Construction Employment Opportunities
Denver’s construction industry is facing a critical workforce shortage driven by high retirement rates, a growing skills gap and evolving workforce dynamics. At the same time, infrastructure, new development and redevelopment projects across the city continue to expand; creating an urgent need for skilled workers.
DURA’s Construction Employment Opportunities (CEO) Program is designed to help meet this demand by investing in workforce development and industry capacity.
The program focuses on three key priorities:
Recruiting and training new workers
for placement in construction careers
Upskilling existing professionals
to support career advancement
Strengthening local construction-related businesses
to meet growing demand
Program Overview
DURA is committed to supporting employment and long-term career pathways within the construction trades. To advance this goal, all projects receiving full or partial Tax Increment Financing (TIF) are required to contribute to the CEO Program.
CEO funding is calculated as 1% of either:
- • The project’s maximum reimbursable cost (as defined in the redevelopment agreement), or
- • The gross bond proceeds issued by DURA
(Whichever amount is greater.)
These funds are then reinvested into programs that support workforce development and business growth across Denver.
Program Goals
The CEO Program is designed to support initiatives that align with one or more of the following:
1. Building Individuals New to Construction
Creating pathways for individuals to enter the construction workforce through training, education and placement opportunities.
2. Building Individuals Employed in Construction
Supporting current construction workers with advanced training, certifications and skill development to help them grow in their careers.
3. Building Construction-Related Businesses
Strengthening the capacity of local firms—particularly small and emerging businesses—to compete and succeed in Denver’s construction industry.
This includes supporting businesses aligned with DURA’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Policy
Funding & Eligibility
CEO funding is distributed through a competitive process to programs and organizations that align with the goals of the CEO Policy.
This funding cycle prioritizes proposals that:
- • Expand construction employment opportunities
- • Support Denver residents entering or advancing in the trades
- • Strengthen the local construction ecosystem
CEO funds are intended to support workforce development and business capacity, and are not intended for required workplace training, such as OSHA certification.
Important Links
To find application details, eligibility requirements, program guidelines and additional background information, please reference the resources below: