Public Meetings - Denver, Colorado

The Denver City Council convened on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 3:30 PM in the Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber for its regular meeting. The session included the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgment, roll call, council announcements, the adoption of the consent calendar, proclamations honoring law enforcement families and a homelessness services leader, and required public hearings on four rezoning bills and a site development plan deadline extension. Consent Calendar - Resolutions and Bills (Block Vote): The council adopted a block of 26 items (resolutions 24-0544 through 24-0608 and bills 24-0537, 24-0541, 24-0542) by a 10-0 vote. These included contracts for WorkReady Denver ($2,250,000 with Centro Humanitario), fire code testing at Denver International Airport, Trimble license renewals for DIA, reappointments to the DOTI Advisory Board, mobile radiological detection units ($4 million), purchase of 24 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid vehicles ($1,140,720), concrete repair contracts ($2,385,837.50 and $1,417,513), dedication of several public alleys and streets, amendments to the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program (adding $4,413,171 to Brothers Redevelopment and $6,641,651 to The Community Firm), a TRUA call center ($758,981 with The Community Firm), a contract with Second Chance Center for community corrections recovery services ($200,000 addition), a new case management contract at the MOORE Center ($1,721,863.97), a meal service amendment with Michael’s of Denver Catering ($1,082,668), and an intergovernmental agreement for DIA information booths ($800,000). Proclamations and Presentations - Proclamation 24-0641 – Honoring the Dill Family: Councilmember Flynn sponsored a proclamation recognizing Harold and Art Dill, the only family in Denver Police history to produce two chiefs. The council adopted it by a 10-0 vote. Current Police Chief Ron Thomas and family members accepted. - Proclamation 24-0642 – Honoring the Haney Family: Recognized the Haney family’s combined 168+ years of service to the Denver Police Department. Adopted unanimously (8-0). - Proclamation 24-0548 – Honoring Chris Conner: Declared May 13, 2024, as “Chris Conner Day” for his 12+ years of homelessness response work, including the House 1000/All in Denver initiative. Adopted 10-0. Conner spoke about his gratitude and the growth of the city’s homelessness response team. Discussion Items - Resolution 24-0369 (Salvation Army Contract): Councilmember Lewis expressed concerns about data accountability and oversight for the $8,006,556 contract to operate the Tamarac Family Shelter. Councilmember Romero Campbell (statement read by the President) supported the contract, citing positive community partnerships. The resolution passed 8-2, with Councilmembers Alvidrez and Lewis voting nay. - Resolution 24-0607 (Second Chance Center Contract): Councilmember Lewis expressed support for the $1,721,863.97 case management contract at the MOORE community corrections center. No further debate; passed as part of the consent calendar. - Bill 24-0419 (Rezoning at 3150 West Jewell Avenue): Councilmember Flynn explained the history of the Brentwood Shopping Center and the need to rezone a former PUD to S-CC-3x to allow mixed-use development, including up to 99 townhomes. No public speakers appeared, despite earlier neighborhood controversy. Passed 10-0. - Bill 24-0420 (Rezoning at 4343 North Utica Street): The council held a public hearing on a proposal to rezone 3.2 acres owned by Holy Family Parish and Arrupe Jesuit High School to allow the school to expand from 420 to 500 students. Eleven speakers addressed the council: representatives and alumni of Arrupe spoke in support of the school’s mission; several Vrain Street residents opposed due to parking congestion. Planning staff noted the development meets parking requirements (107 spaces provided; 101 required). Councilmember Sandoval (via Councilmember Gonzalez-Gutierrez) expressed support, citing the school’s service to historically underserved students (92.5% Latino, 78% free/reduced lunch, 70% first-generation high school graduates). The PUD was tailored to preserve architectural features. Passed 10-0. - Bill 24-0456 (Site Development Plan Deadline Extension): Emily Collins, Expanding Housing Affordability Administrator, presented an extension of the grace period for projects submitted before the 2022 mandatory affordable housing ordinance. The amendment sets a single deadline of April 18, 2025, and requires resubmittals within 90 days. Councilmember Watson sponsored the late-filed bill. Passed unanimously (10-0) after a public hearing with no speakers. Key Outcomes - Votes: The Salvation Army contract passed 8-2 (Alvidrez and Lewis nay). All four rezoning bills (24-0423, 24-0419, 24-0420, 24-0456) and companion bill 24-0455 passed 10-0. The consent calendar block passed 10-0. All proclamations adopted unanimously. - Directives: Community Planning and Development will conduct monthly outreach to remaining 220 grace-period projects. The 90-day resubmittal requirement will be enforced for projects seeking the extended deadline. - Next Steps: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2024. Public hearings on pending rezoning items (2081 South Gilpin Street, 3358 York Street, and multiple properties in Berkeley/Sunnyside/Sloan’s Lake) are set for June 3, 2024.

The Denver City Council met on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 3:30 PM (recessed and reconvened at 5:30 PM) with 13 members present (Councilmember Lewis arrived late, and Councilmember Parady was absent for one vote). The meeting included proclamations, a block vote on multiple resolutions and bills, and three public hearings on rezoning requests. All items were approved. Proclamations - 24-0584: Recognizing May 10, 2024, as Provider Appreciation Day. Adopted 12-0 (Lewis absent). - 24-0620: Honoring the International Facility Management Association for World Facility Management Day. Adopted 12-0 (Lewis absent). - 24-0621: Honoring Denver Public Schools teachers for National Teacher Appreciation Day. Adopted 12-0 (Lewis absent). Consent Calendar (Block Vote) Council approved a block of 18 resolutions and 1 bill en bloc with a vote of 13-0: - 24-0369 (Resolution): Postponed for one week (called out by Councilmember Parady). - 24-0533 to 24-0540: Amendments and new contracts for telecommunications, maintenance, and vehicle purchases at Denver International Airport (total contract additions: $5M – $10M each). - 24-0516: Fire alarm inspection contract amendment for Police Administration Building (no cost change). - 24-0517 & 24-0518: Janitorial contract amendments (Roth: +$2.75M; KG Clean: +$550K) with one-year extensions. - 24-0519: Solid waste transfer station contract amendment (+$900K) through 2025. - 24-0522 to 24-0532: Dedicating public alleys and streets in Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10. - 24-0521: Amendment with Colorado Safe Parking Initiative (reduced by $400K, ending 12/31/2024). - 24-0543: Contract with ViVe for $1,369,504 for newcomer case management through 12/31/2024. - 24-0500 (Bill): Purchase of eight vehicles for Denver International Airport (final passage). Bills for Introduction (Ordered Published) - 24-0537: IGA with CDOT for $800,000 for information booths at DEN. - 24-0541 & 24-0542: Amendments to development impact fees and transfer of $1,129,000 from Gateway Impact Fee Trust for a fire station. - 24-0514, 24-0515, 24-0557: Zoning map amendments for properties in Clayton, University, Berkeley/Sunnyside/Sloan’s Lake (public hearings set for June 3, 2024). Public Hearings & Final Passage of Zoning Bills Council held three public hearings as a Committee of the Whole. All bills were approved: 24-0263 – 3096 South Roslyn Street (District 4) - Rezone from S-SU-D to S-SU-D1 to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Applicant Valerie Croskey spoke in favor; no opposition. Staff report by William Prince. Approved 12-0 (Lewis absent). 24-0269 – 6750 East Exposition Avenue (District 5) - Rezone from S-SU-F to S-SU-F1A to allow an ADU (attached, already built). Applicant Ben Wiederholt spoke in favor; Jesse Parris spoke in favor via Zoom. Staff report by Fritz Clausen. Approved 11-0-1 (Parady abstained; Lewis absent). 24-0156 – 700 North Mariposa Street (District 3) - Rezone from I-A UO-2 to I-A with a waiver to permit residential care types 1 and 2 (shelter for 8-12 guests). Six speakers in favor (Haven of Hope representatives and clients); no opposition speakers, though 18 opposition letters were submitted. Staff report by Edson Ibañez. Approved 12-0 (Lewis absent). Key Outcomes - All three rezoning bills passed, enabling ADUs in two suburban lots and a shelter expansion in an industrial zone. - The block vote approved over $30 million in airport contracts and various city service amendments. - Three proclamations adopted unanimously. - Council announced the next public hearings on June 3, 2024, for bills 24-0514, 24-0515, and 24-0557; protests must be filed by May 28, 2024.

