Santa Fe Streetscape Bond Petition

Dear City Councilmembers and Decision-Makers,

We, the undersigned stakeholders, business owners, residents, and community leaders of the Santa Fe Arts District and surrounding neighborhoods, are writing to urgently request that the Santa Fe Drive Streetscape Project be reconsidered and elevated to a Tier One priority.

It is both disappointing and disheartening that this vital project was not placed in Tier One due to the classification of Santa Fe Drive as “not a priority transit corridor.” This rationale, while perhaps technically correct on paper, fails to reflect the reality on the ground and the transformative impact that this project will have on mobility, safety, small business vitality, cultural preservation, and economic development for the entire corridor.

Why the Santa Fe Streetscape Must Be Tier One:

1. Cultural and Economic Backbone, Santa Fe Drive is the heartbeat of Denver’s Latino arts and cultural community. It is home to hundreds of small businesses, many of which are minority- and women-owned. These businesses drive tourism, create local jobs, and keep dollars circulating in our city. The infrastructure is failing them. Investing in this streetscape project is an investment in equity, culture, and Denver’s economic resilience.
2. Pedestrian and Traffic Safety The corridor suffers from inadequate sidewalks, poor lighting, dangerous crossings, and inconsistent accessibility. Residents and visitors, especially seniors, children, and those with disabilities, are placed at risk daily. This is unacceptable. A Tier One streetscape upgrade is not just beautification; it is a critical public safety intervention.
3. Transit and Mobility Impact Beyond Definitions While Santa Fe Drive may not fit a narrow definition of a “priority transit corridor,” it is heavily used by cyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and ride-share traffic. It serves as a connector to key neighborhoods and downtown and is a high-traffic corridor for events, festivals, and monthly First Friday Art Walks. It is a multi-modal hub, and its true usage is underestimated in current planning metrics.
4. Community Readiness and Momentum The community has shown up. We have organized, we have submitted feedback, and we have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to revitalization. We have secured public-private partnerships and created detailed plans. The only missing element is Tier One prioritization from the City. The momentum is now. Delay means disinvestment.

In addition to the demonstrated commitment:

1. • Multiple new apartment/condo buildings show strong recent private investment in the neighborhood.
   • City investment through the Streetscapes project would reinforce public-private collaboration.
   • The project supports the revitalization of one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods.
   • No opposition to the project has been expressed within the district.
   • Streetscapes would demonstrate commitment ahead of the high-profile Burnham Yard project.
   • Improved streets would enhance the use and perception of nearby RTD lines, promoting downtown businesses.
   • Aligns with Denver’s long-term urban development goals.
   • Community leaders have voiced strong support during city council meetings.
   • Momentum is on our side—now is the time to invest.

1. Alignment with Citywide Goals The Santa Fe Streetscape aligns with Denver’s climate, mobility, and equity goals. It supports walkability, reduces vehicle dependency, fosters inclusive growth, and promotes culturally vibrant neighborhoods. It is exactly the type of project the City should be championing at the highest level.
2. City of Denver Investment. To date, the pilot Santa Fe Drive Streetscape project has received over $2 million in City of Denver investment and is at 70% design ready. The initial investment in the project occurred in 2017 and continues to this day. The project is shovel-ready, and DOTI has compiled the necessary data required throughout the streetscape pilot initiative.
3. NEST Neighborhood Prioritization NEST Neighborhood Prioritization: During the Executive Committee Meeting on May 19, 2025, a reason given for the Santa Fe Streetscape project not being considered for Tier 1 selection is that it does not, or only partially, intersect a NEST neighborhood. This is a mistake that negatively impacted the selection process. The Santa Fe Drive Streetscape project is within the La Alma Lincoln Park Neighborhood; therefore, it is within a prioritized NEST neighborhood.  Here’s a link to the NEST Index (updated in 2022) that includes the list of 18 NEST neighborhoods.
4. History For a complete history on the Santa Fe Drive BID’s physical improvement efforts and the current pilot streetscape project CLICK HERE. 

Our Request

We respectfully and urgently ask that you:

• Reevaluate and reclassify the Santa Fe Streetscape Project as a Tier One priority.
• Include it in the city’s final list of funded projects for immediate attention and action.

This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about justice, safety, opportunity, and preserving the soul of one of Denver’s oldest and most important corridors.

We stand ready to collaborate and support the city in any way needed to make this vision a reality. Thank you for your consideration and leadership.