A bill for an ordinance approving and accepting the Far Southwest Area Plan, which Plan shall become a part of Comprehensive Plan 2040 for the City and County of Denver pursuant to the provisions of Section 12-61 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code. Adopts the Far Southwest Area Plan as a supplement to Comprehensive Plan 2040, in Council District 2. If ordered published, a public hearing will be held on Monday, 12-8-2025. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 11-18-2025.

Summary

This ordinance, CB25-1874, formally adopts the Far Southwest Area Plan as a supplement to Comprehensive Plan 2040 for the City and County of Denver, effective upon approval and publication. It also explicitly repeals and replaces the previous Loretto Heights Small Area Plan. The plan covers six statistical neighborhoods in Council District 2: College View-South Platte, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South, Bear Valley, Fort Logan, and Marston, outlining a vision for their development through 2045.

Developed over a 19-month period starting in March 2024, the plan was shaped by an extensive and inclusive public engagement process. This included an Advisory Committee, an Equity Subcommittee, Community Navigators reaching underrepresented groups (e.g., Latinos, renters), numerous community events, online surveys (e.g., 215 initial responses, 322 for land use, 184 for mobility), and targeted workshops with high school students. Community feedback showed 78-88% agreement with the plan's six core priorities.

The plan focuses on several key areas: Land Use and Built Form (guiding growth to mixed-use centers and corridors like Federal, Evans, Sheridan, and Wadsworth, with buildings up to five stories), Mobility (implementing the Federal Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project by 2030, expanding bike/pedestrian networks, and traffic calming), and Quality of Life Infrastructure (enhancing parks, trails, green infrastructure, and community services).

It prioritizes housing diversity and affordability (preserving naturally occurring affordable housing, encouraging duplexes/townhomes with anti-displacement measures), economic development (supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities), and historic preservation (e.g., Loretto Heights Campus, Harvey Park mid-century modern homes). The Denver Planning Board unanimously approved the plan 10-0 on November 5, 2025, and the Community Planning and Housing Committee approved filing it on November 18, 2025.

Citizen Impact

Residents in the Far Southwest area can expect significant improvements in their neighborhoods over the next two decades. This plan will lead to more diverse and affordable housing options, enhanced transportation choices including the new Federal Boulevard BRT, and safer streets for walking and biking. It also promises better parks, green spaces, and community services, while supporting local businesses and preserving the unique character and history of the area.

Confidence

high