Public Meetings - Denver, Colorado

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Denver City Council held a general session where Mayor Mike Johnston presented the first-quarter progress on the city's six major goals for 2026. Council members asked questions and provided feedback on data, funding, and coordination across issues including downtown vitality, affordable housing, public safety, homelessness, climate, and youth programs. Discussion Items - The Mayor detailed Q1 progress on the city's six goals: - Vibrant Downtown: 1.5 million square feet of office and retail space committed toward the annual goal of 3 million, including 700 units of housing in the High Fidelity project. Additionally, 241,000 square feet of leases were retained. - Affordable Housing: On track to bring online 2,500 new affordable units this year, with most anticipated in the latter half of 2026. Also permitted 2,157 housing units (all types) so far, toward a goal of 5,000; 20,000 units remain stuck in the planning queue due to financing challenges. - Safety: Through Q1 (ending March 31), citywide firearm homicides were flat year-over-year, but 18 total homicides year-to-date as of late April—the worst monthly total in three years. The Place Network Investigation (PNI) sites, targeted with holistic community strategies, continue to see dramatic drops in violence; none of the April homicides occurred in a PNI site. - Homelessness (All-In Mile High): 539 individuals moved into shelter or non-congregate settings; 604 moved up to permanent housing. The city aims to respond to all homeless reports within one business day, currently averaging 2.3 days, with 67% of cases closed within 48 hours. A new integrated data system is now operational to track outcomes. - Climate: 1,300 clean energy systems installed (goal of 5,000); first green infrastructure project underway at Civic Center Park. - Child-Friendly: One-on-one conversations with child care providers underway to develop a comprehensive affordability framework. Youth summer work program aims to place 2,500 young people in jobs, with a $250 bonus for those who get and keep a job. - Councilmember Alvidrez noted that low-income housing tax credits (LITEC) are increasingly awarded outside Denver, delaying affordable projects in her district. She urged the administration to push for state resources, and the Mayor agreed that Denver should receive a proportionate share of state funding. - Councilmember Torres requested data on unsheltered family homelessness from the 2023 point-in-time count and asked about coordinated inter-departmental responses to homicides beyond police. The Mayor confirmed that the Office of Neighborhood Safety deploys violence interrupters to every incident to prevent retaliation and connect families to services. - Council President Pro Tem asked about tracking families in homelessness data and the link between child care and workforce development. She also noted the recent spike in gun violence and asked about maintaining federal funding for violence interruption. The Mayor indicated the child-friendly goal is a joint effort between the Office of Children's Affairs and Economic Development, and that the current team has been performing well. - Councilmember Watson relayed community concerns from a Park Hill dialogue about a recent shooting and subsequent suicide, emphasizing the need for youth support as schools close for summer. The Mayor outlined prevention efforts including subsidized summer jobs and after-school programs. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The Mayor agreed to provide: - Point-in-time data on unsheltered families, including the 2023 count. - Disaggregated data on outcomes of closed homeless reports (services offered, accepted, and final disposition) by Q2. - A future briefing to council on overdose and suicide trends, led by the public health team. - Councilmembers were encouraged to connect constituents to summer youth employment opportunities and to suggest child care providers for outreach.

The Budget and Policy Committee of the Denver City Council met on April 27, 2026, to discuss and present new budget policy proposals for the 2027 fiscal year. Each council member had eight minutes to outline their priorities, covering areas such as basic city services, community safety, infrastructure, housing, and climate resilience. The meeting was a preparatory session ahead of the May 14th workshop, where formal scoring and voting will occur. Council members were encouraged to refine their proposals and coordinate on overlapping items by May 5th. Discussion Items - Councilmember Flynn (District 2) – Presented a single item: restoring basic services (e.g., DMV staffing, street paving, parking ticket magistrates) to the extent that estimated revenues allow, citing the closure of the Bear Valley DMV and the need to prevent further deterioration of infrastructure. - Councilmember Corex (Torres, District 3) – Presented seven proposals: - Community safety: funding the community-led safety grant pilot (matching $3M for 2028), and STAR