On Tuesday, November 4, Colorado voters will weigh in on several state and local ballot measures related to public revenue and spending.
Even in this odd-numbered election year, Rose Community Foundation maintains consistent engagement with local policy issues. Rooted in our core values and our commitment to building a more just and inclusive Greater Denver, the Foundation has endorsed statewide, city and school-district ballot measures that promote health and wellness while investing in the strength of our schools and community infrastructure.
These endorsements are shaped by insights from our grantee partners and other community organizations. Our partners not only keep us informed about emerging challenges and needs in our region but also help create solutions that improve policy outcomes for those furthest from opportunity.
Election day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, but Coloradans can vote as soon as they receive their ballot in mid-October. Register to vote or check registration status today.
Healthy School Meals for All | Propositions LL and MM
In 2022, the Foundation endorsed Proposition FF – a statewide measure to fund universal access to healthy school meals and provide schools with local food purchasing grants. Since the measure passed, the demand for universal school meals has surpassed expectations. As a result, the original funding estimates to sustain the program have not been enough to fully implement as voters intended.
Hunger Free Colorado, the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) coalition and legislators have referred a pair of measures to the ballot:
- Proposition LL would allow the state to keep all HSMA funds raised by Proposition FF, rather than returning the revenue above the TABOR cap to Coloradans earning over $300,000.
- Proposition MM would generate an additional $95 million in state revenue for the HSMA program, extending universal free school meals for all public-school students beyond December 2025. It would also allow schools to purchase fresh, local ingredients from Colorado farmers; provide training, equipment and support to prepare healthy, from-scratch meals instead of relying on processed food; and increase pay for the school nutrition professionals who make and serve these meals every day.
When children have access to healthy breakfast and lunches, they are more focused and engaged, leading to higher grades, better attendance and increased graduation rates. Props LL and MM will keep Colorado kids fueled for success by guaranteeing access to free, nutritious school meals.
Flavored Tobacco Ban | Referendum 310
This initiative for Denver voters seeks to ban flavored tobacco within city and county of Denver. These products – including e-cigarettes, cigarettes and other tobacco-based products are intentionally designed to hook people – especially youth – by making it easier to start and harder to quit. Marketing for these products specifically targets young people and communities of color, driving higher rates of addiction and worsening health disparities.
Last year, Denver City Council passed a bill banning the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products designed to mask the harshness of tobacco. In response, the tobacco industry has mobilized to place a measure on the 2025 ballot to overturn the flavored tobacco ban. It is important to note that the measure asks voters whether they choose to retain the existing law, meaning a yes vote would uphold the flavored tobacco ban and a no vote would overturn the flavored tobacco ban.
Vibrant Denver Bond | Ballot Measures 2A-2E
The Vibrant Denver Bond is a forward-looking investment in our city’s infrastructure without raising taxes. General obligation bonds are essential to maintaining and improving the systems we all rely on, and the jobs and economic activity generated by this measure are especially critical in this moment. Additionally, beyond addressing core infrastructure needs, the package also includes new projects aimed at uplifting neighborhoods and communities that have long been underinvested in, helping ensure a stronger and more equitable Greater Denver.
The $950 million bond package represents a major investment in Denver’s infrastructure, placing five proposals on the ballot to improve:
- Transportation and mobility
- City facilities
- Parks and recreation
- Housing and shelter
- Health and human services
View the details of the package and each ballot question here.
Adams 12 Mill Levy Override | Ballot Issue 5B
Adams 12 School District’s inadequate funding results in lower teacher salaries, making it more difficult to recruit and retain staff in high-need areas like special education, multilingual learning and Title 1 settings. Enrollment is also declining in the district, with 400 to 500 fewer students each year since the pandemic. Together, these challenges have forced the district to cut more than $27 million from the budget and eliminate 150 jobs for this school year.
This measure would allow for a $39.4 million mill levy override to strengthen Adams 12 schools by funding staff, diverse learning opportunities, school safety and security and mental health supports. This funding would give Adams 12 students and educators the resources they need to succeed.
A mill levy override allows the district to collect additional property tax revenue beyond the state-set limit, raising additional funds to support students.