Denver city leaders are rolling out an ambitious private‑fundraising campaign to win the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, together with Democratic Party state chair Shad Murib and deputy chief of staff Evan Dreyer, say the city needs to demonstrate the ability to raise between $75 million and $100 million from private sources before the DNC makes its final decision.
Why the money matters
Unlike many large‑scale events that rely on taxpayer dollars, the convention’s budget must be covered largely by private contributions. The amount sought is comparable to the total spending on Colorado’s entire 2024 election cycle, making the goal a significant financial lift for the state.
“The appropriate target is anywhere between $75 million to $100 million for any city that’s going to be hosting it,” Murib said. He added that the money will come from donors across the political spectrum who want to put Denver on the national map.
Fundraising strategy
Dreyer explained that the effort will not be a quick phone call to a single corporation. “It takes months of pre‑outreach, conversations, and visits with different groups to make the case,” he said. A “group of folks outside of city government” has been tasked with the outreach, while the mayor’s office provides overall direction.
Although Dreyer declined to name the individuals handling the calls, he praised the mayor’s leadership, stating, “Mayor Johnston has done a wonderful job showing a realistic and achievable finance plan based on actual commitments.”
Economic promise
Supporters point to the economic boost from the 2008 convention, when Denver welcomed tens of thousands of visitors and generated substantial dollars for local businesses. Dreyer noted that the city still feels the lingering effects of a post‑COVID economic malaise and hopes the new convention will reignite growth.
Denver’s proposal includes a four‑day event at the renovated Ball Arena, a new pedestrian bridge over Speer Boulevard, and a “convention village” with roughly 15,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of a refreshed 16th Street and Union Station. The city already has more hotel rooms near the venue than its two rival bids—Philadelphia and Boston.
Political landscape
The DNC is expected to announce its host city in November or December. While the party’s decision will weigh logistics heavily, the financial commitment remains a key factor. Dreyer cited a recent poll showing 68 % of likely voters support bringing the convention to Denver, including 37 % of Republicans, indicating bipartisan enthusiasm.
Federal grants typically offset some policing and security costs, but the bulk of the budget must be secured privately. If Denver wins, the city would have about 20 months to fulfill the full financial obligation.
Local reaction
Local business leaders, many of whom have expressed frustration with Colorado’s Democratic leadership, are being courted to join the fundraising effort. The mayor’s office hopes that a coalition of civic, business, and community stakeholders will demonstrate Denver’s capacity to host a successful convention and deliver lasting economic benefits.
Denver previously hosted the convention in 1908 and again in 2008, events that left a lasting legacy of infrastructure improvements and national visibility. Organizers are hopeful that the 2028 bid will replicate that success and further cement Denver’s reputation as a premier destination for major national gatherings.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