The meeting began with roll call, announcements, and a roundtable where each council member presented their top district priorities. The session concluded with a unanimous vote to enter executive session to discuss legal advice regarding events at Auraria Campus. Announcements - Councilman Cashman announced the first District 6 Community Academy on May 21st at 5:30 PM at Cook Park Recreation Center, bringing together city agencies to answer resident questions. - Councilman Watson announced: First Friday Jazz at Sonny Lawson Park in Five Points on May 3rd from 5:30 to 7 PM; Community Conversations on Safety on May 8th from 5:30 to 7 PM at Astrick (1075 Park Avenue West); and First Saturdays at Clayton on May 4th from 12 PM to 6 PM at Cohesion Brewery. - Councilwoman Lewis announced virtual office hours on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Discussion Items: District Priority Roundtable Council members shared their top priorities for their districts. The following summarizes their stated positions and requests: - Councilwoman Sandoval (District 1): Advocated for follow-up and enforcement of DOTI's Curbside Access Plans in Northwest Denver, noting tension between business owners and employees. Called for maintaining Sloan's Lake (visited 535,000 times last year) and ensuring bond projects like basketball court resurfacing are completed. - Councilman Flynn (District 2): Prioritized resolving an affordable housing project with recent difficulties, reallocating homeless outreach teams to outlying districts (citing increased need along Sanderson Gulch in Southwest Denver), and funding traffic calming on Raleigh Street (from Dartmouth to Bear Creek Park entrance), which he described as a frequent drag strip. - Council President Pro Tem (District 3): Highlighted major bond commitments on Morrison Road (design) and Westwood Rec Center, noting the loss of an impact investment fund for businesses. Called for resuming the small area plan for Burnham Yard, which was left out of the neighborhood plan. - Councilwoman Campbell (District 4): Emphasized completing Elevate bond projects: the Highline Canal underpass at Holly and Yale, sidewalk improvements on Yale, and DOTI projects (hot crossings, flashing beacons near Bible Park). Also requested progress on a skate park, Bethesda Park design, and a study on acquiring the Highline Canal. - Councilwoman Sawyer (District 5): Stated that crime and traffic are top issues for her residents. Requested investment in street lighting based on a crime-light overlay map (specifically at 880 South Oneida, a hot spot where a street light was denied 18 months ago). For traffic, noted that needed traffic calming measures on 6th, 8th, Exposition, and Dayton would cost less than $500,000, but only one has been built in four years. - Councilman Cashman (District 6): Focused on traffic calming: Louisiana Avenue (between Colorado Boulevard and Holly Street) near a new affordable housing project (151 units and a 100,000 sq ft King Soopers); a rapid flashing beacon crossing at Mexico Avenue on Downing Street (no controlled crossing for half a mile); and University Boulevard near Cherry Creek shopping center redevelopment. Also requested repairs to Garland Park road and acquisition of a 9-acre Arapahoe County parcel (Cherry Tree Estates) for parkland to address a park desert. - Councilwoman Alvidrez (District 7): Prioritized the Alameda Underpass bond project, which is deteriorating and unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. Asked for funding to activate a makerspace (600 sq ft space coming from a developer). Also requested neighborhood identity signs (e.g., for Lincoln Corridor), support for local businesses using right-of-way for patios, monitoring of micro-community success, and funding for community engagement in the neighborhood planning process. - Councilwoman Lewis (District 8): Called for an East Colfax Library and Recreation Center, a cultural festival for District 8, and traffic calming around schools: 23rd and Oneida, Denver School of the Arts (where additional housing for migrants is proposed), and 47th and Arlington/Joliet (DSST high school where students risk their lives to catch the bus). - Councilman Watson (District 9): Advocated for the 38th Avenue underpass (long-pending, now more expensive), the redevelopment of the triangle across National Western (brownfield remediation and community process), and traffic calming on 26th Avenue between Downing and York near Manual High School (no calming measures despite the school). Also joked about diverting funds from District 10 to District 9. - Councilman Hines (District 10): Presented downtown priorities: downtown provides 8.5% of city sales tax and 65% of lodging tax revenue, and is a hub for tourism, arts, and transportation. Emphasized transportation mode shift to reduce car dependency and ensure emergency access, noting roads cannot be widened. - Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez (At Large): Called for capacity building for behavioral health care (inpatient, outpatient, harm reduction), including social workers at rec centers (from youth violence prevention town hall). Also asked for better DOTI responsiveness to community, installation of lights on all school zone signs, and stable funding for the Office of Children's Affairs to support youth without requiring system involvement. Additionally, advocated for no-cost parking for city workers downtown. - Councilwoman Perry (At Large): Supported seed money for mixed-income rental housing in the next bond package (on a Montgomery County model), acquisition of Park Hill Golf Course, remediation of the triangle at National Western, funding for unfunded participatory budgeting projects, and a physical space for El Centro Humanitario (the only worker center in the city). Also suggested purchasing and forgiving medical debt as a way to obligate ARPA funds. Emphasized investing in connectivity of green spaces (Highline Canal, 5280 Trail, Sloan's Lake) and creating a tiger team to fund these needs. The mayor thanked the council for their input and noted the team would work on making these priorities happen. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the district priorities; the discussion was informational. - The council unanimously voted (no opposed) to move into executive session pursuant to DRMC 234A3 and 7 to discuss legal advice regarding potential claims and defenses related to conduct at the Auraria Campus over the prior weekend. A two-thirds majority of members present was required, and the motion passed.

