Broncos Stadium Community Benefits Agreement
What is a “Community Benefits Agreement”?
A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding agreement between developers and community groups that ensures local residents benefit from major development projects. These agreements are created with the community—not just for it—and typically include commitments like affordable housing, local hiring, environmental protections, small business support, and public space improvements.
CBAs give community members a voice in shaping how large projects impact their neighborhoods—helping ensure growth is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to local needs.
Want updates on the Community Benefits Agreement process? Join our interest list to receive the latest news and opportunities to get involved:
What Has La Alma Lincoln Park Said?
As redevelopment talks swirl around Burnham Yard, neighbors in La Alma–Lincoln Park are stepping up with vision and purpose. Rooted in culture and history, the community is organizing for a future that reflects their values, pushing for a seat at the table, a strong community benefits agreement, and growth that honors the people who call it home. Read more about what our neighbors and board members had to say in this Westword article.
In addition to our updates, City Council District 3 is actively keeping neighbors informed about the Community Benefits Agreement and related developments. You can find more information and resources on the District 3 website.
All media inquires regarding the CBA process, and La Alma Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association’s involvement with it, should be directed to Robin Kniech who can be reached at robin@robinkniech.net.
What is Happening with the Broncos Stadium?
Large Development Review
The Denver Broncos are planning a big change and they’ve selected Burnham Yard as the preferred site for a brand‑new, privately funded stadium, with a retractable roof, planned to open in time for the 2031 NFL season.
Here’s what you should know:
The new stadium will be a mixed-use district with retail, housing, offices, and community space. (Denver Broncos)
The new stadium will be privately financed by the Broncos. Any public funds will be limited to infrastructure, meaning no new taxes. (Denver Broncos)
After 2030, the previous 80-acre Mile High site returns to the city for redevelopment. (Denverite)
Small Area Plan
The Burnham Yard Small Area Plan is a community process intended to ensure the community’s voices are heard and reflected in the redevelopment of the railyard and surrounding area. The planning process will kick off in October and conclude with an anticipated plan adoption near the end of 2026. The process will focused on how to realize the community goals of a redeveloped railyard while addressing the potential impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.
Burnham Yard Small Area Plan
Community Open House
This meeting is not a part of the CBA, but is part of the planning process between the City and the community.
After reviewing the feedback collected from the community engagement meeting last fall, The Burnham Yard Small Area planning team is hosting another open house to make sure the project is moving forward in the right direction.
Save the date for the next community open house on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The meeting will feature interactive exercises to provide input on preferences and priorities for how the area should redevelop.
When:
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Drop in between 9 a.m. and noon
Where:
West High School
951 Elati Street, Denver
FAQs
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A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding contract primarily negotiated and signed by a Coalition of Community Organizations and the Developer building the project. The community coalition must be composed of groups that have the legal capacity to sign the agreement and represent the impacted residents, workers, and other local interests.
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The coalition must be made up of organizations that work collaboratively, can reach a consensus, and are committed to the long-term success of the agreement, ideally existing as a legal entity for the 30+ year life of the agreement. They must have no conflict of interest with the developer, ensuring they advocate solely for the collective good of the community.
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While they don't sign the contract, Elected City Officials are critical because they control the zoning and subsidies the project needs for approval, which dictates how much influence the CBA has on the project. City Staff also influence benefits by overseeing areas like affordable housing that have existing city policies, or by managing infrastructure required for implementation, such as targeted hiring programs.
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The scope and quantity of benefits secured are primarily determined by the power and broad community support the coalition can build. This leverage is key in the direct negotiation with the developer, influencing what the developer is willing to commit to in order to secure the necessary city support and move the project forward.