Denver councilmembers propose tighter rules for $15 million transportation fund
The bill would tie spending to adopted plans, bar transfers to the city’s general fund and require a three-year minimum for capital spending. A committee is scheduled to consider it Nov. 4.
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Denver Councilmembers Shontel Lewis and Flor Alvidrez are proposing new limits on the city’s Transportation and Mobility Special Revenue Fund, which the sponsors say generates about $15 million a year, partly from higher parking-meter rates.
The proposal would tie spending to adopted transportation and safety plans, including Denver’s Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and Denver Moves plans. It would prohibit transfers to the city’s general fund, require unused money to roll over each year and direct at least half of the fund to capital expenses over a three-year period. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure would also present proposed annual spending to its advisory board for review and comment, according to the sponsors’ reform presentation.
The sponsors argue that spending has drifted from the fund’s original purpose of supporting pedestrian, bicycle, transit and traffic-safety improvements. Their presentation cites $200,000 spent in 2024 to remove downtown bike infrastructure, $100,000 spent in 2025 to replace a safety design on Alameda Avenue after nearby residents objected, and $8.4 million in the 2026 budget for parking-related contracts. They also criticize a proposed $8.9 million allocation for parking operations in the 2027 spending plan as an improper use of the fund.
The proposal has not been adopted. Denver’s Legistar matter record lists it as bill 26-1654, scheduled for committee consideration. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee agenda sets consideration for Nov. 4.