Chris's Vision and Priorities

Chris is fighting for a city where opportunity, dignity, and, stability are not just promises, they’re policies.

Chris Hinds is the leader Denver needs to tackle our city's housing crisis head-on. With a deep understanding of the challenges caused by rapid population growth, rising costs, and a shortage of affordable homes, Chris has a proven track record of securing funding for affordable housing, strengthening tenant protections, and supporting smart development.

Tackling Homelessness with Compassion

Addressed large encampments with compassion
When Chris took office in 2019, multiple large encampments overwhelmed central Denver. Today, those encampments are gone, with residents moved into shelters and safer environments - including some in permanent housing. [ 1 ]
Made Safe Outdoor Spaces permanent
He co-sponsored legislation making these service-rich alternatives to unsheltered homelessness a lasting part of Denver’s housing strategy. [ 1 ]
Scaled rapid rehousing efforts
Just since the start of Chris's second term, Denver has moved more than 7000 people moved to shelter and 5500 people moved to housing in the last 2 years, and he’s advocating to expand this model. [ 1 ]

Expanding Housing Supply and Affordability

Passed the Expanding Housing Affordability (EHA) ordinance
Chris was a key leader behind this landmark law requiring large developments to include income-restricted homes, ensuring growth includes working families, not just luxury buyers. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]
Piloted inclusionary zoning in Golden Triangle
Chris first tested EHA affordability requirements through a successful zoning amendment in Golden Triangle the year before EHA, setting the precedent that redefines affordable housing in Denver at 60% AMI, not 80%. [ 1 ]
Invested in permanently affordable housing
He voted to fund land trust developments, ensuring that homes built on that land stay affordable for generations to come. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]
Accelerated affordable housing approvals
He voted to streamline permitting so projects that align with Denver’s values can move faster ... and others get fast feedback on why they don’t. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ]
Modernized zoning to support shared housing
Chris updated restrictive rules to allow more unrelated adults to live together, reflecting today’s affordability needs and household realities. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]

Protecting Renters and Strengthening Tenant Rights

Guaranteed legal defense for renters
Chris voted for Denver’s Right to Counsel law, which provides free legal aid to low-income tenants facing eviction, keeping thousands of residents in their homes. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]
Launched Healthy Residential Rentals for All
He helped create Denver’s first citywide rental licensing and inspection program—holding landlords accountable for basic health and safety standards. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ]
Strengthened tenant protections
Chris voted to require relocation assistance for tenants when a rental becomes uninhabitable so landlords can’t push people out without consequence. [ 1 ]
Educated and empowered renters
Chris partnered with the Community Eviction Defense Project to host free eviction defense and tenant rights seminars in District 10. [ 1 ]
Fought for temporary rental and utility assistance funding
Chris took a stand against the administration’s proposed budget by co-sponsoring and voting for a $2 million amendment to expand rental and utility assistance for struggling Denverites. He joined a Council majority to assert the importance of keeping residents housed amid rising costs, ensuring more families could avoid eviction and utility shutoffs. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]

Chris Hinds isn’t just talking about housing. He’s delivering bold, structural change so more Denverites can afford to live, work, and thrive in the city they love.

Denver’s housing crisis demands bold, compassionate leadership NOW. Chris Hinds is fighting to protect renters, expand affordable housing, and keep our neighborhoods livable for all. Chip in now to re-elect Chris Hinds and help ensure Denver remains a place everyone can call home.

Transportation and Mobility

Chris Hinds believes that everyone deserves the freedom to get from A to B safely, no matter how you choose to get there. He’s been a consistent leader in rethinking how our streets work, reclaiming them for people, and building a safer, more inclusive transportation future for Denver. After all, Chris is in a wheelchair today because he's a victim of traffic violence.

