Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) - Project Applications

Geographic Scope: Downtown Denver, Colorado

Background: The City & County of Denver announced the DDDA applications to support major transformational projects that will redefine the downtown experience and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors. This initiative was first launched by Mayor Mike Johnston in May 2024, with the Plan of Development approved by Denver City Council in December 2024.

Focus Areas:

• New development and adaptive reuse (e.g., office to residential conversions)
• Livability, economic opportunity, and jobs
• Parks and public space
• Arts, culture, and activation
• Connectivity and mobility

Evaluation Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with the Plan of Development
• Project readiness
• Feasibility
• Financials
• Activation impact
• Alignment with city policy objectives

Eligibility: Open to businesses, community groups, artists, and project owners/developers

Process:

• Applicants submit full applications
• DDA Board of Directors reviews proposals
• Successful applicants receive conditional notice of award pending contract execution and successful petition into DDDA boundaries

Contact Information:

• City & County of Denver
• Phone: (303) 534-6161
• Email: info@downtowndenver.com
• Website: downtowndenver.com

Additional Resources:
Two optional public information sessions were held:

• Thursday, March 13, 2025, 4-5 p.m. MDT (In-person)
• Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 12-1 p.m. MDT (Virtual)

Application Process

1. Registration of Interest (ROI) - Pre-Application Stage
   • Completed in February 2025
   • Simple form taking fewer than 10 minutes
   • Collected: project owner/type, location, and description
2. Full Application Submission
   • Applications accepted on rolling basis starting March 2025
   • Submit through designated application portal
   • Click here to submit an application (link provided on downtowndenver.com)
3. Review and Approval
   • DDA Board of Directors evaluates proposals
   • Successful applicants receive conditional notice of award
   • Award pending execution of contract and successful petition into DDDA boundaries

Required Information

• Project name and owner information
• Project location
• Detailed project description
• Alignment with Plan of Development
• Project readiness assessment
• Feasibility analysis
• Financial information
• Expected activation impact
• Alignment with city policy objectives

Optional Public Information Sessions

Participants could register for sessions to learn about eligibility and requirements (sessions held in March 2025)