Public Meetings - Denver, Colorado

The Health and Safety Committee of the Denver City Council met on August 19, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Room 391 of the City & County Building. The committee considered one action item—an amendment to the contract with Denver Health and Hospital Authority to implement the Denver Health Sales Tax (0.34% sales tax approved by voters in November 2024)—and received a briefing on the spending update. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Darrell Watson, with all seven members present. One consent item was also approved. Consent Calendar - 26-1194: Amends an agreement with Trinity Group Services, Inc. to add $9,600,000 for a new total of $34,600,000 and extend the term six months to June 30, 2027, for hot meal and food service at Denver jail facilities. Approved by consent. Discussion Items - Action Item 26-1186 – Contract Amendment with Denver Health: Elise Matatall, Denver Health Sales Tax Administrator, presented the proposed amendment to the contract for distributing the Denver Health Sales Tax revenue. The original two-year contract (ending December 2026) would be extended by three years, ending December 31, 2029. Key changes include clarified metric reporting (volume, quality, clinical impact), aligned due dates for the annual report to Denver Health’s fiscal year (now due May 1), permission to combine reporting for mental health and substance use categories, and a defined annual report outline. The city collects the tax and distributes it monthly based on projections. A 1% city admin fee covers oversight; approximately $500,000 in unspent admin funds was returned to Denver Health in the first year. Actual 2025 revenue was $65.7 million; 2026 projected $68.5 million; 2027 projected $72 million (though that projection was questioned as possibly too high). Councilmembers asked about Tabor limits, revenue projections, and the rationale for allocation across service categories. - Briefing 26-1195 – Denver Health Sales Tax Spending Update: Donna Lynne, CEO of Denver Health, presented the mid-year spending update. She explained that Denver Health absorbs about $140 million annually in uncompensated care ($100 million from Denver residents), driven by a 47% Medicaid patient population and low reimbursement. The 2Q sales tax (0.34%) helps fill gaps in five areas: emergency/trauma care, primary care, mental health, substance use recovery, and pediatric care. For each category, slides showed total spending, shortfall, and 2Q allocation. For example, emergency care costs $170 million, with a $37 million shortfall; 2Q provides $34 million. Primary care costs $100 million, shortfall $24 million, 2Q contributes $24 million. Lynne also highlighted investments: patient engagement specialists, sexual assault nurse examiner program expansion, new primary care clinic at Evans and Monaco, integrated medical-psychiatric unit (12 beds), employee safety initiatives, and improvements to the methadone clinic (Pavilion K). Future challenges include federal policy changes (HR1) expected to reduce Medicaid eligibility and supplemental payments, potentially causing 20,000 patients to lose coverage over 4-5 years, increasing uncompensated care. Uncompensated care has nearly tripled since 2020. Councilmembers discussed the allocation methodology (based on uncompensated care per category), the challenge of measuring outcomes, and the importance of transparent metrics for taxpayer accountability. Dr. Steve Federico noted that metrics might vary year to year and may initially decline due to external factors like vaccine misinformation. The city's 1% admin fee update indicated projected spending of $684,000, with approximately $250,000 expected to be returned unused. Key Outcomes - Vote on Action Item 26-1186: Councilmember Kashmann moved, seconded by Councilmember Torres, to approve the contract amendment. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0 (all present members voting aye). - Consent Item 26-1194: Approved by consent without objection. - Next Steps: The spending update and contract amendment will proceed to the full City Council for final consideration. Council requested additional details on the 2027 revenue projection from the Budget Management Office and a comparison of the amended contract with the original to identify all changes.

