Downtown Denver ‘is open for business’ — even as much of the city sees deep cuts

Denver boosters boosted with gusto on Wednesday morning at the McNichols Buildings.

The topic of celebration: How the Downtown Development Authority would spend $100 million in voter-approved money — announced just a day after city workers received a note from Mayor Mike Johnston explaining how citywide layoffs would take place the week of Aug. 18.

But this tax-increment financing, approved by downtown voters in November, had nothing to do with the ailing general fund and its $250 million hole.

While much of the city will see cuts, downtown continues to spend big on its future — and it has the voter-approved dollars to do that.

“Here’s your headline: The Denver Downtown Development Authority is open for business,” said Doug Tisdale, the authority’s board chair. “It’s open for recreatio