Denver Budget and Policy Committee Meeting on Transportation Mobility Fund and Low-Level Traffic Stops - July 27, 2026

The Budget and Policy Committee of the Denver City Council met on July 27, 2026, to discuss two proposed ordinances: one to reform the Transportation and Mobility Special Revenue Fund (TNM SRF) and another to codify the Denver Police Department's low-level traffic stop policy into city code. The meeting featured presentations from council sponsors, discussion with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), the Department of Safety, and the Office of the Municipal Public Defender, as well as extensive debate among council members. No votes were taken; both items are in early stages and will be refined based on feedback.

Discussion Items

Transportation and Mobility Special Revenue Fund Reform (26-1093)

Councilmembers Parady, Lewis, and Alvidrez presented the proposed ordinance. The TNM SRF was created in 2021 by doubling parking meter rates to generate approximately $15 million annually for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and Vision Zero safety improvements. In 2026, the fund brought in $16.5 million, but enforcement and parking operations now consume $8.4 million (more than half), leaving only $8.1 million for safety and mobility programs. The reform would: (1) require investments align with adopted plans (Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School, Denver Moves); (2) protect the fund by prohibiting transfers to the general fund, requiring rollover of unspent balances, and mandating a 50-50 split between capital and operational expenses; (3) add community accountability by requiring DOTI to present proposed uses to the DOTI Advisory Board for review and approval; and (4) define clear allowable uses (e.g., protected bike lanes, bus lanes, traffic calming) and non-allowable uses (e.g., traffic signals unless paired with calming, routine maintenance, police enforcement, removal of Vision Zero infrastructure).

Councilmember Torres questioned the legal basis for the advisory board to approve rather than just advise, and asked for the current code section. Councilmember Sandoval agreed, suggesting the proposal should come to council for approval instead. She also noted that listing specific plans could be problematic as plans expire, and recommended using “any applicable plans and any that follow.” Councilmember Flynn asked about mid-block crossings and crossing guards, which sponsors confirmed would be allowed. He also raised concerns about the prohibition on removing infrastructure, noting that changes might be needed. Councilmember Hinds supported the intent but advocated for requiring specific dollar amounts to be associated with each plan to enhance oversight. Councilmember Watson asked DOTI Director Ford about how the SRF is currently prioritized. Director Ford explained that historically most funds went to capital projects, but operating costs have increased, including for the microtransit program, transit mobility associations, parking citation review staff, and speed cameras. He noted that absorbing parking enforcement costs back into the general fund would be difficult. The sponsors acknowledged the feedback and will work with the administration and city attorney on language.

Low-Level Traffic Stops Policy (26-1094)

Councilmember Kashmann presented the proposed ordinance to codify Chief Thomas’s existing policy (implemented May 2024) that discourages officers from conducting stops for minor, non-safety violations (e.g., expired registration, cracked tail light, hanging air freshener) unless they have articulable suspicion of more serious crime. The ordinance would also improve data collection. Presenters cited nationwide research showing these stops disproportionately target people of color, do not reduce crime, and waste resources. Data from Denver showed 75,599 stops from January 2022 to March 2026 that resulted in no citation or arrest. Stops decreased after the policy, but data on the reason for stops is not easily retrievable. The ordinance would require the Department of Safety to notify council and the public when directed enforcement is authorized.

Councilmember Flynn opposed the ordinance, arguing it micromanages police and should remain in the ops manual. He noted that the draft includes many moving violations (speeding, running stop signs, red lights) as low-level, which he said is too broad. Kashmann responded that the wording will be clarified to exclude moving violations. Councilmember Hinds questioned the high rate of stops with no citation (82%), and Commander Pereira explained that many stops result in warnings. Councilmember Torres asked for the specific violations listed in the referenced municipal code sections. Councilmember Watson asked about enforcement on parked RVs. Councilmember Sandoval asked about unintended consequences; Kashmann said none have been identified. The Office of the Municipal Public Defender stated that since the policy, there has been no meaningful difference in the number of pretextual stops seen, and they still observe racial and socioeconomic targeting. Councilmember Gonzalez-Gutierrez shared a personal experience of being stopped for a stolen license plate and stressed the need to address root causes. The sponsors will refine the language to clarify that moving violations are not included and will continue discussions with the Department of Safety on data collection.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on either item.
• For the TNM SRF reform, sponsors will revise language to address concerns about the advisory board’s role (likely changing to recommendation rather than approval), plan specificity (considering “applicable plans and any that follow”), and the definition of allowable uses. Further meetings with the Department of Finance and DOTI are planned.
• For the low-level traffic stops ordinance, sponsors will clarify that moving violations such as speeding, running stop signs, and red lights are not affected. They will continue to work with the Department of Safety to establish a data collection system. The proposal is expected to return to committee for further discussion.