The Community Planning and Housing Committee of the Denver City Council met on August 18, 2026, at 1:30 PM (MDT) in Room 391 of the City & County Building. Chair Amanda Sandoval presided. The committee heard an extensive briefing on the city's data center moratorium and working group process, considered one action item to rezone two parcels in West Colfax, and approved two consent items. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. Consent Calendar - 26-1188: Approved a contract with Northeast Denver Housing Center (NDHC), under borrower entity 1600 Pearl LLLP, for $4,522,862.00 with an end date of 12/31/2042 and a 60-year covenant to provide housing in the North Capitol Hill neighborhood (Council District 10). - 26-1189: Approved an amendment to a contract with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless to update data sharing language; no change to contract capacity or term, citywide. Discussion Items - Update on Data Center Moratorium (Briefing 26-1192): Council members Kashmann, Watson, and Gonzales-Gutierrez (co-sponsors of the moratorium) presented an update on the moratorium enacted May 18, 2026, halting new data center development. They outlined the formation of a working group to develop regulations, with a focus on public health, community impact, climate goals, fair utility costs, and zoning. Key details included: - A coordinating committee (led by CASR Director Liz Babcock) hired facilitators Civic Consulting Collaborative and Group 14 Engineering. - The working group will include three council sponsors, utilities (Xcel, Denver Water), unions, industry representatives, NGOs, community members (at least 7 seats), academia, health care, and air quality experts. - An open application process for working group members launches August 21, 2026, closes September 4, 2026. First working group meeting scheduled for October 9, 2026. - Budget: over $400,000 from the Climate Protection Fund, allocated for facilitation, engagement, stipends, childcare, translation, and technical support. - The moratorium is one year, but co-sponsors indicated it may need extension to complete the work thoroughly. The goal is to produce regulatory recommendations for city council. - Council members raised concerns about environmental justice in historically impacted neighborhoods (e.g., Globeville, Swansea), the relationship to existing data centers (including the Core site under construction), and the need for transparent reporting and equity. Councilmember Torres emphasized the importance of considering current data centers and economic development intersections (tax breaks, right-of-way permits). - The facilitators explained community engagement strategies, including "meetings in a box" for working group members to host local conversations, with bilingual materials. - Rezoning at 3418 W. 14th Ave & 1371 N Julian St. (Action Item 26-1185): Staff planner Edson Ibanez presented a proposed map amendment from G-RH-3 (row house up to 3 stories) to G-MU-5 (multi-unit up to 5 stories) on two parcels totaling about 0.5 acres, owned by the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (Unification Church). The church plans to sell the property. The rezoning is consistent with Blueprint Denver and the West Area Plan, which recommends up to 5 stories on this site. The property is in a protected district, requiring compatibility standards for any future development. No public comments were received. The Planning Board approved the rezoning on August 5, 2026. A public hearing before full council is scheduled for September 28, 2026. Key Outcomes - Council Bill 26-1185 (rezoning) was approved for filing by a vote of 6-0 (Ayes: Alvidrez, Kashmann, Romero Campbell, Chair Sandoval, Vice Chair Sawyer, Torres; Absent: Lewis). The item will proceed to the full City Council for a public hearing on September 28, 2026. - Consent items 26-1188 and 26-1189 were approved by consent without objection. - Data Center Moratorium Briefing: No vote taken. Next steps include launching the working group application process on August 21, finalizing members by October, and scheduling the first working group meeting on October 9. The co-sponsors committed to continued briefings and transparency, including a dedicated website (denvergov.org/datacenters). Councilmembers expressed support for the process while emphasizing equity, community engagement, and the need for robust regulation.

The Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Denver City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the City & County Building, room 391. The committee considered an action item regarding a classification notice for safety positions (26-1190), heard a briefing on a proclamation opposing proposed changes to federal historic preservation regulations (26-1193), and approved two consent items. Chair Amanda Sawyer presided, with six members present (Flynn, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Romero Campbell, Sawyer, Torres, Watson) and one absent (Gilmore). Consent Calendar - 26-1171: Approved the City Council appointment of Bobby Rogers to the Denver County Cultural Council by consent. - 26-1191: Approved the City Council reappointment of Dorothy Shapland Rodriguez to the Head Start Policy Council by consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Greg Kirschman (Safety & Industrial Hygiene Administrator, affected employee) spoke in opposition to item 26-1190. He argued that the reclassification downgrades his position, that professional qualifications should not be defined too narrowly, and that his responsibilities are complex and require professional judgment. He requested a no vote on the reclassification notice, stating he is being considered for a position outside the city. - Written comments submitted online were noted as posted in Legistar. - No other public speakers signed up or appeared. Discussion Items Action Item 26-1190 – Classification Notice 1897-1190 - Presented by: Marisa Pacheco (OHR Classification & Compensation Director), Allison Moore (City Attorney’s Office), and Blair Malloy (OHR Classification & Compensation Supervisor). - Background: A