Denver Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting – January 6, 2026

The Parks, Arts and Culture Committee of Denver City Council met on January 6, 2026, to consider two major agenda items: a proposal to consolidate the Office of Special Events (OSE) into Denver Arts and Venues (DAV), and a presentation on Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s operations and capital improvements. The committee heard presentations from DAV Executive Director Gretchen Hallra, OSE/DAV Director of Administration Rose Watts, and Red Rocks Venue Director Tad Bowman. The public hearing for the consolidation item had no sign-ups.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public testified; a public hearing was held with no sign-ups.

Discussion Items

• Consolidation of Office of Special Events into Denver Arts and Venues:

  • Rose Watts presented a proposal to repeal Chapter 2, Article 21 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code (the OSE ordinance) and transfer all permitting authorities to DAV. The consolidation is expected to save the general fund approximately $1.1 million annually through administrative efficiencies and staff absorption.
  • The definition of “special event” would be changed to “public permitted event,” granting the executive director discretion to determine which events require a full permit. Events with fewer than 350 participants, no street closures, no alcohol, and no fireworks or drones would be exempted from the full OSE/DAV permit, reducing application steps by four and saving about two hours for small event organizers. This exemption aligns with Denver Parks and Recreation’s permit tiers, including the “Waste No More” program.
  • Committee members expressed strong support for reducing bureaucracy and burden on small community events. Council President Sandoval noted that she had previously voted against creating OSE due to layered bureaucracy and shared concerns about the AED (automated external defibrillator) checkout process, which she felt placed liability on council offices. DAV staff confirmed that events under 350 participants would no longer require that process, and DDPHE is reviewing the broader AED rule for larger events.
  • Councilman Watson asked about insurance requirements for nonprofits under 350 participants; staff clarified that insurance requirements remain tied to the underlying park or street permit, not the DAV permit. He also raised concerns about equity in permitting for large parks like City Park, where for-profit organizations often outpace nonprofits in securing permits. Staff noted this would need further coordination with Parks and Recreation.
  • Councilwoman Lewis asked about neighbor notification; staff stated it would not be required for low-impact events but could be voluntarily provided. Councilwoman Torres praised the discretion and noted the change addresses long-standing concerns.
  • The committee voted unanimously (via thumbs up) to approve the repeal and transfer.

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre Presentation:

  • Gretchen Hallra outlined DAV’s social cultural enterprise model: Red Rocks, the Buell Theater, and venue sponsorships generate net revenue that supports cultural programming, operations, and capital maintenance across the agency. In 2024, Red Rocks generated nearly $75 million in total revenue, with expenses of approximately $37 million, yielding $37 million in net revenue. A Jacobs study estimated annual capital needs at $45 million; the gap is partially filled by a 10% seat tax (Facilities Development and Admissions Tax) and bond funds.
  • Tad Bowman provided a detailed history and overview of Red Rocks’ operations and capital investments. He highlighted recent projects including a new loading dock (with restrooms and showers for truck drivers), a stage roof replacement (capacity increased from 30,000 lbs to 200,000 lbs), the East Terrace (built per original Burnham Hoyt drawings), ADA compliance improvements, a visitor center refresh with new AV exhibits and a land acknowledgment medallion, and a planned backstage expansion to improve performer amenities and ADA access. He noted that over 3 million visitors come annually: 2 million for daytime activities (hiking, touring) and about 1 million for concerts.
  • Committee members asked about the seat tax (10% of ticket price, use-restricted to capital), relationships with indigenous communities (no ongoing program but openness to events), local small business opportunities with concessionaire Aramark (staff noted use of local vendors like Machete Tacos and Rolling Smoke), stagehand labor (provided via Legends Global under collective bargaining), and multimodal transportation efforts (Councilman Watson highlighted collaboration with Jefferson County to reduce car traffic). Councilwoman Romero Campbell praised the venue’s daytime accessibility and free entry.
  • Councilwoman Parity requested the Jacobs study and backstage feasibility study; staff agreed to provide them.

Key Outcomes

• The committee unanimously approved the repeal of Chapter 2, Article 21 of the DRMC and the transfer of OSE authorities to Denver Arts and Venues (action item).
• No other formal votes were taken.
• Staff will communicate policy changes to stakeholders in 2026 and provide requested studies and contract details to councilmembers.