The Denver City Council convened on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 2:30 PM (recessed and reconvened later) for a full meeting including proclamations, resolutions, public hearings, and final votes on multiple bills. Key actions included passage of a wage theft subpoena power amendment, approval of $5 million in funding for asylum seeker support, and approval of three accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rezonings. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from April 22, 2024. - Adoption of resolutions and final passage of bills on a block vote (13-0): Resolutions 24-0294, 24-0296, and numerous others; Bills 24-0492 through 24-0498, 24-0502, 24-0509, 24-0484-24-0491, 24-0497, 24-0498, 24-0296, 24-0457, 24-0454, 24-0458. All passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Bill 24-0264 (ADU rezoning, 1901 N. Oneida St.): Two speakers: property owner Lindsay Cramer (available for questions, no comments) and Jesse Paris (representing multiple organizations, expressed support for ADUs but concern about short-term rental use; asked for statistics on ADU approvals in the area). - Public Hearing on Bill 24-0270 (ADU rezoning, 735 N. Race St.): Two speakers: Ann Cuthbertson (architect, stated owner intends to use ADU as guest house for grown children, not for rent) and Jesse Paris (reiterated support for ADUs, thanked Ann for answering his question). - Public Hearing on Bill 24-0328 (rezoning, 1409-1471 N. Julian St. & 3315-3317 W. 14th Ave.): Four speakers: Amy O'Brien (consultant, described community outreach efforts including voluntary neighborhood meetings, tenant meetings in Spanish/English, and sponsorship of West Colfax Neighborhood Festival); Tyler Downs (WASI Partners, applicant, stated no current redevelopment plans, existing Section 8 units will not be displaced, guaranteed relocation within 6-block radius, and intention to honor Paco Sanchez legacy); Jesse Paris (raised questions about AMI levels, unit mix, affordability guarantee, traffic/parking studies, and adequacy of community engagement). Discussion Items - Proclamation 24-0586 – National Interpreter Appreciation Day: Recognized May 1, 2024, honored language access program, interpreter workforce training (49 graduates so far), and translation of Denver City Guide into 12 languages. Adopted 13-0. - Proclamation 24-0587 – Child Abuse Prevention Month: Declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, recognized Denver Human Services and prevention partners. Adopted 12-0 (one absent). - Proclamation 24-0588 – Whittier ECE 8 140th Anniversary: Celebrated the school's history, including first African American teacher Marie Anderson Greenwood and first African American administrator Jesse Whaley Maxwell. Adopted 12-0. - Resolution 24-0294 (ASM Global contract): Councilmember Parady noted concerns about wage violations by contractor but voted yes following union lead and city agency's handling. Councilmember Hines stressed accountability for wage theft. Passed on consent. - Resolution 24-0296 (Second Chance Center contract): Councilmember Alvidrez commended the organization's work helping formerly incarcerated individuals. Passed on consent. - Bill 24-0476 (Auditor's investigatory subpoena power for wage theft): Councilmember Parady introduced an amendment to require hearing officers meet Colorado Code of Judicial Conduct and be subject to disqualification. Amendment passed 13-0. Bill as amended passed 13-0. Councilmembers Sawyer and Hines expressed frustration that wage theft persists despite strong local laws. - Bill 24-0499 (Capital maintenance funds for asylum seekers): $5 million transfer as part of $89.9 million total. Councilmember Alvidrez voted no, citing lack of accounting for $70 million and concern over xenophobia and budget cuts. Passed 12-1. - Bill 24-0501 (Rescission from general fund): Passed 12-1 (Alvidrez no). - Public Hearings and Votes on ADU Rezonings: - Bill 24-0264 (1901 N. Oneida St.): Rezone from ESU-DX to ESU-D1X to allow ADU. Staff report noted no public comments. Applicant clarified plans: convert existing garage to primary bedroom, build new detached garage and ADU. Passed 12-0. - Bill 24-0270 (735 N. Race St.): Rezone from USU-C to USU-C1 to allow ADU. Staff report noted no public comments. Councilmember Sawyer and Hines expressed support and desire to end need for individual ADU rezonings. Passed 12-0. - Bill 24-0328 (1409-1471 N. Julian St. & 3315-3317 W. 14th Ave.): Rezone from GRH-3 to GMU-5 to allow up to 5 stories (with potential 7 with incentives). Staff report noted 4 letters of support, 4 of opposition. Councilmember Sawyer questioned consistency for the smaller parcel (8,500 sq ft) but ultimately voted no; others supported. Passed 11-1 (Sawyer no). Key Outcomes - Proclamation 24-0586 (National Interpreter Appreciation Day) adopted 13-0. - Proclamation 24-0587 (Child Abuse Prevention Month) adopted 12-0. - Proclamation 24-0588 (Whittier ECE 8 140th Anniversary) adopted 12-0. - Bill 24-0476 (Wage theft subpoena power) amended and passed 13-0. - Bill 24-0499 (Asylum seeker funding) passed 12-1 (Alvidrez no). - Bill 24-0501 (General fund rescission) passed 12-1. - Bill 24-0264 (ADU rezoning, 1901 N. Oneida St.) passed 12-0. - Bill 24-0270 (ADU rezoning, 735 N. Race St.) passed 12-0. - Bill 24-0328 (Rezoning, West Colfax) passed 11-1 (Sawyer no). - All consent items adopted 13-0.