Reclaiming Streets for People

Made Cheesman Park inner loop car-free
Chris championed the effort to keep Cheesman Park’s inner loop closed to vehicles after a successful COVID-era pilot, permanently prioritizing walking, biking, and rolling over cut-through car traffic. [ 1 ]
Permanently pedestrianized Bannock Street
He led the charge to close Bannock Street next to City Hall, Denver’s first permanent pedestrian plaza since the 16th Street Mall opened in 1982. The once-busy street is now a beloved civic space for gathering, protest, and play. [ 1 ]
Advanced multi-modal street transformations
Chris pushed to expand people-first infrastructure across the city, including sidewalk improvements, traffic-calming features, and pedestrian-friendly zoning in neighborhoods like the Golden Triangle. [ 1 ]
Advocated for permanent shared streets on 11th and 16th Avenues
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris championed the closures of East 11th and 16th Avenues to vehicular traffic (better known as opening those streets to the people!), promoting safer spaces for walking, biking, and rolling. Recognizing the long-term benefits, he has continued to advocate for making these shared streets permanent fixtures in Denver's urban landscape. More recent examples include Larimer Square and Glenarm downtown. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ]

Making Streets Safer for All

Passed “20 is Plenty” residential speed limit policy
Chris supported lowering Denver’s default residential speed limit from 25 to 20 mph. This small shift is expected to dramatically improve crash survivability for people walking and biking ... and reduce neighborhood speeding. [ 1 ]
Invested in Vision Zero safety upgrades
He’s a champion of Denver’s Vision Zero goals and has backed numerous investments in protected bike lanes, safer crosswalks, and intersection redesigns that reduce deadly conflicts between cars and vulnerable road users. [ 1 ]
Supported robust enforcement and education efforts
Chris has advocated for smart enforcement and street safety campaigns that balance accountability with education, helping drivers understand the importance of speed reduction and crosswalk safety. [ 1 ]

Building a More Connected and Sustainable City

Secured funding for the 5280 Trail
Chris was an early and vocal supporter of the 5280 Trail—Denver’s bold plan for a five-mile urban loop. He helped secure $7 million in bond funds to launch the first segment in District 10. [ 1 ]
Improved zoning for walkability and transit access
He led efforts to update pedestrian-oriented design standards in central neighborhoods, ensuring new development supports walkable, accessible streetscapes. [ 1 ]
Advocated to reduce car dependence
As Chris puts it: 'We should encourage non-car transit—and discourage car transit.' That’s the future he’s fighting for: one where walking, biking, rolling, and taking transit are not only safe—but the easy choice. [ 1 ]

Help keep this momentum going. Your support fuels a campaign for safer, healthier, more sustainable streets. Chip in now to re-elect Chris Hinds and keep Denver moving forward together.

Be part of something bigger—help shape Denver's future today.

Chris Hinds has the experience and compassion to deliver for all of us - but only with your help. He's committed to only accepting campaign funds from real people, not corporations or PACs. That means he needs your help more than ever.

Best place to live in Denver (and Colorado!), Denver's Perfect 10

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Climate and Sustainability

Chris believes that climate action must start where we live. He's committed to bold, local solutions that improve health, equity, and resilience, especially for those hit first and worst by the climate crisis. For Chris, sustainability means more than going green. It means building a Denver that works for everyone, for the long haul.

Delivering on the Climate Protection Fund

Championed Denver’s Climate Protection Fund
Chris was a vocal supporter of the 2020 ballot initiative creating a 0.25% sales tax to fund climate action. The Climate Protection Fund now generates over $40 million annually for clean energy, resilience, and sustainability initiatives across Denver. [ 1 ]
Ensured equitable distribution of climate funds
Chris pushed for climate investments to prioritize Denver’s most vulnerable communities—ensuring that low-income and disproportionately impacted neighborhoods receive additional financial support for things like home weatherization, air conditioning, and rooftop solar. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ]

Investing in Clean Transportation and Energy

Expanded access to electric bikes and EV infrastructure
Chris supported popular climate programs that offer instant e-bike rebates and install electric vehicle chargers citywide—helping residents replace car trips and lower emissions. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ] , [ 4 ]
Funded solar panels on public buildings and nonprofits
Thanks to Chris’ leadership on the Climate Protection Fund, city buildings are being outfitted with solar panels, cutting energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ] , [ 4 ]
Expanded composting and waste reduction
Chris backed policies to reduce landfill waste and expand composting services, while also supporting Denver’s ordinance limiting single-use plastics like plastic bags and utensils. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]