study initiated in late 2024 reviewed safety and industrial hygiene positions across five agencies, involving 29 employees. The analysis, including job shadowing (54 sessions, 648 hours) and legal review, determined that certain classifications were incorrectly marked as FLSA-exempt. Key changes: the Professional 2 level and Administrator level (12 employees) would move from exempt to non-exempt status, with title and pay grade adjustments (to NE22, no loss of pay). The Career Service Board approved the notice in June 2026 after additional review. - Employee impacts: 8 Professional 2s change status; 1 Professional 2 reallocated to Administrator; 12 Administrators reallocated to Safety Specialist 2 (non-exempt); others receive title changes. Estimated cost of $25,000 to bring employees to new pay grade minimums. Additional retroactive back pay for overtime over two years may apply (cost not yet calculated). - Council questions: Councilmembers Romero Campbell, Watson, Flynn, Torres, and Sawyer discussed overtime tracking, shift differentials, promotional paths, budget impacts, backpay estimation, tax implications, and the cultural perception of exempt vs. non-exempt status. OHR clarified no adverse pay impact, no change to benefits/retirement, and that employees can later qualify for exempt roles with additional certifications. - Chair Sawyer clarified that a committee yes vote means the item is ready for full council consideration, not endorsement. Briefing 26-1193 – Proclamation on Federal Historic Preservation Regulations - Presented by: Councilmember Torres, with Jay Homestead (Historic Denver) and Abby Christmas (Landmark Preservation staff). - Content: The proclamation opposes the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s July 2026 vote to rewrite Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The rewrite would make public participation optional, reduce consultation with tribes and local governments, and weaken Denver’s role as a certified local government. The proposal is currently under review by OIRA (Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs), with a 30-day public comment period expected before end of 2026. A separate Congressional effort to amend the act is also underway. - Council comments: Council President Romero Campbell expressed support, noting the importance of local voice. Chair Sawyer highlighted the potential loss of history without strong federal oversight. - No action required; the proclamation will be presented to the full council. Key Outcomes - 26-1190 – Approved for filing: Motion by Councilmember Watson, second by Councilmember Flynn, carried 6-0 (Gilmore absent). The item will be considered by the full City Council. - 26-1171 and 26-1191 – Approved by consent: Both resolutions will move to the full council. - 26-1193 – Briefing concluded: No vote taken; the proclamation will be advanced to the full council as a briefing. - Next steps: Staff will continue working on backpay estimates and communicating with affected employees. The full council will take final action on all items. The public may provide input on 26-1190 during the council’s public comment period (sign up available).

The mayor and Denver City Council held a weekly joint meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 4:30 PM UTC. The session began with opening announcements from council members regarding community events, traffic projects, wildlife activity, and upcoming surveys. No general session was held, and the meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session for legal advice on contract negotiations and real estate matters. Announcements and Upcoming Events - Councilman Vidris announced a meeting for amendments five through nine on Wednesday at the Habitat for Humanity Headquarters (430 South Navajo Street) at 5 PM. He also promoted the Porch Fest lineup second drop on Saturday, which serves as a fundraiser for the Baker neighborhood urban garden, and a celebration of the Broadway Bark dog park at 6 PM on Saturday. - Councilman Wilson (District 9) noted the fifth community advisory group meeting for multimodal options on the outline, held from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Blair Calwell Library. He also promoted the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance fundraiser "Dancing with the Denver Stars" on Saturday, August 22. - Councilman Cashman reported that the Alameda Avenue lane reduction project (from Pearl Street to Franklin Street) is now in place, reducing traffic from two lanes to one lane in each direction with turn options. He invited feedback on potential neighborhood cut-through traffic. - Councilman Flint warned about a bear and cub spotted in South Harvey Park near Bear Creek. Wildlife officers are monitoring them and will not relocate due to low survival rates; residents are advised to remove bird feeders and keep pets safe. - Councilman Sawyer announced the 30th anniversary celebration of Mayfair Park this weekend (5-8 PM), featuring the Denver Municipal Band, food trucks, and the East High School jazz band. He also reminded District 5 residents to watch for the annual survey postcard in early September, which reaches over 25,000 households, and announced a community cleanup day on Sunday, September 27, at Montclair Recreation Center (8:30 AM). - The Council President noted the cancellation of last Saturday's concert due to lightning but announced a rescheduled concert on September 19 at Eisenhower Park with the Denver City Jazz Band and TJ Orchestra. She also invited residents to a child care conversation with the Office of Children's Affairs on Wednesday at Eisenhower Park from 5:30 to 7 PM. - The Vice President highlighted the ribbon cutting for the renovated girls' softball field at North High School (3 PM) and the home opener at 4 PM, noting it was the first major maintenance in 20 years. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved a motion to enter an executive session pursuant to DRMC 234A sections 3, 4, and 6 for receiving legal advice on contract negotiations and discussing city real estate use. The meeting then moved into that closed session.

