THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® OF DENVER is not responsible for the accuracy or fairness of the arguments of either side.
Referendum: A proposal by City Council which is referred to the citizens for a vote
Initiative: A proposal by citizens who have gathered the required number of signatures
Denver Ballot Issues
What a Yes or No Vote Means
Initiated Ordinance 308 – Fur Ban
Background: Pro-Animal Future, a group that works to promote animal rights, spearheaded this ballot initiative. They contend that animals slaughtered for their fur endure tremendous suffering.
The group says that many other countries have banned fur farming, leaving the U.S. lagging behind. Fur sales have been banned in the state of California since 2019. Boulder banned the sale of fur in 2021. The proponents believe that Denver should be a part of that movement.
Opposition to this measure comes from Keep Your Hands Off My Hat. They contend that everyday items such as cowboy hats and fishing lures would be prohibited for sale in Denver, causing small businesses to move out of the city. They cite the CEO of the National Western Stock Show who says this measure would prevent many of the vendors who come to the National Western Stock show from selling their products. The Denver March Powwow, the Indian Market and Southwest Art Fest would be similarly affected.
Major Provisions:
- Would ban manufacture, distribution, display, sale, or trade of certain animal fur products in the City, with some exceptions such as used fur items sold by non-profit organizations and traditional products purchased by a registered member of a Native American tribe. A fur product is any product made in whole or in part of fur, including fashion accessories and articles of clothing or covering for any part of the body.
- Also excluded from the ban would be cowhide, lambskin or sheepskin, wool, and pelts to be used in taxidermy.
A “Yes” vote requires anyone currently dealing or displaying certain animal fur products to cease operations in Denver by July 1, 2025.
A “No” vote would allow the manufacture, distribution, display, sale or trade in animal fur products in Denver to continue.
Initiated Ordinance 309 – Slaughterhouse Ban
Background: Superior Farms is presently the only slaughterhouse in Denver and is one of the five largest lamb slaughterhouses in the U.S., serving ranchers and farmers in Colorado and the surrounding region as well as providing meat for area restaurants, grocers and butchers. It is halal certified and is overseen by the USDA. It consults with experts, including Temple Grandin of CSU, on the humane treatment of animals. It has been in its current Globeville location since 1964 and employs 160 people who have ownership in the company and good benefits.
Pro-Animal Future, a group that works to promote animal rights and end the consumption of meat, spearheaded the ballot initiative. Although not specific to this slaughterhouse, the group argues that slaughterhouses are polluters, and “nuisances” to nearby neighborhoods due to the odors they produce, and that emissions are a cause of climate change. Pro-Animal Future also cites working conditions in slaughterhouses, which it says are associated with higher workplace injuries, mental illnesses and addiction “due to the unique psychological harms experienced by slaughterhouse workers.”
A variety of associations and unions affiliated with the meat industry are opposing this measure.
Major Provisions:
- Requires the currently-operating slaughterhouse to cease operations in Denver by January 1, 2026.
- Prohibits the construction, maintenance, or use of a slaughterhouse within the City and County of Denver.
- Requires the City & County to “prioritize” residents whose employment is affected by the ordinance for workforce training or employment assistance programs.
A “Yes” vote requires the one currently operating slaughterhouse to cease operations in Denver by January 1, 2026 and would prohibit future slaughterhouses.
A “No” vote would allow the slaughterhouse to continue to operate in Denver.
Referred Question 2Q – Sales Tax for Denver Health and Hospital Services
Background: Denver Health and Hospital Authority is a vital health care system in Denver which serves as the safety net hospital for Colorado. It provides access to high quality health care and related supportive services to those in need in Denver, regardless of ability to pay.
Denver Health is facing a severe budget challenge because of rising health care costs and increasing uncompensated care. Current support from the city of Denver is at only 2.3% compared to the 11% that other safety net hospitals receive from their municipalities.
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers opposes this measure because they say that raising sales taxes when residents are already burdened with high living expenses will make it more difficult to live in Denver. They also predict that some people will choose to shop outside of Denver to take advantage of lower sales taxes.
Major Provisions:
- The measure proposes a 0.34% increase in Denver’s sales tax (3.4 cents on a $10.00 purchase) to generate sustainable funding for the hospital and to address the current shortage of funding for Denver Health.
- The measure would generate an estimated $70 million annually for Denver Health.
- This funding would be used to maintain and expand the services that Denver health provides, including trauma and emergency care, primary care, mental health and substance use treatment, pediatric care and school-based health centers.
A “Yes” vote means that there will be an increase in the Denver sales tax of 0.34% (3.4 cents on a $10.00 purchase) to address the rising costs of health care and uncompensated care by providing additional funding for Denver Health ensuring that they can continue to provide essential health care for all patients, including those who have limited health resources.
A “No” vote means Denver Health will continue to face challenges that could affect its ability to provide needed health care services to the community as well as patients who struggle to afford health care; This could force the health system to consider reductions in services and make it difficult for those unable to pay to obtain health care services.
