The DDA
About the Brighton DDA
What the Downtown Development Authority is, how it came to be, its priorities and how it is funded. Compiled from public sources; this guide is independent of the DDA.
Its mission
The Board is a public entity dedicated to enhancing and preserving Downtown Brighton and the defined district. Through partnerships and investments, the Brighton DDA supports initiatives to strengthen and continue the revitalization and beautification of the area.
How the DDA came to be
On November 4, 2025, Brighton voters approved creating the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and tax increment financing (TIF) to fund its work in the historic downtown district.
The DDA succeeds the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (BURA), whose Core Urban Renewal Area has served downtown Brighton for 23 years and is set to sunset in 2027.
Its five priorities
Economic Development
Prevent displacement, attract local and independent businesses, redevelop vacant sites, and keep and attract jobs.
Mobility & Connectivity
Make downtown more walkable and bike-friendly, improve parking, and make rail crossings safer.
Downtown Experience
Make downtown welcoming, safe and clean, with clear gateways and wayfinding.
Arts & Culture
Bring more events and public art, and support local artists and multicultural resources.
Downtown as a Neighborhood
Add housing, preserve history, and create parks, fresh food and gathering places.
Guiding principles
Safe
Cohesive
Physically and culturally link the Main Street core with surrounding areas and celebrate Brighton’s historic and agricultural character.
Sustainable
Appealing
How the DDA is funded
The Brighton DDA is funded primarily through tax increment financing (TIF). TIF is not a new tax and does not raise existing tax rates.
The Plan of Development notes that an optional operations levy of up to 5 mills would require voter approval and is not recommended immediately.To be confirmed
The district
The district runs roughly from Denver Street (north) to E. Bromley Lane (south), between U.S. 85 and 4th Avenue, with an extension east along Bridge Street.
View the official boundary map (PDF)