Denver seeks $5.2 million for youth programs in final planned year of Broncos funding
The proposal includes $3 million for a community-led safety program; the Office of Children’s Affairs expects 2027 to be the last year of Broncos-sale proceeds in its current spending plan.
Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs is seeking $5.2 million in 2027 spending from the Youth Activities Program Fund, including $3 million for a community-led safety program. The office expects 2027 to be the final year of Broncos-sale proceeds included in its current spending plan.
The safety program is planned to launch in 2027 and would strengthen support for young people most affected by violence, OCA Executive Director Jess Ridgeway told City Council. Councilmember Torres said the effort was intended to reach young people who may not connect with conventional after-school or youth employment programs, the hearing presentation and discussion show.
The proposed 2027 budget lists $5,220,172 in estimated expenditures from the Youth Activities Program Fund, including more than $1 million for out-of-school-time programming. The fund was established with one-time proceeds from the sale of the Denver Broncos, the city’s proposed budget says.
Council members raised how youth violence-prevention and out-of-school programs could continue, but no replacement funding source or specific continuation plan was identified at the hearing. The mayor’s proposed budget remains under City Council review, with adoption planned for Nov. 9, the city’s budget schedule shows.