The Denver City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 3:30 PM. Eleven council members were present (Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Hinds, Kashmann, Sandoval, Sawyer, Torres, Watson, Romero Campbell), with one absent (Lewis). The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, Land Acknowledgement, approval of prior minutes, council announcements, one communication, two proclamations, and action on numerous resolutions and bills. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from August 10, 2026 (item 26-1172) were approved. - Communication 26-1199: The General Fund Financial Status Report for Q2 2026 was filed. Key figures: year-to-date revenue $766.6 million, projected remaining revenue $897.8 million, projected year-end fund balance $196.4 million. - Resolutions Adopted En Bloc: The following items were approved by a block vote (11-0): - 26-1112: Master Purchase Order with Kois Brothers Equipment CO, Inc. ($5,000,000) - 26-1113: Master Purchase Order with O.J. Watson Company, Inc. ($25,000,000) - 26-1115: Amendatory Agreement with Colorado Firefighter Heart and Cancer Benefits Trust (add $1,145,000) - 26-1117, 26-1118, 26-1119: Reappointments to Broadway Denver General Improvement District (Brad Deen, Brad Brickley, Scott Happel) - 26-1120: Reappointment to Bluebird Business Improvement District (Tom Secrist) - 26-1121: Amendatory Agreement with Pine Technologies, LLC (add $180,000 for JustWare software) - 26-1122: Amendatory Agreement with Zuora, Inc. (add $3,099,182.10 for billing platform) - 26-1145: Appointment of Council member Amanda Sandoval to Mile High Flood District Board - 26-1126: Grant Agreement with Office of National Drug Control Policy for HIDTA program ($860,516) - 26-1129: Amendatory Agreement with Barton Institute for Community Action (add $239,000 for food access) - 26-1130: Revocable permit to Central Platte Valley Metropolitan District for sculpture at 1900 16th Street - 26-1131: Revocable permit to Denver Union Station Metropolitan District No. 1 for bike storage at 1550 Wewatta Street - 26-1066: Dedicating a public alley bounded by West Colfax, North Vrain, West 16th, and North Utica - 26-1132: Amendment with Mythograph, Inc. for public art at Denver International Airport (add $382,066) - 26-1133: Ground Service Equipment facilities lease with United Ground Express, Inc. at DEN - 26-1134: Revocable permit to Andrew and Elaine Oliver for retaining wall at 50/80 South Bellaire Street - 26-1135: Amendment with Intermountain Electric, Inc. for EV charger maintenance (add $100,000) - Bills for Final Consideration En Bloc: The following bills were placed upon final consideration and do pass (11-0): - 26-1036: Agreement with Denver Health for correctional health care ($55,031,460) - 26-1085: Amendatory agreement with Denver Health for WIC services - 26-1087: Second amendatory agreement with Colorado Division of Criminal Justice for community corrections funding (add $8,393,627.98) - 26-1088: Resolution regarding RiNo Business Improvement District board appointments Discussion Items - Resolution 26-1128 (Healthy Food Access): Council member Watson explained that this item was erroneously submitted as a resolution instead of a bill. The council voted unanimously (11-0) to reject it so it can be refiled correctly. - Resolution 26-1122 (Zuora Billing Platform): Council member Alvidrez asked whether the contract change would allow payments to be processed in Colorado. Technology Services staff (Joe Saparito and Jules Jupil) explained that the billing system (Zuora) calculates invoices, but the payment processor (Chase Payment Tech) is out-of-state and not part of this amendment. No in-state payment processor was considered for this specific bid. The item was later approved as part of the consent agenda. Proclamations - 26-1196: Recognized the 30th anniversary of Mayfair Park. Council member Sawyer sponsored, and members of the Mayfair Neighbors Board accepted. Adopted unanimously (11-0). - 26-1197: Honored the life and legacy of Robert Lyle Albin. Council member Flynn sponsored; representatives from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce accepted. Adopted 10-0 (Sawyer absent). Key Outcomes - The council voted down Resolution 26-1128 (11-0) due to procedural error; it will be refiled as a bill. - All other resolutions and bills on the consent agenda were approved en bloc (11-0). - The General Fund Financial Status Report for Q2 2026 was filed. - A required public hearing on Council Bill 26-1111 (rezoning at 3201 North Speer Boulevard) was scheduled for September 14, 2026, with protest deadline of September 8, 2026. - Proclamation 26-1200 (originally on the agenda) was postponed to the August 31, 2026 meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 4:15 PM, followed by a general public comment session at 5 PM.