expansion. - Empowered communities: robust licensing/rezoning notification system, maintain participatory budgeting, complete all NPIs by 2030, and maintain immigrant legal services fund ($750,000). - Infrastructure: create a long-term funding plan for bridge repair and begin reauthorization of the healthy food for Denver Kids sales tax (expiring 2028). - Council Pro Tem Romero Campbell (District 4) – Presented six proposals: - Infrastructure: increase number of neighborhood plans (seven plans in queue), and increase funding for citywide traffic audits (current wait time 9–12 months). - Basic city services: restore eliminated FTE to DOTI safety engagement team (currently 2–3 for the city), restore parks and rec planner FTEs (18% cut in 2026), and conduct a citywide assessment of service responsiveness. - Climate response: create educational opportunities for drought-related landscape conversions through CASER. - Councilmember Cashman (not present) – Had one item: create a task force on AI in city operations. - Councilmember Alvidez (District 7) – Presented multiple items: - Community safety: fund crime lab and fleet for DPD, hiring for sheriffs, address domestic violence uptick, and create a technology division in the crime lab for data oversight. - Empowered communities: fund local arts and cultural events (e.g., Blue Cipher Festival). - Housing: foreclosure prevention counseling, wraparound services at all-in mile high sites (e.g., La Paz tiny home village), and treatment judges for addiction. - Workers/businesses: budget for collective bargaining, small business incubation, and support for community organizations. - Climate: fund moratorium research on data centers and water conservation/tree watering. - Infrastructure: address load-restricted bridges. - Healthy communities: support child and family homelessness and Office of Children’s Affairs. - Basic city services: improve 311 and 911 response metrics. - Councilmember Lewis (District 8) – Presented several proposals: - Basic city services: cost savings through procurement changes (e.g., using in-house labor for fire station renovations; saved $76,000 on one project). - Community safety: expand non-uniform safety positions (crime lab, independent monitor, STAR). - Infrastructure: evaluate COFAX BRT impacts after completion, expand DOTI community-facing roles (currently one per 160,000 residents), and develop low-cost infrastructure interventions strategy. - Housing: home repair and code compliance microgrants (replacing ADU funding). - Empowered residents: expand construction notification systems and community engagement. - Councilmember Hines – Presented one item: restore parking citation dispute process without requiring physical presence (similar to restoring magistrate). - Councilmember Gonzalez Gutierrez (At-Large) – Presented: - Community safety: support community-led safety grant program, fund Office of Independent Monitor (OIM) to investigate complaints and audit surveillance technology (currently under-resourced). - Housing: address family homelessness with proper shelter and programming. - Healthy communities: create measurable outcomes for DDPHE’s community health assessment and improvement plan. - Councilmember Parady (At-Large) – Presented: - Safety: crime lab, sheriff staffing, and continued overdose crisis response (562 overdose deaths vs. 37 homicides in 2025). - Empowered communities: prepare for federal enforcement impacts (e.g., support for partner organizations, immigrant legal services fund, and regulatory code enforcement). - Housing: funding for shelter and rapid rehousing, social housing authority startup costs, and city vouchers. - Workers/business: support for auditor’s office for unionization, small and independent restaurant support (permitting, ADA, shopfront), and retaining workforce programs (WorkReady, DayWorks). - Health care: funding to help people meet Medicaid work requirements and avoid coverage loss. - Basic city services: analyze fees and taxes not updated in decades (e.g., Red Rocks seat tax set at 10% since 1960s/70s). - Council President – Presented: - Housing: fund at least four neighborhood planning initiatives in 2027 (to reach 2030 goal). - Basic city services: fund a third attorney for City Council. Key Outcomes - Next Steps: Council members will refine proposals, group overlapping items, and submit final edits by May 5, 2026 (end of day). A workshop will be held on May 14, 2026 (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) for formal scoring and voting on priorities. The micro-district specific survey deadline is May 10, 2026. - Grouping: Council members were encouraged to coordinate on similar proposals (e.g., bridge repair, DMV services, neighborhood plans). Luke (senior policy analyst) will circulate a first pass of grouped items for review. - Specificity: council members urged to provide detailed, actionable requests (e.g., specific FTE numbers, program expansions) to avoid ambiguity in the mayor’s budget response. - No votes were taken during this meeting; it was solely a presentation and discussion session.

