DOTI's Office of Community & Business Engagement

Overview

The Office of Community and Business Engagement (OCBE), within Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), offers education & partnership with residents, organizations, and businesses around transportation safety, active living, and community resiliency. Learn more about our programs below and connect with us at ocbe@denvergov.org.

MISSION: The Office of Community & Business Engagement (OCBE) leads DOTI to proactively connect, collaborate, and build relationships with Denver residents and businesses to create equitable and on-time project outcomes that reflect the vision, values, and diversity of the community.

VISION: To be the trusted partner for designing and delivering effective engagement services with and for Denver's unique communities.

Engage with DOTI

Connect with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and highlight ways we can collaborate more effectively. Here, you’ll find resources, engagement opportunities, and tools to support your neighborhood’s goals and growth.

 

DOTI Delivers Newsletter

From our hands to your neighborhoods: subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on the work that DOTI is delivering.

• Edition 1

RNO Guide to DOTI

Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) are valued city partners and ensure our transportation and infrastructure systems are inclusive of community needs, values, and variety of lived experiences. Thank you for the very important role you have in shaping and supporting Denver’s neighborhoods. Click here to find resources, engagement opportunities, and tools to support your neighborhood’s goals and growth.

DOTI Events

Denver Community Active Living Coalition (CALC)

Denver Community Active Living Coalition (CALC) is a diverse group of community members who care about health and safety through physical activity. CALC envisions a city with safe, convenient, and fun spaces to walk, roll, bike, and take transit where residents of all ages and abilities can connect to their environment and one another.

Since 2015, Denver CALC works with neighborhoods and residents to make it easier and safer for everyone to access biking, walking and transit in Denver. We do this by collecting and sharing data with communities and decision makers, working with Coalition partners on events and programs, and providing education and training for community leaders on health and the built environment.

Denver CALC is a grant-funded program funded through the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Pulmonary Disease (CCPD) Grants Program.

Contact us: calc@denvergov.org

DOTI/CALC Micro-Grant Program-Now Open

Individuals may apply for up to $500 of project funding. Upon completion of the project and a project reflection form, Individuals will receive an additional, final payment of $75.

Organizations or Businesses with a valid W-9 may apply for up to $1,500 in project funding, to be distributed via check or ACH. Upon completion of the project and a project reflection form, Organizations/Businesses will receive an additional, final payment of $500.

Eligible projects will:

• Primarily serve those who live within the City & County of Denver.
• Align with one of the Micro-Grant project types.
• Follow project requirements.

We're here to help!

Language translation and interpretation services are available. Ask for Language Help.

If you don't have internet or computer access, you can call and leave a voicemail with your name and call back number.

Have questions or want to learn more? We're here to help.

communitystreets@denvergov.org

Project Types

All allowable project types are listed below. Please visit the FAQ section below for more information about each project type. 

• Active Transportation Groups – Walking, biking, rolling groups, transit tours 
• Transportation Education – Learning about bike riding or repair, walking safety trainings, mobility education events 
• Commuter Incentive Programs 
• Bike rack permitting and installation 
• Safe Routes to School – Any of the above projects for a school community  

---

Funding Information

Funding Amounts:

• Individuals may apply for up to $500 in project funding. Upon completion of the project and a project reflection form, Individuals will receive an additional, final payment of $75.

• Organizations or Businesses with a valid W-9 may apply for up to $1500 in project funding, to be distributed via check or ACH. Upon completion of the project and a project reflection form, Organizations/Businesses will receive an additional, final payment of $500.

---

The Micro-Grant cannot fund projects that:

• Are for an individual or business benefit only. (Examples: personal bikes, recreational fees for an individual).

• Are outside of City & County of Denver limits, unless they specifically serve those who live in Denver.

• Go against or lead to individuals failing to adhere to current laws or public health guidelines.

• Install any unpermitted furniture or infrastructure that would impede local traffic in the Right-of-Way.

• Include music or video/movie licensing.

---

Additional considerations:

• The Micro-Grant Program will only fund one project proposal per applicant in 2026.

