That’s what they want you to believe. But there’s currently no detailed plan, budget, or oversight structure explaining exactly what the GID will fund.

A GID is not just a beautification initiative — it’s a new layer of taxation with the legal authority to:

• Raise property taxes
• Issue public debt
• Operate indefinitely

If the city and organizers were only interested in improvements, they could do so transparently through the existing business organizations, such the Business Improvement District (BID), the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and Cherry Creek developers – without creating a permanent taxing entity.

The push for a GID began in 2024 with Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer and her small planning group. This group consisted of representatives from the Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association (CCNNA), the Cherry East Neighborhood Association, the Business Improvement District, Transportation Solutions, City Planning, City Councilwoman and Staff, and the Centro GID Consultant. There was no communication to residents that this GID effort was underway.

However:

• The majority of residents were either not involved in early discussions or did not support moving forward with the proposal, according to recent feedback surveys.
• There has been no public vote or referendum yet — and many property owners are just now learning what a GID actually is.

This is why transparency and full community input are essential before anything moves forward.

Yes. But only if we act now.

Here’s how:

• Show up at public meetings and speak out
• Stay informed through our mailing list
• Educate your neighbors and business community
• Refuse to sign any GID formation petition
• Vote NO on any ballot initiative
• Write emails and letters to Councilwoman Sawyer and Linda Barker, CCNNA President

There is no evidence that forming a GID in Cherry Creek North would increase property values — and in some cases, the opposite happens.

Here’s why:

• Higher taxes can deter potential buyers or tenants.
• Unpopular changes funded by GID dollars may alter the neighborhood’s charm or accessibility.
• Small businesses may leave, reducing walkability, diversity, and neighborhood identity.
• Resident taxes could be used to fund a long-term bond issue with its repayment obligations

What truly protects property value is a well-managed, community-driven neighborhood — not a board of unelected managers spending your money with vague goals.

The GID (General Improvement District) would affect the operation of the Business Improvement District by taxing those BID commercial residential properties that not presently paying into the existing BID property tax mill levy.

This means:

• Non-BID tax property owners may be funding BID improvements and services that the BID is presently required to address through their present tax levy funds.

If the GID process proceeds as planned, the following steps will likely occur:

1. Petition Phase (February 2026 – June 2026):
   Proponents will circulate a petition to trigger formation of the GID. If enough property owners sign, the process advances to ballot.
2. TABOR Ballot Vote (November 2026):
   Property owners (not renters) will receive a mail-in ballot to approve or reject the tax increase associated with GID’s formation
3. If Approved, GID Begins in January 2027:
   Once formed, you cannot opt out — assessment or taxes will be levied annually and enforced like your existing property tax.

To vote NO:

Submit public comment when hearings are announced.

• Do not sign any GID petitions unless you can say NO to the GID.
• Spread awareness in your building or neighborhood.
• Stay on our list for updates and ballot alerts.