The Denver City Council held its regular session on Monday, April 27, 2026, starting at 3:30 PM and adjourning at 7:48 PM. Eleven members were present (Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Lewis, Parady, Romero Campbell, Sawyer, Torres, Watson, Sandoval); two were absent (Hinds, Kashmann). The meeting included a proclamation honoring the Colorado Spartans arena football team, a block vote approving numerous resolutions, and two public hearings: a required hearing on a zoning change and a courtesy hearing on a use agreement for the former Globeville Recreation Center. The latter generated significant debate and ultimately failed. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (26-0568): The minutes of April 20, 2026 were approved unanimously. - Proclamation 26-0571: Recognizing the Colorado Spartans and honoring the team’s commitment to community, accessibility, and athletic excellence. Adopted 11-0. - Resolution 26-0491: Contract with La Raza Services, Inc. ($1,083,647) for HIV/AIDS services. Adopted 9-0 (one abstention, Gonzales-Gutierrez; Watson absent). - Block Vote (Resolutions) – A motion to approve the following resolutions en bloc carried 11-0: - 26-0463: Contract with Jewish Family Service of Colorado ($3,420,000) for Rapid Rehousing supporting households with I/DD. - 26-0487: Setting a public hearing on Welton Corridor Urban Redevelopment Plan amendment. - 25-1736: Amendatory agreement with Baker Tilly US LLP for data privacy/security. - 26-0484: First Amendment with Kaplan Kirsch LLP (add $200,000) for aviation legal services. - 26-0488: Second Amendatory agreement with Colorado Nonprofit Development Center (add $239,375) for behavioral health/syringe access. - 26-0489: Contract with La Clinica Tepeyac ($918,771) for HIV/AIDS services. - 26-0490: Amendatory agreement with Hunger Free Colorado for nutrition assistance enrollment. - 26-0569: Settlement of $80,000 for claim Paul Turner v. Samuel Powell (Denver Police Department). - 26-0497: Grant agreement with CDPHE ($952,000) for Montbello Landscape Transformation Project (17 acres). - 26-0254 through 26-0276: Various amendatory agreements for on-call vertical professional/technical services (architects, engineers) – totals varied up to $8.68M. - 26-0277 through 26-0287: Second amendatory agreements for on-call large vertical construction services (e.g., FCI Constructors, Gerald H. Phipps, Haselden Construction) – amounts up to $37.55M. - 26-0288 through 26-0291: Second amendatory agreements for SBE vertical construction services (Bauen Studios, Halcyon Construction, Sky Blue Builders, Wilderness Construction) – each add $3M to $8M total. - 26-0326: License agreement with VEORIDE INC. for shared bike/scooter program (3 years). - 26-0473: Contract with A-1 Chipseal Company ($6,133,405) for cape seal/crack seal on 125 lane miles. - 26-0474: Contract with Silva Construction, Inc. ($4,122,192) for concrete/curb/gutter replacement. - 26-0493: First Amendment with FlashParking, Inc. for digital parking at DEN (no cost change). - 26-0494: Purchase order with M-B Companies ($3,972,253) for broom vehicles and driving simulators at DEN. - 26-0495: Contract with Northwest Cascade, Inc. ($1,186,200) for portable restroom/pump services at DEN. - 26-0496: Master Purchase Order with Oshkosh AeroTech ($58,000,000) for passenger loading bridges at DEN. Public Comments & Testimony - Rezoning Hearing (C.B. 26-0230): No public speakers. Staff report delivered by Abner Ramos Salcedo of Community Planning and Development. - Globeville Rec Center Hearing (C.R. 26-0471): Eight speakers: - Bryan "Pastor B" Sederwall (Denver Dream Center) spoke in favor, emphasizing community support and sports/rec programming. - Aaron Betcher (Centennial resident) opposed, questioning RFP transparency and scoring. - Milo Valdez (Globeville First) spoke neither for nor against, but stressed need for community-led space and partnerships. - Marcus Weaver (online) opposed, alleging lack of measurable outcomes by Dream Center and citing a KUNC report on $693,000 Caring for Denver grant with poor reporting. - Rebecca Trujillo (Globeville resident) spoke neither for nor against, highlighting need for youth programming and trusted local organizations. - Scott Gilmore (District 11 resident) opposed, criticizing DPR's lack of transparency and calling the contract process disrespectful. - Kyla Green-Great House not present. Discussion Items - Council Announcements: Councilmembers spoke about gun violence incidents, upcoming community meetings (response to shootings in Districts 9 and 11), Harvey Park Farmers Market, and La Rasa Park grand opening. - Resolution 26-0491 (La Raza Services): Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez abstained due to familial relationship. - Resolution 26-0569 (Settlement): Councilmember Lewis noted approval brings 2026 settlement total to $559,500. Councilmember Gilmore discussed drone privacy laws and Independent Monitor. - Resolution 26-0497 (Montbello Landscape): Councilmember Gilmore raised wildfire risks near open space; Councilmember Sawyer acknowledged Parks & Fire outreach. - Bill 26-0367 (Vibrant Bond – Denver Health Westside): Introduced; ordered published. - Bill 26-0492 (UCHA HIV/AIDS): Introduced; ordered published. - Council Bill 26-0230 (Rezoning 4211 N Hooker St): Staff report noted the property is zoned PUD-547; proposed to U-SU-C, CO-6 to align with neighborhood. No opposition. Passed 10-0 (Romero Campbell absent). - Council Resolution 26-0471 (Dream Center at Globeville Rec Center): Extensive debate. - DPR staff presented: three-year use agreement, $90,000 total ($30,000/year), 95 hours/week operation. Former tenant Birdseed Collective had operated since 2018; RFP issued July 2025; three responses (Dream Center, Globeville First, Birdseed). - Council questioned DPR on lack of community engagement. Deputy Director John Martinez admitted: "I dropped the ball … no public process." DPR Executive Director Joan Clark said building cannot be sold, and delay was due to transition. - Councilmembers voiced concerns: lack of transparency, 2017 RFP language outdated, no public input, and Dream Center’s past reporting issues (Caring for Denver grant, lack of metrics). - Councilmember Torres presented alternative model from Westwood community visioning process. - Pro-tempore Romero Campbell and Councilmembers Sawyer, Watson supported approval to avoid further vacancy; Councilmembers Gilmore, Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Lewis, Parady, Alvidrez, Sandoval opposed citing broken trust and need for community process. - Final vote: 8 no (Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Lewis, Parady, Torres, Sandoval), 3 yes (Romero Campbell, Sawyer, Watson). Resolution failed. Key Outcomes - Proclamation 26-0571 adopted (11-0). - Resolution 26-0491 adopted (9-0, 1 abstention). - Consent agenda (block vote) adopted (11-0) for 38+ resolutions. - Council Bill 26-0230 passed final consideration (10-0). - Council Resolution 26-0471 failed (3-8). The Globeville Recreation Center will remain vacant; DPR indicated a new RFP with community engagement would take approximately six months. - Bills introduced: 26-0367 (Denver Health Westside) and 26-0492 (UCHA HIV/AIDS) ordered published. - Adjournment at 7:48 PM.

