Downtown Denver Partnership Takes Positions on Ballot Issues

The DDI board urges a "yes" vote on Amendment 32, the taxable value of residential property. Among other things, this will relieve pressure on the state's general fund and on commercial properties that have shouldered steadily increasing proportions of constitutional mandates for K-12 education, Medicaid and corrections, according to the board.

However, the board is calling for a "no" vote on Amendment 33, which would allow video lottery terminals, which are similar to slot machines, at dog-racing tracks. Rhode Island-based Wembley Corp., is pushing the amendment.

Amendment 33 is the "wrong tool to address Colorado's critical need for increased funding for tourism marketing," according to the DDI. There is a lack of guarantees on long-term VLT funding stream for tourism marketing, according to the partnership.

The DDI also opposed the repeal of Denver's controversial Quick Wins II program, which has divided many inner-city builders, architects and developers. Quick Wins II seeks to eliminate home and duplex renovations that would result in so-called "long houses" that stretch from one end of the property line to the other.

Critics, however, say it is another attack on property rights and could drive many people who own homes on smaller lots to the suburbs.

The DDI, however, supports both the Denver Public School District's $310 million bond issue and $20 million per year mill levy increases, which are aimed to improve the infrastructure and resources for the district's K-12 students.

"Each of these ballot measure impacts the health of Downtown Denver as a place to live, work and visits," says Bob Flynn, EVP of Amerimar Realty Management Co., owner of the Denver Place office towers in downtown Denver. Flynn also is chairman of Downtown Denver Inc.