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Question 2I would let Denver budget two years at a time. Here's how it got on your ballot

The Council sent the charter change to voters 10-2, alongside a 12-0 law requiring more public input on budgets. The question comes as this year's budget fight wraps up.

By Denver Politics staffUpdated

While the Council finishes Denver's 2027 budget, voters are deciding whether future budgets can cover two years at once.

Referred Question 2I would amend Denver's charter so the Council can adopt a two-year budget term by ordinance. One year would stay the default, and the Council would still approve each year's spending, Denverite explained. The city's 2I page has the official ballot language. It asks whether to "adjust" the budget and appropriation process and to modernize or repeal some charter sections.

Supporters say a longer cycle allows better planning and more public involvement. Opponents argue the city already uses multi-year contracts, or that 2I isn't the best way to reach those goals, according to Denverite and other voter guides. Some changes to public input aren't on the ballot at all. They would come through separate legislation, Denverite reported.

What our records add

The ballot question. The Council referred 2I through Council Bill 26-0864, sponsored by Council Members Shontel Lewis, Stacie Gilmore and Amanda Sawyer (Legistar). It passed final consideration on July 20, 2026 (meeting):

  • No (2): Alvidrez, Flynn
  • Absent (1): Parady
  • Yes (10): everyone else

At the Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee on June 30, it advanced 4-1, with Flynn voting no and Sandoval and Torres absent. A committee vote on June 16 had postponed it.

The companion law already passed. The same three sponsors carried 26-0867, which adds procedures for the mayor and Council to consider and address changes in the city's budget and requires a community engagement process. It passed 12-0 the same night (Legistar). Flynn voted no on it in committee but yes on final passage.

The idea has been in the works for almost a year. The Budget and Policy Committee heard a presentation on a two-year budget cycle on Dec. 2, 2025, according to the Council's Legistar records. Colorado Politics reported on the bills' introduction in July.

Why the timing stands out. This year, the Council asked for about $26 million in changes to the mayor's budget, and the mayor accepted about $4.2 million, the Denver Gazette reported. The Council's final vote is set for Nov. 9 (agenda). 2I wouldn't change who writes the budget. It would change how often the city goes through this process.

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