The South Platte River Committee of the Denver City Council met on April 22, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Council Committee Room, City & County Building. The committee considered a single action item: a map amendment to rezone property at 361-363 West Evans Avenue from I-A, UO-2 to C-MX-8. The meeting was chaired by Councilwoman Jamie Torres, with members Flor Alvidrez, Kevin Flynn, Amanda Sandoval, Darrell Watson, and Diana Romero Campbell present; Chris Hinds and Sarah Parady were absent. Action Item: Rezoning 361-363 West Evans Avenue (26-0521) Abner Ramos Artelo from Community Planning and Development (CPD) presented the rezoning request. The 60,000-square-foot (1.385-acre) site currently contains single-unit buildings and surface parking. The proposed C-MX-8 zone district allows two to eight stories, with townhouse, general, and shopfront building forms, and aims to promote safe, active, pedestrian-scale diverse areas. The property is located in Council District 7 (represented by Councilwoman Alvidrez) in the Overland neighborhood, near the Evans light rail station. Ramos noted that the rezoning aligns with the Comprehensive Plan 2040 (housing near transit, infill development, mix of housing types), Blueprint Denver (urban center context, community center future place, commercial arterial street type, and growth area strategy as community center/corridor), and the recently adopted Southwest Area Plan (high-intensity mixed-use area designation). The planning board voted unanimously to support the application on April 15. No comments were received from registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs) or the public during the process. Councilwoman Alvidrez asked about access to the Evans light rail station; the applicant (Steve Jason, property owner) confirmed that access exists via Delaware Street under Evans, and the nearby Jewell bridge is two blocks north. When asked about plans for the land, Jason stated his intent is to rezone and sell the property. Ramos clarified that while Blueprint Denver allows up to 12 stories, the Southwest Area Plan recommends one to five stories for high-intensity mixed-use areas; the requested eight stories were deemed appropriate based on engagement with Councilwoman Alvidrez and the community. Council President Sandoval commended the applicant for walking the neighborhood to conduct outreach, noting that mailers are often ineffective. Key Outcomes A motion by Councilwoman Alvidrez, seconded by Council President Sandoval, to approve Council Bill 26-0521 for filing passed with a vote of 5 ayes (Alvidrez, Flynn, Sandoval, Watson, Chair Torres), 0 nays, and 2 absent (Hinds, Vice Chair Parady). The rezoning will proceed to the full city council for consideration on June 1, 2026.

