Denver allocates $1.9 million for 16th Street Mall revival

Denver is planning to spend $1.9 million to attract visitors back to the 16th Street Mall this summer. The funding aims to create events like a live music series, weekend artisan markets, a soccer pitch, and art installations. The city's downtown area has been undergoing construction for almost three years. Officials want to revitalize the area, as it plays a crucial role in the local economy. Councilman Chris Hinds emphasized that downtown is key to the economic success of the whole region. The City Council approved this funding in a vote of 10 to 3. The money will help host a "Welcome to Downtown Denver" event at the end of May. It will also support live music in various public spaces and help visitors navigate downtown to find local businesses. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, downtown Denver contributed significantly to the city’s tax revenue. However, that number has dropped recently, leading to a $45 million loss in revenue. Some council members expressed doubts about whether these events would bring back the lost revenue. Councilwoman Sarah Parady highlighted more immediate community needs, like housing and healthcare. She voted against the funding, along with two other council members. Much of the planned activities will be one-off events intended to create a positive impression as the city works to recover from past construction efforts. This new investment adds to an existing $400,000 agreement with the Denver Downtown Partnership. The total cost of the 16th Street Mall construction project has reached around $175 million.