DeGette Champions 10 Projects, Totaling Nearly $25 Million in Federal Investment for Denver

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) announced her selection of 10 local projects she will champion through the federal appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2027 — projects that could collectively bring nearly $25 million in direct federal investment to Denver communities.

The projects span some of Denver's most urgent priorities: expanding affordable housing, training workers for the jobs of tomorrow, protecting vulnerable children, strengthening safety-net health clinics, and investing in the research and innovation driving Colorado's economy forward.

“Community Project Funding is democracy at its best — and I can't think of a better example of how the legislation we pass in Congress directly touches the communities we serve,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “From putting families into safe, affordable homes, to helping people experiencing homelessness find meaningful, dignified work, to building community centers for children in need, the projects I have championed are exactly what Congress should be laser focused on. Today's announcement is just the beginning. My job now is to fight to make every single one of these projects law.”

Building on a Strong Record

Today's announcement builds on Congresswoman DeGette's proven track record of delivering for Denver. Last year, she submitted 13 projects for inclusion in the FY2026 appropriations bills — 12 of which were ultimately signed into law, totaling more than $16 million in direct investment for Denver residents. Since 2022, she has returned more than $62.9 million in taxpayer funds back to the community through Community Project Funding.

About Community Project Funding

The projects were submitted by local organizations and municipalities for competitive Community Project Funding (CPF) grants — a program that allows Members of Congress to direct federal dollars to specific, community-identified needs. Selection at this stage does not guarantee funding; each project must still survive a competitive Congressional appropriations process.

About the 10 Projects

Affordable Housing

1. Mulroy Apartments and Opportunity Center Redevelopment(Denver Housing Authority | $4,295,338) — Would replace 56 obsolete public housing units — built nearly 70 years ago — with 133 modern, energy-efficient affordable apartments in the West Colfax neighborhood, more than doubling the number of homes available to low- and moderate-income residents.
2. Townview Apartments (City and County of Denver, Department of Housing Stability | $5,000,000) — Would construct 160 family units in a six-story building with seven two-story townhomes, directly addressing Denver's acute affordable housing shortage.

Workforce Development

3. Doubling Capacity for Workforce Training for Individuals Transitioning from Homelessness to Employment(City and County of Denver, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity | $2,000,000) — Would fund the acquisition of a workforce training facility and expand job training and certification programs that help Denver residents transition out of homelessness and into stable employment.

Child Safety

4. Denver Child Abuse Prevention and Community Training Center(City and County of Denver | $4,500,000) — Would convert a former credit union building into a dedicated child abuse prevention and community training center, expanding capacity to prevent crimes against children and support the professionals working to keep Denver's most vulnerable families safe.

Health Care

5. FQHC Refrigeration Power Supply Equipment (Denver Health Community Health Services | $1,900,000) — Would purchase 79 battery back-up power units to protect drug and vaccine refrigeration across 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers and 19 School-Based Health Centers, preventing the loss of critical medications and disruption to patient care.
6. STRIDE FQHC Health Care Equipment Upgrade(STRIDE Community Health Center | $813,500) — Would upgrade the Oneida Clinic's pharmaceutical equipment — including a prescription-filling robot and enhanced dental care tools — strengthening a safety-net clinic that serves all First District residents regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Research & Innovation

7. AI and Robotics Engineering Training Lab Equipment (University of Colorado Denver | $2,003,650) — Would equip CU Denver's engineering program with advanced robotics, autonomy, and AI infrastructure, preparing workers for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health care, and other sectors driving Denver's economy.
8. Dreamscape Virtual Reality Learning Lab(Community College of Denver | $1,551,390) — Would establish an immersive virtual reality learning lab at Community College of Denver, integrating cutting-edge technology into STEM and health care courses to help more students — particularly those facing systemic barriers — complete programs in fields critical to Colorado's future.
9. Mass Spectrometry–Driven Direct-to-Biology Platform for Accelerated Drug Discovery (University of Denver | $1,800,000) — Would establish a mass spectrometry-centered research platform at the University of Denver, accelerating the discovery of treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and other serious diseases.
10. iHouse Criminal Justice Platform(University of Denver | $934,470) — Would expand an existing NIH-funded simulation model to equip Colorado state and local agencies with a real-time tool for smarter criminal justice policy decisions, with the goal of reducing incarceration among people with histories of homelessness.

More information about the projects, relevant financial disclosures, and a list of previously requested projects can be found on Congresswoman DeGette's website.