DPP Offers Expertise For Voter-Approved Tax Funding Implementation: Last Vote to First Dollar Toolkit

Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is proud to have been one of the first examples in the nation of how voter-approved tax funding can make a difference in early education. Denver voters first approved a sales tax measure in November of 2006 to increase access to quality preschool for all 4-year-olds in Denver and improve the quality of preschool programs throughout Denver. DPP was established as a result of that original measure. The sales tax was increased, expanded upon in nature, and re-approved by Denver voters in 2014 and Denver Preschool Program was reauthorized indefinitely in 2023. 

True to our values of leading collaboratively and increasing access, DPP works with organizations and thought leaders locally and nationally to share insights about approaching a ballot initiative voter-approved tax funding for early education. We established best practices that can be utilized by others to efficiently create similar efforts in their own communities. 

Last Vote to First Dollar Toolkit for Voter-Approved Tax Funding

In addition to sharing DPP’s founding story and learnings, members of our leadership team frequently speak on panels, participate in round tables, present to organizing groups, and share our experience through resources like the new Last Vote to First Dollar Toolkit from the Children’s Funding Project.  The toolkit offers tips and advice for local teams as they transition from campaigning for voter-approved funds to implementation. DPP was happy to provide insights about our process for the toolkit. 

The Last Vote to First Dollar Toolkit from the Children’s Funding Project includes: 

• Policy and program design 
• Operationalizing a new fund 
• Communications
• Evaluations and impact 

“DPP is committed to sharing our learnings and insights with others as we are all creating a better world for our children,” said Elsa Holguin, DPP President & CEO. “We were happy to collaborate with the Children’s Funding Project on this toolkit and hope it inspires and empowers other communities as they make critical investments in early childhood education.”

Children’s Funding Project is a nonprofit social impact organization that offers hands-on technical assistance and resources to help communities, states, and Native nations expand access to opportunities for children and youth through strategic public financing. Learn more about Children’s Funding Project.