On April 24, 2024, the Denver Auditor's Office presented a series of audit findings and updates covering cybersecurity, construction contract management, wage enforcement, public notice, homelessness services, and other city initiatives. The presentation also included segments on Denver Public Schools' electric bus program, food waste prevention, and workforce training for electric vehicle repair. The following summary captures the key points from the various segments. Cybersecurity Audit - Auditor O'Brien's team conducted a simulated phishing exercise targeting approximately 6,500 randomly selected employees. Half received an easy-to-spot phishing email, and half received a more polished version. - The audit found a positive but limited impact from cybersecurity training. Employees with more recent training were more likely to correctly report phishing, but overall response rates need improvement. - The auditor recommended a comprehensive strategy for worst-case scenarios, citing the 2018 ransomware attack on the city of Atlanta as an example. Construction Contract Oversight - An audit of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure's management of a new fire station construction project found inadequate oversight. City managers relied too heavily on the contractor without verifying costs or subcontractor hiring processes. - Similar issues were identified in audits of Denver's airport parking shuttle contract, where shuttle on-time requirements were missed every day for three years, yet the airport only assessed a penalty once after hundreds of complaints. - Other audits of a jail building and the airport's West End contract showed similar contracting concerns. Wage Enforcement and Minimum Wage - The Denver Labor team reported recovering thousands of dollars for workers in 2024, with a record number of complaints due to the minimum wage increase and greater awareness. - Examples include recovering over $11,000 for a custodian at the Denver Zoo and thousands for bus drivers at the Weston Hotel construction site. - Denver's minimum wage is $15.87 per hour (as of January 1, 2024). The office is now using data to proactively reach out to high-risk employers and industries, including restaurants, home care, parking, salons, and marijuana. - In 2021, the team recovered nearly $150,000 in restitution under the citywide minimum wage. Public Notice and Engagement Audit - The audit found that the city's public notice and engagement efforts are decentralized and vary by agency. Some agencies exceed requirements, while others fall short. - Public notices are legally required but often insufficient to meaningfully engage the public. For example, neighbors were notified about road work for bike lane projects but not about the bike lanes themselves. - The audit recommended raising the bar for comprehensive and inclusive public notice and engagement. Homeless Services Follow-Up Audit - The auditor followed up on a 2019 audit of homeless services. The city has taken important steps, including creating a new agency and a strategic plan, but has not completed a staffing analysis. - Budgets for homeless services grew from $37 million in 2018 to $51 million in 2019, and over $190 million was budgeted in 2022 for affordable housing and homelessness resolution. - The city implemented two of four recommendations from the 2019 audit, partially implemented one, and failed to implement two. - Future audits planned include encampment responses, shelter programs, mental health services in jails, and affordable housing. Denver Public Schools Electric Buses - Superintendent Dr. Alex Morero, joined by student Kate from East High School's Sustainability Club, celebrated the unveiling of the district's third electric school bus. - Over $24 million in funding is heading to 13 Colorado school districts for new electric buses. DPS aims to have 13 electric buses by next year and 23 within two years. - The switch to electric buses reduces diesel fumes, improves air quality, and frees up fuel costs for classrooms. Food Waste Prevention Week - The city partnered with a bakery and a brewery to brew beer using surplus bread, highlighting food waste reduction. 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted annually. - The event aimed to inspire similar partnerships and reduce methane emissions from landfills. Green Workforce Mini Grant for EV Repair - Herol Auto Care and Drive Clean Colorado celebrated a Green Workforce Mini Grant that funded training for auto mechanics to become safety-certified for electric vehicle maintenance. - The grant allowed four technicians to attend a four-day curriculum in California, covering battery diagnostics, insulation testing, and safety procedures. - The program aims to address workforce shortages in the green economy and build scalable career pathways for underserved communities. Homelessness Housing Progress - Mayor Mike Johnston declared a state of emergency in July 2023 with a goal to house 1,000 people by the end of 2023. - In six months, Denver established 10 temporary shelters and moved 1,123 individuals out of camps. In December 2023, no person experiencing homelessness died on the streets. - Wraparound services are provided to support long-term success in permanent housing.

