City, state and civic leaders on Wednesday kicked off the drive to win voter approval of tourist tax extensions to help foot the bill for the National Western Center plan.
A common refrain from Mayor Michael Hancock and other speakers played on the campaign’s name, “A Smart Deal for Denver.”
“It’s one of the best I’ve seen,” Hancock told more than 100 attendees in the 1909 Stadium Arena at the stock show complex. “And we’re ready to giddyup.”
Ahead of the Nov. 3 election, the city of twin 1.75 percent lodging and car-rental taxes that had helped pay for the last Colorado Convention Center expansion.
If approved, the city would tap those to repay $476 million in borrowing to support . City leaders are seeking other sources of money to help pay for the projects; other components in the next decade likely will push the total price tag above $1 billion.
The tax extensions also would support another expansion and upgrades at the convention center, estimated at $105 million.
The city’s National Western master plan calls for transforming the site into a year-round tourism, event and education center. Colorado State University, armed with , is making plans for an innovation and research hub there.
The plan in Elyria-Swansea and Globeville for components meant to inject new economic activity and reconnect those neighborhoods with better streets and bridges.
“That opportunity will not only benefit those here, it will benefit the entire city,” said John Zapien, a Globeville resident who served on an advisory committee. “And that’s the message we’ve got to take out to the public. Obviously, our neighborhoods will benefit. Even though we’ve been overlooked, neglected and isolated by these barriers, this initiative on the ballot will provide opportunities — opportunities totally unheard of before.”
The ballot question is that may appear on Denver’s ballot this fall.
Others would authorize a sales tax to help Denver students repay college costs, allow the city to keep marijuana tax proceeds, and approve a deal with Adams County to share future tax revenue from commercial development at Denver International Airport.
Jon Murray: 303-954-1405, jmurray@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JonMurray