• Preference will be given to projects that serve a high-need community or vulnerable and marginalized populations in alignment with the DOTI Equity Index Map.

• Micro-Grant recipients should expect to receive a 1099 for their Micro-Grant funds and should prepare their own receipts and taxes appropriately.

• Because of the small nature of the micro-grant program, we will not allow indirect costs to be billed to the grant program. All grant funds should go directly to the proposed project as stated in the application.

Program Phases and Grantee Expectations



---

Phase I: Project Proposal

Step 1: Proposal (Eligibility Form and Application)

• Applicants will use a free Submittable account to fill out an Eligibility Form to ensure projects match with program guidelines and funding themes.
• Eligible applicants will automatically have access to fill out the Project Proposal Form in Submittable.
• After the project proposal is submitted, proposals will move through an Internal Review.

Step 2: Internal Review

• The Micro-Grant team reviews project proposals on an ongoing basis in the order they are received.
• Once alignment with the project is confirmed, applicants will be notified of their continuation to the Micro-Grant Project phase.
• Aligned projects will be assigned a Grant Officer to help deliver a successful project and meet project requirements.

---

Phase II: Micro-Grant Project

Step 3: Preparation

• Grantees will meet with Grant Officers for a phone call, video call or in-person meeting at least once during project preparation.
• Grantees will upload all outstanding contracting documents (W-9, proof of insurance, etc.) and complete consultation with their Grant Officer to receive project funding.
• Project funding is sent to Grantees via check or direct deposit for organizations.

Step 4: Implementation

• Grantee completes Micro-Grant project within 90 days of receiving their project funding.

Step 5: Reflection

• Grant Officer will send Grantee a post-project reflection in Submittable that must be returned within 2 weeks of project completion.
• After project reflection is complete, Grantee will receive final payment.

Project Requirements

Project Requirements

We will work with eligible applicants to ensure your project meets these requirements.

Requirements for ALL projects	Additional requirements (based on project type/risk assessment)
Permission to host the project at the selected location Upload of a Certificate of Insurance Upload of a current signed W-9 with address that matches the address filed with the Colorado Secretary of State. (Organization/Business applicants) Plans for ensuring physical safety Plans for participation consent Plans for protecting personal information	Permit(s) to host the project at a public location Office of Special Events permit Community Streets approvals Auto Insurance Policy Workers Compensation Insurance Policy Artwork Review

Resources

Resources

• Office of Special Events permitting information
• Denver Parks & Recreation permitting information
• Keep Denver Beautiful support for cleanup projects
• Bike Rack permitting

• Right of Way and General Permitting 

To report an issue to the City of Denver, please use the Online Services Hub to submit a 311 Request using this link or use your mobile phone to text the word "hello" to 439311 (or HEY311).

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What if I need assistance in a language other than English?
If you need non-English language interpretation/translation services, please Ask for Language Help. 

What projects can the Micro-Grant fund? 

The 2026 Micro-Grant can fund the following types of projects: 

Active transportation groups

• Walking groups

• As trash clean-ups

• Walk audits (researching walking conditions)

• Biking/rolling groups
  • Including “bike busses” (riding to school as a group with adults)
  • Bike audits (researching biking conditions)

• Transit tours that include mobility education

Transportation education

• Bike rodeos (bike skill courses)

• Bike repair and maintenance classes

• Bike Learn-to-Ride sessions

• Sidewalk and walking safety trainings

• Scooter safety trainings

• Walking leadership training

• Safe driving behavior education

• Booster/Seatbelt safety education

• General mobility education events

Commuter incentive programs

Bike rack permitting and installation

Safe Routes to School - Any of the above project types for a school community. 

Is there a deadline to apply?

There is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully spent.

How long will funding last?
In the past, funds have run out by mid to late September.

Who is eligible to apply?
Any individual, organization, or business serving those who live within the City & County of Denver is eligible to apply for the Micro-Grant. 

Can I apply this year if I applied last year?
Yes, you can apply in 2026, even if you applied in previous years.