At the weekly Mayor and City Council meeting on April 16, 2024, Deputy Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Carriannis Adams presented a 2024 budget update covering agency reductions, vacancy savings, and adjustments tied to the newcomer/migrant program. Council members asked follow-up questions on safety, 911, traffic signals, revenue enforcement, and projects funded by grants. Announcements - University of Denver Pioneers won a record 10th NCAA Division I men's hockey championship, breaking a tie with Michigan; this was their fifth title in 20 years, and almost 80 program alumni have gone to the NHL. Denver Fire Department responded to 20 fires in the University of Denver area during celebrations; a council member urged safe celebration. - Councilman Cashman announced a proclamation honoring the Pioneers next Monday; the mayor suggested bringing the team to City Hall. - A District 7 safety roundtable was announced for 6:30 PM at Dahlia, 119 South Broadway, with Department of Safety and 911 officers in attendance. - Near Southeast Denver Area Plan open house will be held next Tuesday at 5:30 PM at Placebridge Academy. - Roseman Park new playground ribbon-cutting will be next Thursday, April 25, at 3:30 PM. - District 5 Spring Parks Cleanup Day will be Sunday at 8:30 AM at Montclair Rec Center. - The Love Project in Virginia Village will hold a food and supplies giveaway on Saturday; donations can be dropped at Virginia Village Library and Ace Hardware at Holly and Florida. Budget Update: Agency Reductions and Newcomer Program - Deputy CFO Adams described broad reduction categories: vacancy savings, repurposed capital funds, services and supplies, shifts from general fund to other funds, and technology projects. - Safety agencies contributed large dollar amounts but lower average percentages than other agencies. For police and sheriff, the finance team projected vacancy savings from recruit classes not expected to fill; they took less than the projection because those dollars often pay for overtime. No uniform officer FTE was reduced; non-uniform positions offered vacancy savings. - A $3,105,000 DPD recruit class cost is being shifted from the DPD budget to the newcomer fund and offset by Denver International Airport funding. Planned recruit classes remain: DPD three, fire two, sheriff four, plus a possible lateral police class. - A council member noted that the recently approved sheriff deputy contract with salary increases has already produced more applications and interest. - The 911 general fund reduction shifts expenditures to the 911 trust fund without changing operators or FTE. Staffing fill rate is approximately 95.4%, and one council member reported that a 911 call was answered immediately. - The Border Crisis Special Revenue Fund purpose was read from the ordinance: providing support to programs and services for migrants and asylum seekers arriving in Denver from other countries. Councilman Watson asked whether the fund could also support existing migrants; Adams responded that the wording does not explicitly limit it to recent arrivals. - Office of Children's Affairs reductions include services and supplies shifted to a donations/special revenue fund and unused contract dollars. - Horse patrol is not being cut; capital funds for exploring a future relocation were pulled because the current lease remains in place and no immediate investment is needed. - A list of technology license and application reductions is available. Discussion on Projects and Studies - Alameda Underpass: Denver was awarded $7.8 million in DRCOG grants for planning and NEPA activities, plus a $1.95 million local match, making $9.75 million available. The $2 million being pulled was for a grant that was not received, so the project continues. - The roadway alignment study of a possible Rigsby Court realignment had not started; funding was pulled because agencies were asked not to start new studies this year. The 35th Street project between Arkansas and WAZE had been canceled. - Traffic signals: $842,000 in leftover 2022/2023 funds was removed and will not affect 2024 signal work. Councilwoman Sawyer noted that the mayor's office had agreed to fund design of 11 stoplights, one per council district, and asked whether those designs were completed. Adams could not confirm; the mayor said his team would get an answer for the 10:30 FinGov meeting. Vacancy and Revenue Concerns - The reduction proposal includes 160 positions, not the city's entire vacancy count. Agencies may swap positions during the year. Frontline/direct-service positions and positions that had never been filled were prioritized. - The Council President worried about workload from long-vacant positions, including city attorney positions; Adams acknowledged the proposal may increase workload despite those priorities. - A council member raised concerns that revenue-generating enforcement positions, such as parking enforcement and vacant/derelict property enforcement, are not being filled and are leaving revenue on the table. Adams said no revenue-generating position was included in this reduction proposal, and agreed this is a separate workforce-allocation conversation for 2025. Key Outcomes - Council received the 2024 budget update and requested additional details before the 10:30 FinGov meeting, including safety non-uniform position counts, the 11 stoplight design status, and Office of Children's Affairs reduction details. - No formal votes or final approvals occurred during this session; further budget discussion was scheduled for FinGov later that morning. - The mayor thanked the finance team and agencies for minimizing impacts on public-facing services.