The South Platte River Committee of the Denver City Council met on August 12, 2026, to consider two action items related to the Broadway Station (Santa Fe Yards) development: a grant agreement for a pedestrian bridge and an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). The committee also approved two consent items. The meeting featured detailed discussion on project funding, design, accessibility, and a CDOT requirement for a fifth lane on Santa Fe Drive. Consent Calendar - 26-1147: Approved an ordinance to relinquish two easements (temporary and permanent) at 3800 Blake St, Council District 9. - 26-1150: Approved a resolution dedicating two city-owned parcels as public right-of-way (West 38th Avenue and a public alley) in Council District 1. Discussion Items - 26-1163 (Amendment to 2025 IGA): This item amends the 2025 Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the Broadway Station Metropolitan District No. 1. The amendment updates Section 4.1 to clarify the city's responsibility for the cost and performance of the North Pedestrian Bridge design, using the DOLA grant, and allows the city the option to manage construction. The Metropolitan District will remain responsible for ongoing maintenance, repair, and replacement. - 26-1166 (Grant Agreement with DOLA): Approves a $5,333,333 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for the Broadway Station Pedestrian Bridge Project. The grant includes $4 million from the state and a $1.3 million local match from city savings on the Betty Cram Bridge. The bridge will connect the Broadway RTD station to the NWSL soccer stadium and Santa Fe Yards development. Design is expected to be complete by end of 2027, with construction by 2030, contingent on additional funding. The total estimated bridge cost is $22-23 million. - Additional Discussion: - CDOT Fifth Lane: City staff informed the committee that CDOT has determined a fifth lane is required on Santa Fe Drive to accommodate increased traffic from the development. Councilmember Alvidrez expressed concern about pedestrian safety and requested a CDOT contact for further discussion. Councilmember Flynn questioned the lane drop and merging issues. - Bridge Accessibility: Councilmember Hinds advocated for ramps over elevators, citing frequent elevator entrapments in Denver. Staff noted that ADA compliance is the minimum, but ramps are preferred if feasible given space constraints and railroad clearance requirements. - Funding Sources: Staff outlined that the bridge will be funded through the DOLA grant, regional mills (projected $14 million through 2047), and potential additional state and federal grants. Councilmember Flynn asked about the city's capital improvement program (CIP) as a last resort, which staff confirmed is on the six-year CAP but not a priority. Key Outcomes - Votes: Both action items were approved by a 5-0 vote (Councilmembers Alvidrez, Flynn, Hinds, Torres, and Romero Campbell voting aye; Sandoval and Watson absent). The motion for each was made by Vice Chair Flynn, seconded by Councilmember Hinds. - Consent Items: Approved without objection. - Next Steps: The city will provide Councilmember Alvidrez with CDOT contact information. Future council actions will be required for construction funding and management decisions. The city will continue to pursue grants and utilize regional mill funds for the bridge.