How many times can I apply for a DOTI/CALC Micro-Grant?
Only one project can be funded per individual or organization in 2026, due to limited funding.

---

Proposal & Internal Review FAQs

What is the platform for applying in 2026?
The program is using Submittable.

Do I need an account to use Submittable?
Yes, a free Submittable account is needed to submit your application. Learn more about Submittable with this Meet Submittable for Applicants video or access Help for Applicants.

Do I have to fill out the application all at once?
No. Submittable allows you to save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form later.

Can I prepare an application with another collaborator?
Yes. Submittable allows you to collaborate on an application with others. To invite someone to help support you in completing an application select Manage Collaborators after you begin your application. Learn more here: Inviting Collaborators on Submissions and Additional Forms.

Can two organizations apply for the same event/program?
Yes, if each organization is covering a distinct and separate part of the event, project, or program. 

How will my application be reviewed?
First, the Program Administrator will review your proposal to ensure it matches all basic levels of eligibility for the program and has an aligned funding theme. Based on the project type, a second review will identify any steps your project will still need to complete to be fully feasible, such as necessary permits or insurance. At this point the project will be shared with a Grant Officer to work with you, coach you, provide technical assistance in completing requirements, and ensure your project's success. Review the Program Phases section for more information. 

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?
The Micro-Grant team plans to communicate with you within 2 weeks of submitting your project proposal, possibly longer depending on the quantity of applications received. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in the order they are received.

How far in advance should I apply?
Please apply for the Micro-Grant at least 30 days before your event or program and 60 days if permits are required.

---

Project Preparation & Implementation FAQs

Is insurance required for Micro-Grant projects?
Yes, every project requires insurance. This includes projects by individual applicants. Please visit the Permitting website to learn more about the City of Denver TULIP insurance that can only be purchased through the Intact Entertainment / Gather Guard website.

Can grant funds be used to cover insurance?
Yes, you can reserve part of your funding to pay for insurance coverage for the Micro-Grant project. and Keep in mind you will need to secure insurance coverage before funding is sent.

What do I need for the Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
For Worker's Compensation Insurance, Grantee shall maintain the coverage as required by statute and shall maintain Employer's Liability insurance with limits of $100,000 for each bodily injury occurrence claim, $100,000 for each bodily injury caused by disease claim, and $500,000 aggregate for all bodily injuries caused by disease claims. Grantee shall maintain Commercial General Liability coverage with limits for $1,000,000 for each occurrence. The City and County of Denver should be listed as Additional Insured. You won't be using personal or homeowner's insurance for coverage.

Learn more about the insurance requirements(PDF, 76KB)
View sample of a Certificate of Insurance(PDF, 290KB)
View sample of a Worker's Comp Waiver(PDF, 117KB)
View Department of Labor's Worker's Comp Questions Pamphlet(PDF, 855KB)

Do I need a permit for my project?
If your project includes anything listed below items, you must apply for a permit.

• Permanent or temporary art installations (Wall or street/sidewalk murals, sculptures, etc.)
• Infrastructure (Benches, shade structures, etc.)
• Large community events (Block parties, park events, etc.)
• Requires a Road Closure
• Use of park or some other public spaces

Is the funding given up-front or as a reimbursement?
The project funding is sent after all necessary risk and contract materials have been submitted and approved and the Applicant has consulted with their Grant Officer. Funding can be used for any associated project costs; there are no receipts are required. The final payment is only provided after the project and the project reflection form have been completed.

For organizations, will payments be made by check or direct deposit?
Either. If you prefer direct deposit, contact communitystreets@denvergov.org or a Community Connector/Grant Officer you've previously worked with to get set up with ACH payments from the City & County of Denver. Note: This is a separate process from the DOTI/CALC Micro-Grant process and may take several weeks to complete.

How long does it take to receive funds?
The project funding is sent after all necessary risk and contract materials have been submitted and approved. After the initial payment is requested, it may take up to three weeks for funds to arrive by mail.

