DENVER — Denver voters will get to decide this fall whether to amend the city charter to allow the creation of a new department focused on transportation.
Mayor Michael Hancock on Tuesday announced a proposal to create a new department of transportation and infrastructure within the City and County of Denver. The department would be tasked with managing the construction, operation and maintenance of new and existing transportation systems within the city. Those projects currently fall under the purview of the Department of Public Works.
Hancock said establishing a new standalone department will allow Denver to better encourage people to use multiple modes of transportation, such as cycling and public transit. The change would even open the door to Denver building its own public transit systems beyond what the Regional Transportation District offers.
“Creating a Department of Transportation and Infrastructure in Denver is one of many steps we are taking to reinvent our transportation system to improve connectivity, economic opportunity and quality of life for everyone,” Hancock said. “This new department will more effectively deliver transportation and mobility improvements to the people of Denver, and solidifies our commitment to providing a safe, affordable, equitable, convenient and seamless mobility networks citywide.”
The department would then oversee a new division of public works that would handle things like trash, recycling and wastewater.
Creating a new department would require amendments to the city charter and therefore would require voter approval. The city aims to put the issue to voters in November.