Reducing Energy Use, Single Use Items, and Carbon Pollution

Led on 'Skip the Stuff' to cut plastic waste
Chris co-sponsored Denver’s 'Skip the Stuff' ordinance, which stops restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils, napkins, and condiment packets in takeout orders. This common-sense policy helps reduce single-use plastics and empowers customers to opt out of unnecessary waste—while saving businesses money and keeping trash out of landfills. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] , [ 3 ]
Pushed for Denver’s disposable bag fee
Chris supported and actively worked to pass Denver’s 2019 ordinance requiring a $0.10 fee on disposable bags. By encouraging residents to bring reusable bags, the policy reduces litter, cuts plastic pollution, and moves Denver toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. [ 1 ] , [ 2 ]
Voted for the Energize Denver ordinance
Chris voted to require large commercial and multifamily buildings to cut energy usage and meet performance targets, a cornerstone of Denver’s climate mitigation strategy. [ 1 ]
Linked climate goals to transportation
Chris integrated climate action into transit and mobility planning—supporting policies that prioritize walking, biking, and transit over car dependency, aligning with Denver’s Climate Action Plan. [ 1 ]

Climate Leadership and Advocacy

Welcomed Greta Thunberg to Denver City Council
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Greta Thunberg used Chris's office as a green room during her Denver visit, underscoring his alignment with the global youth climate movement.
Integrated climate action across policy areas
From building codes to mobility and land use, Chris has consistently brought climate thinking into local policymaking—advancing Denver’s emissions targets while improving quality of life. [ 1 ]
Advocated for climate action beyond Denver
Chris has taken his climate advocacy to the state and national levels, including testifying at the Colorado PUC and joining hundreds of elected officials to call for a halt to new fossil fuel projects and a transition to renewable energy. His signature on national climate letters underscores his commitment to bold, systemic change beyond city limits. [ 1 ]

Chris Hinds isn’t just talking about transportation reform. He’s delivering it. Block by block. With bold investments, inclusive design, and people-first policies, Chris is transforming how we move through Denver.

Climate change won’t wait! And neither can we. Chris Hinds is leading Denver’s fight for clean air, renewable energy, and climate justice. Chip in now to re-elect Chris Hinds and keep bold climate action moving forward.

The Earth Can't Wait

From advocating with Greta Thunberg and Al Gore to rallying for local climate action, Chris Hinds has been a champion for sustainability in Denver and beyond. He’s, ahem, "walking" the talk because our future depends on what we do today.

Chip in for bold climate action

Chris Hinds holding 'The Earth Can’t Wait' sign

Community Safety

Violence Prevention and Community-Based Safety

Focus: Preventing harm by investing in trusted community organizations and youth opportunity.

Championed funding for violence interruption programs that rely on local credibility and restorative justice
Supports investments in youth mentorship, recreation, and job training as long-term violence prevention tools
Backs community-led safety models over top-down enforcement approaches
Advocates for trauma-informed care in both public and nonprofit settings

First Responder Alternatives and Crisis Response

Focus: Sending mental health professionals—not police—when someone is in crisis.

One of the City Council’s earliest and strongest advocates for expanding the STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) program
Led conversations around scaling co-responder teams to cover more neighborhoods and shifts
Pushes for dispatch reform to ensure 911 calls receive the most appropriate response, not just default police involvement
Ensures that post-crisis wraparound services are funded and accessible, especially for people with disabilities

Police Accountability and Reform

Focus: Promoting transparency, oversight, and trust between law enforcement and the public.

Supports independent oversight of the Denver Police Department through the Office of the Independent Monitor
Has pushed for disability-awareness, de-escalation, and anti-bias training across all city departments
Consistently advocates against excessive force and calls for clearer use-of-force standards
Backs reforms that prioritize community engagement and fair treatment over militarization

Safe Streets and Neighborhood Design

Focus: Making neighborhoods safer through better infrastructure—not just more enforcement.

Led efforts to redesign high-injury corridors with better lighting, safer crosswalks, and lower speeds
Supports Vision Zero strategies and infrastructure that reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities
Advocates for traffic calming and urban design that fosters social connection and reduces crime
Calls for universal design principles so safety improvements benefit all residents, including those with disabilities

Emergency Preparedness and Resilience

Focus: Ensuring no one is left behind in an emergency—especially people with disabilities and seniors.

Pushes for inclusive emergency planning that incorporates mobility, communication, and access needs
Backs neighborhood resilience hubs with resources for heatwaves, wildfires, and climate-related crises
Supports community-led preparedness efforts and localized mutual aid networks
Champions cross-agency coordination for pandemic response and future public health challenges

Representation and Democracy

Disability Representation and Access

Focus: Ensuring people with disabilities are not just included—but heard and represented in decision-making.

