Metro DNA joined Mile High Connects last Thursday to host a dialog on ballot measures affecting equitable and affordable access to nature and housing in Colorado, Adams County, and Denver.
Chris Stiffler from the Colorado Fiscal Institute unpacked the Gallagher Amendment and the TABOR Amendment, which affect local property taxes, public school investments, and state and local governments’ ability to raise funds for public programs.
The Gallagher Amendment Repeal and Property Tax Assessment Rates Measure (Amendment B) would repeal the Gallagher Amendment of 1982, which fixed residential and business property tax rates at 45% residential and 55% business [1].
The Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises (Proposition 117) would require a statewide vote on new state enterprises generating over $100 million in revenue within the first five years of operation. Enterprises were authorized by the 1992 Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) as independent entities that administer fee-based programs for specific goods and services [1].
Their are organized efforts both for and against these ballot measures. The Colorado Fiscal Institute’s analysis is included in the Colorado Ballot Information Booklet (Blue Book) [2].
Conor Hall front the Trust for Public Land discussed two ballot measures in Adams County affecting open space (1A) and infrastructure (1B) investments supported by long-standing tax assessments. One of Colorado’s fastest growing counties, the population of Adams County is expected to surpass that of Denver within 30 years.
Passed by Adams County voters multiple times, both of these measures will continue programs that have had proven, tangible results [3]. There is no registered opposition to either Denver 2A or Adams County 1A and 1B.
Sebastian Andrews with the Denver Streets Partnership shared details of Denver’s Ballot Measure 2A, which would fund the city’s climate action. The measure, and Denver’s approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation, was informed by work in other cities (like Houston, TX) and the Climate Action Task Force.
Supporters of the measure see this as precedent-setting local climate action. Arguments against focus on the potential for regressive and inequitable impacts of the tax on communities that are already struggling financially and the need for even more aggressive climate action [4].
To view the recorded web meeting, visit this link and enter passcode: i=0^Zt!V
Resources cited:
- [1] Progressive Voters Guide, Powered by ProgressNow Colorado
- [2] Ballot Information Book (Blue Book), Colorado General Assembly
- [3] Vote Yes on 1A and 1B, Paid for by 2020 Vision for Adams County
- [4] Your Guide to Denver’s 2020 Ballot Measures, 5280 Magazine
Metro DNA and Mile High Connects do not endorse any ballot measures or candidates. Our role is sharing information and empowering engagement.