Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of Denver City Council met on February 4, 2026, to receive two briefings: a quarterly update from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and a presentation on the Welton Street Corridor Next Steps Mobility Study. The committee also advanced three consent items to the full council.

Consent Calendar

• Three consent items were moved forward to the full council without discussion.

Discussion Items

RTD Quarterly Briefing

RTD officials presented on asset management, infrastructure investments, and legislative priorities. Deputy CEO Angel Peña emphasized a new approach to sequencing infrastructure work as a connected portfolio to reduce customer disruption. Key projects for 2026 include overhead wire replacement at Denver Union Station (single weekend in early spring), the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project (with Welton Street as the last phase), and a bicycle/pedestrian bridge at Evans Station (partnering with Denver DOTI in summer). CFO Kelly Mackey reported RTD manages $9.3 billion in assets (nearly 50% depreciated), with $620 million in reserves, a $250 million annual deficit, and $1 billion in planned capital expenditures over five years. Deferred maintenance backlog is approximately $300 million. Debt service for 2026 is $191 million after prepaying $57 million in 2025. Government Relations Officer Michael Davies outlined legislative items: the RTD Accountability Committee report (released Jan 30, expected legislation sponsored by Sen. Ball), HB 26-1001 (development on RTD-owned land, no direct impact on RTD, board has not taken a position), HB 26-1065 (tax increment financing for transit-oriented development, subject to state approval), and the federal surface transportation reauthorization (expires Sept 30, 2026).

Council members raised several issues:

• Councilmember Alvarez expressed concern about youth safety on RTD after hearing high schoolers feel they need weapons. RTD Director Michael Guzman stated weapons are prohibited, emphasized the RTD Security Watch app for reporting incidents, and committed to engaging Denver Public Schools.
• Councilmember Alvarez also asked about micro-transit vehicles for special events and safety improvements. Peña noted RTD is taking a holistic view of mobility.
• Councilmember Flynn asked about HB 26-1001; RTD has not taken a position. He also questioned the Accountability Committee's recommendation to restructure the board from 15 elected members to 5 elected by districts. Guzman opposed the change, stating it bypasses public vote, called it "a move by the governor and current administration to get at funds they do not control," and noted Denver pays the most sales tax to RTD.
• Flynn asked about workforce retention. Peña acknowledged challenges but said RTD is committed, and Davies agreed to provide a memo on recruitment efforts.
• Councilmember Watson-Ode (Chair Lewis) asked about asset depreciation (based on asset life), debt service, and deferred maintenance. She suggested RTD look at Denver Airport's asset management system.
• Councilmember Romero-Kemple requested updates on RTD land development at Colorado Station and Southmoor Station (Davies will follow up) and raised bus stop amenity deficiencies. Guzman noted the agency is conducting a bus stop infrastructure assessment, with a report due in June. Peña said it will require regional partnerships for funding.
• Chair Lewis questioned the feasibility of 10-minute frequency on the Welton corridor, noting the single-track constraint, and cautioned against setting community expectations that may not be met.

Welton Street Corridor Next Steps Mobility Study

Councilmember Watson introduced the study, led by DOTI, which aims to deliver an actionable framework for transit, public space, green infrastructure, and business revitalization on Welton Street from Broadway (20th Ave) to 30th & Downing, including connection to 38th & Blake. DOTI's Elena McWhorter and David Kretzinger presented. A Community Advisory Group (CAG) will be formed by end of April. A consultant RFP will come to City Council in April-May; the study timeline is 15 months, with a final report in early 2027. The study will analyze alternatives to achieve the community's expectation of 10-minute frequency and connectivity to the A-line, while respecting historic and cultural heritage. Funding from DRCOG and FTA is being used.

Chair Lewis pressed on the discrepancy between community expectations and RTD's technical constraints (single track, existing 15-minute service). She asked who is financially responsible for any track changes. Kretzinger said track replacement is RTD's responsibility; street and other infrastructure is Denver's; the joint decision will be informed by the study. Councilman Watson clarified that FastTracks funds are allocated specifically for the corridor and can be used for whatever alternative is chosen.

Key Outcomes

• The committee received both briefings as informational; no votes were taken on the presentations.
• Three consent items were approved and sent to the full council.
• RTD committed to follow up with a memo on workforce recruitment efforts and to provide updates on bus stop infrastructure assessment (report due June 2026).
• DOTI will proceed with the Welton Street Corridor study, including consultant procurement and CAG formation.
• Chair Lewis noted the need to align community expectations with technical realities.