Referred Question 2R - Affordable Housing Sales Tax
Background: The Root Policy Research found a nearly 50,000-unit shortage of affordable housing in Denver during a 2019 study. Surveys of voters also found that affordability is a major issue for most voters.
In an effort to address the issue of affordability Mayor Johnston requested that the Denver City Council approve this ballot measure to increase sales taxes to provide additional funding for affordable housing development in the city. The additional tax of .5% is expected to generate $100 million dollars annually for the affordable housing fund. The Denver City Council voted 9-4 to refer the ballot measure to voters this November.
While proponents of the bill believe that the measure would increase housing affordability in the city, some council members have voiced concerns that there is no clear plan for how the additional funding would be used. Additionally, they point out that sales taxes are inherently regressive, putting a higher burden on lower income residents. The Colorado Union of Taxpayers also opposes the measure, contending that raising sales taxes will increase the already high cost of living and may cause residents to shop outside the city to avoid paying the higher tax.
Major Provisions
- Sales taxes would be increased in the city by 0.5% (5 cents on a $10.00 purchase) to bring in an additional $100 million annually starting January 1st 2025.
- Funds would be used to create programs focused on affordable housing.
- The funds would primarily be used on programs targeted at households living at or below 80% of the area’s median income, except for on certain programs targeted at higher income levels.
- The fund would be used to produce, finance, preserve, and provide subsidies for affordable housing to include financing innovative mixed-use developments that provide additional affordable housing.
- The fund would also be used to provide homeowner/homebuyer assistance programs.
- The sales tax will expire 40 years after implementation
A “Yes” vote will increase sales taxes by 0.50% and the additional revenue will be used to fund affordable housing and related housing support services citywide.
A “No” vote will mean that sales taxes will remain at their current levels and there will not be additional funding raised for affordable housing.
Referred Question 2S - Add the Department of Human Rights and Community Partnerships as a Cabinet Agency
Background
Founded in the 1940s as the Commission on Human Relations, the Agency has been the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP) since 2012. The Agency is headed by an executive director appointed by the mayor and includes the offices of Aging, Financial Empowerment, Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, Disability Rights, Hearing Service, Non-profit Engagement, and Storytelling. Ten Commissions made up of volunteers from a variety of populations in the city come under this Agency.
This proposed Charter change was brought to City Council by Councilwomen Torres and Sawyer because they believe the department and its offices are important enough become a cabinet level agency. Its expansive reach and impactful initiatives make it a prime candidate for formal recognition as a city department enshrined in the charter. Charter Agency status would provide vital stability and protection against potential future economic challenges. There is no known opposition to this measure.
Major Provisions
- Will change HRCP from an Agency to a Charter Department under the Mayor’s Cabinet so its mission can guide the formulation of the general administrative policies of the City and County of Denver.
- The mayor would appoint the Manager of Human Rights and Community Partnerships with consent of City Council.
- Additional requirements of the functions and duties of the Department would be added.
- An Advisory Board to advise the Manager on the policy and operation of the Department would be required.
A “Yes” vote means that the current Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships will be added as a cabinet department.
A “No” vote means that the Agency of HRCP will remain an Agency of the City and County of Denver as it is currently.
Referred Question 2T - Removing Citizenship Requirement for Police and Firefighters
Background
Currently, applicants for positions of Firefighter and Police in the city of Denver must be citizens of citizens of the United States. The Denver Sheriff Department already allows qualified noncitizens to apply to work as deputies.
City Council voted unanimously to refer this ordinance to Denver voters as one avenue to increase the ranks of Denver police officers and firefighters. This amendment has support from the Denver Police Chief and Denver Fire Chief.
The measure would help expand recruitment and retention of police and firefighters. It has support from Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition CIRC) Denver Immigrant Refugee commission and Denver Latino Commission.
A 2023 Colorado state law change allows DACA recipients to possess firearms and become peace officers.
There is no known opposition to this measure.
Major Provisions
- The ordinance would remove U.S. citizenship as a prerequisite for jobs as Denver firefighters and police officers from the city charter but would require legal status and work authorization.
- This revision would not include those who are in the country illegally.
- This ordinance would include DACA recipients – i.e. young people who were brought to the U.S. by their parents and have been given legal status and work authorization because of The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. Many of these individuals have high school diplomas and college degrees.
A “Yes” vote means that the ranks of police officers and firefighters can be increased by hiring noncitizens who have received legal status and work authorization.
A “No” vote means that the qualifications for applicants for Denver Firefighters and Police will continue to include that the applicant is a citizen of the United States.
Referred Question 2U - Collective Bargaining for City of Denver Employees
Background
Currently only Denver police, firefighters, and sheriff’s deputies have collective bargaining rights. While recent Colorado state legislation granted collective bargaining rights to county employees statewide, about 7,000 Denver City employees, from library workers to park rangers, were not included. Some city staff are union members but cannot bargain collectively.
Employees of the City of Denver and Labor Organizers advocated for this measure. City Council voted unanimously with approval of Mayor Johnston to move the measure forward for a vote.
There is no known opposition to this measure.
Major Provisions
- The measure would give between 8,300 and 11,900 employees the power to negotiate contracts with the city, depending on whether on-call staff are included.
