Denver proposals would set 2027 fees, raise Caring for Denver administrative cap
Proposed 2027 city fees would total up to $941,000 across three voter-approved funds, while Caring for Denver’s nonprofit administrative allowance would rise from 5% to 7%.
Proposed Denver ordinances would charge up to $941,000 in 2027 oversight fees across three voter-approved funds and allow Caring for Denver’s nonprofit administrator to retain up to 7% of fund revenue for administrative costs, up from 5%.
The Denver Preschool Program and Prosperity Denver would account for up to $425,000 of the city fees, based on projected 2027 revenue, while Caring for Denver would account for up to $516,000, according to a city presentation. The fees would be separate from the nonprofits’ administrative allowances and returned to the administering organizations if unused.
The Caring for Denver proposal would eliminate reimbursement to the city for one full-time-equivalent position and raise the nonprofit administrative allowance from up to 5% to up to 7%. The sponsors project that the change would allow Caring for Denver to retain about $130,000 more annually from its existing allowance. That is a projection of the proposed structure, not a documented increase in spending or services.
The proposal also would clarify that co-responder funding may support alternative response models. It would add public-input and performance-measure requirements for the fund’s strategic plan, expand public-record obligations and restrict administrative spending on alcohol, regulated marijuana, tobacco and routine food or refreshments. The proposed Caring for Denver ordinance also would prohibit fund money from paying for mental-health or wellness services specifically for employees of the administering nonprofit.
The Denver Preschool Program and Prosperity Denver proposals would establish the same separate city fee of up to 1% of collected revenue while continuing their existing nonprofit administrative allowances. The measures also would standardize transparency and spending rules across the three funds. Prosperity Denver is the current name of the fund formerly known as the Denver College Affordability Fund.
Under the proposed legislative schedule, City Council would hold a first reading Sept. 28, followed by a final reading, three public hearings and a supermajority vote Oct. 5. The proposed effective date is Jan. 1, 2027.