The Health and Safety Committee of the Denver City Council met on April 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Room 391 of the City & County Building. Chair Darrell Watson presided with Vice Chair Kevin Flynn and members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Amanda Sandoval, Amanda Sawyer, Jamie Torres, Paul Kashmann, and Diana Romero Campbell present. Sarah Parady was absent. The committee received two briefings and approved one consent item. Consent Calendar - 26-0541: Approved a contract amendment with Clayton Early Learning, adding $18,000 for a new total of $1,988,083, to provide Behavioral Support Services for eligible students in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms as a delegate agency of Denver Great Kids Head Start (DGKHS). The term remains unchanged and serves Council Districts 3, 7, 8, 11. Discussion Items Briefing: Caring for Denver Annual Report (26-0545) Lorez Meinhold, Executive Director of the Caring for Denver Foundation, presented the 2025 annual report. Key points: - In 2025, the city provided $46,326,405 in sales tax revenue to the foundation, which allocated approximately $43 million. Over the program’s five years, $257 million has been received and $246,928,883 awarded (96% of funds). - Services reached 88,367 Denverites in 2025, including 37,000 who received clinical services, 18,000 in residential/outpatient settings, and 27,000 engaged with peer specialists. - The foundation shifted its funding area “Alternatives to Jail” to “Care Over Incarceration” to better reflect mental health and substance misuse focus. - New initiatives: Urban Peak’s SPARC recovery neighborhood, MSU behavioral health scholars program, Denver Health peer specialist program (reduced wait times by 94%), and capacity-building grants for nonprofits. - Council members asked detailed questions about fund balances, demographic data, geographic reach, and reporting of outcomes. Councilmember Sawyer expressed dissatisfaction with the annual report’s lack of trend data and outcome measures for multi-year grants, requesting better reporting. Councilmember Flynn asked about sales tax collection ($48 million draft reconciliation) and fund balance. Councilmember Sandoval inquired about grantee geography and alignment with Nest neighborhoods. Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez requested demographic data on service recipients. Briefing: Denver's Clinical Response System Updates (26-0546) Erin Attensio (Director, Roads to Recovery), Andrew Dameron (Director, Denver 911), Chris Richardson (Director, Crisis Services), and Tristan Sanders (Director, Community Behavioral Health, DDPHE) presented updates on the city’s behavioral health response system. Key points: - 911 Embedded Clinicians: Three clinicians (funded by Caring for Denver at $385,000 over three years) will be placed at 911 to triage mental health calls, resolve issues over the phone, and coordinate with first responders. They will work staggered shifts, not 24/7. - STAR Program: Civilian response pairing clinicians with EMTs/paramedics operates 7 days/week, 6am-10pm, with up to five vans. The city is moving to hire clinicians directly (instead of contracting with Wellpower) to improve efficiency and data integration. The RFP for EMT/paramedic services is ongoing. A public-facing dashboard is planned. - Co-Responder Program: 10-year program pairing clinicians with police officers, now also serving sheriff’s department evictions and fire department follow-ups. In 2025, less than 2% of encounters resulted in arrest or citation. Clinicians are assigned to each district (two per district on staggered shifts). - System Integration: The teams are working to coordinate across all entry points (911, STAR, co-responder) using the Roads to Recovery system and shared resources. A new dedicated STAR dispatcher position is being developed to improve triage. - Councilmember Sawyer expressed concern about hiring clinicians as city employees, citing past issues with city control. She also noted domestic violence cases are rising and the co-responder program lacks sufficient clinicians. Councilmember Torres asked about the system flow diagram and co-responder deployment. Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez noted that the city already employs licensed clinicians (e.g., in Human Services and jail) and emphasized the importance of sustainable funding beyond grants. Key Outcomes - Consent Item Approved: Resolution 26-0541 passed unanimously by consent. - Requests for Follow-Up: Several council members asked for additional data and reports, including: - Councilmember Sandoval: Clarification on Warren Village’s service location in District 3. - Councilmember Flynn: List of organizations serving District 2. - Councilmember Sawyer: Improved annual report with multi-year outcome data and a list of District 1 grants. - Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez: Demographic data on service recipients and breakdown of funds by government vs. community vs. school entities. - Next Steps: The Clinical Response team will continue hiring clinicians and developing the STAR dashboard, with an expected operational transition by fall 2026. They committed to providing regular updates and data to the committee.

