DPL has historically been underfunded, hindering its ability to deliver on its vision and mission. We receive 3.6% of the City General Fund allocated through an annual budget process, which is sales tax dependent. This has resulted in significant budget volatility and uncertainty, making it difficult to sustain yearly programming and plan for the future. More protected funding, on top of existing funding, would provide the stability that would enable DPL to be more strategic and impactful in the short and long term.

Key innovation elements included: polling, a community task force, negotiating task force recommendations with the Mayor and City Council, getting tax referred to the ballot, asking voters to support DPL via property tax, and ensuring this tax would supplement and not supplant current funding. Community polling informed the work, tailored it, and recommended solutions. Elected officials were engaged in shaping this work throughout the process and everything passed through the lens of community equity needs.

With 68% approval, Denver voters passed measure 2i to support the Strong Library, Strong Denver initiative in November 2022, providing DPL its first-ever dedicated funding source. It brings $32 million for operating and capital expenses per year in perpetuity. This 35% increase in the 2023 budget allows the library to meet community needs by:

• Enhancing, expanding, & diversifying DPL's collections
• Bringing compensation to market-appropriate levels
• Expanding hours
• Upgrading facilities
• Expanding programs & services