About the DDA and Board of Directors
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a tool enabled by a state statute that allows municipalities to collect a portion of the incremental taxes generated within the central business district and reinvest those funds into economic development activities within that same area. There are more than 20 DDAs currently in place in downtowns across Colorado. DDAs are required to be located in a municipality’s central business district, and each municipality can only have one DDA in place at a time. The use of DDA funds is guided by a Plan of Development.
Functions of the DDA include:
- Implementing a Plan of Development
- Making dedicated funding available for investing in strategic capital projects within the city's downtown
- Supporting catalytic investments that spur economic growth and revitalization downtown
History
In 2008, the city used the DDA to help deliver over $400 million in public transportation projects at Union Station. This strategic public investment complemented and strengthened private investment at Union Station to better serve local and regional residents as well as attract new visitors and businesses.
Public assets funded through the DDA include:
- Historic station preservation
- Rail tracks, platforms, and canopies
- Regional bus facility
- Public gathering spaces
- Public street, utilities, and parking
In 2024, the City and County of Denver completed a community process to update the Plan of Development and expand Denver's DDA to a much larger downtown geography.
Board of Directors
The DDA currently has a five-member Board of Directors, which is authorized by state statute. Members are appointed by the Mayor for four-year terms. The Board includes the current President of City Council, one member who is a resident, landowner or business lessee within the boundaries of the DDA, and three members who are residents or landowners within the boundaries of the DDA.
| Members |
Term Expiration |
| Frank Cannon, Board Secretary |
June 30, 2025 |
| Jay Lambiotte |
June 30, 2025 |
| Douglas Tisdale, Board Chair |
June 30, 2026 |
| Marshall Johnston |
June 30, 2026 |
| Current City Council President Amanda Sandoval |
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Apply for a Board Position
Interested parties may submit an application to be considered for appointment to the DDA Board at any time, even if there is not currently a vacancy. The DDA Board anticipates at least two board member positions opening in July 2025. To apply, please complete the online application form below, including a CV/resume AND cover letter describing your interest in this Board and any relevant experience.
If you have questions about the appointment process, please email the relevant contact listed on the application page. If you have questions about the Board and its work, please email DDA@denvergov.org.
View the DDA Boundary Map
Download the DDA Board Guidelines
Submit an Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the DDA increase my taxes?
No, the DDA is an existing funding tool and does not raise taxes (nor will taxes decrease if it goes away).
Property and sales tax rates would remain the same (per Denver Revised Municipal Code and Colorado Revised Statutes) regardless of whether the DDA is expanded or not. The DDA does not determine tax rates.
Why can’t the DDA be expanded to all areas of downtown?
The DDA is a tool enabled by a state statute that allows municipalities to collect a portion of the incremental taxes generated within the central business district and reinvest those funds into economic development activities within that same area. The central business district as defined in the statute includes the traditional “governmental center” of the city, which includes portions of Uptown. The city is also limited to expanding the DDA due to limitations in our ownership of the rights-of-way.
Will the DDA impact existing BIDs or TIF districts?
No. The DDA will not impact any business improvement districts (BIDs) as they are different special districts with two different types of funding. Generally, BIDs fund enhanced services while the DDA funds infrastructure improvements.
Similarly, pre-existing tax increment districts will continue to retain the tax increment. In areas where there is overlap between the DDA and other tax increment districts, the DDA won’t collect TIF, but it can invest DDA funds into those areas.
Can the DDA condemn my property or have other regulatory controls?
No – Unlike urban renewal authorities, a DDA cannot condemn property. In addition, it has no additional regulatory authority over property.