General Obligation (GO) Bond Programs

General obligation (GO) bond programs are used to fund new public parks, recreation centers, libraries, arts and cultural venues, roads, bridges, police stations, and other public facilities. They are also used to repair and improve existing facilities. Cities across the U.S., including Denver, use bonds to keep pace with public infrastructure needs. Local bond programs are authorized by Denver voters every 4-10 years and repaid through property taxes.

2025 Vibrant Denver Bond

Learn about the Vibrant Denver bond program, what projects are included, and what the process was to create the bond program.

2021 RISE Denver Bond

Denver put forward a $260 million RISE bond to create more than 4,200 jobs and $550 million in economic output to support economic recovery.

2017 Elevate Denver Bond

Elevate Denver is about preserving and enhancing the Mile High City so it can remain the vibrant, viable city we know and love today for generations to come.

Watch the Impact

In 2017 and in 2021, Denver voters approved the Elevate and RISE bond programs, directing funding to critical infrastructure improvements and driving economic recovery by creating thousands of jobs, investing in local businesses, and bringing improved infrastructure to historically underserved areas of the city. To date, Elevate and RISE have initiated over 500 projects, turning votes into reality.

The videos below include overviews of Elevate & RISE bond programs, as well as testimonials from community members, business owners, and workers on the impact of these programs to date.

View text descriptions of these videos

The first video provides an overview of the Elevate & RISE Denver bond programs and their impact to date.

In the second video, you'll hear from Heather Delaney, general manager at Appaloosa Grill on 16th St, about the impact of the 16th St renovation, which was supported by $31.2 million in funding from the Elevate Denver bond program.

In third video, you'll hear from Tavo Orias of T2 Construction, the company leading renovation efforts at La Raza Park, about his experience growing up in the area and now renovating the park. The renovation of La Raza Park, set to be completed in 2026, was supported by $500,000 in Elevate and RISE Denver GO Bonds.

In the fourth video, Dean Smith, a participant in the Local 9 Apprenticeship Program and a site operator on the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, shares his experience on the project. The Local 9 Apprenticeship Program is one of many workforce development opportunities offered through the city's bond programs.

In the fifth video, you'll hear from Ben Kinghorn, director of shelter services at Urban Peak, about the redevelopment of Urban Peak's Mothership shelter. Completed in 2024, this project was supported by $17.5 million in RISE Denver GO Bond funding.

In the sixth video, you'll hear from Mark W, Red Rocks concert attendee, about the impact the Red Rock ADA improvements project has made for him. Completed in 2024, this project was supported by $13.2 million in funding from the RISE Denver bond program, and will effectively enhance the concert experience for all visitors.

In the last video, Gary Collins shares his experience with the Second Chance Center and 16th Street Mall Project. The Second Chace Center is one of many workforce development opportunities offered through the city's bond programs.