---

Project Completion & Reflection FAQs

How long do I have to complete a project?
Projects must be completed within 90 days of your first payment unless otherwise approved by your Grant Officer.

What is the post-project reflection, and what will I need to prepare for it?
Post-project reflections help the Micro-Grant team understand the outcomes of theproject. Applicants should be prepared to track how many people were engaged, measurements of success, 2-3 anecdotes or quotes from people who interacted with the project, 1-3 photos from the project, and a general summary of how the project went.

 

2024 Micro-Grant Report

2024 Micro-Grant Report

In 2024, the Micro-Grant program funded 150 projects with $196,697.90. To learn more about the program metrics and evaluation, scroll through the data dashboard available below.

How to navigate this report:


• Use the "Report Navigation" buttons at the top to move to different pages in the report. Alternatively, you can use the arrows at the bottom to navigate through the pages one at a time.
• To review the report in full-screen, select the diagonal arrow in the bottom right-hand corner.
• Some textboxes have additional text beyond what is originally viewable - you'll see a scroll bar on the right side of the box. Use your mouse's scroll wheel while hovering over the box, or use your mouse to manually move the scroll bar.
• Pages with multiple datasets can allow you to narrow the data selection. For example, on the "Applications" page, click on any portion of the pie chart to see the other data filtered by only that selection.
• For data in tables, you can change the listing order to any columns available by selecting the column header. For example, on the "Project List" page, the table is sorted by estimated reach by default. To sort them by "Primary Neighborhood" instead, click on that header to see them sorted A-Z. Click it again to reverse the order Z-A.
• For the two maps included in the report, if you would like to view them larger, click on the link icon in the bottom right corner of the map to navigate to a full-quality downloadable PDF map.
  
  

         

 

Safe Routes To School (SRTS) Teacher Champion Program

Denver Safe Routes to School (SRTS) works with school communities to create safe and equitable places and opportunities that enable physical activity, create better focus in school, and strengthen community connections while improving overall safety. The program’s overall goal is to double the mode-share of families who walk or bike to school, from about 14% in 2022 to 30% by 2027. Learn more about Safe Routes to School and how to improve transportation around your school by visiting www.denvergov.org/srts.

 

 

Teacher Champion Program

OCBE supports Denver SRTS goals through the SRTS Teacher Champion Program, a grant program funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The SRTS Teacher Champion Program works with teachers and school communities in Denver to provide educational modules about walking, rolling, biking, and general transportation safety in the classroom, while also promoting active transportation through school-based projects and events like Bike & Roll to School Day. Are you a teacher or administrator at a Denver school interested in joining our current program? Email ocbe@denvergov.org

 

Educational Materials

Looking for ways to encourage walking, biking, and transportation safety for youth and families at your school? Check out our educational modules! These are meant to be delivered in a classroom setting, and many modules have take-home components to do with families and adults. The modules are:

• Basic Helmet Fit & Bike Check: learn about fitting a helmet and explore the basic mechanics of a bicycle. Designed for students K-5^th grade.
• Child Passenger Safety: learn about how to ride in vehicles and how to be safely protected in a car seat or booster seat. Designed for students K-5^th grade.
• Safe Walking, Rolling, and Biking: learn how to safely navigate the physical environment while walking, rolling, or biking to school and around their neighborhoods. We want students to build confidence in their ability to get around safely on sidewalks and streets. At the same time, students should also understand that even though they follow the rules of the road, they need to look out for others who may not. This is a two-day lesson with a field trip on Day 2. Designed for students K-8^th grade.
• Safe Drop-Off: analyze different travel perspectives, drop-off behaviors, and procedures in the classroom before an optional day of exploring your school’s drop-off environment and practicing procedures outside. Designed for students K-8^th grade.
• Bike Smart: this live-action video shows safety tips for rolling or biking to school, including a helmet fit check, bike check, route planning, and safe riding practices. Designed for students 5^th-12^th grade.

 

Each of these great modules includes a short kid-friendly educational video with subtitles in English and Spanish, as well as valuable resources like lesson-plans and take-home handouts for students, parents, and teachers alike.

