Mayor presses 'go' on Denver bond projects
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has announced the start of the first of 90 projects financed through the $1 billion Vibrant Denver bond initiative. The initiative, recently approved by city voters, will launch with a groundbreaking on Thursday.
Speaking at a Wednesday news conference, Johnston expressed gratitude to residents for endorsing the six-year general obligation bond. The funds will support widespread capital improvements, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced community spaces.
“All of these projects will be open to the public within six years,” Johnston said. “And the great news is we are not wasting any time in getting to work; we will actually do our first groundbreaking on a bond-funded project tomorrow.”
According to the mayor’s office, the bond initiative will generate an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity, support 7,000 local jobs, and bring enduring benefits that make Denver’s neighborhoods safer, better connected, and more vibrant. The city expects to repay the new debt over six years at a cost near $1.8 billion.
First Project: Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center
Denver Health will lead the initial construction by breaking ground on the 82,500-square-foot Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center. This development marks a major investment in healthcare resources for West Denver, reflecting the broader promise of the Vibrant Denver program to strengthen community-based services.
Author’s summary: Denver launches a six-year, $1 billion bond to upgrade city infrastructure and community facilities, initiating with a new healthcare center in West Denver.