide offers overviews of each Denver and Colorado ballot questions. We strongly encourage our members and the downtown community to carefully consider each and every issue before casting a vote.
Our Positions: November 2026 Election
The Downtown Denver Partnership has focused on ten local and state measures this election cycle:
Local Measures:
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Referred Question 2H - Wage and Worker Protection Charter Amendment - EDUCATE
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Referred Question 2I - Biennial Budget Charter Amendment - EDUCATE
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Referred Question 2J - Civil Service Commission Modernization Charter Amendment - EDUCATE
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Referred Question 2K - Xcel Franchise Agreement - SUPPORT
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Initiated Ordinance 311 - Prohibit the Force Feeding of Birds - OPPOSE
State Measures:
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7A / Colorado Connector Passenger Rail Sales Tax Measure (Front Range Passenger Rail District) - EDUCATE
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Proposition NN - TABOR Revenue Cap Increase for K-12 Education - EDUCATE
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Proposition 132 / Initiative 85 - Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes - EDUCATE
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Amendment 87 / Initiative 195 - Graduated Income Tax - OPPOSE
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Proposition 136 / Initiative 232 - Income Tax Rate Cap - SUPPORT
Tree Health
The BID provides a base-level of care for all trees adjacent to commercial properties throughout the district. Not only does this relieve property owners of some of the burdens associated with tree care, but also helps to support a healthy tree canopy by putting all the downtown trees under a centralized care system.
Interested in elevating your tree canopy? Commercial and non-commercial properties can also contract with the DDBID for tree watering, planting and tree health treatments. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a tree health consultation.
Urban Forest Initiative
Trees are transformative for our city's public realm and its people. The Urban Forest Initiative is reimagining how trees are planted and cared for in our downtown. Help plant the seeds.
YEAR 1
One 3" diameter tree will...
Reduce 30 lbs. of CO2
Reduce 30 lbs. of CO2
Reduce 30 lbs. of CO2
$1,500
Saved Per Year
YEAR 10
One 8" diameter tree will...
Reduce 165 lbs. of CO2
Conserve 44 kWh
Intercept 273 gal. of stormwater
$9,500
Saved Per Year
YEAR 30
One 18" diameter tree will...
Reduce 754 lbs. of CO2
Conserve 193 kWh
Intercept 1,494 gal. of stormwater
$43,500
Saved Per Year
12%
ECONOMIC
Increase in income for businesses on tree lined streets.
$5.82 ROI
ECONOMIC
As much as $5.82 ROI for every $1 invested in urban forestry.
12%
ECONOMIC
Decrease in crime with a 10% increase in tree canopy coverage
3-7%
ENVIRONMENTAL
Decrease in ozone for every 10% increase in tree canopy
10°F
ENVIRONMENTAL
Cooler temperatures are felt when walking under tree canopied streets.
60%
ENVIRONMENTAL
Reduction in particulates from car exhaust fumes on streets lined with trees.
By The Numbers
Help Beautify Downtown Properties for the Benefit of All
A healthy urban forest is an indicator of a robust economy, a driver of positive mental and physical wellness, and a sign of environmental resiliency.
A donation to the Urban Forest Initiative is an investment for tomorrow, for the future of our downtown, to make this city that we all love a little bit better and greener, for generations to come.
Join Us in Building a Greener Downtown
"Right away we knew building an urban forest was the project that would make a real impact on improving the quality of life in Downtown Denver"
Raju Patel
Denver President, Bank of America
"This could be an investment that pays big dividends to our children and grandchildren for many years to come"
Mike Zoellner
Managing Partner, ZF Capital
2026 Ballot Guide
Creating a unique and captivating urban destination connects communities and forms a thriving downtown for all. With this goal in mind, the Downtown Denver BID invests in programs and infrastructure, like trees, waste receptacles, flower planters and more that contribute to an inviting, sustainable pedestrian environment.