The Community Planning and Housing Committee of the Denver City Council met on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM to consider and approve an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) for the DHA Delivers for Denver (D3) program. The amendment adjusts unit targets, deadlines, and program flexibility in response to post-COVID market conditions. The committee voted 6-0 to recommend approval of Council Bill 26-1168 to the full council. Discussion Items - Presentation of D3 Program Status: Aaron Clark, Chief Real Estate Investment Officer for DHA, and Cole Chandler, Executive Director of the Department of Housing Stability, presented a comprehensive update on the D3 pilot program. The program, launched in 2018 with $129.81 million in bond proceeds, consists of two parts: D3 Direct (DHA-led development) and D3 Permanent Supportive Housing/ Land Banking (acquisitions with development partners). - D3 Direct Results: The program delivered 1,161 total units across 10 projects (959 deed-restricted to ≤80% AMI in perpetuity). Original target was 1,300 units; the shortfall is due to soaring construction costs (Sun Valley costs rose from $332M projected to $480M actual) and removal of Westridge Homes (164 units) from the program because D3 funds were exhausted. Of the 1,161 units, 202 are unrestricted (leased at ≤80% AMI) but do not count as D3 units due to IGA definition requiring perpetual deed restriction. - Permanent Supportive Housing Results: 600 units completed so far (original target 1,200). Six developments finished by 2023, one (Crane’s Landing) nearing completion in 2026. Three more projects (1139 Delaware, Commons at Mosaic, 4745 Federal) are in progress, expected to open in 2028. Two remaining parcels (former Best Western at 4595 Quebec and vacant land at 39th & Fox) face challenges: Best Western may be downsized from 194 units to improve livability, and Fox Street likely will yield fewer units due to cost pressures and voucher scarcity. - Proposed Amendments: - Unit Targets: Reduce D3 Direct target from 1,300 to 1,161 units (actual delivered) and reduce Permanent Supportive Housing target from 1,200 to 1,100 units, keeping the requirement of 600 very low-income (≤30% AMI) units. - Deadlines: Extend deadline to attach development partners to end of 2028 (from current end of 2026) and extend delivery deadline to match bond maturity (2038), with an openness to a 2035 intermediate target. - Affordability Covenants: Clarify that only the required 40% of units in Permanent Supportive Housing projects must be income-restricted in perpetuity; other units can have time-limited restrictions to facilitate financing. - Council District Spending Cap: Request a waiver for exceeding the 15% cap in Districts 3, 8, and 9. For example, 41% of funds were spent in District 8 due to the Mosaic Campus purchase (2021) and Best Western acquisition (2023). - Councilmember Questions: Councilmembers Torres, Romero Campbell, and Alvidrez asked about the 202 unrestricted units, the Westridge Homes removal, the process for exceeding the district cap, and the need for ongoing reporting through quarterly and annual reports. Councilmember Alvidrez requested a property-by-property covenant schedule. Staff agreed to provide additional documentation and work with council on reporting format. Key Outcomes - Vote: Councilmember Torres made a motion to approve Council Bill 26-1168 as presented; seconded by Councilmember Romero Campbell. The motion passed 6-0 (Chair Sandoval absent). The bill now goes to the full Denver City Council for final consideration. - Next Steps: DHA will continue developing the remaining three Permanent Supportive Housing projects, reassess the Best Western and Fox Street sites, and provide quarterly and annual reports to HOST and council. Formal approval of the IGA amendment by full council will enable the adjustments outlined in the presentation.

The Finance and Business Committee of the Denver City Council met on August 11, 2026, at 10:30 AM in room 391 of the City & County Building. Chair Chris Hinds presided. The committee considered two action items and eight consent items, addressing a citywide towing services contract amendment and a resolution to amend the City Council Rules of Procedure regarding a labor acknowledgement. Consent Calendar - 26-1155: Amends a Master Purchase Order with Fastenal Company to add $2,000,000 for a new total of $4,500,000 and extend the end date to 8-31-2027 for industrial supplies, citywide. Approved by consent. - 26-1156: Approves a contract with Wilderness Construction Co. for $750,000 (7-31-2029) for on-call framing and drywall services, citywide excluding Denver International Airport. Approved by consent. - 26-1157: Approves a contract with Halcyon Construction, Inc. for $750,000 (7-31-2029) for on-call framing and drywall services, citywide excluding Denver International Airport. Approved by consent. - 26-1158: Approves a performance loan contract with Zion Senior and Community Resource Center, Inc for $695,000 (9-30-2046) to renovate a building at 5151 E 33rd Ave for a community service facility, Council