Downtown Colorado Inc. has wrapped up its 2025 Colorado Downtown Excellence Awards, naming the City and County of Denver among the dozen awardees recognized for excellence in downtown commercial districts.

The April 3 awards ceremony was part of DCI’s annual IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event, held this year in Greeley and on its way to Grand Junction in 2026. 

Denver’s development plan for the Downtown Development Authority was selected as the Colorado Choice Award for Large Community, according to a news release.

“The City and County of Denver is incredibly honored to be recognized for Denver’s expanded Downtown Development Authority,” Adeeb Khan, executive director of Denver Economic Development and Opportunity, told The Denver Gazette. “The plan of development is designed to deliver catalytic investments into our downtown at a crucial time.” 

The awards aim to honor organizations and individuals who have achieved success, demonstrated innovation, and made a positive impact in their respective communities.

Here are this year’s winners:

Best Partnership Large Community

Downtown Englewood – CitySpark

Best Partnership Small Community

City of Montrose – Historic Potato Growers Building

Best Place Large Community

Arvada Urban Renewal Authority – Garrison Garden Paseo

Best Place Small Community

Town of Basalt – Midland Streetscape Project

Best Plan Large Community

City of Wheat Ridge – Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan

Best Plan Small Community

Fraser Downtown Development Authority – Plan of Development 

Best Pop-up Large Community 

Downtown Colorado Springs – Revel Urban Arts Party

Best Pop-up Small Community 

Downtown Englewood – Flower Pop

Best Project Large Community

Downtown Greeley – WeldWalls Mural Festival

Best Project Small Community

City of Louisville – Downtown Vision Plan

Colorado Choice Award Large Community

City and County of Denver – Plan of Development for Denver’s Downtown Development Authority

Colorado Choice Award Small Community

Town of Windsor – Windsor Downtown Master Plan

Colorful Colorado Choice Award

Town of San Luis – San Luis Civic Plaza

Vicki Mattox Downtowner of the Year

Bianca Fisher, Greeley Downtown Development Authority

Maureen Phair, Arvada Urban Renewal Authority

Since 2003, DCI has presented awards to outstanding projects and people throughout the state who demonstrate creativity in the face of challenges, unlikely and enduring partnerships, and commitment to advancing downtown initiatives within their local communities.

“We are shaping the future city and our region through the DDDA and improving our urban core,” Khan added. “We are grateful for this recognition and continue to welcome applications for investment.”