By Brooke Williams | KDVR
DENVER (KDVR) — After teasing the announcement in an “ask me anything” session on Reddit, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said Thursday that the city plans to invest more than $500 million over the next decade to “restore downtown vibrancy and stimulate economic growth.”
According to a release from the city, downtown Denver has been slower than other areas when it comes to recovering from the pandemic.
The city said downtown has seen lower foot traffic, businesses closing and a lack of new housing development because hybrid and remote working options are becoming more popular.
From March to May 2023, Denver’s downtown foot traffic was at an average of 56% of what it was in 2019, according to researchers at the University of Toronto School of Cities.