District 8. Approved by consent. - 26-1159: Amends a Lease Agreement with Project Voyce, adding $3,600 for a new total of $39,600 and extending six months to 12-31-2026 for community services office space at 2900 Downing Street, Unit AA, Whittier Neighborhood, Council District 9. Approved by consent. - 26-1160: Grants a revocable temporary license to H & L Concrete, Inc. for $0.00 (approximate end 7-15-2027) at 955 E. 51st Avenue for Globeville Levee project activities, Council District 9. Approved by consent. - 26-1161: Approves a Stormwater Facility Maintenance Agreement with Arapahoe County granting a non-exclusive easement to access Renewable Natural Gas stormwater detention area at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS), citywide. Approved by consent. - 26-1162: Approves a Uniform Easement Deed and Revocable Storm Drainage License Agreement with Arapahoe County granting a permanent easement for DDPHE's Renewable Natural Gas infrastructure and a revocable license for drainage flows at DADS, citywide. Approved by consent. Discussion Items - 26-1169 – Citywide Towing Services Contract Amendment (Ferkam, Inc.): Staff from General Services presented a request for the second and final amendment to the towing services agreement with Ferkam, Inc. (operating as Extreme Towing and Recovery). The amendment would add $1,500,000 for a new total of $23,000,000, extend the term one year to August 31, 2027, and update pricing in Exhibit A-1 (heavy towing rates). Key points from the discussion: - The contract originally received only one bid (Ferkam), and competitors became subcontractors. - Councilmember Amanda Sawyer shared a personal experience with a rude tow truck driver after a fatal accident and criticized the lack of customer service metrics and cleanup enforcement (e.g., bumpers and glass left on streets). She expressed strong reluctance to approve the extension but acknowledged the city's need for towing services. - Councilmember Paul Kashmann asked about procedures for towing vehicles used as housing, and staff clarified that the street engagement team and Denver Police Department handle outreach before towing inhabited RVs. - Councilmember Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez suggested requiring photo documentation of cleanup through the existing TowBook platform, and staff agreed to discuss this with the contractor. - Councilmember Darrell Watson noted that the towing data referenced “stadium” tows during May-June, which likely included Nuggets and Avalanche playoff games, not just Broncos season. - The committee voted to approve the resolution for filing (6-0, with one absent) and moved it to the full council. - 26-1096 – Resolution Amending City Council Rules of Procedure (Labor Acknowledgement): Councilmember Sarah Lewis introduced a resolution to amend the council’s rules of procedure to include a labor acknowledgement recognizing the history of enslaved African labor and other exploited labor. The resolution sparked extensive debate: - Councilmember Lewis argued that the acknowledgement should be precise about the uniqueness of chattel slavery and not flatten different histories. She emphasized that inclusion should expand understanding, not blur distinctions. - Councilmember Flynn proposed an alternative, more inclusive draft language covering multiple communities (Japanese, Chinese, Latino, Jewish, etc.) but noted he had not had time to stakeholder with those groups. He shared the draft with all council members, which Councilmember Lewis said was shared to her last, raising procedural concerns. - Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez supported the original resolution, stating that expanding the language should require the proponents to engage with those communities. She emphasized that the coalition behind the resolution had done extensive community work. - Councilmember Kashmann noted that after reflection, he believed slavery’s history is unique and that the September 29 postponement date would allow time for the coalition to continue its work, but not enough to fully engage all other communities mentioned in the alternative draft. - Councilmember Hinds and others confirmed that the discussion was about process and that the original resolution should not be rushed. - The committee voted to postpone 26-1096 to a date certain of September 29, 2026 (6-0, with one absent), moving it to the full council with that recommendation. Key Outcomes - 26-1169 (Towing contract amendment): Approved by committee (6-0) and will be sent to the full City Council for a final vote. Staff committed to exploring customer service improvements, including photo documentation of cleanup, and to preparing a new RFP with better metrics. - 26-1096 (Rules of procedure – labor acknowledgement): Postponed to September 29, 2026 (6-0). Councilmember Lewis will continue working with her coalition, and other council members who wish to expand the language are expected to engage their own communities before the next committee meeting. - All eight consent items were approved without objection. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45 AM.

