Denver expects business construction-aid fund to run out by year-end
The city expects its remaining fund money to be spent by the end of 2026. Councilmember Sawyer says a budget amendment is likely, but no replacement funding has been approved.
Denver’s Economic Development and Opportunity Office expects the remaining money in its Business Impact Opportunity Fund to be spent by the end of 2026, officials told City Council at a Sept. 25 budget hearing. That could leave businesses affected by city construction without this source of direct support unless new funding is provided.
The fund, known as the BIO Fund, supports businesses affected by construction projects. The office said it has directly supported more than 4,000 businesses since 2019 and would continue working with business districts and local businesses to bring customers to affected areas.
Councilmember Sawyer said legislation concerning the fund was still being drafted, with committee consideration scheduled for Nov. 10. Sawyer said there was no working draft yet, making it difficult to include BIO dollars in the budget. Sawyer described a budget amendment as “very likely” and planned to ask the mayor’s office and the Department of Finance to consider funding options. No amendment or replacement funding was approved at the hearing.
Sawyer cited businesses along the 5280 Trail, two blocks of Acoma, Morrison Road, Santa Fe bond projects and Colfax Bus Rapid Transit as potentially affected. Sawyer said impacts from Colfax construction were winding down, though businesses affected by phase three could still need support in 2027. The office said BIO support could continue if funding becomes available.