Denver’s 2025 budget is tight as consumers spend less, mayor says

Denver’s 2025 budget is tight as consumers spend less, mayor says

The Denver city budget will grow only slightly in 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said Thursday as he unveiled a plan with the slowest projected growth rate in more than a decade, outside the pandemic. But next year’s relatively conservative spending plan — totaling $1.76 billion in the general fund — continues to prioritize Johnston’s … Read more

Denver could target dozens of homes in Weir Gulch waterway project

Denver could target dozens of homes in Weir Gulch waterway project

A federally backed project that aims to restore wildlife habitat and reduce flood risks along the South Platte River and two tributaries could displace dozens of residents in some of the west Denver neighborhoods most prone to flooding. Draft plans for Weir Gulch — which envision the acquisition of up to 70 residential properties — … Read more

Denver’s rising minimum wage squeezes restaurants, small businesses

Denver’s rising minimum wage squeezes restaurants, small businesses

Bobby Stuckey, the founder of the Front Range restaurant owner Frasca Hospitality Group, insists he’s a positive guy — but not when it comes to the impact Denver’s fast-increasing minimum wage is having on the industry he loves. As the local government mandate forces wage increases on an industry that already operates on thin margins, … Read more

Denver closes Sonny Lawson, La Alma-Lincoln parks over drugs, violence

Denver closes Sonny Lawson, La Alma-Lincoln parks over drugs, violence

Denver Parks and Recreation has fenced off portions of Sonny Lawson Park and La Alma-Lincoln Park in what the department described Friday as its latest effort to curb rising drug sales, violence and vandalism in those spaces. A pocket of grass and trees near the intersection of West 14th Avenue and Kalamath Street also was … Read more

After Murray firing, Denver Civil Service Commission names new leader

After Murray firing, Denver Civil Service Commission names new leader

The city agency tasked with vetting people applying to be Denver police officers and firefighters has named a new executive director after the agency’s appointed board fired the previous director in May for undisclosed reasons. The Denver Civil Service Commission will welcome Gracie Perez on Aug. 26, according to an internal announcement sent to the … Read more

Denver settles delivery driver’s lawsuit in crash with police officer

Denver settles delivery driver’s lawsuit in crash with police officer

The city of Denver will pay $350,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by a delivery driver who was seriously injured when a police officer crashed into him while pursuing another car on the wrong side of the road three years ago. The Denver City Council approved the settlement with Christopher Cordova and a related $40,000 … Read more

Denver affordable housing sales tax passes onto floor of City Council

Denver affordable housing sales tax passes onto floor of City Council

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s big November wishlist item took a critical step forward Wednesday when a City Council committee advanced his proposed sales tax for affordable housing to the full body for approval. The 0.5% increase in the sales tax — currently 8.81% in Denver — would raise an estimated $100 million per year for … Read more

Denver voters have option to change how elected officials get raises

Denver voters have option to change how elected officials get raises

The Denver City Council is giving voters a direct say on their elected leaders’ pay raises in the form of a potential law change that would eliminate the council’s role in that process. On Monday, the body voted unanimously to refer a measure to voters in November that would remove language from the city charter … Read more

Denver sets new minimum wage for 2025, with a 52-cent increase

Denver sets new minimum wage for 2025, with a 52-cent increase

Denver employers will have to pay their hourly workers 52 cents more next year after the city’s minimum wage rises to $18.81 per hour on Jan. 1. For tipped workers, the minimum wage will be set at $15.79 per hour if those workers make at least $3.02 in tips per hour. City officials announced the … Read more

Denver City Council delays mayor’s affordable housing sales tax

Denver City Council delays mayor’s affordable housing sales tax

Just days after Mayor Mike Johnston urged Denver voters to pass an affordable housing sales tax this November, City Council members on Wednesday questioned if the measure was ready for the ballot — and delayed its progress for at least two weeks. Members led by Councilwoman Jamie Torres cited numerous concerns during a committee hearing, … Read more