The Mayor and Denver City Council held a weekly session on April 9, 2024, at 4:30 PM UTC. The primary agenda item was an update on the citywide goal to transform the permitting process, aiming to reduce city review time by 30% in 2024. The presentation was led by Mayor Johnston, Jill Jennings Golik (co-lead of the permitting tiger team), Manish Kumar (new head of Community Planning and Development), and Robert Peake (director of development systems performance). Council members provided feedback and suggestions. Announcements - Councilman Cashman wished the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team well in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals. - Council President Pro Tem Sandoval invited the public to the 23rd annual Cesar Travis March on Saturday, April 13, starting at 10:30 AM from Regis University. - Councilman Watson announced the third edition of Barbershop Talks on April 17, 5:30–7 PM, at The Lash Insider, focusing on Black community and economy. - Councilwoman Romero Campbell announced a faith leader gathering in Southeast Denver on Friday and noted her mother’s 84th birthday. - Council President Torres invited everyone to the 4th annual Bulsole Festival in Westwood on Saturday, 2–8 PM, featuring 24 varieties of bulsole. - Councilman Hines announced the grand opening of RNR Head Labs, a barbershop focusing on employing formerly justice-involved individuals, on Thursday, 6–8:30 PM. - The Mayor welcomed members of SEIU, part of a team of janitors working in the metro area. Discussion Items - Permitting Process Update: Mayor Johnston introduced the citywide goal of cutting permitting time, with a tiger team of eight departments (CPD, Fire, DOTI, Parks, HOST, Excise & Licensing, DDPHE, CASRA, Tech Services). Jill Jennings Golik highlighted completed innovations: - Increased project valuation thresholds for commercial projects (due to 50% cost increase over 10 years), resulting in an 80% reduction in initial plan review time for some projects. - Consolidated single-family residential permits for houses and detached garages into one permit, saving staff and inspection time. - Six innovations underway for site development plan (SDP) process, including an automated comment letter expected to save 30 minutes per review. - Recent changes to building and zoning application intake led to a 35% decrease in application rejections in the first week. - Robert Peake presented current review times: a 26% increase in on-time percentage for CPD building permits, median days late down from 15 (April 2023) to 4 (current). For SDP, median days late dropped from 22 to 6. He noted that total time (including applicant time) is tracked, but the goal focuses on city-controlled time. - Q2 plans include a system-wide dashboard with all agency reviews, continued action teams, a staff survey yielding 60+ ideas, and piloting the automated comment letter. Council Feedback & Questions - Council President Pro Tem Sandoval requested a list of all departments involved and asked for a deeper presentation at the Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure (LUTI) committee. She also expressed interest in discussing zoning code amendments and holding developers accountable. - Councilman Flynn asked to examine whether all required reviews (e.g., sewer use permits for decks) are truly necessary, especially for residential projects. He cited examples of long delays for simple permits. - Councilman Cashman suggested that automated reminders be sent to property owners (not just contractors/architects) when applications are waiting for applicant responses, to improve communication. - Councilman Watson raised several points: (1) the need for end-to-end processing time targets; (2) whether a 180-day inactivity cutoff is enforced; (3) the possibility of a “straight-through” process for minor resubmittals; (4) the value of a in-person walk-up permit desk (lost during COVID). He expressed interest in participating in process improvement efforts. - Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez asked whether it is necessary for city engineers to review plans already signed off by a licensed professional engineer (PE). She noted this is a common question. - Councilman Hines highlighted that 311 complaints about permitting are the top issue in downtown neighborhoods (Central Business District, LoDo, Golden Triangle). He also raised concerns about ADA reviews for adaptive reuse projects, citing the closing Esquire Theater as an example. - Councilwoman Romero Campbell reported that some permits are pulled and renewed repeatedly for years with no construction, and asked for a triage team to handle cases that fall through the cracks between departments. - Council President Torres asked about staffing levels at CPD and across other agencies. Jill Jennings Golik acknowledged that all review teams must be adequately staffed to avoid bottlenecks, noting that the tiger team is evaluating resources across departments. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The meeting was informational. - The Mayor committed to sending the full list of departments involved in the permitting tiger team to the council. - Council President Pro Tem Sandoval will coordinate with staff to schedule a more detailed presentation at LUTI. - The tiger team will continue to gather ideas from staff, conduct customer outreach, and pilot innovations in Q2. - Council members were invited to provide specific examples of stalled permits or process issues for follow-up. - The meeting was adjourned with thanks to the presenters and council members leading on this goal (Councilman Flynn and Council President Pro Tem Sandoval).

This meeting of the Mayor and Denver City Council on April 2, 2024, featured presentations and discussions on two major initiatives: the Safe Denver place network investigations to reduce violent gun crime, and the city's youth violence prevention framework. Council members provided feedback, raised concerns about data, funding, and community engagement, and the Mayor committed to sharing data and incorporating community input. The meeting began with announcements and introductions, followed by presentations and extensive council discussion. Announcements - Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer announced a spring parks cleanup day on April 21, 2024, at 8:30 AM at Montclair Recreation Center. - Councilwoman Alvidras announced a celebration of the Broadway bike lane on Saturday at 11 AM and a parking town hall. - Councilman Cashman congratulated the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team on their NCAA tournament run. Discussion Items - Safe Denver Place Network Investigations: The Mayor presented a strategy to reduce violent gun crime by 20% and improve customer satisfaction. The approach focuses on changing environments (e.g., lighting, traffic calming, economic activation) in high-crime areas. Pilot sites (2020-22) showed a 27% decrease in violent crime at West Alameda and Federal while citywide crime increased 27% (net 54% difference). Five new sites were identified for community engagement starting in summer 2024. Council members raised concerns about funding alignment (Councilwoman Sawyer noted DOTI rolled over $2 million for streetlights but did not fund requests), data transparency (Councilman Gilmore questioned whether crime data supports the 47th and Peoria site), and the need for a broader set of metrics beyond gun violence (Council President Torres noted drug use and deaths at Paco Sanchez). - Youth Violence Prevention Framework: The Mayor and Melissa from the Office of Children's Affairs (OCA) presented a framework pyramid from primary prevention to reintegration. Current efforts include serving 25,000 youth in 2024 through partnerships, summer youth employment, and community hubs with DPS. Council members discussed funding gaps (Councilman Cashman noted child care costs and the need for sustainable revenue), the lack of programs in Districts 4 and 7, and the need for outcome data. Councilwoman Parady suggested revenue strategies such as a real estate transfer fee, vacant property tax, and cigarette tax. Key Outcomes - The Mayor committed to sharing detailed crime data by location and age with council members. - Community meetings will be held in each of the five identified Safe Denver sites to gather resident input before summer 2024. - OCA will provide a breakdown of funding distribution along the prevention pyramid and by district. - The Mayor's office will connect Councilwoman Parady with Dominic Marina to discuss revenue options. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational and set the stage for continued collaboration.