• View All Educational Modules

 

 

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day

The first National Walk & Roll to School Day was held in 1997 and the first-ever National Bike & Roll to School Day was celebrated in 2012 across the U.S. Join communities as they walk and roll to school for these events each year. In Denver, we celebrate both days with schools across the city. Register your school and find planning resources on the national site. Contact us at srts@denvergov.org if you’d like the city to be involved in your efforts! 

Vision Zero Safety Awareness (VZSA) Program

The City of Denver’s Vision Zero commitment is to make Denver streets safe for everyone – no matter where they live in the city, no matter their means, and no matter their choice to walk, roll, bike, drive, or take transit. In 2023, there were 83 traffic fatalities in Denver. Vision Zero has a bold yet possible goal to see zero traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

OCBE supports Denver Vision Zero through the Denver Vision Zero Safety Awareness Program (VZSA), a grant funded by The Highway Safety Office (HSO) at Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). VZSA works to improve traffic safety through targeted community engagement, messaging, education, and capacity building in Denver neighborhoods while focusing on areas determined by the High Injury Network and Equity Index.

Learn more by visiting the Vision Zero website. Stay connected and sign up for the quarterly Vision Zero newsletter to learn about the ongoing work on Vision Zero and join us in creating a culture of safety in Denver.

Child Passenger Safety

Car crashes are among the top causes of death in children under 14. Parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of serious injuries and deaths by up to 80% by securing children appropriately into properly installed car seats. 

Make sure you’re keeping children safe for the whole journey:

• Best Practices keeps children as safe as possible by extending each fit stage to the maximum allowable, as each stage offers less protection than the one before it. Find current, evidence-based, safest recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics here
• Colorado Law states the bare minimum necessary for legal compliance, but is not necessarily as safe as best practices. Find information from CDOT on current Colorado laws here

Car Seats Colorado’s mission is to provide an environment in Colorado where every child is properly secured in an approved and appropriate restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle. Find information on free car seat checks, installation videos, recycling program, and more at Car Seats Colorado.

Are you interested in becoming a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to support safety in your community? CPS technicians and instructors use their considerable knowledge and expertise at a variety of community-based activities, such as child safety seat checks, where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance. CPS technicians and instructors also keep up-to-date on the latest technical information about child passenger safety through seminars and other continuing education opportunities. Learn more at Safe Kids Worldwide.

LoDo and Ballpark District Rideshare Pickup Zones

In July 2024, Denver Police Department (DPD) partnered with Uber and Lyft to help ease traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety by creating designated rideshare pickup locations in Denver's LoDo and Ballpark Districts. If you are using rideshare services in these areas, please know that you will be directed to specific designated pickup zones through the Uber and Lyft app after requesting a ride.

On Friday and Saturday nights, between 18th and 21st Streets and Blake and Larimer Streets, rideshare pickups and drop-offs are not allowed from 10:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. Instead, you will find designated pickup locations (see map below) where Denver Police officers are stationed to assist with traffic flow, provide security, and ensure a smooth rideshare experience.

Each rideshare pickup zone is clearly marked, and street parking at meters is restricted in these zones to give rideshare drivers space to pull over and safely pick up riders.

LoDo Food Truck Zones

In September 2024, recognizing the popularity of food trucks, DPD established dedicated food truck zones in the LoDo area. Available Friday through Sunday nights, these zones offer a variety of food options for people on their way to rideshares, public transit or parked vehicles. The zones are conveniently located to provide space to enjoy food away from crowded bar entrances and exits.

DPD collaborated with the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) to identify three locations (see map below) for these food truck zones. Each location creates spaces to accommodate food truck lines, maintain pedestrian and bike lane flow, avoid blocking parking lot exits, and allow space for multiple food trucks (for variety and food truck safety), and are easily accessed while traveling to rideshare pickup locations.

Contact

If you have questions or feedback, contact Denver Police District Six Community Resource Officer Technician Kayla Knabe at kayla.knabe@denvergov.org.