DDPHE Blog: Strategic Plan Launched

DDPHE Blog: Strategic Plan Launched

Published on October 17, 2025

Shaping a Healthier, Safer and More Equitable Denver

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is proud to announce the launch of its new strategic plan, a roadmap that will guide the department's work over the next several years to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in Denver.

Public health and environmental protection are constantly evolving fields, and this plan ensures that DDPHE is not only meeting today's needs but is also prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. It reflects the dedication of staff, partners and the broader community to building a healthier, more resilient Denver.

The strategic plan lays out a clear vision for how DDPHE will continue to protect and promote the health of Denver's people, pets and environment through six strategic priorities. These priorities focus on strengthening public health infrastructure, advancing equity, fostering collaboration, and improving outcomes across the department's wide range of programs and services.

The plan is closely aligned with and informed by Denver's Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). While the CHA identifies the most pressing health challenges and strengths across Denver's communities, the CHIP outlines collaborative strategies to address those challenges and advance health equity citywide. The DDPHE strategic plan builds upon this foundation by focusing on the department's internal goals and operations-ensuring that DDPHE's programs, workforce, and systems are equipped to effectively support the broader community health priorities identified in the CHA and CHIP. Together, these three plans provide a unified vision for a healthier Denver, connecting community needs with organizational action.

The strategic plan was developed with extensive input from DDPHE staff, city partners and community stakeholders. It represents a shared commitment to continuous improvement and accountability. Progress toward the plan's goals will be tracked through a performance management system and a public-facing dashboard, allowing the community to see how DDPHE is making measurable impact.

Each of the six priorities includes specific goals, objectives, and outcome measures, ensuring that DDPHE's work remains transparent and data driven. These efforts align with the City and County of Denver's broader goals around equity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

The plan is more than a document - it's a living framework that will evolve alongside Denver's needs. Through this strategic approach, DDPHE will continue to provide innovative programs, trusted expertise and responsive services that help every Denver resident thrive.

Explore the plan and learn more about DDPHE's priorities

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• Public Health & Environment