Officials from are asking voters in the November election to rubber-stamp a change in its name through Referred Question 2F.
The motivation is to make the department’s responsibilities clearer, since its functions have nothing to do with excise taxes.
What would 2F do if passed?
If voters approve , the name would become the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. The change would not alter the department’s duties or budget.
What does the department do?
The department manages , like those needed by child care facilities or dry cleaners. It also oversees businesses that sell alcohol and marijuana, and it oversees a residential landlord licensing program that Denver launched in recent years.
The department employs city code inspectors who enforce the city’s regulations and handle complaints of businesses violating code. It also issues professional licenses, like those needed to work as a security guard or a tattoo artist.
Colorado voter guide: Stories and explainers for the 2025 election
What do supporters say?
Department leaders because the agency does not handle excise taxes -- which tax specific goods and services -- and never has. The city's Department of Finance manages those revenue streams, which include the city’s sales, use and lodging taxes.
The change is "part of an effort to modernize and make it easier to understand city government agency services," according to the .
The City Council placed the question on the ballot. The measure would update the city charter with the department's new name and needs a simple majority of voters to pass. The change would go into effect by the end of 2025.
The change would not cost any money to implement, according to the department.
What do opponents say?
The Denver Elections Division did not receive any written comments against Referred Question 2F for its .