Made history as the first elected official in Denver who uses a wheelchair, paving the way for broader disability inclusion in public service
Called national attention to accessibility failures when he was forced to leave his wheelchair to be sworn into office, sparking policy reviews and infrastructure reforms
Advocates for ADA compliance in all public buildings, council chambers, and polling locations
Supports closed captioning, remote participation, and other accessibility upgrades to democratize public meetings

Protecting and Expanding Voting Rights

Focus: Safeguarding the right to vote and ensuring every ballot is counted equally.

Supports automatic voter registration, ballot access expansions, and same-day registration
Championed the expansion of vote centers and drop-box access across Denver
Opposed voter suppression efforts at the state and local level, including inaccessible ballots and procedures
Advocates for multilingual voter information and accessible voting tools for seniors and people with disabilities

Campaign Finance Reform and Transparency

Focus: Reducing the influence of big money in politics and increasing public trust in government.

Supports Denver’s Fair Elections Fund and public financing of campaigns to level the playing field
Calls for real-time transparency in political contributions and independent expenditures
Backs stronger conflict-of-interest rules and ethics oversight for elected officials
Prioritizes accountability and open data in all areas of city governance

Community Engagement and Responsive Government

Focus: Bringing government closer to the people through dialogue, transparency, and trust.

Regularly holds town halls, neighborhood meetings, and open office hours across District 10
Launched online feedback portals and surveys to make policy input easier and more equitable
Ensures public comment is protected and expanded in council and committee meetings
Uses lived experience to advocate for policies that reflect real lives—not just political agendas

Defending Democratic Norms and Institutions

Focus: Standing firm against attacks on democracy and modeling inclusive, ethical leadership.

Condemned political extremism and efforts to undermine election outcomes at every level
Upholds democratic norms, open government, and respect for the rule of law in all city processes
Advocates for civic education and nonpartisan voter engagement in schools and community centers
Demonstrates that public service is possible—and powerful—for underrepresented communities

Public Health

Accessible and Inclusive Healthcare

Focus: Making sure all Denverites—including people with disabilities—can access timely, quality care.

Advocates for universal design in public health facilities, mobile units, and communication materials
Supports language access, ASL interpretation, and plain-language resources in all health services
Pushes for better data collection on disability and health disparities to inform equitable planning
Works to reduce access gaps for seniors, people with chronic illness, and residents without stable housing

Mental and Behavioral Health

Focus: Treating mental health and substance use with care, compassion, and community support—not criminalization.

Championed expanded funding for STAR (Support Team Assisted Response), sending mental health professionals—not police—to nonviolent crises
Supports 24/7 co-responder teams and follow-up care that connects people to housing, treatment, and stability
Advocates for trauma-informed practices in schools, shelters, and the criminal legal system
Prioritizes investments in culturally competent and community-based behavioral health providers

Environmental Health and Clean Air

Focus: Reducing exposure to pollution and making neighborhoods healthier and more livable.

Supports stronger air quality standards and monitoring near schools, highways, and industrial sites
Backs green infrastructure, urban forestry, and active transit as public health tools
Advocates for cooling infrastructure and tree canopy in heat-vulnerable communities
Recognizes that climate resilience and public health are deeply interconnected

Housing and Health Security

Focus: Addressing housing as a health issue—and preventing health emergencies caused by displacement or instability.

Supports eviction prevention programs, rental assistance, and wraparound services to keep people housed and healthy
Advocates for habitability standards and responsive code enforcement in rental units
Backs transitional and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness with physical or mental health needs
Champions tenant rights as a way to reduce stress, chronic illness, and preventable hospitalization

Emergency Preparedness and Health Equity

Focus: Making sure Denver is ready for future public health emergencies—and that no one is left behind.

Pushes for inclusive emergency plans that center people with disabilities, language needs, and limited mobility
Supports expanded access to vaccines, testing, and health resources across all zip codes
Championed the use of equity data in pandemic recovery and ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funding
Backs localized resilience hubs and public health education rooted in trust and community partnerships

Table of Contents

Housing

Transportation

Climate

Safety

Representation

Health

Housing and Affordability

Housing and Affordability

Tackling Homelessness with Compassion

Expanding Housing Supply and Affordability