Last week we saw voters support three important ballot issues for our region—and we saw some important measures fall short.
Let’s start with the good news: Voters recognized that thinking big and making decisions today for the long-term is really smart—and, they passed critical ballot issues that will economically benefit all of us for decades.
1A for DIA passes. Our airport is starting to feel much closer to downtown—from the soon-to-open FasTracks rail line to development opportunities surrounding it. The counties and cities surrounding Denver International Airport worked together to create an agreement that creates opportunity for everyone in Adams County, Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Federal Heights and Thornton to benefit. And voters thanked them for their collaboration by 78 percent supporting the measure in Denver and 84 percent supporting the measure in Adams County.
2C a smart deal for Denver. This measure extends a lodgers’ tax that will allow for upgrades and expansion of the Colorado Convention Center. And, 2C plays a major role in revitalizing the National Western Center and the community around it. These are real areas of commerce for us and will serve a big role in convening players in our economy for years to come.
Both Denver and state voters approved keeping the tax on marijuana sales that they thought they had approved in two previous votes. (Only in Colorado do you have to vote on something three times to say you really mean it—and, the good news is voters really meant it and approved Proposition BB and Referred Question 2B that allowed the state and Denver to keep the taxes already collected.) That money will be used to enforce the rules and regulations for marijuana and to fund some educational needs.
And, now for the bad news.
College Matters does not pass. We were disappointed that one of the few paths we have seen to increase college attainment and ensure we can meet the workforce needs of our future did not pass. This measure would have made $10 million available to high school graduates in Denver and reimbursed them for college costs based on their financial need and upon successful completion of courses. With almost three-quarters of our jobs projected to require some sort of education after high school—from a certificate to a four-year degree—we have to find more ways to get our kids to and through post secondary opportunities.
Wheat Ridge passes TIF oversight. Tax-increment financing is one of the most important tools for our cities and counties to revitalize blighted areas. Now Wheat Ridge joins Littleton as a community requiring voter approval of any potential projects. (In Wheat Ridge any TIF projects exceeding $2.5 million will have to be approved by voters.) This additional requirement adds a complexity that makes securing and completing these challenging projects even less likely, which means communities lose the long-term benefit of increased tax revenue.
We vote on so many issues in Colorado that it’s hard for each voter to track and fully understand the implications of what’s before them. We have a lot of work to do in Colorado to create the economic future we want. And, we know it will take all of us ensure we achieve that future.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.