Here's why Denver's Ballpark community wants to tax itself

Residents and businesses in Denver's Ballpark District are pushing forward a proposal to tax themselves for safety, security, maintenance and infrastructure improvements in the area.

Why it matters: Proponents say it would fill a "doughnut hole of services," including dedicated police patrols, near the River North District and downtown and benefit and "beautify" the community.

Yes, but: It could lead to higher prices for food, drinks and rent in the area to help businesses cover the increased cost of their taxes.

State of play: If approved by the City Council, as expected, the proposal would be put on the Nov. 5 ballot for voters who live and own property in the district.

What they're saying: "Ballpark is the last remaining commercial, mixed-use area in the urban core that does not have some sort of additional special district funding to support it," Jamie Giellis, a former Denver mayoral candidate, told Denver City Council members, who advanced the proposal, on Wednesday.

• The area also faces greater demand than other parts of the city due to the high concentration of social service providers and the impact on the community from Coors Field.

How it works: Denver has four " General Improvement Districts " — around Gateway Village, 14th Street, RiNo, and Sun Valley — and the Ballpark District would be its fifth.

• If the proposal passes, the district will generate revenue by taxing $5 per $1,000 of assessed value for every property, commercial and residential, in its area.
• Organizers expect to rake in $1.3 million in the first year of tax collections in 2025, with the majority of those dollars allocated toward safety and security efforts.

Zoom in: The district's boundaries are Coors Field, 20th Street to the west, Broadway and adjacent parcels, and an alley behind Welton Street.

Follow the money: Funding will be spent on things like 24/7 security teams, homeless encampment removal and safety lighting, as well as:

• Daily cleaning, power washing and graffiti removal.
• Maintenance of lighting, trees and public furniture.
• New streetscapes, signage and art.

What's next: The City Council is scheduled to hold a final vote on the proposal on July 8, when a public hearing will also be held.

• More than 220 petitions of support from community members have been submitted, and that number is expected to grow.
• No formal opposition from the community has bubbled up yet, at least publicly.

Sign up for Axios Denver for free.