- Adds collective bargaining and the right to strike to Denver’s Career Service (employment guidelines) as public policy.
- Describes which city employees are eligible for collective bargaining.
- Eligible employees shall have the right to bargain collectively for wages and compensation, rates of pay, benefits, dependent benefits, promotions, hours, working conditions, employee facilities, paid time off, leave, grievance procedures disciplinary actions, and other conditions of employment consistent with this Charter and state and federal law.
- Participation in the Denver Employees Retirement Plan or the Employees Retirement Plan of the Board of Water Commissioners is not a subject of negotiation.
- Whenever the terms of a collective bargaining agreement conflict with the terms of an executive order, ordinance, or rule, the terms of the collective bargaining agreement shall prevail.
- To protect public health and safety, employees of the Denver Courts and Board of Water would not be allowed to strike; the measure provides binding arbitration instead.
- Provides criteria for determining bargaining units and bargaining agents as well as providing procedures for collective bargaining; and provides for unresolved issues to go to mediation.
- Provisions for an impasse outline the right to strike or lockout and the procedures for notice to strike or lockout. If a strike or lockout endangers the public health or safety, the parties will submit to binding arbitration.
A “Yes” vote adds collective bargaining to the city’s employment rules; this measure would give more city staff the ability to negotiate pay, benefits and working conditions and add the right to strike or lock out to the city’s employment rules.
A “No” vote leaves the city’s employment rules as is without right of collective bargaining,
Referred Question 2V - Binding Arbitration for Firefighters
Background
Current policy gives members of the Fire Department all the rights of labor other than the right to strike or conduct a work stoppage, slowdown or mass absenteeism. Instead of allowing firefighters to strike to resolve impasses in negotiations, Denver firefighters and the City and County have used advisory panels, with costs shared by the City and the firefighters.
The request to change to a system of Binding Arbitration comes from the Denver firefighters. This measure would align firefighter contracts with those of Denver Police and Denver Deputy Sheriffs. There is no known opposition to this measure.
Major Provisions
- When there are unresolved labor disputes between the city and the firefighters binding arbitration would replace the currently used Advisory Panel.
- Costs for binding arbitration employing qualified arbitrators would be shared 50/50 by the city and the firefighters and are projected to cost less than the advisory panels.
- Procedures and timelines for arbitration are set out.
- The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding only for the term of the contract.
A “Yes” vote means unresolved labor negotiations for Denver firefighters will be subject to binding arbitration.
A “No” vote means unresolved labor negotiations will continue to be undertaken by an advisory fact-finding panel.
Referred Question 2W - Salaries of Elected Charter Officers
Background
Currently the City Council is required to vote on raises for the salaries of City Council members, Mayor, Auditor, and Clerk and Recorder every four years prior to the municipal election. Salaries are adjusted according to a formula based on the CPI and the median salary for Career Service employees.
City Council members who were concerned about the perception of Council Members setting their own salaries brought this measure forward. There is no known opposition to this measure.
Major Provisions
- Denver City Council would no longer set future salaries for themselves, the mayor, city auditor and clerk and recorder
- Salaries would be fixed by ordinance before the municipal election for the next term of office. Elected officers would continue to receive benefits comparable to those of Career Service Employees.
- Changes the cities on which CPI is based to the Denver Metro Area.
A “Yes” vote means City Council would no longer vote on elected officials’ salaries prior to the municipal general election; instead, salaries would be set by ordinance.
A “No” vote means City Council will continue to be responsible for setting the salaries of the elected charter officers including themselves.
Referred Question 4A Denver Public Schools Bond Measure
Background
The bond package was developed by the 2024 Community Planning and Advisory Committee (CPAC), made up of a group of 6 co-chairs and 72 community members, including parents of DPS students, current DPS students, DPS staff, and members of the community with varied professional backgrounds. Planning began in November of 2023, was presented to the board in June, and accepted unanimously by the board in August.
The bond issue is opposed by the Colorado union of Taxpayers because property tax money would continue to be used to pay for improvements instead of simply paying off the previous bonds. With the possibility of some schools closing, they contend that DPS should not be adding to the property tax burden by spending money to improve facilities.
Major Provisions
The bond money would be used for the following improvements for various Denver Public School buildings for a total of $975 Million.
- Critical Maintenance--$301 million (roof repairs, electrical, plumbing mechanical upgrades).
- Air Conditioning--$240 million (29 schools do not have air-conditioning).
- Arts, Athletics and Innovation--$127 million (stages, athletic upgrades).
- New Facilities--$124 million (new elementary and middle school additions in far northeast).
- Learning Environments--$100 million.
- Safety and Technology--$83 million (includes improvements to network infrastructure).
A “Yes” vote would mean that DPS would be adding $975 million in bond improvements. Taxes would not increase because new bonds can layer over previous debt (2020, 2016, 2012, and 2008). Schools in Denver will benefit from the improvements and maintenance listed above.
A “No” vote would mean funding for the most critical needs of the schools would come out of the current budget, and other improvements would not happen.