The Community Planning and Housing Committee of the Denver City Council met on April 21, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Room 391 of the City & County Building. The committee received a briefing from Community Planning and Development (CPD) Executive Director Brad Buchanan and his team on the 2026 Annual Workplan, covering key initiatives in planning, permitting, regulatory reform, and climate resilience. The committee also approved four consent items related to contracts for HIV/AIDS rental assistance and data sharing agreements. Council members engaged in extensive discussion on neighborhood planning, affordable housing, sign code updates, food truck regulations, and other topics. Consent Calendar - 26-0525: Amended a contract with Vivent Health, Inc. to extend the end date to May 31, 2026, for rental assistance and supportive services under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, with no change to contract capacity. Approved by consent. - 26-0526: Amended a contract with Colorado Health Network, Inc. to extend the end date to May 31, 2026, for similar HOPWA services, with no change to contract capacity. Approved by consent. - 26-0527: Amended a contract with Urban Institute to update the program data sharing agreement for the Social Impact Partnership for Results Act (SIPPRA) evaluation services, with no change to contract term or capacity. Approved by consent. - 26-0528: Amended a contract with Denver SIPPRA LLC to update the program data sharing agreement for better data flow between City agencies and program providers, with no change to contract term or capacity. Approved by consent. Discussion Items: Community Planning and Development Annual Workplan Briefing Brad Buchanan, Sarah Schulwalter, and Andrea Donnegan presented the 2026 workplan, organized around four agency goals: improving permitting through the Denver Permitting Office, implementing regulatory reform, advancing neighborhood planning and catalytic developments, and promoting climate resilience. Key projects highlighted included: - Near Northeast Neighborhood Plan (Districts 8 and 9): Public launch spring 2026, kickoff May 21, 2026, with anticipated council adoption in 2027. - Far Northwest Neighborhood Plan (District 1): Public launch summer 2026, adoption anticipated in 2027. - Burnham Yard Small Area Plan: Currently in community engagement and visioning phase, with council adoption expected late 2026 and follow-up land use processes in early 2027. - People's Budget Cycle 3: Fully funded with $1 million for citywide projects and $1 million for near Southeast NPI planning area projects, to be completed by end of 2026. - Denver Resilient Landscapes: Consolidating landscape regulations across departments. Community symposium on April 25, 2026, at CSU Spur. Council adoption target August 2026. - Unlocking Housing Choices: Community engagement in March and April 2026, phase one following, with council adoption targeted by end of 2026. - Regulatory Diagnostic of Zoning Code: Phase one scoped, aiming for council adoption in early 2027. - Denver Energy Code Update: Submittals collected spring 2026, stakeholder committees to vote in fall, draft winter, adoption early 2027. - Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (ERCO): Rules drafted, public comment in May 2026, web-based compliance tool. - Prop 123 Affordable Housing Fast Track Permitting: Launching spring 2026, building on the Denver Permitting Office's 93% on-time record (17 consecutive weeks above 90%) and a 4% reduction in permit volume year-over-year. Council members raised several issues: - Councilmember Torres thanked CPD for improved morale and performance, asked about completion of remaining neighborhood plans (estimated 5-6 left), the need for a plan for the Mile High Stadium site, and supported pre-approved plan concepts for ADUs starting with West Denver Renaissance models. She also stressed the importance of anti-displacement policies. - Councilmember Alvidrez inquired about the South Central Plan timeline (now anticipated to start in 2028 due to staffing reductions), received updates on community feedback for Unlocking Housing Choices (mixed but generally positive), and raised urgent concerns about sign code and food truck regulations harming small businesses. She also asked about grandfathered non-conforming uses, which CPD acknowledged as a priority. - Council President Sandoval emphasized the value of plan guidance (e.g., Near Northwest Plan implementation), the need for job creation near neighborhoods, and the importance of regulatory predictability. She noted that Unlocking Housing Choices may be explosive in Northwest Denver and encouraged education. - Councilmember Sawyer pushed back on the sign code update not being a higher priority, citing significant delays for major developments (e.g., Ninth and Colorado, Lowry). She also asked about the Denver Energy Code process (public with commercial and residential committees) and resilient landscapes (incentives for water-wise planting, not retroactive). - Councilmember Alvidrez (second round) asked about general grandfathering for non-compliant additions, which CPD said they are working on with Councilman Flynn. - Councilmember Torres (final comments) requested that Unlocking Housing Choices also address homeowner opportunities (e.g., splitting parcels, building ADUs) not just developer feasibility. - Executive Director Buchanan noted that the current market slowdown presents an opportunity to backfill supply, with market-rate units renting at 60% AMI, allowing the city to focus subsidies on 30% AMI housing. He expressed excitement for Unlocking Housing Choices despite challenges. Key Outcomes - All four consent items (26-0525, 26-0526, 26-0527, 26-0528) were approved by consent without discussion. - The committee received the CPD Annual Workplan briefing and provided extensive feedback. No formal vote was taken on the workplan. - CPD committed to following up on sign code and food truck issues, and to exploring pre-approved ADU plans and grandfathering policies. - The committee adjourned after the briefing.

The Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Denver City Council met on April 21, 2026, to consider a clarification of the prevailing wage ordinance, receive a state legislative update, and approve consent items. The committee voted 6-0-1 to advance the prevailing wage clarification bill to full council, and discussed positions on several state bills, including the PUC sunset, RTD reform, and land use legislation. Consent Calendar - Council Resolution 26-0516: Approved by consent to amend a contract with The Remy Corporation for Workday platform services, extending the end date to November 15, 2028, with no change to contract capacity. - Council Resolution 26-0548: Approved by consent to appoint Peter Whiteneck to the Civil Service Commission. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Powers (Urban Ventures): Expressed support for both prevailing wage and affordable housing, stating they are not mutually exclusive. She estimated a 3% cost increase for the Warren Village project based on contractor feedback, and suggested that city funds could be directed to soft costs (e.g., design, permits) not subject to prevailing wage to avoid raising construction costs. - Jonathan Capelli (Neighborhood Development Collaborative): Raised concerns about increased costs, administrative burdens, and a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring counties. He noted that the lack of time to study the impact and urged a path that balances labor equity and affordability. Discussion Items - Action Item 26-0542 – Prevailing Wage Ordinance Clarification: Councilmember Amanda Sawyer presented the ordinance, which restructures existing language for clarity without changing substantive provisions. She explained that the dispute arose from uncertainty about whether prevailing wage applies to private projects on private land receiving city funds, particularly in affordable housing. She referenced a city attorney memo stating the language was unclear. Councilmember Stacie Gilmore (via video) provided legislative history, stating that the 2016 council intended the ordinance to cover all city-invested projects, including affordable housing. Council President Amanda Sandoval emphasized the need to balance fair wages with affordable housing needs. Laia Mitchell (Department of Housing Stability) expressed concerns about increased costs and reporting requirements, especially for small projects. Matt Fritzmaur (Denver Labor) noted that residential prevailing wage rates are often near minimum wage and that the Davis Bacon framework is clear. Councilmember Diana Alvidrez shared her construction background, noting that prevailing wage raises costs but also elevates contractor standards. Councilmember Kevin Flynn asked about cost impacts; Susan Powers reiterated the 3% estimate. Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez (via phone) confirmed the 2016 council’s intent to include prevailing wage on affordable housing. The committee voted to approve the bill for filing. - State Legislative Update (26-0547): Policy Matters team (Katie Hancock, Jimena Luna, Adam Paul) briefed on legislative priorities. Key items: - PUC Sunset (SB 26-1326): Denver is in an “amend” position, seeking amendments to allow the city to retain utility data for climate planning. Johnny Rogers (CASR) explained the need for data on energy infrastructure to inform electrification and grid planning. - RTD Reform (SB 26-150): Denver is in an “amend” position. Councilmembers expressed frustration with the bill’s exclusion of ridership-based representation and the shift to gubernatorial appointments. The bill was on third reading in the Senate; the committee agreed to stay in amend to negotiate for a Denver-designated seat and ridership criteria. - Land Use Bills (HB 1308 and HB 1114): Denver is in “oppose” on both. HB 1308 (lot splitting) was rescheduled to April 30; HB 1114 (minimum lot sizes) remains scheduled for April 23. Community Planning and Development recommended opposition due to implementation challenges. - Budget Updates: The long bill (HB 1410) and orbital bills passed the House and Senate, with conference committee meetings scheduled. Bills impacting local government included the transfer of $130 million from Proposition 123 (affordable housing fund) to balance the budget, elimination of the general fund transfer to the multimodal transportation fund (affecting RTD capital projects), and a reduction in marijuana tax distributions to local governments (estimated $1.3 million annual loss for Denver). - Traffic Safety Near Schools (HB 1318): Denver is in “amend” position; DOTI noted additional administrative burdens but supported the intent. Key Outcomes - Prevailing Wage Clarification (26-0542): Approved for filing by a vote of 6-0-1 (Torres absent). The bill will proceed to full council with a recommendation to allow a transition period for existing projects and flexibility to direct city funds to soft costs not subject to prevailing wage. - State Positions: The committee maintained an “amend” position on the PUC sunset bill and RTD reform bill, and an “oppose” position on land use bills HB 1308 and HB 1114. The committee will continue to monitor and adjust positions as the legislative session progresses (22 days remaining). - Next Steps: The Policy Matters team will not present in May due to the legislative wrap-up, but will return in June for a full review. Councilmembers were encouraged to sign up to testify on state bills, particularly HB 1114.

This was the weekly joint meeting of the Mayor and Denver City Council, chaired by Deputy Mayor Al Gardner in the absence of Mayor Mike Johnston. The meeting consisted of council member introductions, community announcements, and a motion to enter executive session. No agenda or minutes were available for reference. Introductions - Deputy Mayor Al Gardner opened the meeting and called for introductions. Council members present included: - Paul Cashman (District 6) - Kevin Flynn (District 2) - Darrell Watson (District 9) - Savannah Gonzalez Gutierrez (At-large) - Amanda Sandoval (District 1) - Diana Romero Campbell (District 4, joined late) - Jamie Torres (District 3) Announcements - Councilwoman (likely District 7) announced: - Westwash Park RO’s annual e-waste recycling event on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Royal Crest Building on South Pearl Street. - Front Range Passenger Rail community QA session on Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at South High School. - Councilman Kevin Flynn announced: - The Colorado Symphony’s performance of Rhapsody in Blue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noting its connection to the Harvey Park neighborhood. - Councilwoman (likely District 1) Amanda Sandoval announced: - A virtual meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. that evening with RTD and the Community Advisory Group regarding the Walton Next Steps study on the Wild Street Corridor. - Prodigy Coffee House’s 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. - Deputy Mayor Al Gardner reminded that every day should be Earth Day and mentioned volunteer cleanup events with Denver Parks and Rec on Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Councilwoman Savannah Gonzalez Gutierrez announced: - The Office of Independent Monitor annual report discussion at 5 p.m. that evening. - The final virtual feedback session on registered neighborhood organization work at 6 p.m. that evening. - Three virtual events regarding municipal sentencing legislation: that evening at 4 p.m., April 22 at 6:30 p.m., and April 25 at 10 a.m. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved a motion to move into executive session pursuant to Denver Revised Municipal Code sections 2-34A, three, four, six, and seven. The meeting then adjourned the public portion.

