Denver City Council Budget and Policy Committee Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Budget and Policy Committee of the Denver City Council met on February 23, 2026, to discuss three briefings: a proposed rule change to require contract documents be provided at committee, an update on establishing a civic assembly process, and proposed amendments to the affordable housing preservation ordinance. The meeting lasted from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. No formal votes were taken; the committee heard presentations and discussed next steps.

Discussion Items

1. Contract Document Rule Change (DRMC Amendment and Rules of Procedure)

Councilmember Flynn, co‑sponsored by Council President Sandoval and Councilmember Parady, presented a proposal to amend the Denver Revised Municipal Code (Chapter 13, Article 2) and the Council’s Rules of Procedure to require that the current draft of any contract valued at $500,000 or more be provided to council members at the time of committee review, rather than only when filed for full council action. The change would also clarify that the 30‑day “shot clock” for council review begins at the Thursday noon filing for the Monday council meeting, not at the committee presentation. Councilmember Flynn noted that the current practice gives council members only four days to review contracts, often over weekends, and that the issue came to a head during the women’s soccer stadium transaction when blank exhibits were provided. Councilmember Alvidrez expressed support and asked about related documents (e.g., appraisals), to which Councilmember Flynn replied that the rule change would not directly cover those but that committee chairs could withhold items until all necessary materials are available. Councilmember Torres highlighted the added responsibility for committee chairs. Councilmember Hays commended the proposal as a reaffirmation of the legislative branch’s role. Councilmember Lewis noted that the change would give departments more advance notice rather than last‑minute postponements. The item will be scheduled for a future committee hearing.

2. Civic Assembly Proposal

Councilmember Lewis presented an update on a proposal to create a civic assembly process, potentially through a charter change. A civic assembly would bring together a diverse group of residents selected by lottery to deliberate on a specific issue and produce recommendations requiring 70% consensus. Councilmember Lewis outlined three ways to convene an assembly: by the mayor, by a majority vote of council, or by community petition. She noted that the assembly would be advisory and that recommendations would be implemented only if the convening body (mayor or council) committed to do so. Councilmember Flynn expressed concerns that binding the council to assembly recommendations would surrender its charter authority and diminish representation of his constituents. Councilmember Watson echoed concerns about pre‑committing to implement outcomes without full council approval. Councilmember Parady asked about the Fort Collins civic assembly that Councilmember Lewis had observed; Lewis described how delegates deliberated over a weekend and produced a recommendation that the council then referred to voters. Councilmember Sandoval questioned whether the assembly should be placed in the charter before operational details are settled. Councilmember Torres noted the need for clear guardrails and warned against handing over council power. Councilmember Lewis offered to continue discussions with individual members. No formal action was taken.

3. Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance Amendments

Kendra Garrett, Housing Development Officer with the Denver Office of Housing Stability (HOST), presented proposed amendments to the city’s preservation ordinance. The changes would extend the required affordability covenant from 60 to 99 years, add a right‑of‑first‑offer (ROFO) for market‑rate properties of at least 15 units and at least 30 years old (with no cap, as directed by the mayor), and include an opt‑out resolution from House Bill 24‑1175. Garrett reported that the city has preserved 1,443 affordable units since 2019, but has exercised its right of first refusal only twice (both for properties at risk of conversion to market rate). She explained that the two‑year and six‑month notices for expiring affordability restrictions would align with state law. Councilmember Alvidrez questioned the 15‑unit threshold, noting that smaller properties (4‑14 units) could be lost to the market. She also asked about enforcement for owners who fail to notify the city; Garrett replied that civil fines and other enforcement measures exist. Councilmember Flynn asked how many 15‑100‑unit properties over 30 years old exist in Denver; staff did not have the data but offered to provide it. Councilmember Torres asked about price negotiation on naturally occurring affordable housing and whether sellers could inflate prices; Garrett explained that if a seller sets an unrealistic price and then later markets at a lower price, the city’s right would be re‑triggered. The ordinance will be introduced in the Community Planning and Housing Committee on April 28, 2026, with individual briefings requested before that date.

Key Outcomes

• The contract document rule change will be scheduled for a future committee hearing.
• No formal action was taken on the civic assembly proposal; Councilmember Lewis will continue to meet with interested members.
• The preservation ordinance amendments will proceed to the Community Planning and Housing Committee on April 28, 2026, with staff directed to provide individual briefings to council members before that date.