The Mayor and Denver City Council held their weekly joint meeting on August 11, 2026, featuring a quarterly progress report on six citywide goals for 2026. Council members provided feedback, asked questions, and shared announcements about upcoming community events and initiatives. Announcements - Councilman Sawyer announced the Mayfair Park 30th anniversary celebration on August 22 (5–8 p.m.), featuring the Denver Municipal Band, food trucks, and community activities. - Mayor Johnston reported that the St. Patrick's Day Parade generated an estimated $20.7 million in economic impact and attracted 450,000 spectators. He thanked city employees Megan Sullivan, Jim Rose, and parade leaders Frank Holligan, Dave Anderson, and Mara Zzinski. - Councilwoman Romero Campbell invited the public to the South by Southeast concert series at Bible Park on August 15 (4–7 p.m.), featuring the Don Elwood Big Band and the Thomas Jefferson High School Orchestra. Discussion Items Vibrant Denver (Economic Recovery) – The mayor highlighted progress on filling vacant commercial/retail space: 1.6 million square feet of office space filled (including 18 new retail openings in Q2 and 4 new downtown office deals), and 607,000 square feet of renewed leases. The Denver Jobs Agenda plan was announced with four components: Launch Denver, Build Denver, Open Denver, and Work Denver (a $40 million fund for higher-skill jobs). Major projects: Denver Summit Stadium construction begins fall 2026 (2028 opening), Burnham Yard small area plan continues, Spear Boulevard pedestrian bridge approved (2028 completion). Councilman Hudson noted that a CU Denver announcement at Independence Plaza (scheduled for August 12) would further boost downtown vibrancy. Affordable Housing – Permits: 4,000 of 5,000 goal units permitted halfway through the year, helped by a council extension of a key deadline for 23,000 stalled units. Affordable units: 500 of 2,500 goal achieved, with most large projects opening later in the year. Permitting improvements: quick permits for single- and two-unit interior projects, and a streamlined “one and done” concept site plan process. Safe City – Shootings and violent gun crime at Place Network Investigation sites dropped 33% (violent gun crime down 43%). A new PEN location launched at Colfax and Pearl. However, homicides are slightly up year-to-date (35 vs. 29 at same time in 2025), but still 40–50% below 2022 levels. The mayor emphasized that 2025 was a historic low. Councilman Watson asked about integrating traffic safety (e.g., crashes, road diets) into the safe goal; the mayor noted it is a DOTI goal and offered to have DOTI present. Councilwoman Romero Campbell raised concerns about multi-jurisdictional street racing; the mayor cited DPD’s successful use of license plate readers and nuisance laws to confiscate vehicles. All In Mile High (Homelessness) – Unsheltered homelessness dropped 64% since 2023. Median response time to 311 reports is 1.8 days, aiming for 1 day by year-end. 812 people exited homelessness into permanent housing so far in 2026. Councilman Gonzalski requested clarification that “closed cases” in the dashboard mean the person is no longer reported in the area, not necessarily that the issue is resolved. Councilman Watson asked about transitioning from a point-in-time count to more frequent pulse checks; the mayor said HOST is exploring quarterly pulse checks. Watson also requested data on long-term shelter residents (more than 2–3 years) to ensure they are not “trapped” in the system; the mayor indicated non-congregate sites have no long-term stayers over a year, and will check congregate shelter data. Council President asked for disaggregated data on family homelessness and its link to child care. Climate Resilient – 2,500+ of 5,000 goal for clean energy systems (electric water/space heating, solar, EV chargers, battery storage) installed. Green infrastructure projects (e.g., permeable surfaces, tree plantings) on track. Councilman Cashman called for better cooling centers for the unhoused, noting record July heat (29 days over 90°F). Child Friendly – A comprehensive child care framework process is underway, with a community open house that evening (August 11) at Carla Madison. Nearly 50,000 young people engaged in out-of-school programming, and over 2,000 in summer work opportunities. Goal: 70,000 in programming and work by year-end. The mayor committed to prioritizing youth from diversion pathways and neighborhood safety services for summer jobs. Councilman Cashman praised the Office of Children’s Affairs for advancing youth representation on boards and commissions. Councilman Gonzalski requested age and neighborhood breakdowns of youth served; the mayor agreed to provide that data. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational. - The mayor committed to provide follow-up data on: age breakdowns of youth in child-friendly programs, long-term shelter stayers, and quarterly pulse check plans for homelessness. - The mayor offered to have DOTI present on traffic safety metrics at a future mayor-council meeting. - Council members expressed support for continued collaboration on community benefits for the Burnham Yard/Broncos project (Councilman Cashman stressed the importance of a community benefit agreement). - The city will continue to use 311 reports as a daily tracker for homelessness; the public is encouraged to report unsheltered individuals in need.