The Denver City Council convened its regular session on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 3:30 PM. All 13 council members were present. The meeting included the adoption of an Earth Day proclamation, discussion and amendment of a zoning bill, and approval of numerous resolutions and bills en bloc. The meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of April 13, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Proclamation 26-0551: Honoring Earth Day 56 (April 22, 2026). Adopted 13-0. - Resolutions Adopted En Bloc (13-0): - 26-0464: Contract with Rocky Mountain Human Services for $2,580,000 to provide stability navigation services to at least 300 people with intellectual/developmental disabilities experiencing homelessness, citywide. - 26-0462: Second amendatory agreement with Northwest Cascade, Inc. for portable toilet rentals, adding $3,000,000 for a new total of $10,000,000 through 5/31/2028. - 26-0475: Renewal of city property and liability insurance policies not to exceed $15,118,569. - 26-0437 through 26-0449, 26-0458-26-0461: Mayoral appointments/reappointments to various boards and commissions. - 26-0465: Third amendatory agreement with United HealthCare Services, Inc. adding $150,000,000 (new total $415,000,000) for health insurance through 12/31/2027. - 25-1979: Amendatory grant agreement with Denver Urban Gardens adding $1,730,790 (new total $5,192,372) for food access and nutrition education in Districts 3, 7, 8, 9. - 26-0405: On-call contract with DIG Studios Inc. for $2,500,000 for landscape architecture services, citywide. - 26-0472: Grant agreement with Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund for $2,000,000 for My Outdoor Colorado program through 12/31/2030. - 26-0467: Grant agreement with Colorado Department of Transportation for $9,750,000 ($7.8M federal, $1.95M city) for Alameda Ave Underpass Improvements design/environmental work (District 7). - 26-0501: Loan agreement with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless for $3,200,000 to develop 60 permanent supportive housing units at 3721 N Globeville Rd (District 9). - 26-0466: Contract with Cutler Repaving, Inc. for $6,533,912.21 for roto-milling and hot-in-place recycling of 95 lane miles of streets, citywide. - 26-0468, 26-0470: Contracts with Ash & White Construction and Sky Blue Builders LLC, each for $10,000,000 for on-call landside facilities maintenance at Denver International Airport. - 26-0469: First amendment with Ricondo & Associates, Inc. adding $750,000 (new total $2,250,000) for airport planning services at DEN. - Bills for Final Consideration Passed En Bloc (13-0): - 25-2085: Relinquishing a portion of utility easement near 748 S Cherokee St. - 26-0422: Ordinance approving donation of surplus American bison to American Indian tribes and nonprofits, removing prior sunset. - 26-0390: Amending classification and pay plan for Career Service employees (Classification Notice 1889). Discussion Items - Council Bill 26-0476 (Zoning Change): A bill to rezone three properties (4458 N Pearl St, 5275 N Franklin St, 4621 N Telluride St) from U-MX-3, I-B, and PUD 319 to OS-A. Councilmember Gilmore noted the bill title incorrectly listed 4621 N Telluride as being in Globeville when it is actually in Green Valley Ranch. An amendment was offered and passed 13-0 to correct the title: inserting "in Globeville" after the two Pearl/Franklin addresses and replacing "Globeville" with "Green Valley Ranch" for Telluride. Councilmember Gilmore then spoke in opposition, citing lack of transparency from Denver Parks and Recreation regarding planned maintenance facilities in Sloan’s Lake, Cuernavaca Park, and Green Valley Ranch, and alleging diversion of $5.4 million from the Green Valley Ranch facility. The bill was ordered published as amended with a vote of 12-1 (Gilmore nay). A subsequent correction noted the amendment vote was 13-0, including Councilmember Parady. - Council Bill 26-0422 (Bison Donation): Councilmember Gilmore spoke in favor, highlighting the historical importance of buffalo to Native American tribes, the Tallbull family’s advocacy, and the climate benefits of buffalo restoration. Lewis Tallbull provided moving testimony about the sacred relationship between bison and the Cheyenne people and expressed gratitude for the program becoming permanent. The bill passed en bloc. Key Outcomes - Proclamation 26-0551 (Earth Day) was adopted unanimously. - Council Bill 26-0476 was amended and ordered published as amended; a required public hearing is set for May 18, 2026. Protests must be filed by noon on May 11, 2026. - All resolutions and bills on the consent agenda were approved 13-0. - Future required public hearings scheduled: May 18, 2026, for CB 26-0391 (3232 Larimer St rezoning) and CB 26-0476 (rezoning three properties). - The meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM.