Denver Sidewalk Program

What Mayfair Residents Need to Know

Last Update: July 29, 2026

This page is maintained by Mayfair Neighbors Inc. (MNI) to help residents understand Denver's Sidewalk Program, how it works, and what it could mean for the Mayfair neighborhood. As new information becomes available, this page will be updated with the latest program developments and any neighborhood-specific impacts.

All information for this page is sourced at the bottom of this page.

Current Status

Last Update: July 29, 2026

Denver's Sidewalk Program is currently transitioning from planning to long-term implementation. Over the past year, the City has completed a comprehensive inventory of Denver's sidewalk network, evaluated existing conditions, and gathered public input to help shape the first Sidewalk Implementation Plan. The plan will establish where, when, and how sidewalk improvements will be prioritized over the program's first several years and will serve as the roadmap for repairing, reconstructing, and building sidewalks across Denver.

At this time, no neighborhood-specific sidewalk projects have been formally announced for Mayfair under the Sidewalk Program. However, Mayfair's aging sidewalk network, schools, parks, transit corridors, and commercial areas make it a neighborhood that could benefit from future repairs and accessibility improvements as the program advances. Construction associated with other projects—such as the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project—may also include sidewalk and pedestrian improvements that complement the city's broader sidewalk goals.

Mayfair Neighbors Inc. will continue monitoring the City's progress and update this page as new information becomes available. For a history of the program's development and key milestones, see the Sidewalk Program Timeline.

Project Overview

What Is the Denver Sidewalk Program?

The Denver Sidewalk Program is a long-term, citywide initiative to build, repair, and maintain sidewalks throughout Denver. The program was created to address decades of underinvestment in the city's sidewalk network, improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, and ensure residents can safely travel to schools, parks, transit stops, businesses, and other destinations.

Before the program was established, property owners were generally responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalks adjacent to their property. As a result, sidewalk conditions varied widely across the city. Some neighborhoods had sidewalks in good condition, while others had deteriorated sidewalks, missing curb ramps, or gaps in the sidewalk network that made walking more difficult and less accessible.

In November 2022, Denver voters approved Initiated Ordinance 307, commonly known as the Denver Deserves Sidewalks initiative. The measure created the Sidewalk Enterprise, a dedicated city program responsible for planning, constructing, repairing, and maintaining Denver's sidewalk network. Rather than relying primarily on individual property owners to fund sidewalk repairs, the program established a dedicated annual fee to provide a consistent source of funding for sidewalk improvements across the city. The City is now responsible for maintaining the public sidewalk system, allowing improvements to be planned strategically based on citywide needs instead of individual property ownership.

The program's long-term goal is to create a safer, more connected, and more accessible sidewalk network for everyone who lives, works, and visits Denver. In addition to repairing aging sidewalks, the program will construct missing sidewalks, improve ADA accessibility, install curb ramps where needed, and strengthen pedestrian connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, transit, and commercial areas. Because this is a citywide effort, implementation will occur over many years, with projects prioritized using objective criteria such as sidewalk condition, safety, accessibility, and connectivity.

Why This Matters to Mayfair Neighbors?

Why This Matters

Mayfair is an established Denver neighborhood with a long history, mature landscaping, and a mix of residential streets, schools, parks, transit corridors, and neighborhood businesses. Like many older neighborhoods across Denver, much of Mayfair's sidewalk network was built decades ago under different standards and has experienced varying levels of wear and deterioration over time.

The Denver Sidewalk Program provides an opportunity to address aging infrastructure while improving safety, accessibility, and connections throughout the neighborhood. As the program moves forward, Mayfair residents may eventually see improvements that make it easier and safer to walk, roll, bike, and access important destinations throughout the community.

What makes it Unique For Us?

Mayfair's sidewalk network reflects the character of an older, established neighborhood. Residents are familiar with features such as:

Mature tree lawns and landscaping that contribute to Mayfair's neighborhood character but require careful coordination when sidewalks and trees need improvements.
Detached sidewalks with planting strips between the sidewalk and roadway, which are common throughout many residential areas.
Attached ("Hollywood") sidewalks where sidewalks directly connect to the curb and roadway, creating unique maintenance and accessibility challenges.
Older sidewalk infrastructure that may not meet today's accessibility standards or may require repairs due to age, tree roots, weather, and normal wear.

The challenge for Denver will be improving pedestrian infrastructure while preserving the features that make neighborhoods like Mayfair unique, including mature trees, green spaces, and residential character.

What Sidewalk Improvements Could Mean for Mayfair

As Denver implements the Sidewalk Program, residents may eventually see improvements such as:

Safer and More Accessible Walking Routes

Potential improvements may include:

Repairing damaged or deteriorated sidewalks
Constructing missing sidewalk segments
Upgrading curb ramps to meet ADA accessibility standards
Improving pedestrian crossings
Creating stronger connections between neighborhoods and key destinations

These improvements can make it easier for residents of all ages and abilities—including children, older adults, and people using mobility devices—to safely navigate the neighborhood.

Better Connections to Community Destinations

Sidewalk improvements can strengthen connections to places residents use every day, including:

Mayfair Park
Local schools and childcare facilities
East Colfax transit stops and future BRT stations
Neighborhood businesses along Colfax and surrounding commercial areas
Parks, trails, and community gathering spaces

A complete sidewalk network helps make walking a safer and more convenient option for short trips within the neighborhood.

Coordinating Sidewalk Improvements with Trees and Landscaping

Mayfair's mature tree canopy is one of the neighborhood's defining characteristics. In some locations, sidewalk repairs and tree roots can create challenges that require careful planning.

Future sidewalk projects may involve coordination between sidewalk improvements, accessibility requirements, drainage, and tree preservation efforts. Mayfair Neighbors Inc. will continue advocating for solutions that improve pedestrian safety while preserving the mature trees and landscaping that contribute to the neighborhood's character.

How Projects Are Prioritized

How Are Sidewalk Projects Prioritized?

Because Denver has thousands of miles of sidewalks with varying conditions, the City must take a strategic approach to determine where improvements should happen first. The Sidewalk Program uses a combination of factors to identify locations where repairs, reconstruction, accessibility improvements, or new sidewalks can provide the greatest benefit to residents.

The goal is not only to repair the sidewalks in the worst condition, but also to create a safer, more connected, and more accessible pedestrian network throughout the city.

Factors Denver Considers When Prioritizing Sidewalk Improvements

Sidewalk Condition

The condition of existing sidewalks is one of the primary factors considered. Sidewalks with significant deterioration, hazards, uneven surfaces, or damage that creates safety concerns may receive higher priority for repair or reconstruction.

Missing Sidewalks

Areas without sidewalks may be prioritized to help create a more complete pedestrian network. Filling gaps between existing sidewalks can improve neighborhood connectivity and provide safer routes for people walking, rolling, or using mobility devices.

ADA Accessibility

Improving accessibility is a key goal of the Sidewalk Program. Projects may prioritize locations where sidewalks, curb ramps, crossings, or pedestrian routes do not meet current accessibility standards, helping ensure that residents of all abilities can safely navigate the neighborhood.

Access to Schools

Sidewalk investments may prioritize routes that improve safe access to schools and other important community destinations. Safe walking routes are especially important for children and families traveling throughout the neighborhood.

Access to Transit Stops

Connections to public transportation are another important consideration. Sidewalk improvements near transit stops can make it safer and easier for residents to access bus routes and other transportation options, including the future East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

Access to Parks and Community Spaces

Sidewalks provide important connections to parks, recreation areas, and gathering spaces. Improving pedestrian routes to destinations such as parks and community facilities can encourage walking and strengthen neighborhood connections.

Pedestrian Demand

Denver may consider where people are most likely to walk and where pedestrian improvements could benefit the greatest number of residents. Areas with higher pedestrian activity, nearby destinations, or existing walking patterns may receive additional consideration.

Safety History

Locations with documented pedestrian safety concerns may receive higher priority. This can include areas with a history of crashes, difficult crossings, or conditions that create challenges for people walking or rolling.

Equity

The Sidewalk Program considers equity as part of its decision-making process to help ensure investments are distributed throughout the city and benefit communities that may have historically experienced greater infrastructure needs.

Network Connectivity

A connected sidewalk network is more useful than isolated improvements. Denver may prioritize projects that close gaps, connect existing sidewalks, improve neighborhood routes, and create continuous paths between homes, schools, parks, transit, and businesses.

Sidewalk Program Timeline

November 2022

Denver voters approve the Denver Deserves Sidewalks initiative.

September 2024

City Council adopts implementation rules and establishes the Sidewalk Enterprise.

2025

Program staffing begins and engineering/construction contracts are awarded.

January–March 2026

State of the System Report is completed and public engagement begins.

Spring 2026

DOTI develops prioritization criteria, conceptual designs, and cost estimates.

Summer–Winter 2026

The first Sidewalk Implementation Plan is prepared, identifying projects for the program's initial six years.

Potential Future Priorities in Mayfair

The following observations are based on Mayfair Neighbors Inc.'s understanding of the neighborhood and the City of Denver's published sidewalk prioritization criteria. These areas are not official City of Denver project announcements or confirmed future improvements. They represent locations where sidewalk investments could provide meaningful benefits for Mayfair residents by improving safety, accessibility, and connections throughout the neighborhood.

As Denver continues developing and implementing its Sidewalk Program, MNI will continue monitoring the City's plans and advocating for improvements that support safe, accessible, and connected pedestrian routes while preserving the character of our neighborhood.

