Denver Community Planning and Housing Committee Meeting - December 2, 2025

The Community Planning and Housing Committee of the Denver City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The meeting covered three main agenda items: approval of 2026 contracts for housing stability programs from the Department of Housing Stability (HOST), approval of miscellaneous shelter contracts, and a presentation and vote on a landmark designation for 1555 Grant Street. The committee voted to send all action items to the full council, including the landmark designation, which passed on a 5-1 vote despite significant concerns about designating a parking lot as historic.

Consent Calendar

• Approved eight HOST contracts for the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program, property tax relief, foreclosure financial assistance, and housing resource navigation. These included amendments to existing contracts with providers such as Brothers Redevelopment, Community Economic Defense Project, Jewish Family Service, and East Colfax Community Collective. The total funding amounts and households served were detailed in the presentation.
• Approved one miscellaneous shelter contract for Work Options for Women, which provides meals at micro-communities. The contract is for six months at $9.97 per meal for breakfast/lunch and $11.47 for dinner. The motion was made by Councilmember Alvidrez and seconded by Councilmember Sawyer; all committee members voted in favor.

Discussion Items

• TRUA and Property Tax Relief Program Updates: Melissa Tati, Director of Stability and Prevention, presented an overview of the 2026 contracts. Key statistics: TRUA has $16.1 million available in 2025 and $15.1 million in 2026; as of November 24, 2025, over 1,500 households have been served with an average assistance of $7,600 over 4.9 months. The property tax relief program served over 1,200 households (59% renters, 41% homeowners) with average rebates of $1,400 for homeowners and under $1,000 for renters. Councilmembers discussed the historical underspend, outreach efforts, and the DPS pilot program which enrolled 89 families. Councilmember Torres requested district-level data for property tax relief. Councilmember Sawyer noted the eviction clinic on the first floor of the City and County Building provides TRUA case management and legal services. Council President Sandoval asked about school-level data for the DPS pilot. Councilmember Romero Campbell inquired about demographic data for property tax relief. Chair Perity requested month-over-month data for TRUA spending and updated eligibility criteria. The committee also discussed upcoming changes to property tax relief, including phasing out renters by 2030.
• Miscellaneous Shelter Contracts: Jeff Kozitsky, Deputy Director of HOST, presented several contracts: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Bridge Housing (175 clients in 2024, 72% exit to permanent housing), St. Francis Day Shelter (served 8,398 households in 2024), off-site storage (1,194 households), and SafeHouse Denver (domestic violence shelter, 123 clients). Councilmember Torres inquired about ownership of the storage building. Council President Sandoval raised concerns about meal container waste at micro-communities and the need for a second day shelter. Councilmember Sawyer discussed the importance of mail services at St. Francis and a recent meeting with DHS about benefits mail. Council President Sandoval also noted zoning challenges for a new day shelter and suggested a mapping exercise.
• Landmark Designation for 1555 Grant Street: Kara Hahn, Landmark Planning Supervisor, presented the application from the Knights of Columbus to designate the entire parcel, including a parking lot, as a historic landmark. The property includes a 1928 event hall and a 1963 mid-century modern structure designed by architect John F. Milan, which features pre-stressed concrete double T members (a significant innovation). The property meets four of ten criteria: association with the Knights of Columbus (significant for hosting half a million service members during WWII), architecture, work of a recognized architect, and innovation in materials. Landmark staff and the commission recommended approval. Councilmembers expressed strong reservations about designating the parking lot as historic. Councilmember Sawyer questioned the rationale and noted it would freeze the parking lot in perpetuity. Council President Sandoval argued it sets a bad precedent, especially during a housing crisis, and questioned its impact on assessed value. Councilmember Torres asked about alternative options like rezoning, which the applicants said were not pursued. Councilmember Alvidrez noted other cities have landmarked parking areas like Chicago's Motor Club building. Councilmember Romero Campbell suggested checking for deed restrictions. Chair Perity rejected the idea that car culture deserves landmark protection and noted the parking lot only meets one of ten criteria. Despite these concerns, the committee voted 5-1 to send the designation to the full council, with Councilmember Lewis voting nay. The vote was not a statement on merits but on procedural readiness.

Key Outcomes

• All eight HOST contracts and the Work Options for Women contract were approved unanimously by voice vote and will proceed to the full council.
• The landmark designation for 1555 Grant Street was moved out of committee on a 5-1 roll call vote (Councilmember Lewis opposed). The full council will consider the designation at first reading. Council members suggested the applicants might explore rezoning or a planned unit development (PUD) as an alternative to including the parking lot in the landmark.