Legislation

District 7 Legislative News

Visit denvergov.org/citycouncil to search all City Council legislation

Legislative Priorities

Transportation & Mobility

Support and funding for the South Broadway Multi-modal project to construct a two-way protected bike lane from Center Avenue to Speer Boulevard, including traffic signal and curb ramp reconstruction, bus stop enhancements, on-street parking, utility design, paving, signing and striping, drainage, and water quality improvements
Support for the organizational change from Public Works to Department of Transportation & Infrastructure that prioritizes increasing mobility and safety while reducing congestion and fighting climate change
Shared Mobility/Micromobility program for electric bikes and scooters across the city
Advocate for funding for sidewalks and explore new funding options to address gaps and missing sidewalks throughout city

Housing & Homelessness

Support for Initiative 2B- Homelessness Resolution Fund, created an increase of .25% of sales tax to establish a new dedicated funding that will generate $40 million a year. Eligible uses for the fund include housing development, rental assistance and supportive services for housing; expanding shelter capacity and access to 24/7 services, mental health care, substance treatment, housing/employment counseling, and COVID-19 prevention; providing multiple services at a single site; and other programs and services for those experiencing homelessness. Denver voters approved the tax increase in 2020.
Developer Impact Fee - created the first-ever dedicated fund for affordable housing funded in part by a linkage fee on commercial and residential development and a portion of a property tax mill already approved by Denver voters. In 2018, City Council voted to increase the city’s sales tax on marijuana (from 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent) to add to the fund. The fund is estimated to raise $150 million over the next 10 years to create or preserve 6,000 affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families.Prior to 2017, Denver has not charged development impact fees, except in the Gateway area.
Approved providing legal assistance to residents facing eviction
Funding for landlords to help people behind on rent
Loosening outdated restrictions on who is allowed to live together
Funding for new housing developments for those with lower area median incomes
Re-zonings for development of new housing requiring more affordability
Funding for services, like the early intervention teams and STAR program
Rules and regulations that protect and bolster wages at the lower end
Updating zoning rules and regulations to accommodate more housing options
Job training and retention programs
“Healthy Residential Rentals for All” legislation that requires all rental properties to obtain a license and inspection to ensure rental units are complying with Denver’s minimum housing standards. The goal is to prevent housing conditions that adversely affect the life, safety and general well-being of tenants.
This is not an all encompassing list of every program that Denver is doing to address housing and homelessness. Visit denvergov.org/housing to learn more.
FAQ on Homelessness

Sustainability & the Environment

Created a new permanent funding source for parks (2A Parks and Open Space Sales Tax) that was approved by voters in Nov. 2018 to: Aquire new land for parks, trails and open space; Improve and maintain existing parks, trails and open space, including Denver Mountain Parks; Build and maintain new parks and trails; Restore and protect natural features such as waterways, rivers, canals, and stream; Expanded the urban tree cover in parks, parkways, and public right-of-ways
Funded proactive treatment and tree planting to combat Emerald Ash Borer
Created a new separate Office of Climate Action Sustainability & Resiliency and passed a $.025 sales tax as a dedicated funding source to combat climate change
Support for dog park in Lucky District 7
"Bring Your Own Bag" Ordinance, City Council required retailers to charge a $.10 fee on disposable bags to reduce the number of disposable carryout bags used, littered, and landfilled
Support for Green Building Code, that approves Building and Fire Code standards to create a more sustainable high performance building.
Served on Green Roofs Task Force and help craft rules and regulations for the Green Building Ordinance aimed at helping existing and new buildings with energy efficiency and decreasing temperatures citywide.
Support for legislation requiring restaurants and delivery apps to ask customers whether they want to opt in to receive single-use items such as forks, straws and condiment packets
Expanded Waste Service to offer weekly and free compost and recycle, charge for trash based on volume thrown, incentivizing diverting waste from the landfill

Public Safety

Banned bump stocks in Denver, making them illegal to sell, carry, store, or otherwise possess in Denver
Support and funding for the STAR Program - a community program that redirects some 911 calls to social worker and paramedics. STAR re-imagines public safety using harm reduction methods and removing the police from non-violent situations
Support for Youth Empowerment Building, wrap-around services and community-focused approach that support youth and crime prevention in the Valverde neighborhood
Regulation of hours of operation for hookah lounges (closing time of 12 midnight) to reduce outcrowd issues.

Inclusivity

Repealed the city sales tax on menstrual hygiene products
Required all single stall restrooms to have gender neutral signage
Sponsored City Council initiated ballot measure to increase property taxes to fund Denver Library services, adding $30 million a year to increase services, reduce wait times and increase staff wages.

Arts & Culture

Doubled the investment in public art through the Urban Arts Fund
Raised money, coordinated with small businesses and worked with city agencies to install a Broadway Rainbow Crosswalk as a visual demonstration of the neighborhood's spirit of inclusiveness and support for the LGBTQIA+ community
In coordination with the Broadway Merchants Association, started the annual Broadway Halloween Parade, showcasing the eclectic and funky heart of South Broadway.
Served on Levitt Pavilion Board, fundraised and advocated for free cultural and musical events in the Ruby Hill neighborhood

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