The Mayor and Denver City Council convened on March 19, 2024, for a weekly session featuring announcements, a briefing on the administration's "Great Government" performance initiative, and a motion to enter executive session. The primary agenda item was an update on efforts to improve city services by reducing response times for the top three resident concerns, with a focus on solid waste and business license processing. Announcements - Councilwoman Chantel Lewis wished her son a happy 21st birthday and thanked Councilman Darrell Watson for his work addressing a 14-day water outage at 2300 Welton Street, involving DDPHE and Denver Water. - Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell announced a community cleanup along Hampton Avenue on March 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., in partnership with Spark the Change. - Councilwoman Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez invited residents to a coffee conversation on March 21, 2024, at Prodigy Coffee House in the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, noting the site won a Denver Design Award. - Councilman Darrell Watson reported that the Reconnecting Neighborhoods grant program awarded $35.4 million for projects along Washington Street in Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, with federal support from Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper. He also detailed the water outage at Welton Street Apartments, where low-income residents endured 14 days without consistent water during cold temperatures. DDPHE is investigating, and Gray Star properties will be reviewed. - Councilman Paul Cashman announced a virtual District 6 Academy on March 27, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m., titled "Taxes, Fees, Mills, and Levies." - Council President announced the first meeting of the reformed City-School Coordinating Committee on March 22, 2024, at 4 p.m., with co-sponsors Councilmembers Sandoval and Gonzales-Gutierrez, and representatives including Councilwoman Sawyer. Discussion Items: Great Government – Improved City Services Administration officials (led by Mayor and Laura Dunwardy from Technology Services) presented a slide deck on a new initiative to reduce response times by 20% for the top three constituent concerns identified through the 311 system: - Solid Waste – Cart Delivery: Time between request and bin delivery. A backlog occurred during volume-based pricing rollout. The current target is 10 business days; performance has been underperforming. Root causes include truck breakdowns, staffing/logistics challenges, hiring issues, weather delays, supply chain delays, and Salesforce process issues. - Solid Waste – Missed Trash Pickups: Despite over 90% success rate, high volume leads to approximately 70,000 misses per month (15,000-18,000 per week). Officials acknowledged communications breakdowns during snow emergencies, as noted by Councilwoman Sawyer. - Excise and License – Business License Processing: Times range up to 150 days across 100 license types. The goal is to set clear expectations, improve automatic status updates, and create a system similar to college admissions processes. Council members raised additional concerns and suggestions: - Councilman Cashman questioned delays in the composting bin rollout for District 6, which is still a year out. Officials cited bin and truck availability issues but said lessons from cart delivery could apply. - Councilwoman Romero Campbell noted secondary issues such as fee structures and rebate confusion, and the closure of a drop-off compost/recycling site in Southeast Denver, requesting mobile drop-off options. - Councilwoman Sawyer highlighted a personal experience with missed trash communication during a snowstorm and urged better proactive notifications to council members and residents. - Councilmember (unidentified) asked about open-sourcing data for rezoning and liquor license applications, to allow real-time public tracking similar to what is planned for excise licenses. Laura Dunwardy suggested this could be replicated using the same CLA system used by permitting. Key Outcomes - The administration committed to a deep dive into each of the three priority areas: cart delivery, missed pickups, and license processing, using a tiger team approach to identify root causes and solutions, with the broader goal of building a citywide culture of metrics-based performance. - The presentation served as a status update; no formal votes were taken on these initiatives. A follow-up on 311 and communication services is scheduled for the Finance and Governance Committee in May 2024. - The council unanimously voted (all in favor) to move into executive session pursuant to DRMC 234 A13 and 4 to discuss real estate management for temporary shelter and housing, health and safety security arrangements, and related legal advice.