Areas That May Benefit From Future Consideration

Connections to Mayfair Park and Community Spaces

Mayfair Park is an important neighborhood destination for residents of all ages. Improving pedestrian routes leading to parks and community gathering spaces can help create safer and more accessible connections for families, children, and residents walking throughout the neighborhood.

Safe Routes to Schools

Schools are key destinations that generate daily pedestrian activity. Sidewalk improvements near Palmer Elementary School and other nearby schools could help strengthen safe walking routes for students, families, and staff while supporting the City's goals around pedestrian safety and connectivity.

Connections to East Colfax Transit and Future BRT Stations

The East Colfax corridor is undergoing significant transportation improvements through the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Sidewalk improvements that connect residential streets to transit stops and future BRT stations can help ensure residents can safely and comfortably access public transportation.

Aging Attached ("Hollywood") Sidewalks

Mayfair includes areas with attached sidewalks, sometimes referred to as "Hollywood sidewalks," where the sidewalk is directly adjacent to the street curb. These sidewalks can present unique challenges related to accessibility, drainage, tree roots, and long-term maintenance. Future improvements may require balancing pedestrian needs with the neighborhood features that make Mayfair unique.

Missing Sidewalks and Accessibility Gaps

Locations with missing sidewalks, incomplete pedestrian connections, or outdated curb ramps may be opportunities to improve neighborhood accessibility. Closing these gaps can make it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to safely travel throughout Mayfair.

Deteriorated Sidewalks on Collector Streets

Collector streets and higher-traffic routes serve as important connections between residential areas, schools, parks, businesses, and transit. Improving sidewalks along these routes could help strengthen neighborhood connectivity and address areas with higher pedestrian activity.

Connections to Neighborhood Businesses and Services

Mayfair residents frequently walk or bike to neighborhood destinations along East Colfax and nearby commercial areas. Improved sidewalk connections can support safer access to local businesses, restaurants, services, and community destinations while strengthening the relationship between residential areas and neighborhood commerce.

Property Owner Fees

How the Sidewalk Program Is Funded

One of the biggest changes created by Denver's Sidewalk Program is how sidewalk improvements are funded and managed. Previously, individual property owners were generally responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalks adjacent to their property. This approach resulted in inconsistent sidewalk conditions across the city, with some areas receiving regular maintenance while others experienced aging, damaged, or missing pedestrian infrastructure.

To create a more consistent and coordinated approach, Denver voters approved Initiated Ordinance 307 (Denver Deserves Sidewalks) in November 2022. The measure created the Sidewalk Enterprise, a dedicated city program funded through a sidewalk service charge paid by property owners.

Why Does the Fee Exist?

Denver's sidewalk network includes thousands of miles of public sidewalks that require ongoing maintenance, repair, and improvements. The sidewalk fee creates a dedicated funding source so the City can take a coordinated, long-term approach to improving pedestrian infrastructure throughout Denver. Rather than relying primarily on individual property owners to identify and fund sidewalk repairs, the program allows Denver to evaluate sidewalk needs citywide and prioritize projects based on factors such as safety, accessibility, sidewalk condition, and connectivity.

What Does the Fee Fund?

Revenue from the Sidewalk Enterprise supports work such as:

Repairing damaged or deteriorated sidewalks
Constructing missing sidewalk connections
Improving ADA accessibility
Upgrading curb ramps and pedestrian crossings
Planning and designing future sidewalk projects
Maintaining and managing Denver's sidewalk network

The program is intended to address both immediate repair needs and long-term improvements that create a safer and more connected pedestrian system.

Why Does the City Manage Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance Now?

Before the Sidewalk Program, responsibility for sidewalk maintenance was largely placed on individual property owners. While property owners remain responsible for some property-related obligations, the City now manages the broader planning, prioritization, and implementation of sidewalk improvements through the Sidewalk Enterprise.

This citywide approach allows Denver to:

Identify areas with the greatest need
Coordinate improvements across neighborhoods
Address accessibility and safety issues more consistently
Invest in sidewalks as part of a connected transportation network

How Are Residential Properties Billed?

Residential property owners contribute to the Sidewalk Program through an annual sidewalk service charge. For most residential properties, this fee is billed through Denver's wastewater utility billing system.

The fee structure is established by the City and is intended to provide dedicated funding for sidewalk improvements throughout Denver. Property owners do not pay directly for every sidewalk repair or improvement project adjacent to their property; instead, funds are pooled into the Sidewalk Enterprise and invested according to the City's prioritization process.

Can the Fee Change Over Time?

Yes. The sidewalk service charge and program funding structure may be adjusted over time through action by Denver City Council. Changes may be considered as the City evaluates program costs, construction needs, inflation, and long-term funding requirements. Mayfair Neighbors Inc. will continue monitoring updates to the Sidewalk Program and share information with residents as significant changes occur.